Harley Davidson, Museum

Motorcycle riders now have their own version of the Metropolitan Museum of Art: the first-ever

Harley-Davidson Museum. This Saturday, the $75 million homage to the Harley opens in Milwaukee, where the company headquarters have been located since 22-year-old Arthur Davidson and 23-year-old William Harley built their first motorbike in 1903. The grand opening will feature the governor of Wisconsin, the mayor of Milwaukee, four bands and a tattoo artist. (If you were hoping to get inked, you're out of luck: the tattoo artist is only doing 10 pre-selected people, including company CEO Jim Ziemer.)

The museum celebrates 105 years worth of history, as told through its choppers, from Evel Knievel's stunt bike to more pedestrian U.S. Postal Service and military motorcycles. With Harley still selling half of all U.S. heavyweight motorcycles, designed for highway cruising, and fan clubs around the world, it's no surprise that company officials expect 350,000 people a year to take it all in.

The 20-acre site, which includes parking spaces for 1,000 motorcycles and 500 cars, looks very, well, Harley, with lots of black and orange paint, 1,200 tons of steel and plenty of bricks. (Steel and bricks were chosen, says Harley-Davidson spokeswoman Amanda Lee, because, "They're very honest materials. They're reflective of the industrial history of the city.") The site officially fits 15,000 people, while the museum itself can hold 1,300. Company officials are encouraging rallies, parties and weddings. White leather, anyone?
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And, as befits the Harley brand, everything is oversized. The doors into the museum are 17 feet tall, an enormous steel Harley-Davidson sign weighs in at 23,000 pounds and even the view, of the Menomonee River and nearby smokestacks, is big. A full tour will take about two hours, as visitors traipse through thematic galleries focused on how engines work, on clubs and competition, on custom culture and on the design process. The engines room is a family tree of the major motors over the past century, all lovingly displayed on the wall near buttons that allow visitors to hear how each engine sounds. Overall, it's remarkable how unchanged the famous "potato-potato-potato" sound has remained through the years.

The museum also devotes space to racing and hill-climbing, the latter a popular extreme sport in the 1930s. Riders put chains on their wheels, reduced the sizes of their gas tanks, widened their handlebars and headed up muddy, loose rock. As you'd expect, there are photos of old riders who raced through the pine forests in the '20s, '30s and '40s and motorcycle legends like Joe Petrali, who in 1937 broke the land-speed record by going 136mph, as well as actual hill-climbing bikes on display.

Think Harleys have just been for biker-gang outlaws like those in "The Wild One"? Think again—the bikes were a part of both civilian and government life. One exhibit displays the three-wheeled motorcycles that the U.S. Postal Service used in 1916 because they were cheaper to maintain than horses. Another shows Harley's police motorcycles, manufactured for the past 100 years. And hog fans can also see that women have been riding Harleys for almost as long as they've existed. One display case features photos and newspaper clips about Vivian Bales, who bought a cycle in 1929 and rode solo from Albany, Ga., to Milwaukee. Bales wrote about it for Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine, which is still published quarterly.

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Harley Owners Group

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is a club for Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners.

Harley-Davidson established the Harley Owners Group in 1983, in the United States, in response to a growing desire by Harley riders for an organized way to share their passion and show their pride. By 1985, 49 local chapters had sprouted around the country, with a total membership of 60,000.

Rapid growth continued into the 1990s, and in 1991 H.O.G. officially went international, with the first official European H.O.G. Rally in Cheltenham, England. Worldwide membership numbered 151,600, with 685 local chapters.

As the 1990s continued, H.O.G. spread into Asia, including new chapters in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. By 1999, worldwide membership had hit the half-million mark, and the number of local chapters totaled 1,157. Today, more than a million members make H.O.G. the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world.

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Families Model of Harley Davidson

Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into one of five model families: Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster and VRSC. Model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics.

