Cyril Huze Post

Archive Page 156

National Insurance Crime Bureau. New York City Is Motorcycle Theft Capital.

Published by Cyril Huze November 29th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Are you living in a city or state with a very high percentage of motorcycle thefts? It may explain, at least in part, the insurance premium you are paying. The NICB (National Crime Bureau published its statistics for 2012. Highest theft cities? New York, the city where thieves never sleep. Then Las Vegas, where your motorcycle in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. Then San Diego, Indianapolis and Miami.

Highest theft States? California is first, followed by Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Indiana. Most stolen brands? Honda followed by Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson.

Both car & motorcycle thefts have continued to drop in 2012, because of better prevention and of better security systems. 46,061 bikes were stolen, down 1% from previous year. Only 39% were recovered (against 53.9% for cars) You know the reasons: motorcycles are easily chopped, hidden, shipped to a foreign country as motorcycles or as spare parts…

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Progressive Series Shocks With Remote Reservoir For Harley-Davidson Touring Models. How To Video.

Published by Cyril Huze November 29th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.

At this day, it’s probably the pinnacle of bagger suspension. The Progressive Suspension performance 970 Series Shocks feature remote reservoirs mounted in front of the bags to allow for easy compression adjustment. Available in 12” or 13” lengths. For 1993-2014 Harley Baggers.

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Indian Motorcycle Gift Ideas

Published by Cyril Huze November 28th, 2013 in Builders and Merchandise.

Indian Plaid Shirt: For comfort, and style, a 100% cotton plaid shirt with a relatively discreet embroidered Indian Motorcycle® logo above the left pocket and back. Branded buttons to show that you wear the real thing. Available in sizes S to 3XL.

Thunderstroke™ Tee: Show everyone what your bike runs on with the comfortable tee featuring the powerful new Thunder Stroke™ 111 engine. 100% cotton single jersey with a water-based and discharge print on front, back and left sleeve with a woven patch to the right sleeve. Sizes S to 5XL

Indian Scout Scale Model: Everybody can own an Indian Scout. A highly detailed 1:12 scale model of the Indian Sport Scout MSRP $19.99.

All items available to purchase from Indian Motorcycle dealers or online at Indian Motorcycle.

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Mikuni HSR42 Performance Carburetor Kits for Sportsters and Buells

Published by Cyril Huze November 28th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

Mikuni offers 2 different HSR42 Performance Carburetor Kits for Sportsters and Buells. One Kit, just for Sportsters includes a special airbox backing plate as shown to work with the stock oval cover and a Screamin’ Eagle high flow replacement filter.

The other Kit, without the backing plate, works on both Buells and Sportsters with an aftermarket performance air filter assembly. The Mikuni Kits work with the stock push-pull throttle cable assembly. Continue reading ‘Mikuni HSR42 Performance Carburetor Kits for Sportsters and Buells’

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Happy Thanksgiving

Published by Cyril Huze November 28th, 2013 in Events.

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2013 Netherlands Bigtwin Expo Custom Motorcycle Winners

Published by Cyril Huze November 27th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

Wheely Shop (Marc de Vriese) 1977 Yamaha XS 650. Dummy oil tank for electric components. Upside down Sachs Roadster front end.

Blackmarket Customs. 2001 Buell M2 Cyclone Chopper. One-off Girder front end. Chain conversion. Fat Boy wheels. Internal throttle. Headlight from Citroen 2CV.

P&D Custom Bikes (Chris Nichols & Dave Batchelar) 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster with Twin Cam rocker boxes. Engraving by Don Blocksidge. Paint by Keith Baker.

Builder Danny Van Gerven. Built in shed 10’ x 10’. 1987 Suzuki Intruder. Ducati Monster front end. V-Rod headlight. Mikuni carburetor.

All pictures @ Onno “Berserk” Wieringa at Madness Photography for Cyril Huze.

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2nd Annual Miami Black Sunday Swap Meet. This Sunday December 1st.

Published by Cyril Huze November 27th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.

