Hi, and welcome to December’s ezine,

As I ride out on the final weeks of the year, I’m reflecting on everything that’s been and gone in these last 12 months. 2009 has been an eventful year, but without a doubt, the Harley-Davidson® community has shown time and again that no matter what, nothing  keeps us from doing what we love – getting out on our bikes.
 
The busy summer season was crammed with rallies and events, some with record attendance numbers (what recession?), and all with the buzzing, inimitable atmosphere that is the signature of any event in the Harley-Davidson calendar. Once more, the summer reminded me how great it is to be a part of this international family. 
 
This year saw some thrilling developments, not least with the growth of our race-inspired XR1200. This model has been making headlines again in recent weeks as two riders working independently, both successfully performed a backflip on this model. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are being pushed to new limits time and again but this was the first time such a feat had been performed on a Harley-Davidson – and I’m still finding the video a little eye-watering to watch! 

Endurance and touring riders, on everyday as well as charity and Chapter rides, have benefited from the technologies employed in our FXRG functional gear.  As ever, you too can get all the support you need with our protective wear. Read on in this issue to find out how.
 
Now it’s time to start looking towards next year. Plans are already in place for some great events, both in the UK and Eire and, across Europe. If you’ve yet to discover the joys of riding abroad, make this the year you start.
 
For most of us, it’s nearly time to have a break.  Make sure you enjoy the upcoming holidays whatever you do. Relax with your friends and families, and keep your fingers crossed for a bright, fresh Boxing Day – there’s no better time for a festive ride. Have a very merry Christmas and a tremendous New Year. Ride safe, and have fun in 2010.

See you on the road,
 
Stuart

Click here to email us

For protective performance and a stunning style, get hold of our FXRG® gear. Whether you’ve got thousands of miles to cover or you’re just out for a Sunday trot, it’s the best jacket when you’re on your bike

The FXRG® Textile Jacket has been one of the most popular additions to the men’s 2009 MotorClothes® collection, and was recently chosen by Lord Charles Brocket for his grueling 9,500-mile journey across Europe and the Middle East. As well as being lightweight, wind and waterproof, the jacket’s innovative Airguard® fabric is abrasion- and tear-resistant – providing added peace of mind in extreme riding conditions.
 
Thanks to its multiple technologies, you’ll have a comfortable ride whatever the weather. It sports a waterproof material to keep the rain off, a fixed CoolMax® lining and wind and waterproof c_change™ membrane, which reacts to body temperature and moisture levels, to help keep your temperature on track too.
 
It’s versatile too. The jacket’s breathable Primaloft® liner offers superior warmth, along with a lightweight, water-repellent shell, and can be removed and worn separately. Other features include an interior pocket system, 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective piping for added visibility, large vertical front and back vents for body temperature regulation, removable CE-approved lightweight body armour and kidney belt, and an action back with pre-curved sleeves for a perfect fit.
 
"Having just ridden 10,000 miles circumnavigating the Mediterranean through torrential rain, freezing night temperatures and numerous sandstorms, I might as well have had my feet up in front of a blazing fire watching telly!” says Lord Brocket. “That’s how well the multi-layered FXRG® jacket insulates and protects. Small details such as pocket angles and rubberised large zip handles are the icing on the cake. Great product!"
 
The textile jacket is available in sizes from small to 5XL, along with tall versions in each size. As with the other products in the FXRG® range, it benefits from a five-year warranty, which reinforces Harley-Davidson’s confidence in the product’s performance capabilities.
 
Demonstrating its dependability yet further, the FXRG® Textile Jacket was also selected by participants of Newcastle Harley-Davidson’s highly ambitious Ride Aid – a 48-hour charity ride across the UK from Newcastle to Lands End via John O’Groats.
 
The Harley-Davidson® male and female FXRG® ranges include leathers, textiles, trousers and gloves and are available from all UK and Ireland Harley-Davidson dealerships. For further information about Harley-Davidson or to find your local stockist please click here or contact customer services on 0870 904 1450.

Find your nearest dealer now!

The world's first backflip on a Harley-Davidson has taken place – and it's got to be seen to be believed!