Touring

The touring family, also known as "dressers", includes three Road King models and five Glide models offered in various trim. The Road Kings have a "retro cruiser" appearance and most models are equipped with a large clear windshield. Road Kings are reminiscent of big-twin models from the 1940s and '50s. Glides can be identified by their full front fairings. Most Glides sport a unique fairing referred to as the "Batwing" due to its unmistakable shape. The Road Glide has a different front end, referred to as the "Sharknose". The Sharknose includes a unique, dual front headlight.

Touring models are distinguishable by their large saddlebags (usually with a top box as well), rear coil-over air suspension and are the only models to offer full fairings with Radios/CBs. All touring models use the same frame, first introduced with a Shovelhead motor in 1980, and carried forward with only modest upgrades until 2009, when it was extensively redesigned. The frame is distinguished by the location of the steering head in front of the forks and was the first H-D frame to rubber mount the drivetrain to isolate the rider from the vibration of the big V-twin. Although all touring models weigh in excess of 800 lb (360 kg), they are remarkably easy to handle at low speeds and high, and give the most comfortable and relaxing ride of any Harley.

The frame was modified for the 1994 model year when the oil tank went under the transmission and the battery was moved inboard from under the right saddlebag to under the seat. In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for a larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. In 2007, Harley introduced the 96 cubic inch motor, as well the 6 speed transmission to give the rider better speeds on the highway.

In years past, these touring models have become favorites with several local, and state police agencies, such as the Chicago Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and several others.

In 2006, Harley introduced the FLHX, a bike designed by Willie G. Davidson to be his personal ride, to its touring line.

In 2008, Harley added anti-lock braking systems and cruise control as a factory installed option on all touring models.

For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson has redesigned the entire touring range with several changes, including a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, 17-inch (430 mm) front wheels for all but one model, a six-gallon gas tank, and a 2-1-2 exhaust. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger.Also released for the 2009 model year is the FLHTUCTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973. The model features a unique frame and a 103 cid engine exclusive to the trike.

Softail

These big-twin motorcycles capitalize on Harley's strong value on tradition. With the rear-wheel suspension invisible on the bottom of the frame, they are visually similar to the "hardtail" choppers popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as from their own earlier history. In keeping with that tradition, Harley offers Softail models with "springer" front ends and "heritage" styling that incorporate design cues from throughout their history.

Dyna
Main article: Harley-Davidson Super Glide
2005 Dyna Super Glide Custom.

Dyna motorcycles feature big-twin engines and traditional styling. They can be distinguished from the Softail by the traditional coil-over suspension that connects the swingarm to the frame, and from the Sportster by their larger engines. On these models, the transmission also houses the engine's oil reservoir.

In 2006, Harley-Davidson released a line-up of five Dyna models: Super Glide, Super Glide Custom, Street Bob, Low Rider, and Wide Glide.

In 2008, the "Fat Bob" was re-introduced to the Dyna line-up featuring aggressive styling, including a new 2-1-2 exhaust, twin headlamps, a 180 mm rear tire and a 130 mm front tire.

Sportster

Introduced in 1957, the Sportster is the longest-running model family in the Harley-Davidson lineup. They were conceived as racing motorcycles, and were popular on dirt and flat-track race courses through the 1960s and '70s. Smaller and lighter than the other Harley models, contemporary Sportsters make use of 883 or 1,200 cc Evolution engines and, though often modified, remain similar in appearance to their racing ancestors.

Up until the 2003 model year, the engine on the Sportster was rigidly mounted to the frame. The 2004 Sportster had a new frame accommodating a rubber-mounted engine. Although this made the bike heavier and reduced the available lean angle, it reduced the amount of vibration transmitted to the frame and the rider.[67] The rubber mounted engine provides a significantly smoother ride for rider and passenger, allowing longer trips.

In the 2007 model year, Harley-Davidson celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sportster and produced a collectors' edition called the XL50 1200 Custom, of which only 2000 were made for sale worldwide. Each motorcycle was individually numbered and came in one of two colors, Mirage Pearl Orange or Vivid Black. Also in 2007, electronic fuel injection was introduced to the Sportster family, and the Nightster model was introduced. In 2009, Harley-Davidson added the Iron 883 to the Sportster line, the newest in the Dark Custom series.

