How Motorcycle Helmets Have Improved to Save Lives

The history of the motorcycle helmet can be dated as far back as 1885, when the first helmets were introduced. These helmets were very crude in comparison with the modern motorcycle helmets that are now available. They consisted of a leather cap that was lined with a material based from plants called pith. With time, these helmets became obsolete due to the fact that they did not offer much protection once motorcycles began to become more powerful.

Starting in 1931, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles began to run races that caused the number of deaths during motorcycle accidents to dramatically increase. It was during this time that Professor C.F. Lombard began to develop a helmet that could withstand the impact of a crash. This helmet was created with the absorption of the crash in mind. A comfortable layer was cushioned by an outer layer that absorbed shock waves but was also able to distribute them evenly to prevent fatalities.

By 1953, Lombard received a patent for this helmet and started the frontier of modern motorcycle helmets. Once the standard helmet had been created, many other motorcycle helmet distributors began to follow the design that was first created by Lombard.

Motorcycles helmets have been improved using high-absorption sponges and advanced plastics to protect a rider. They are typically constructed of expanded polystyrene foam and an outer shell that will protect the skull. Visors are made of Lexan glass to improve the chances of any type of penetration by sharp objects. The ultimate function of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the skull from an type of punctures and to provide a cushion that will de-accelerate a rider's head during impact. This will lead to a decrease in force that is placed on the skull of a rider.

In today's modern world, there are five different types of helmets that offer varying levels of protection. These helmets are strapped to the head using a chin strap and are effective in keeping the helmet in place during an accident. The full-face model is able to protect the full head of a rider and is considered one of the most adequate helmets for riding. It features a visor and chin protector that will protect a rider's head completely.
An off-road model has a design that is quite similar to the full-face helmet. However, this model of motorcycle helmet does not offer a visor to allow for better vision during rides. A modular helmet, also known as a 'flip-up', is the next best model in terms of protection. The chin component of the helmet can flip up and gives the freedom of being able to talk, eat, or drink and still allow the helmet to stay on. During rides, the chin protector is flipped down to offer maximum protection.

A three-quarter motorcycle helmet does not offer the same amount of protection that is mentioned in the previous models. It offers substantial protection for the back of the skull but is open in the front and will not protect a rider's chin or face during a crash. A half-helmet, also known as a 'partial coverage helmet' features minimal protection and only will keep the top of a rider's head safe. This model is often used to cover riders legally and is not a safe helmet.

During accidents, one of the most frequent traumas occurs in the face and brain. The half-helmet and the three-quarter helmet are not recommended for riders who may sustain more serious injuries. Currently, the Department of Transportation is conducting extensive testing to help improve the likelihood for survival during a motorcycle accident. This government agency uses extensive computer systems with crash-test dummies to dramatically reduce the amount of fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents. With time, these tests will only further increase the safety of motorcyclists and help pave the way for safer riding.