The first ever back flip on a Harley-Davidson has been claimed twice by two of the most talented FMX riders, following the successful attempts across two continents of Kain Saul and Chuck Carothers to back flip the road model Harley-Davidson XR1200™.

First to complete the stunt in Sydney, Australia, was defending Australasian Freestyle Motocross Champion, Kain Saul, who reached a height of over 40ft as he flipped the 250kg motorcycle. This success was followed less than 24 hours later by Chuck Carothers in Prague at the 10th Anniversary FMX Gladiator Games, this time on a “stock” Harley-Davidson® XR1200™ in front of a live, global television audience.

“Harley-Davidson would like to congratulate both Kain and Chuck on their spectacular achievement in becoming the first riders ever to back flip a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.” said Matthew Knott at Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd.  “These two riders embody the passion and boldness that characterises the Harley-Davidson brand and it’s testament to these qualities that they’ve both been able to realise this world-first stunt.”   

Watch the stunts themselves here:
Kain Saul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqgwo_WdyRo
 
Kain Saul Practice Into Foam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sc9zKil6BY
 
Chuck Caruthers in Prague
http://www.youtube.com/?v=vvivlJt0HTE

www.harley-davidson.co.uk

Available for a limited time only, the 2009 Holiday collection of MotorClothes® will bring style, shape and seriously good looks to your biking wardrobe

From functional riding gear to embellished tops to layer or wear when you’re off the road, this season’s styles from Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes are sure to strike a chord with you. Take a ride down to your dealership to treat yourself to a little Christmas present for you!

For Men
Dungeon 3-in-1 Leather Jacket

What a style. This jacket features a hoodie that can be zipped out in warmer weather, kept in for an extra layer, or just worn alone when you’re off the road. The jacket itself has timeless style, with a classic mandarin collar and touches like pre-curved sleeves and an action back for comfortable mobility while riding. With the print, appliqué and embroidered graphics, you can’t do much better if you’re looking for something eye-catching.



Slash Leather Jacket

It’s dark, it’s simple, it’s classic. This jacket has grey-on-black and black-on-black embroidered graphics – it’s a monotone majesty. It accommodates FXRG armour, and has an action back and curved sleeves. Its piping is reflective for visibility on the road, while the fleece lining will keep you toasty in cold weather.



Hooded Waffle Knit Pullover shirt and Zipper Front Hooded Sweatshirt

Squidgy for warmth and comfort, these two sweaters are a great addition for the winter. The waffle knit features printed graphics in black on the gunmetal cotton, while the zipper front has embroidered graphics. The kangaroo pockets on this style will keep your hands warm too. Great under your jacket, or just as another layer in your downtime, the warmth and comfort afforded by these two styles is not to be sniffed at.



For Women
Barchetta 3-in-1 Leather Jacket

Offering flexibility and customisability, our 3-in-1 jackets are a tremendous addition to your wardrobe. This, with red details on black is one of our most striking women’s pieces this season. With pockets for FXRG armour, you’ll be protected, while the mandarin collar, action back and snap tabs give you a comfortable close fit while riding. The appliqué and embroidered graphics create a stunning jacket, and one that you’ll enjoy on the road – and off – for many seasons yet to come.



Woven Shirt with Embellishment

The rich brick red of this shirt is offset beautifully by the embroidered and embellished graphics. The 100% cotton poplin will feel comfortable and of good quality, while the cut will flatter any shape.



Turtleneck with printed graphic

For top-to-toe warmth, this turtleneck is a great piece for your wardrobe. The printed graphics are embellished with studs, which look fantastic against the brick red cotton.

Get down to your local dealership to see what’s in stock and pick up some great new items

Want to explore some of the most beautiful riding in the UK and improve your motorcycling skills at the same time? Join Hadrian V-Twin Tours for the wonderful Dragon’s Edge tour this May

Combining incredible riding, jaw-dropping scenery and a day at Rider’s Edge to perfect your riding skills, this tour, taking place May 21-24, 2010, will be about as much fun as you can have on two wheels in the UK. Even better, the Rider’s Edge training will give pillion passengers the chance to try riding up-front with some special training just for them! While the run down to Wales begins in Newcastle upon Tyne, the tour offers pick-up points along the way so that, wherever you are, you can join the ride to Dragon’s Edge.
 