VRSC

Introduced in 2001, the VRSC family bears little resemblance to Harley's more traditional lineup. Competing against Japanese and American muscle bikes and seeking to expand its market appeal, the "V-Rod" makes use of an engine developed jointly with Porsche that, for the first time in Harley history, incorporates fuel injection, overhead cams, and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinctive, easily identified by the 60-degree V-Twin engine, the radiator and the hydroformed frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. Based on the VR-1000 racing motorcycle, it continues to be a platform around which Harley-Davidson builds drag-racing competition machines. The V-Rod has gathered an enthusiastic following in the U.S., Europe and Australia, and an annual Rally at the Kansas City production facility has been organized by Max Millender and the members of a 21,000+ member strong internet discussion forum www.1130cc.com. Bill Davidson has presented Mr Millender with a signed airbox cover to recognize the contribution the forum has made to the VRSC platform which continues to evolve with models like the Night Rod Special (VRSCDX).

In 2008, Harley added anti-lock braking systems as a factory installed option on all VRSC models.[63] Harley also increased the displacement of the stock engine from 1130cc (69ci) to 1250cc (73.6ci), which had only been previously available from Screamin' Eagle, and added a slipper clutch as standard equipment.

VRSC Models Include:

VRSCA: V-Rod (2002–2006), VRSCAW: V-Rod (2007–2008), VRSCB: V-Rod (2004–2005), VRSCD: Night Rod (2006–2008), VRSCDX: Night Rod Special (2007–2008), VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2005), VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2006), VRSCR: Street Rod (2006–2007), VRSCX: Screamin' Eagle Tribute V-Rod (2007), V-Rod Muscle (2009).

VRXSE

The VRXSE V-Rod Destroyer is Harley-Davidson's production drag racing motorcycle, constructed to run the quarter mile in under ten seconds. It is based on the same revolution engine that powers the VRSC line, but the VRXSE uses the Sceamin' Eagle 1300cc "stroked" incarnation, featuring a 75 mm crankshaft, 105 mm Pistons, and 58 mm throttle bodies.

The V-Rod Destroyer is not a street legal motorcycle.

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Harley Davidson Engines

The classic Harley-Davidson engines are two-cylinder, V-twin engines with the pistons mounted in a 45° "V". The crankshaft has a single pin, and both pistons are connected to this pin through their connecting rods.

This design causes the pistons to fire at uneven intervals. This is due to an engineering tradeoff to create a large, high-torque engine in a small space. This design choice is entirely vestigial from an engineering standpoint, but has been sustained because of the strong connection between the distinctive sound and the Harley-Davidson brand. This design, which is covered under several United States patents, gives the Harley-Davidson V-twin its unique choppy "potato-potato" sound. To simplify the engine and reduce costs, the V-twin ignition was designed to operate with a single set of points and no distributor, which is known as a dual fire ignition system, causing both spark plugs to fire regardless of which cylinder was on its compression stroke, with the other spark plug firing on its cylinder's exhaust stroke, effectively "wasting a spark." The exhaust note is basically a throaty growling sound with some popping.

The 45 degree design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.


Harley-Davidson has used various ignition systems throughout its history - be it the early points/condenser system, (Big Twin up to 1978 and Sportsters 1970 to 1978), magneto ignition system used on 1958 to 1969 Sportsters, early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights, (all models 1978 and a half to 1979), or the late electronic with transistorized ignition control module, more familiarly known as the black box or the brain, (all models 1980 to present).

Starting in 1995, the company introduced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) as an option for select models.[54] With the introduction of the 2007 product line, EFI is now standard on all models, including Sportsters.