Consider Black Sunday 2 the vintage motorcycle lover’s Black Friday. Instead of roaming aisles looking for this year’s electronic device, you’ll be surrounded by enough V-twins, thumpers and straight-fours to rev anyone’s engine.

Black Sunday 2 roars onto the Miami scene for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts to meet up, trade parts and give their bikes some show-off time. At its core, Black Sunday 2 is a staunch affirmation that vintage bike culture is alive and kicking in South Florida. Continue reading ‘2nd Annual Miami Black Sunday Swap Meet. This Sunday December 1st.’

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Customize Me Seats By Mustang

Published by Cyril Huze November 27th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.

For more than 30 years, like Henry Ford and the original Model A, you could have your Mustang seat in any color you wanted, so long as it was black. All that changes for 2014. A full array of colorful options and styles will be introduced to the media at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show (IMS) December 6-8. “In a radical departure from long-standing Mustang tradition, we are now offering custom seats with a selection of different stitch patterns, inlay panels and thread colors to choose from,” says Director Of Sales Steve Veltri. “This gives you the opportunity to make your seat as unique as your ride.”

The first step in the automated online seat design process is to pick a stitch pattern. Plain, Tuck and Roll or Diamond Stitch options are available. Then comes time to pick a color… don’t worry, as you go through each step, you can see exactly how it will look. There is even a magnifying glass tool that enables you to take a close-up look at the contrasting stitching colors. Continue reading ‘Customize Me Seats By Mustang’

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Holiday Gift. Cruisin’ Bob’s – Summer Of 62 – By Larry Grossman.

Published by Cyril Huze November 27th, 2013 in Editorial and Painters.

Hot rod artist Larry Grossman released an updated version of one of his most famous painting “Cruising’ Bob’s – Summer Of 62” Now featured front and center is one of the most famous cars in hot rodding history: Norm Grabowski’s iconic “Kookie T”. This cool car was driven by hipster Ed “Kookie ” Byrnes in the classic ’60’s TV series “77 Sunset Strip” and was featured in Life Magazine once featured this car at this Bob’s, on it’s cover!! In the back, other great rods, customs, woodies, gassers, and even a Harley chopper. Also making the scene are an assortment of cool dudes, hot babes, and even a Burbank P.D.cop. Continue reading ‘Holiday Gift. Cruisin’ Bob’s – Summer Of 62 – By Larry Grossman.’

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Grand Prix Edition “Turbine” Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson

Published by Cyril Huze November 26th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

One more choice in the popular category of round air cleaners.

This new release belongs to the Grand Prix Edition of Precision Billet air cleaner series.

Called “Turbine”, it features carbon fiber inlay under the 6061 T6 Billet aluminum cover.

Available for EFI & Non-EFI Harley-Davidson motorcycles. MSRP in black as shown $419.00 (+S35 for chrome).

At Precision Billet Air Cleaners.

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Energica. The First High-Performance Italian 100% Electric Superbike.

Published by Cyril Huze November 26th, 2013 in Builders and Editorial.

A “Green Dream” on 2 wheels, this electric bike built in Modena (the Italian Motor Valley), Energica is promoted as a machine with Superbike feelings offering thrill without compromising nature and the environment. Maximum speed is 150 mph (240 km/h). Range is 93 miles at 50 mph (150 km at 80 km/h) – 55 miles at 37 mph (90 km @ 60 km/h) – 31 miles (50 km) on the race track. A Vehicle Control Unit implementing a multi-map adaptive energy and power management algorithm manages the vehicle. During drive, the system carefully monitors 100 times per second the motor’s power, throttle command; chosen engine map, battery status and speed. System also handles regenerative engine braking and regenerative electrical brake, interfacing with the ABS unit. This allows great efficiency in battery energy management and a great drive performance and experience. It constantly monitors batteries, even in key off position in order to ensure battery protection even in long winter storage. Energica Superbike.

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Flashback. 2013 Sturgis Legends Ride Charity Event.

Published by Cyril Huze November 26th, 2013 in Events and Videos.

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Want To Build A Café Racer?