How Harley Davidson Became Number One

Whether a biker or casual observer everyone knows about Harley Davidson motorcycles, Harleys, and the hogs. Today it is the best known and the most popular heavyweight (over 750 cc) bikes designed for highway cruising. During the late 1990s and early years of the 21st century, in their products' period of peak demand, Harley Davidson expanded the number of dealerships because dealers typically had waiting lists for some most popular models that extended up to a year. Although demand has softened in the current economic climate, on September 14, 2010 Harley Davidson announced it would maintain production in Wisconsin where it all began over a century ago. Moreover, motorcycle owners continue to maintain a community that keeps loyal to the brand name through club activities and nationwide events. Founded by William S.Harley and brothers Arthur's and Walter Davidson during the early years of the 20th century in Milwaukee, WI the company's first products introduced in 1905 were mounted with 26.84 cubic inches (440 cc) engines single-cylinder engines. In February 1907, at the Chicago Automobile Show the company introduced a prototype motorcycle with a 45-degree V-Twin engine giving about double the power of the single-cylinder model. The V-Twins had a displacement of 53.7 cubic inches (880 cc) providing about 7 hp (5.2 kW) and a maximum speed of.60 mph (100 km/h). Production in 1908 reached 450 motorcycles and in 1909 rose to 1,149 machines. Harleys' saw use by the army in the Border Campaign against Pancho Villa from 1916-17. Consequently, upon entrance of the United States into World War I and the Army's demand motorcycles. Harley Davidson was chosen to provide about 15,000 machines during the war. By 1920, Harley Davidson had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The most popular model was powered by a 1,000 cc V-Twin intake/inlet over exhaust (IOE), also known as F-head, configuration used in early four-stroke engines. This engine was produced from 1914-1929. A larger 1,200 cc (IOE) version was introduced in 1922 and produced until 1929. In 1929, Harley Davidson introduced its 45 cubic inches (737 cc) flathead V-Twin just in time for The Great Depression a few months later and despite this improved engine Their sales also crashed, dropping from a 1929 high of 21,000 to a low of 3,703 in 1933. Harley Davidson was in of two motorcycle producers that managed to survive the Great Depression. Before World War II, Harley was providing a military version of the 45 cubic inches (740 cc) W line, called the WLA. During WWII, along with most other manufacturing enterprises, the company shifted to war work eventually producing over 90,000 WLA and Canadian WLC motorcycles for the US Army and allies. After the war, consumer production was resumed and they produced a range of classic large V Twin motorcycles for private buyers. The classic engines are two-cylinder, V-twin engines with the pistons mounted in a 45 degree "V". This 45 degree angle is patented and represents an engineering tradeoff that allows a large, high-torque engine in a relatively small space. A continuous ignition system for both cylinders causes them to fire at uneven intervals and produces the Harley's distinctive "potato-potato" sound. Examples: · Flathead: 1930-1948, 74 cubic inch (1,200 cc) and 1935-1941 (1,300 cc). · Knucklehead: 1936-1947, 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc), and 1941-1947, 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc) · Panhead: 1948-1965, 61 cubic inch (1,000 cc), and 1948-1965, 74 cubic inches (1,200 c · Shovelhead: 1966-1984, 74 cubic inch (1,200 cc) and 80 cubic inch (1,345 cc) since late 1978 American Machinery and Foundry (AMF) bought the company and name in 1969 and near disaster ensued. AMF streamlined production resulting in still expensive bikes that were deemed by the consumer as inferior to Japanese imports. Moreover AMC slashed the workforce resulting in strikes and lower quality. Declining sales nearly forced the company to go bankrupt. Fortunately, AMF sold the company to Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson and a group of investors in 1981. By 1990, with the introduction of the F (Fat Boy) Series, Harley Davidson was once again the leader in the over 750 cc (heavyweight) market.

How to Preserve Your Harley Davidson

Owning a Harley Davidson Motorcycle is generally a prized possession and if not when it is first brought home, it soon will be in that category. If the first Harley owned by anyone is a new one, that owner cannot help noticing and admiring the beauty of the bike, such as the wheels and the whole machine and how it sparkles and shines. An older bike that has been well cared for, like washing it carefully and polishing when necessary, will look like a prize.

Your motorcycle must be kept clean and washing it routinely whenever it gets dirty and dusty are paramount care. As the owner gets ready to wash his Harley, all jewelry such as rings, watches and any other ornaments that might scratch the bike as it is cleaned must be removed. Motorcycle jackets with metal buckles or zippers can be especially damaging to paint also.

A bike that is caked with mud should be rinsed before washing, as using a sponge on painted surfaces may scratch it. If the owner has just returned from a long ride, he should let the Harley cool down before the wash is begun. Be sure the bike is cool to the touch.

Use a special wash that has water softeners so it can be used in direct sunlight. Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom giving special attention to nooks and crannies. While rinsing, cleaner may splatter from one part of the bike to another, so it is advised to go back and give the entire bike a misting. When drying the bike, watch for areas where water may puddle.

Cleaning your wheels is another issue. Pay attention to the galvanic corrosion, where in the course of normal use, particles from the brakes make dust that may create galvanic corrosion and cause small dents on your wheels.

