Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Easy Rider turns 40
The Harley-Davidson Museum is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie “Easy Rider” with a special showcase featuring the “Captain America” chopper.
The Milwaukee, Wis. museum is displaying a replica of the modified Harley-Davidson FLH police bike ridden by Peter Fonda’s character “Captain America” Wyatt in the film, originally released in the U.S. on July 14, 1969.
There were two original “Captain America” motorcycles used in the production of the film. One was destroyed in the making of the movie and the other was lost. The replica on display was built in 1999 to mark the film’s 30th anniversary.
The museum is also displaying other Harley-Davidson themed pop cultural exhibits such as a motorcycle owned by Elvis Presley, a replica of the bike Evel Knievel used in attempting to jump over 13 buses at Wembley Stadium in London, and motorcycles used in the film “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”.
“Harley-Davidson motorcycles have inspired filmmakers since the beginnings of modern film,” says Jim Fricke, the museum’s curatorial director. “Our bikes have been featured in countless movies to portray the spirit of individualism, freedom and rebellion, and we have many examples of this at the Museum.”
The Milwaukee, Wis. museum is displaying a replica of the modified Harley-Davidson FLH police bike ridden by Peter Fonda’s character “Captain America” Wyatt in the film, originally released in the U.S. on July 14, 1969.
There were two original “Captain America” motorcycles used in the production of the film. One was destroyed in the making of the movie and the other was lost. The replica on display was built in 1999 to mark the film’s 30th anniversary.
The museum is also displaying other Harley-Davidson themed pop cultural exhibits such as a motorcycle owned by Elvis Presley, a replica of the bike Evel Knievel used in attempting to jump over 13 buses at Wembley Stadium in London, and motorcycles used in the film “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”.
“Harley-Davidson motorcycles have inspired filmmakers since the beginnings of modern film,” says Jim Fricke, the museum’s curatorial director. “Our bikes have been featured in countless movies to portray the spirit of individualism, freedom and rebellion, and we have many examples of this at the Museum.”
Harley Davidson announces further job cuts
Harley-Davidson announced further job cuts and reductions in production as second quarter 2009 sales dropped 30.1% from 2008.
Harley-Davidson reported a 35.1% decrease in new motorcycle sales domestically, and an 18.2% drop in international markets compared to second quarter 2008. The numbers appear dim, but things could have been worse as industry-wide retail sales of heavyweight motorcycles in the U.S. were down 48.1% this quarter.
“While the underlying fundamentals of the Harley-Davidson brand remain strong and our dealers’ retail motorcycle sales declined less than our competitors, it is obviously a very tough environment for us right now, given the continued weak consumer spending in the overall economy for discretionary purchases,” says Keith Wandell, Harley-Davidson president and chief executive officer.
Second quarter net income totaled $19.8 million compared to $222.8 million in 2008, but much of the decrease was attributed to $101.1 million non-cash charges related to Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
In response to the second quarter results, Harley-Davidson lowered its 2009 shipment targets to between 212,000 and 228,000, compared to the previous shipment projection of 264,000 to 273,000. Harley-Davidson says it expects to ship from 52,000 to 57,000 motorcycles in the next quarter.
Due to the lower shipment volume, Harley-Davidson announced a reduction of 700 production positions and 300 non-production, primarily salaried jobs including positions with HDFS. These reductions are on top of the previously announced 1,800 job cuts to be made in 2009 and 2010. Harley-Davidson plans to offer a voluntary separation incentive package for salaried employees.
“We continue to take these difficult actions to manage through the current challenges and we also continue to take major steps in creating the operational effectiveness that is essential to our long-term future,” says Wandell. “We are committed to doing what is required to enable Harley-Davidson to operate as a competitive business and employer over the long haul.”
Harley-Davidson’s powertrain production operations in Menomonee Falls and Wauwatosa, Wis. and assembly facilities in York, Pa. and Kansas City, Mo. will be affected by the decrease in production. The final assembly operations for Sporster and V-Rod motorcycles as well as V-Rod powertrain production at the Kansas City facility, and the Sportster powertrain production in Wauwatosa will be shut down for 14 weeks including the entire fourth quarter. Other production operations may be shut down an additional five weeks over the rest of the year.
The volume reductions and restructuring are expected to cost between $150 million to $190 million over 2009 and 2010, but Harley-Davidson estimates ongoing annual savings of $140 million to $150 million.