Published by Cyril Huze November 26th, 2013 in Books and Editorial.

It’s never a bad idea to start reading advice from those in the know. Written by well-known motorcycle and automotive author Doug Mitchel, How to Build a Café Racer starts with a history lesson.

While those bikes were originally built in the UK for racing from café to café, the rage for Café Racers spread all over Europe, then in the US. They reappear again as the new trendy style for many builders and riders.

Converting a stock motorcycle to a Café Racer requires more than a fairing and a few decals. The book starts with chapters on planning and choosing an appropriate bike, followed by chapters that detail the modifications that will likely be embraced by anyone converting a stocker to a rocker. From shocks and tires to engine modifications, Doug’s book lays out each type of modification and how it’s best carried through. Continue reading ‘Want To Build A Café Racer?’

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Ready To Crack The Ton

Published by Cyril Huze November 25th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

Moto Guzzi, the world’s second oldest continuously operating motorcycle manufacturer, is a storied brand offering unmistakable bold styling. To the uninitiated, most Guzzi sport bikes look big, are not necessarily the easiest to handle although they very stable and able to zoom around the bends. But after losing weight, the Sport Guzzis are cheap and great for the building of nimble Cafe Racers with the unique look of an eye catching transverse mounted engine. A Cafe Racer doesn’t have to be British to crack the Ton (100 mph)

Trimming all the fat of unnecessary factory parts from a 2001 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100 let Alan Bernard saved at least 70 pounds in just a couple of hours. Then, began the task of mixing and matching parts from other brands (mostly Italian) to give the Guzzi its new Cafe personality almost always and at least a fuel tank with dents to allow the rider’s knees to grip it, a small wind fairing, a sporty suspension, low slung/narrow racing handlebars and a single-person humped seat. Continue reading ‘Ready To Crack The Ton’

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Harley-Davidson Online Gift Guide

Published by Cyril Huze November 24th, 2013 in Accessories, Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.

For the holidays, Harley-Davidson fans introduces a new Online Gift Guide h-d.com/holiday with most gifts priced under $100 and many under $50.. Below are a few great gifts for those on your “naughty list”.

Built for business, the black leather and vinyl Rider Briefcase (P/N 93300092, $249.95) holds most 17-inch laptops and fits into hard Harley saddlebags. Get your undies in a bundle with Shrink Sacks (P/N 90200719, $17.95). Simply load the bag with soft goods, seal it, roll it to evacuate the air and the compressed Shrink Sack occupies a fraction of the luggage space.

The men’s Genuine Buffalo Plaid Flannel Shirt (P/N 96586-14VM, starting at $70) is made from 100 percent cotton flannel with snap front and cuffs, a snap down collar and embroidered graphics. Available in S – 5XL sizes. For her, the new women’s Kenlee Packable Puffer Jacket (P/N 97595-14VW, starting at $135) knocks the wind out of old man winter with its polyester/nylon body and warm 100 percent polyester fill. Available in XS – 3W sizes. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Online Gift Guide’

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Old Empire Motorcycles 1000-Mile Road Trip To Deliver A Custom Bike To A Client

Published by Cyril Huze November 24th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.

How often a builder rides 1000 miles a newly built custom bike to deliver it to a client? Old Empire Motorcycles built “The Hunter”, a light weight bruiser genre-busting custom Honda CB250 Superdream and decides to ride it from the shop in Suffolk, Britain to the south of France where the client lives for a surprise delivery. Images of this delivery road trip by film director Chris Fergusson.

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Last Chance To Win This One-Off Ness Custom Victory

Published by Cyril Huze November 23rd, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

Time is running out for your chance to win and help support the National Motorcycle Museum and get a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Victory Cross Country motorcycle. Arlen Ness, one of America’s first motorcycle customizers, has produced some great and truly unique Victory Motorcycles. Here’s your last chance to win a one-off 2013 Victory, a bike that Arlen and son Cory Ness devoted some serious attention to – over $10,000 in Ness custom parts and paint alone.