If water reacts by beading into small droplets, the Harley does not need to be polished. If the water sheets or runs in oblong droplets, it may be time for polishing. There is a special polish and sealant to deal with small flaws in the finish, slight scratches, dull areas and stains. If you polish, use a soft cloth and a special mild polish and be sure to let the bike sit in the shade for several hours after cleaning and polishing.
Caring for the chrome on your Harley Davidson is another thing to think about. Chrome refers to chromium which is an element and has the atomic number 24. When something is called chrome, it is not actually made of chromium, but it has a thin layer of chromium applied by a process called electroplating. There are two kinds of electro plating with chromium; Hard plating and nickel plating. Nickel plating is the only one that is used on items that are meant to shine. Chrome is extremely shiny and that is why it is used to add artistic beauty to the Harley.

The chrome that beautifies your Harley must be cleaned and polished routinely. If it is not cared for on a regular basis, the shine will soon be gone. Also, since it is only a thin coat of chromium on a specific part, a scratch is almost permanent. There are many good chrome cleaners out there and the best do not have a lot of abrasives in them that can scratch the chrome on your motorcycle. These cleaners and polishers may be expensive compared to other ones that may damage the chrome, but they are well worth the cost. Chrome exhaust is a specific thing that needs some extra care. The exhaust heats up and that can make it turn blue. To avoid this, if the exhaust is new, it should be burned in gradually, which is turning the bike on and letting the exhaust heat up for a short time and then turn it down again to cool. This should be done several times before running the bike for longer periods.

A Wild Ride: Harley Davidson

For millions of people worldwide, nothing beats the feeling of the wind in their as they hit the open road on a motorcycle. Whether it's the rumble of a Harley or the speed of a Ninja, motorcycles are everywhere.

The history of the motorcycle is similar to that of the automobile, in the sense that no one person is responsible for its invention. Sylvester Howard Roper invented early versions of both the car and motorcycle, however they were steam powered and aren't considered true representations of what we have today.

It was a pair of German inventors, Gottleib Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, who first came up with the idea to attach a gas powered motor to a wooden bicycle in 1885. Daimler later teamed up with engineer Nicolaus Otto. Otto developed a four stroke internal combustion engine, which Daimler used to create a prototype of a current motorcycle. Daimler, who was more interested in the motor rather than the motorcycle, went on to work on automobiles.

The late 1880's till the early 1900's saw numerous inventors make modifications to the motorcycle. In 1895 the first motorcycle made its way to the United States. It topped out at 40 miles per hour and weighed nearly two hundred pounds. 1895 was a watershed year, as American E.J. Pennington unveiled a cycle of his own, which he claimed could reach speeds of almost sixty miles an hour. He is also credited with coining the term "motorcycle".

The turn of the century saw the formation of some of the biggest motorcycle producing companies, including Triumph, Indian, and Harley Davidson. By 1911 the police were using motorcycles for patrols. The twenties and thirties saw no less than eighty companies producing motorcycles.

World War Two led to extensive use of the motorcycle by all the countries involved. This led to many returning veterans wanting motorcycles when they returned. A rash of motorcycle movies also helped to fuel interest in cycles.

The sixties and seventies saw the rise and then domination of Japanese manufacturers, like Honda and Suzuki. Harley Davidson, among others, suffered steep declines in sales. However, Harley sales rebounded in the eighties, and brisk sales continue today.

Once thought of as typically male, motorcycles have become increasingly popular among women. Motorcycle gangs have turned into motorcycle clubs, including everything from Christian groups to groups raising money for charities. The future of cycling is a bright one.

Harley Motorcycle Engines are Unique

Whether it be powering a police bike, a fully-dressed touring machine or a raked chopper with a springer front end, the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine is a mechanical marvel that is quite unique. Presented here is an article which offers several reasons why the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine is so unique.

Appearance

One of the first and foremost factors that makes the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine unique is its appearance, or design. Although some smaller-sized models have been produced by Harley Davidson through the years, most of their cycles, including the engines are quite large in size.

Several different types of engines have powered Harleys through the decades. In Harley's early years, most of the engines were known as F-heads and Flatheads, these were followed by Knuckleheads, then Panheads, onto Shovelheads, then Evolution and Twin Cam engines.

The names of the different styles of Harley Davidson engines are largely based upon the design of the various engines' cylinder heads and valve covers. The flathead engine features flat, vented cylinder heads, the knucklehead engine includes valve covers that look like knuckles, the panhead engine features cylinder heads and valve covers that resemble pans and the shovelhead engine features cylinder heads that look like shovels.