In 1991, Harley-Davidson began to participate in the Sound Quality Working Group, founded by Orfield Labs, Bruel and Kjaer, TEAC, Yamaha, Sennheiser, SMS and Cortex. This was the nation's first group to share research on psychological acoustics. Later that year, Harley-Davidson participated in a series of sound quality studies at Orfield Labs, based on recordings taken at the Talladega Superspeedway, with the objective to lower the sound level for EU standards while analytically capturing the "Harley Sound."[citation needed] This research resulted in the bikes that were introduced in compliance with EU standards for 1998.

On 1 February 1994, the company filed a sound trademark application for the distinctive sound of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound. These objections were followed by litigation. In August 2001, the Company dropped efforts to federally register its trademark. However, legal counsel for the company claims that the Harley-Davidson still holds trademark rights in the sound even without a registration.
Electra Glide "Ultra Classic" in Bristol

The Big V-Twins

* F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914-29 (1,000 cc), and 1922-29 (1,200 cc)
* Flathead, 1930–1948 (1,200 cc) and 1935-41 (1,300 cc).
* Knucklehead, 1936-47 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc), and 1941-47 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc)
* Panhead, 1948-52 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc), and 1948-65, 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc)
* Shovelhead, 1966-85, 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc) and 82 cubic inches (1,345 ccm) since late 1978
* Evolution (aka "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984-99, 80 cubic inches (1,340 cc)
* Twin Cam 88 (aka "Fathead") 1999–2006, 88 cubic inches (1,443 cc)
* Twin Cam 88B (counter balanced version of the Twin Cam 88) 2000–2006, 88 cubic inches (1,443 cc)
* Twin Cam 96, 2007–present, 96 cubic inches (1,584 cc)
* Twin Cam 103, 1999–2006, 2009, 103 cubic inches (1690 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models)
* Twin Cam 110, 2007–present, 110 cubic inches (1802 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models)

Evolution Sportster cruising around downtown Buenos Aires

[edit] The Small V-Twins

* D Model, 1929-31, 750 cc
* R Model, 1932-36, 750 cc
* W Model, 1937-52, 750 cc, solo (2 wheel) frame only)
* G (Servi-Car) Model, 1932-73, 750 cc
* K Model, 1952-53, 750 cc
* KH Model, 1954-56, 900 cc
* Ironhead, 1957–1971 (900 cc), 1971-85 (1000 cc)
* Evolution, 1986–present, 883, 1,100 and 1,200 cc

V-Rod on the show room floor

The Revolution engine

The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany. It is a liquid cooled, dual overhead cam, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69 cubic inches (1130 cc), producing 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 8250 rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9000 rpm. It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.

A 1250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005–2007. In 2008, the 1250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 horsepower (92 kW) at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank) Screamin’ Eagle 1,300 cubic centimetres (79 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing over 165 horsepower (123 kW).

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Bandidos History

Bandidos M.C. Australia was formed and chartered in August 1983. The original charter members were ex-members of the city chapter of the Comanchero M.C. Our chapter president at the time had previously travelled with other members to the U.S.A whilst members of the Comanchero M.C. They met Bandido members and were greatly impressed by their brotherhood and hospitality.

The split from the Comanchero M.C. was caused through an ongoing rift between chapters and resulted in total loss of respect for the mother chapter especially the founder and club president. The city chapter president and life member, Snotgrass tried vainly to restore the brotherhood between the two chapters but it was lost forever the Comanchero colours were incinerated in a ceremonial act, unknowingly setting the scene for the hatred and consequently the violence that was to follow.

After remembering how much respect U.S Bandidos showed to him, Snotgrass contacted National president Ronnie Hodge. Through much correspondence our Australian Charter was sealed with approval. By giving us a charter in Australia Ronnie Hodge paved the way for Bandidos International.

Our first Australian National president, Snotgrass, took his own life in prison following the shoot-out between the Bandidos M.C. and the Comanchero M.C. on the 2nd September 1984 which left 7 people dead, 2 Bandidos, 4 Comancheros and tragically a 14 year old girl Leanne Waters.

Snotgrass will always be remembered and held in high regard along with the other lost brothers Shadow and Chopper whose lives were taken from them on that day..

Bandidos Forever Forever Brothers

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