Harley-Davidson has also examining whether to make additional restructuring changes to the York facilities or relocate operations to another U.S. location.
Harley-Davidson reported a 35.1% decrease in new motorcycle sales domestically, and an 18.2% drop in international markets compared to second quarter 2008. The numbers appear dim, but things could have been worse as industry-wide retail sales of heavyweight motorcycles in the U.S. were down 48.1% this quarter.
“While the underlying fundamentals of the Harley-Davidson brand remain strong and our dealers’ retail motorcycle sales declined less than our competitors, it is obviously a very tough environment for us right now, given the continued weak consumer spending in the overall economy for discretionary purchases,” says Keith Wandell, Harley-Davidson president and chief executive officer.
Second quarter net income totaled $19.8 million compared to $222.8 million in 2008, but much of the decrease was attributed to $101.1 million non-cash charges related to Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
In response to the second quarter results, Harley-Davidson lowered its 2009 shipment targets to between 212,000 and 228,000, compared to the previous shipment projection of 264,000 to 273,000. Harley-Davidson says it expects to ship from 52,000 to 57,000 motorcycles in the next quarter.
Due to the lower shipment volume, Harley-Davidson announced a reduction of 700 production positions and 300 non-production, primarily salaried jobs including positions with HDFS. These reductions are on top of the previously announced 1,800 job cuts to be made in 2009 and 2010. Harley-Davidson plans to offer a voluntary separation incentive package for salaried employees.
“We continue to take these difficult actions to manage through the current challenges and we also continue to take major steps in creating the operational effectiveness that is essential to our long-term future,” says Wandell. “We are committed to doing what is required to enable Harley-Davidson to operate as a competitive business and employer over the long haul.”
Harley-Davidson’s powertrain production operations in Menomonee Falls and Wauwatosa, Wis. and assembly facilities in York, Pa. and Kansas City, Mo. will be affected by the decrease in production. The final assembly operations for Sporster and V-Rod motorcycles as well as V-Rod powertrain production at the Kansas City facility, and the Sportster powertrain production in Wauwatosa will be shut down for 14 weeks including the entire fourth quarter. Other production operations may be shut down an additional five weeks over the rest of the year.
The volume reductions and restructuring are expected to cost between $150 million to $190 million over 2009 and 2010, but Harley-Davidson estimates ongoing annual savings of $140 million to $150 million.
Harley-Davidson has also examining whether to make additional restructuring changes to the York facilities or relocate operations to another U.S. location.
Harley Davidson 2009 "Soft Tail Fat Boy"
Today we are introducing Harley Davidson 2009 "Soft Tail Fat Boy". The Fat Boy was first introduced by Harley Davidson in 1990. It quickly became one of the most popular bikes in Harley Davidson line. The Fat Boy is the bike which Arnold Schwarzenegger rode in Terminator which greatly increased its popularity.
Specification of 2009 Soft Tail Fat Boy:
IDENTIFICATION:
Model Type : Cruiser
Base MSRP(US) : $15,999.00
Warranty : 24
ENGINE:
Engine Type : V Twin
Cylinders : 2
Engine Stroke : 4-Stroke
Cooling : Air
Valves : 4
Valves Per Cylinder : 2
Valve Configuration : OHV - Pushrod
Compression Ratio : 9.2:1
Starter : Electric
Fuel Requirements : Premium
Fuel Type : Gas
TRANSMISSION:
Transmission Type : Manual
Number Of Speeds : 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Belt
WHEELS & TYRES:
Front Tire (Full Spec) : Dunlop® 140/75 R17 67V
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : Dunlop® 200/55 R17 78V
BRAKES:
Front Brake Type : Disc
Rear Brake Type : Disc
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Wheelbase (in/mm) : 64.5 / 1638.3
Fuel Capacity (gal/l) : 5 / 18.9
Buying a Motorcycle - Ten Great Tips
It easy to rush into things once you've decided to buy a new motorbike, but have a little patience and save yourself a little grief and a lot of money.