The Evolution engines that power motorcycles made from the mid-1980's through 1999 feature more square-shaped cylinder heads and valve covers, while the modern twin cam and Revolution engines feature radical design improvements on the basic V-Twin engine.

In recent years, many other motorcycle manufacturers have begun producing bikes that at first glance, could be mistaken for Harley Davidson. These motorcycles feature fatbob-style gas tanks, wide front ends, low frames and V-Twin engines. Upon closer inspection however, one can see that the pseudo-Harley engines do not look as solid and workhorse-like as real Harley engines.

Sound

Another factor that makes the Harley Davidson engine unique is its distinctive sound. Often described as throaty, the sound of a Harley engine is unmistakable. The deep, rumbling and muscular sound produced by their engines is one of the features that makes some people want to buy these motorcycles. Some riders like to accentuate the sound of their bike by installing custom exhaust systems. These exhaust systems usually alter the sound made by their engines, with some increasing the volume of the engine noise and others adding a different tone to the engine sound.

The sounds that are produced by the other brands of motorcycles that resemble Harley Davidson do not possess the same powerful rumble that they are known for.

Engineering

Harley engines maintain a well-deserved reputation as being some of the best-designed and engineered motorcycle engines made anywhere. These engines are designed to last and all of the parts, or components are high quality, precision-made parts.

Tradition/Quality

As with every facet of the experience, the engines on these motorcycles are legendary and steeped in tradition. With many decades of experience in producing some of the world's most respected motorcycles, Harley consistently strives to produce technologically-advanced engines that remain true to the tradition that these machines have built over the years.

Some people are so fond of their engines, that they get images of them tattooed on their bodies. Rock bands are even named after specific Harley engines.

Image/Sexiness

Through the years, Harley Davidson motorcycles have garnered an image that promotes rugged individualism and American freedom. Movies, television programs and popular music have promoted the image of these motorcycles as being macho and sexy in nature. All over the world, this image is celebrated and upheld and the sound of their motorcycle engines can be heard in communities of all sizes.

Why You Should Choose Harley Davidson When Buying A Motorcycle

Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the most exciting and fun bikes to ride. There are several excellent reasons to consider purchasing a Harley, and knowing what they are can help you in the buying process.

Prestigious and Legendary Reputation
Harley Davidson has been making motorcycles for a very long time. The bikes they manufacture are made to the highest mechanical specifications possible. This makes them perform extremely well and also makes them extremely durable with very little maintenance required. Some models are quite expensive, but you get what you pay for and they are considered by most motorcycle experts as the cream of the crop for both beginning and experienced riders. Plus, owning one can give you a sense of status, affluence and prestige.

Stylish Looks
These motorcycles are some of the best designed bikes in the entire world. With a variety of paint schemes and chrome, aluminum and silver polishes available, they're stunning machines to look at. Few other brands of motorcycles can compare to the sumptuous elegance that looking at one of these motorcycles evokes. They were designed by the most creative and highly skilled motorcycle designers in the world and this visual appeal has been going on for decades ever since they first came out.

Great Selection
Harleys have among the widest selection of models available in the entire motorcycle industry. From a Sportster to a Fatboy to a Softtail, you can choose one in whatever direction your heart and emotions take you. They have models that have phenomenal performance for veteran riders, ones that are among the heaviest of all bikes, some that are the longest models you can possibly by, and they even have superb starter motorcycles for newcomers to motorcycle riding.
This vast selection is one of the main reasons Harley Davidson has become so popular over the many decades the company has been in business. They also have a wide range of price points and features such as dual seats, saddle bag options, and custom designed windshields. When you walk into a Harley dealership, it's very easy to simply be overwhelmed at the massive selection opportunities available.

Great on Gas
Last but not least, many individuals purchase Harley Davidson motorcycles because despite their reputation for fantastic power and styling, they obtain excellent gas mileage at the pump. This is due to the fact that their engines are all precision engineered to be able to extract the most power and performance from the least amount of gas. With gas prices rising, this will continue to play a significant part on Harley Davidson continued popularity among its loyal devotees.

What You Need to Know About Buying A Motorcycle

Purchasing a motorcycle can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But there are certain proven aspects to learn about before taking the plunge.