These pick-up points include Woodall Services on the M1, Hopwood Park on the M42 close to Birmingham, and Stensham Services on the M5. Then, the weekend of riding can really begin, and is planned to run a little something like this…
 
Day 1  
Meet at appropriate pick-up point for the ride to Wales. We’ll leave the M5 motorway, passing through Hereford then on towards Builth Wells. After checking in to our comfortable hotel, you can have a swim in the pool or a massage in the spa while you anticipate the special riding days we have in store for you.
Distance covered: Max 327 miles – dependent on where you join the ride!
 
Day 2  
After breakfast, we’re off to Rider’s Edge for an exciting day! Whether you’re relatively new to biking, or have been riding for years, there’s always something valuable to be gained from the experts here. Practical tuition will include slow riding techniques, emergency braking and group riding procedures.
If you’re a pillion rider, have you ever fancied riding a bike yourself? You’ll have the opportunity to try on a 125cc motorcycle, then perhaps a 500cc, progressing to a Harley-Davidson® Sportster, all under expert supervision of course, and on private training roads. This could be the beginning of something beautiful! After lunch, we’ll take a guided ride around some of the best biking roads in the area, putting all your newly learned skills into practice! Distance covered: around 50 miles
 
Day 3  
Today’s ride will take us through the beautiful Welsh valleys and scenic mountain roads of Snowdonia National Park, arriving back at our hotel in plenty of time to enjoy the facilities before relaxing with a delicious three-course evening meal.
Distance covered: 165 miles
 
Day 4  
Enjoy your final Welsh breakfast of this tour, before saying your goodbyes and heading back home. Enjoy the return journey, with your new-found confidence, feeling somewhat wiser for your experiences in Builth Wells and beautiful Wales.
 
Prices:
Rider sharing a room                               £479
Rider & pillion sharing                             £920
Rider, single room                                  £539
 
Includes:
3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.
1 full day tuition and riding experience at Rider’s Edge for rider and pillion, including buffet lunch.

For more information and to book, click here!

If you love motorcycles, you’ve got to be at the MCN Motorcycle Show in February. We’ll be there, and we hope you will be too!

The biggest bike show in London and the south east, the MCN Motorcycle Show is definitely a date for your diary. Running from February 4-7, 2010, it’ll be packed with some amazing motorcycles. You’ll be able to see the world’s top manufacturers, and we’ll be there, showing off the best of our models for you to explore.
 
The Live Action arena will feature a stage with celebrity interviews, and will function as the centre of the action for things like competitions, presentations and announcements.
 
Speaking of competitions, the Classic Bike of the Year will be running as ever. This year, it’s interactive, so you can vote for your favourite and influence the final decision. There will also be the results from the ever-popular MCN Babe of the Year competition, although sadly it seems the organisers have yet to arrange a Biker Boy of the Year competition to run alongside!
 
And, of course, you can get all your bike shopping done for the year. With products from the world’s best motorcycle retailers, and the unveiling of some new products too, plus the opportunity to try before you buy, you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
 
Most importantly, of course, is our stand – come see us at stand N540. Meet the Harley-Davidson team and see our bikes, alongside some interactive features. It’ll be great to see you there.
 

Click here to find out more and book your tickets!

You may be surprised how easily a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle can be adapted if you’ve got a restricted licence. Your dream Harley-Davidson could yet be within your grasp!

Riders on restricted licenses can now enjoy riding a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle for less than you may have thought. Restrictor kits are available for less than £50 fitted, which restrict the kits to 33bhp. This affects those riders with licence category A or A*.
 
And this may not affect your ride as much as you think. Allan Brownridge, Brand Manager for Parts, Accessories and General Merchandise, comments: “With the amount of torque that our engines produce, the effect of the restriction is hardly noticeable on the road – try it and be convinced!”
 
Head down to your dealership to talk through your options and see what can be done to get you on the road. Our expert staff will be able to advise you on the motorcycles, parts and accessories to bring your biking dreams to life!

