What Made Harley Davidson a Household Name?

When you hear the words ”Harley Davidson”, the image of tough men in big bikes would most likely to come to mind. Harley Davidson motorcycles have been celebrated as a symbol of masculinity for over a century. You have probably considered getting one from a dealership, too. But what makes these motorcycles so beloved?

 

• The First There Was: Arthur Davidson and William Harley were the creators of the widely popular motorcycle brand. They were among the first to manufacture a motorized bicycle consisting of an engine fitted on a bicycle frame. The two continued to refine their invention, culminating into the first iteration of all their company’s subsequent motorcycles.

The “VIN” Code: Learn the meanings behind numbers

Most buyers of previously-owned vehicles are guilty of committing two mistakes – not knowing the vehicle, and ignorance of where and what it has gone through. Vintage vehicles like a Harley Davidson chopper is one of the favorite gems that customers go after. Who wouldn’t want to don a James Dean with that kind of ride, right? Many, however, have been victims of purchasing stolen vehicles, and more often than not, cases like this lead to accidents or even legal issues.

The VIN, or the vehicle identification number, is a special 17-character code that can be found on every vehicle in the United States. It is essential to keep track of ownership, to avoid getting a product of theft. Insurance experts disclosed that you can actually translate those 17 characters to helpful information for car insurance. The characters basically tell you where the car was made, which manufacturer made it, its model, the details about its parts, and if it’s valid to the formula of the Department of Transportation.

Once you learn to decode your VIN, you will be foolproof in buying stolen and seemingly suspicious used cars. More so, for every vehicle owner, knowing your VIN protects you and your vehicle from theft and delinquency. Be on the fast lane, and get away with it by being safe!

Inspection Checklist for Buying Used Motorcycles

Buying a used bike can make for a lot more savings than getting a brand new one, but this affordability does not necessarily come without a catch. For one, you should have the motorcycle inspected for any possible damage or faults due to the way the previous owner used it. Here are some of the items and parts you should have checked:

The Frame

Since you can check this even without handling the bike first, make frame inspection a top priority. Note that the slightest dent or damage in the frame could already qualify it for a salvage title. If there are parts or accessories put in place to seemingly hide any dents or chips in the surface, have them removed to reveal any hidden signs of damage.

Tire Tread

The depth of the tire’s tread speaks volumes about how often the bike was used by its previous owner, but it also determines how safe you’ll be on the road. To check on this, simply put a quarter inside the tread; if it goes below the head on the coin, then it might have insufficient tire tread, thereby requiring a replacement.

Battery Leads

If you want to know how long a bike has been sitting idle, check the battery leads. You may need to lift up the seat to visualize the battery. If it’s clean and doesn’t show signs of corrosion, it probably hasn’t been left unattended for a long time–a good sign.