The National Motorcycle Museum offers you a chance to donate to win this great custom Victory Cross Country. It’s the 2013 fundraiser bike for the Museum, and as the year closes, December 31 to be exact, some lucky person will win it. It could be you. Victory Motorcycles donated a brand new Cross Country to the National Motorcycle Museum, but shipped the bike directly to Arlen Ness Enterprises in California. Cory and Arlen worked their magic on the bike selecting the best components from their catalog, and then treated the machine to a custom paint job. In total, the Victory’s value is nearly $30,000. But this is a one-of-a-kind Ness custom, so it’s hard to put a price on it! Continue reading ‘Last Chance To Win This One-Off Ness Custom Victory’

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Riding A 30 Inch Custom Bagger. How Does It Feel?

Published by Cyril Huze November 23rd, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.

Will have the opportunity very soon, but until now I never rode a 30 inch front wheel bagger. But moto journalist and friend of the industry Horst Roesler did it for me. And for this test ride, both in the Blackwood Forest mountain roads next to Baden-Baden and on the German autobahn, he borrowed the new ultra custom bagger of builder Rick’s Motorcycles. So, was riding “Dirty Thirty” a challenge? Below a few of his impressions:

“Although the saddle is positioned low, when “pumped up” the chassis feels unusually high from the ground, ready to offer greater lean angles and to preserve the bags from scratching during sharp turns. At low speed, a combination of the bike high center of gravity with the immediate response of the front wheel with each small twist of the throttle, gave me an “Enduro” bike feeling. A feeling that is unlike what I have ever experienced on any Harley Big Twin Touring bikes. “Dirty Thirty” felt very light, very nimble. Around 80 km/h (50mph) the gyroscopic effect of the huge 30” front wheel becomes extremely present . The wheel stabilizes the ride quite a lot and Rick’s obviously has the practice to use that effect to ride his 30” bagger bike on very twisted roads where sport bikes have always supremacy.. Continue reading ‘Riding A 30 Inch Custom Bagger. How Does It Feel?’

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Zipper’s Oiling System Upgrade Kit

Published by Cyril Huze November 23rd, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

This Zipper’s Performance Kit is packaging 2 innovative oil system upgrades for all 2007-up Twin Cam® Engines and 1999-2006 engines equipped with hydraulic cam chain tensioners.

Red Shift® Dual Piston Cam Chain Tensioners (Patent # 8,535,187) are a must-have for all 2007-up Twin Cam® performance applications. Red Shift® Cam Chain Tensioners are a direct-replacement product designed to improve cam timing accuracy and valve train control at two critical key areas – the drive and driven cam chains on all 2007-up engines. Red Shift® Cam Chain Tensioners are designed with shoe and hydraulic stability in mind, dramatically improving overall valve train control and durability. Continue reading ‘Zipper’s Oiling System Upgrade Kit’

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New Harley-Davidson Wind Splitter Windshields For 2014 Touring Models

Published by Cyril Huze November 22nd, 2013 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.

The new Wind Splitter delivers a combination of air-flow function and super-cool form. The swept-back design of these windshields complements the shape of the fairing and the inner dash panel, and adds height in the center where it counts to help decrease wind noise, and improves your ability to hear that sweet Boom! Box audio system. Continue reading ‘New Harley-Davidson Wind Splitter Windshields For 2014 Touring Models’

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Today’s Cleanest Custom Street Trackers.

Published by Cyril Huze November 22nd, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

Richard Pollock is the sole owner and employee of Southern California based Mule Motorcycles, a shop specializing in building performance bikes that have cool heritage styling. Pollock got a strong experience in Aerospace metal working and it shows in the tiniest details of all his creations. He gives himself extremely strict quality requirements because, as he learned in his former aerospace job, “in the rocket building business, mistakes are heavily frowned upon and one mistake is one too many.” Same for the nostalgic, up-to-the-minute technology Street Trackers he is building. Timeless beauty in its simplest form.

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Remote Cable Operated Master Cylinders, With Or Without Reservoir, For Custom Applications.