Click here to locate your nearest dealership

Filling a gap in the motorcycling calendar, the Alexandra Palace is to host the brand new Ace Cafe London Motorcycle and Custom Show, February 26-28

Those observers of the comings and goings on the motorcycle events circuit will be aware that it was recently announced that Ace Cafe London is to head up the old Ally Pally Motorcycle Show and with it will bring a brand new Custom Show. Now known as The Ace Cafe London Motorcycle and Custom Show, the event joins as an affiliate to the AMD World Custom Build Championships competition, which concludes with finals held at Sturgis.
 
This finally delivers a stable and ongoing event for the many custom enthusiasts in the UK who have been frustrated by its absence following several abortive attempts to run one during the last few years. The news has also come as music to the ears of the motorcycling community in general who are looking for something new and exciting from event organisers.   
 
Harley-Davidson UK has confirmed that it is to back the London Ace Cafe show with sponsorship of the prestigious ‘Modified Harley-Davidson’ class, with Zodiac International already confirmed as sponsor of the 'FreeStyle' class. Harley-Davidson's involvement comes as an extension of their international backing for The Official World Championship program.
 
H-D® has agreed to put up a contingency prize of £5,000 of Official Harley-Davidson parts, accessory and merchandise credit, £3,000 of which will go to the class winner.
 
On behalf of Harley-Davidson in the UK, Parts, Accessories and General Merchandise Brand Manager Allan Brownridge said: "It is good to see that the UK is to get the kind of custom event that the market has needed, and with it being a part of the World Championship Affiliate program we here at Harley are pleased to be able to add our name and backing to the event.
 
"Shows like this can only be good for the mission that everybody shares of spreading the custom message to the widest possible audience, and as the premier supplier of customisation products for our own motorcycles we see this as a valuable opportunity to encourage and promote the values of personalisation and creativity that are at the heart of everything we do, and of custom motorcycling itself."
 
The entry-form for the Ace Cafe London Custom Show went live in early December, with additional classes including Metric/Streetfighter styling, 'Brit Bikes', and custom scooters.
 
Internationally renowned custom bike builder Russ Mitchell is confirmed as the Custom Bike Show Grand Marshall, with judging oversight, leading a team of Custom build experts. The organisers are particularly keen to encourage H.O.G.® members along to the show and are working together with Harley-Davidson to put together an exclusive H.O.G. package, which will include a special admission deal and voucher offers and goodies from the Ace Cafe.

More details regarding this will be available shortly, so keep an eye out for future editions of the H.O.G. UK emag to find out more. If you are a H.O.G. member in the UK and Eire and you don’t receive the monthly eMag, click here to create a profile and register your address. See you in February!

www.ace-cafe-london.com

There's just six shopping days left till Christmas, so make sure you've got all your presents in! If you're stuck for a gift, head down to your dealership for just the right gift

Our dealerships, as always, are packed with fantastic gifts for the Harley-Davidson® enthusiast. With clothing, accessories and collectibles available for riders of all kinds, you're sure to find just the right thing - even for that person you always struggle to buy for.

For him:

If all else fails: pants. Our Knit Boxer in a Can makes a great stocking filler. The printed graphics on the left leg show you're bad to the bone. Or bad to the bum, at least.




Keep your key safe and to hand with this retractable Skull Key Reel, featuring a sharp graphic with genuine leather.




Keep the cold off your ears with this Vintage Aviator Style Cap. Leather with rabbit fur trim, it also features embroidered graphics on the back.



For her:

The chunky knit of the Medallion Knit Hat and Scarf will keep any woman cosy, while the Bar and Shield logo add a cute H-D® twist.




You can't go wrong with jewellery. Keep it sparkly with this Chain Bracelet and Bar and Shield Earrings.





If, underneath it all, she'a  a Harley-Davidson woman, get her this gorgeous Cami and Boyshort set. Made from cotton with a 5% spandex jersey. Both feature a lace and ribbon trim, while the vest is embellished with satin straps. Printed graphics finish this beautiful set.

For these and many, many more gift ideas, visit your dealership. Click here to find your nearest!