Used or New

Whether it's your first motorcycle or your fifth, you have to decide whether you want a brand new one or a preowned model. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. New ones cost more but they'll be in perfect condition when you take them off the dealer's lot. Used ones can also be in good shape, but they can have high mileage and that can make them prone to requiring at least some service and repair work which can be expensive. They also usually won't perform as well as new ones.

Price

You need to set a limit on how much you can spend on a bike. You don't want to go over what you can afford because this will affect your other financial obligations. Research the market concerning motorcycle prices and then find the average price for the make and model you're interested in. Then go to the dealer or private party and stick to that maximum price to ease any financial strain paying more could cause.

Power

For newer riders, they shouldn't purchase a motorcycle that has more than 600cc of engine power. Large, strong engines can be dangerous to drive for beginners and can cause lots of accidents. But for veteran riders, they can more easily handle higher power motorcycles and they may even prefer them if they enjoy the performance aspects of a motorcycle more than any other factor. The more power of the bike, the more it's usually going to cost and the heavier it will also be, which can cause difficult issues with balancing the bike for newer riders.

Safety Riding Course

When considering buying a motorcycle, it's wise to take a safety riding course to learn the basics about handling the bike most effectively. These courses are not that expensive and are often available at community colleges or at various trade and technical schools on the weekends or during summer breaks,. They can greatly help inspire confidence with a motorcycle rider as he learns all the ins and outs of how to operate his bike.

Equipment

It's essential that you purchase the right equipment and accessories when buying a motorcycle. These include a safe, quality helmet, driving gloves, sturdy boots, and a rugged riding jacket with long sleeves that can protect you in case of falls on the road. A nice pair of sunglasses to wear under the helmet visor is also desirable to help block out the harsh rays of sun of particularly bright days.

Wildcat Harley-Davidson in London, KY has been serving  Lexington, Williamsburg, Hazard, Richmond, Berea and Somerset since 2009. Featuring the largest Harley motorcycles showroom in the State of Kentucky.

History of Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson is a name that most everyone knows.  They are an American manufacturer that holds high esteem in pop-culture, and as a manufacturer of motorcycles, they have one of the longest histories of any American company that is still in business today.  Here is a little about the history of the Company.

William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson were childhood friends that grew up to become the founders of Harley Davidson.  In 1901 William designed plans for their first motor engine which his friend Arthur helped him to build.  This modest engine was able to work with a simple bicycle frame and they finished the project in 1903.  Unfortunately there were a number of hills in Milwaukee, Michigan and the engine was not able to push a rider up many of the hills.  Luckily the two did not give up, and their experiment laid the ground work for their future in the motorcycle industry.  

In 1904 they completed the first true Harley Davidson motorcycle.  For this motorcycle they changed the design, and introduced a much larger engine, one that was 24.7 cubic inches in size.  This engine was better able to propel the vehicle with the force and speed that was needed to push a rider up hill.  They also changed the design of the frame making it a bulkier loop design.  Unlike the previous motor powered pedal bicycle, this one had a large enough frame and engine to classify it as the first Harley motorcycle.

The partnership between the two friends blossomed into a successful business.  They first placed advertisements in an automobile and bicycle trade journal where they advertised Harley Davidson engines for sale.  A short 3 months later and they were selling completed motorcycles. 

These first motorcycles were limited to a small number of models, and they were being constructed in a shed owned by Arthur Davidson.  The need for more space and engineering led to the opening of the company’s first motorcycle factory in 1906.  The first factory was located on Chesnut Street in Milwaukee, Michigan.  The factory produced only 50 motorcycles a year in the early years. 

While the company began small, it became an automotive giant very quickly.  Business began to boom when the US military contracted Harley Davidson to construct motorcycles for use in World War I.   By the year 1920, the company had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. 

Over the years they expanded exponentially with government contracts during World War II and consumer models which were sold in the United States and all over the world.  Today, less than 100 years later, Harley Davidson is a public company with an operating income of over 70 billion dollars a year!

The two friends Arthur Davidson and William S. Harley probably never dreamed that their first prototype would lead them so far.  They have gone on to become one of the most famous U.S. manufacturers in automotive history.

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson proudly serves East Tennnessee with locations in Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, US-129 The Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. We are the number one Harley-Davidson dealer in  Knoxville and Sevierville areas.