Published by Cyril Huze November 22nd, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.

They are cable operated, available with or without a reservoir, and for a true custom look can be installed almost anywhere suitable on your bike. They are all billet aluminum, sold polished or black.

On top left, this is the master cylinder for the builder looking to get a true clean look with no master cylinder installed on the handlebar. It works for clutch or brake application and of course requires cable hand controls. Small design with a 14mm bore size.

On top right, this cable operated master cylinder uses a reservoir. It has a very small footprint, can be hidden under the gas tank, a seat or anywhere your imagination leads you. 14mm bore size

Bottom left, this cable master cylinder is perfect for custom rear brake applications. Also 14 mm bore size. All available from Kustom Tech Europe.

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Influential Artist Of The Kustom Kulture Sonny DePalma Left Us

Published by Cyril Huze November 22nd, 2013 in Editorial and Events.

It is with sadness that I report the passing yesterday of Sonny DePalma, one the most influential and inspiring artists of our generation. Sonny’s work, a combination of airbrush and paintbrush resulting in murals and graphics with a unique, crisp and clear 3-D style, is adorning many of the most acclaimed motorcycles and cars of our Kustom Kulture.

Sonny “Tha Doc” DePalma was originally from New York. As far as he could remember, he loved to draw. In the late 60s, his older brother brought home a Ed Roth catalog with Ed “Big Daddy” Roth designs in it. One look and he was hooked for life. One day, he told me “I would sit around the kitchen table drawing hot rods and monsters with bloodshot eyes, shifting gears through the roof of a wild looking hot rod. For me it was the coolest thing ever…” In the early 80’s, during a car show, he had a chance encounter with “Big Daddy” to whom he showed a small album of his first drawings. Of course, he was encouraged to pursue an artist career. Continue reading ‘Influential Artist Of The Kustom Kulture Sonny DePalma Left Us’

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New Battistinis Wireframe Brake Arms For 2014 Harley-Davidson FLT Models

Published by Cyril Huze November 21st, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.

Battistinis extends its line of Brake Arms in Wireframe design to the 2014 Harley-Davidson models. It’s a direct bolt-on application that requires absolutely no modification while still providing a true custom look to your foot controls. Of course, it complements the other Wireframe design parts already offered by Rikki Battistini.

The brake arm uses a center position of the standard factory foot pad as the mount for the pad, giving the brake more clearance and superior brake action. Its allow your foot to easily slide under the brake arm (not always the case with some other brands) and extends the leg out further for more comfort. Machined from 6061-T6 US grade material for both light weight and high strength. Oil impregnated bronze bushing minimizes maintenance and provides smooth operation. Continue reading ‘New Battistinis Wireframe Brake Arms For 2014 Harley-Davidson FLT Models’

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Florida’s Premier Vintage Motorcycle, Cafe Racer And Scooter Show. Is December 7, 2013.

Published by Cyril Huze November 21st, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

If you are not far from Central Florida on December 7th, I recommend this on-day event where past will meet present, Cafe Racers and Scooters will share the streets of Orlando and the bike show parking lot, where the Mods will pacifically meet the Rockers, with pin-ups on stage and live music to entertain the crowd.

The vintage Cafe Racers and Scooters Show will feature rare vintage motorcycles. The entry fee is only $10 and the first 50 selected entries will get premium parking and a free event shirt..Trophies will be awarded by Dime City Cycles. To be selected for the show, please visit and like their Facebook page and post a photograph of your bike.

The event is organized by Cafe-Moto, a society of cafe racer and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. It will be held December 7th, in Orlando, Milk District, Robinson Street, 1 pm to 9 pm. For additional information and keep up-to-date RSVP at their Facebook Event page.

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Harley-Davidson Offers 5 Reasons You Could Hate Yourself Next Spring

Published by Cyril Huze November 21st, 2013 in Editorial and Events.