DECIDE WHICH BIKE IS BEST FOR YOU
Notice here, I avoided the word 'want', because what you want, and what suits you best are totally different animals. It's all very well finally aspiring to the bike of your dreams only to find that you fall off at every junction because your legs are too short, or it's so fast that it scares you to death, so retain a modicum of common sense when making your purchase. There's also the question of what you can afford. You may scrape together the money to buy the bike in the first place, but can you really afford to run it. Don't forget; fast bikes are costly to insure, especially if you are young or have no 'no claims' bonus.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Right, you've decided which bike to buy and you're off to get your eager hands upon the beauty, but wait, hold on a minute. Before you jump in, ought you not to test the water? It's time to survey the market. This is an important point, because it could save you a lot of money. You're going to have to decide whether you're going to buy privately or from a dealer. Of course, buying privately is cheaper, but if you go down this route, make sure you know what you're doing. Buying from a dealer will offer more protection should there be a problem with the machine after you've owned it for a week or two. Shop around and see who's offering the best deal. If necessary, hold back and wait until the bike you want is available.
BE METICULOUS WITH THE PAPERWORK
You may find a motorcycle that is just the thing for you, suits you down to the ground and is reasonably priced, but that price won't look so good if you buy the bike, only to discover a few weeks later that the person who sold the motorbike didn't actually own it. If the seller cannot provide the documentation for the motorbike, don't touch it. Make sure that the address on the registration document is the same as the sellers.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Alright, we've ascertained that the person who's selling the motorcycle is the rightful owner; well he thinks he is anyway. The fact is that if the motorcycle was bought on finance by someone who overstretched themselves and failed to keep up with the payments, the bike could well be the property of the money lenders. Firstly, ask the seller if the bike is paid for; unless he's an out and out liar, he's going to come clean and save you a lot of hassle. If he seems to be a decent chap and you believe him...don't. Invest in a vehicle check. It could be the best money you ever spent.
THE VIEWING
Never, ever, ever, ever view a vehicle at any other place than the seller's home. Believe me; even if you have to travel a long distance to see the motorcycle, it's worth going that extra mile or two. Don't be tempted by offers to meet half way at a road side cafe or some such place. I hardly need to say this, but don't go at night. All vehicles look better under street lights. Now here's a really good idea; if you're not too hot on the mechanical side of things, take someone along who knows about bikes.
DOES IT GO
And more to the point, is it going to keep going? I refer back to the point about taking someone along who is knows about motorbikes. If you don't have a friend who fits into this category, it may be well worth paying someone who does. In the grand scheme of things a little extra on the price of the bike isn't too much to bear. The alternative could be unthinkable.
BARGAIN?
The motorcycle is a few years old, but according to the clock it must have been sitting in a garage, but hold on a minute, it looks a little worn in places. Watch out for 'clocking'. Ask the seller to produce test certificates from previous years and check to se if they tally with the recorded mileage.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Check it. It's not only humans that suffer from identity theft. Make sure you're not buying a ringer. Every vehicle carries a unique number; do your utmost to ensure that the number hasn't been changed.
THE TEST RIDE
Before you take the bike out for a ride, explain to the owner that you're going to be gone for at least half an hour. It's no good just going down the road and back and hoping to get a feel for a bike that you're going to be living with for a while. Take more care choosing your bike than your partner (most people do).
SOMETHING FISHY
If something doesn't seem right, if there's a little niggle in the back of your mind, go home and think about it... no, just go home, leave it. Another bike will come along in due course. Now... about partners...
Alan Liptrot is the founder of the motorcycle tour company Motorbike Tours. Fancy a good read? Check out Motorbike Books
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Liptrot
DECIDE WHICH BIKE IS BEST FOR YOU
Notice here, I avoided the word 'want', because what you want, and what suits you best are totally different animals. It's all very well finally aspiring to the bike of your dreams only to find that you fall off at every junction because your legs are too short, or it's so fast that it scares you to death, so retain a modicum of common sense when making your purchase. There's also the question of what you can afford. You may scrape together the money to buy the bike in the first place, but can you really afford to run it. Don't forget; fast bikes are costly to insure, especially if you are young or have no 'no claims' bonus.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Right, you've decided which bike to buy and you're off to get your eager hands upon the beauty, but wait, hold on a minute. Before you jump in, ought you not to test the water? It's time to survey the market. This is an important point, because it could save you a lot of money. You're going to have to decide whether you're going to buy privately or from a dealer. Of course, buying privately is cheaper, but if you go down this route, make sure you know what you're doing. Buying from a dealer will offer more protection should there be a problem with the machine after you've owned it for a week or two. Shop around and see who's offering the best deal. If necessary, hold back and wait until the bike you want is available.