Advice from Harley….If you want to ride in April, take care of storage chores today. It just snowed in Sturgis. This means the motorcycling season will soon be over in much of the country. If off-season motorcycle storage is inevitable in your neighborhood, the service gurus at Harley-Davidson® remind you to do the job right. Or simply park your baby in the corner, and leave it untouched behind the snowblower until you’re ready for your first ride next spring. And when everyone else is cruising, you will hate yourself, because:

1. You Didn’t Put Your Battery on a Smart Charger. Clean and inspect the battery and use a battery charger like the Harley-Davidson 750mA SuperSmart™ Battery Tender (P/N 66000038, $39.95) that incorporates a microprocessor to maintain the battery at full charge capacity during storage. Do not use steady-rate battery chargers because they may over- or under-charge a Harley-Davidson AGM battery.

Service tip: do not attempt to keep a motorcycle battery charged by starting and running the bike for a few minutes while it is in storage. These short run cycles leave the battery in a discharged condition, and susceptible to sulfation, a common cause of battery failure, and leave moisture and combustion acids in the engine that may have corrosive effects.

2. You Didn’t Change the Engine Oil. Dirty oil is like dirty underwear. It needs to be changed… Fuel and acids in dirty oil may accelerate engine corrosion during long-term storage. A fresh fill of Screamin’ Eagle® SYN3® Full Synthetic Lubricant or H-D® 360 Motorcycle Oil will help protect the engine, even when it isn’t running. If you choose to change your oil yourself, the Harley-Davidson Oil Change Accessory Kit (P/N 14900058, $59.95) includes a 10-quart Low Profile Oil Drain Pan, an Oil Absorbent Work Station Mat, an End Cap Oil Filter Wrench, and a Transmission/Crankcase Filler Funnel with an anti-burp design for smooth oil flow.

3. You Didn’t Stabilize the Fuel. Ethanol hates your Harley. So fill the tank with fresh gas and add a product like Ethanol Guard Fuel Stabilizer (P/N 91600001, $5.95) to protect the fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetor and injectors from long-term exposure to the adverse affects of ethanol-blended fuel. If the motorcycle has a carburetor, evacuate the fuel line and carburetor by letting the engine idle with fuel valve turned off until the engine quits. This prevents varnish deposits from accumulating inside the carburetor. Service tip: if a motorcycle is stored with the fuel tank less than full, moisture may collect in the tank and expose the bare metal interior to potential corrosion. A rusty fuel tank can cause lots of headaches down the road.

4. You Didn’t Wash Your Harley-Davidson. Dead bugs hate your Harley, too. Give the motorcycle a good scrub to remove road grime, dirt and insect remains that can attract moisture and cause corrosion during storage. The Harley®Bike Wash Kit (P/N 93600056, $49.95) and Detailing Kit (P/N 93600057, $49.95) each include products specifically formulated for use on a variety of motorcycle surfaces, including plastic, chrome and paint. Pay special attention to unfinished aluminum (like wheels and the fins of the engine) and chrome (especially mufflers) to minimize the onset of corrosion. Allow your motorcycle to dry completely before covering it for storage. Service tip: to maintain the original silky matte finish of Harley-Davidson Denim paint, always clean with Harley Davidson Denim Paint Cleaner (P/N 93600064, $8.95). This spray lifts away oils, fingerprints, dust, and cleans without buffing.

5. You Covered Your Harley with a Blue Tarp. Nice try. You know a motorcycle covered during storage will be protected from scratches, dust and dirt. But use a quality motorcycle cover like the Harley-Davidson Premium Indoor Motorcycle Cover (P/N 93100020, $159.95). Its breathable polyester fabric promotes air circulation to reduce moisture build-up and minimize corrosion during long term storage. Your blue tarp will trap moisture that promotes corrosion, and could also scratch the finish. Service tip: never store a motorcycle near agricultural fertilizers, swimming pool chemicals, salt for icy roads or water softeners, or any other chemicals that may emit caustic gases that greatly accelerate corrosion. Always check the owner’s manual for long-term storage procedures specific to each Harley-Davidson model. Or if you don’t want to deal with all this on your own, long-term storage prep is a service provided by most authorized Harley-Davidson dealers.

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