BE METICULOUS WITH THE PAPERWORK
You may find a motorcycle that is just the thing for you, suits you down to the ground and is reasonably priced, but that price won't look so good if you buy the bike, only to discover a few weeks later that the person who sold the motorbike didn't actually own it. If the seller cannot provide the documentation for the motorbike, don't touch it. Make sure that the address on the registration document is the same as the sellers.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Alright, we've ascertained that the person who's selling the motorcycle is the rightful owner; well he thinks he is anyway. The fact is that if the motorcycle was bought on finance by someone who overstretched themselves and failed to keep up with the payments, the bike could well be the property of the money lenders. Firstly, ask the seller if the bike is paid for; unless he's an out and out liar, he's going to come clean and save you a lot of hassle. If he seems to be a decent chap and you believe him...don't. Invest in a vehicle check. It could be the best money you ever spent.
THE VIEWING
Never, ever, ever, ever view a vehicle at any other place than the seller's home. Believe me; even if you have to travel a long distance to see the motorcycle, it's worth going that extra mile or two. Don't be tempted by offers to meet half way at a road side cafe or some such place. I hardly need to say this, but don't go at night. All vehicles look better under street lights. Now here's a really good idea; if you're not too hot on the mechanical side of things, take someone along who knows about bikes.
DOES IT GO
And more to the point, is it going to keep going? I refer back to the point about taking someone along who is knows about motorbikes. If you don't have a friend who fits into this category, it may be well worth paying someone who does. In the grand scheme of things a little extra on the price of the bike isn't too much to bear. The alternative could be unthinkable.
BARGAIN?
The motorcycle is a few years old, but according to the clock it must have been sitting in a garage, but hold on a minute, it looks a little worn in places. Watch out for 'clocking'. Ask the seller to produce test certificates from previous years and check to se if they tally with the recorded mileage.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Check it. It's not only humans that suffer from identity theft. Make sure you're not buying a ringer. Every vehicle carries a unique number; do your utmost to ensure that the number hasn't been changed.
THE TEST RIDE
Before you take the bike out for a ride, explain to the owner that you're going to be gone for at least half an hour. It's no good just going down the road and back and hoping to get a feel for a bike that you're going to be living with for a while. Take more care choosing your bike than your partner (most people do).
SOMETHING FISHY
If something doesn't seem right, if there's a little niggle in the back of your mind, go home and think about it... no, just go home, leave it. Another bike will come along in due course. Now... about partners...
Alan Liptrot is the founder of the motorcycle tour company Motorbike Tours. Fancy a good read? Check out Motorbike Books
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Liptrot
Expensive leather jackets aren’t designer labels, warn Surrey Trading Standards
Surrey County Council(UK) has issued a warning about the sale of leather jackets con artists relieved victims of hundreds of pounds. The trading standards team has told people to be on their guard after four people bought jackets that they were told were made of expensive Italian leather but were actually cheap alternatives. They paid between £190 ($314) and £500 ($825) for each jacket. The conmen have been operating in retail parks। Incidents have taken place at Tesco, in Oxshott Road, Leatherhead and Ladymead Retail Park, Europa Park Road, Guildford.
Two victims were also targeted at their homes। The scam involves someone claiming that they are desperate for cash and will sell expensive Italian leather jackets at a knockdown price, or that they are on their way to the airport and cannot take the jackets with them because they are far too heavy.
Kay Hammond, cabinet member for community safety, said: “This is an old con trick and the reasons they give for being forced to sell can vary from needing cash to pay off gambling debts to simply having fallen on hard times। During the recession don’t be pressured into handing over your hard-earned cash to these people.”
Peter Denard, the county council’s head of Trading Standards, said: “We urge residents to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be encouraged to hand over any money, as the items are of very poor quality and certainly not worth the prices paid for them.”
Ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 (for UK residents), if you are approached by these men.
Two victims were also targeted at their homes। The scam involves someone claiming that they are desperate for cash and will sell expensive Italian leather jackets at a knockdown price, or that they are on their way to the airport and cannot take the jackets with them because they are far too heavy.
Kay Hammond, cabinet member for community safety, said: “This is an old con trick and the reasons they give for being forced to sell can vary from needing cash to pay off gambling debts to simply having fallen on hard times। During the recession don’t be pressured into handing over your hard-earned cash to these people.”
Peter Denard, the county council’s head of Trading Standards, said: “We urge residents to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be encouraged to hand over any money, as the items are of very poor quality and certainly not worth the prices paid for them.”
Ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 (for UK residents), if you are approached by these men.
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