When we say used Harley-Davidson part, we mean part that has been installed and has served some time on other Harley-Davidson. Now, here’s the question: “Is it okay to use used Harley-Davidson parts?”

To lay the answers clearly, here are the pros and cons of buying used Harley-Davidson parts.

Pros

Cheap – It is always certain that when we buy anything that is used, the price is always cheaper than the brand new one. The case of used Harley-Davidson part is no different. They are a lot cheaper than buying brand new parts. And considering that new Harley-Davidson parts are expensive, used ones are best buys.

Warranty – No store that aims to maintain long business would sell defective parts without providing warranty. Since used Harley-Davidson parts can have malfunction or would not work at all, these store would tend to give their costumers the assurance that they would get their money’s worth through the said warranty.

Sites – There are numerous online and offline stores that offer used Harley-Davidson parts. All you have to do is to visit one of them and see what you are looking for.

Inventory – There are sites that offer thousands of available used Harley-Davidson part. All you have to do is to search for a particular part you need and you will certainly get at least one.

Availability of rare parts – If you will going to check on the different sites that offer used Harley-Davidson parts, you would notice that you can get some parts that are no longer manufactured. This means, if you have a 1956 Harley and are looking for a particular part of that same year and model, used Harley-Davidson part store is the best place to go.

Cons

Questionable quality – Since used parts have already run on other Harley-Davidson, deterioration on the part especially the moving parts have occurred. As a result, the quality of the parts can be questionable. But, this would not go for all. Most parts are still in great condition. As was said, no store that aims to maintain long business would sell defective parts without providing warranty. So, if you want to make sure that you can use the money you spend, ask for warranties.

In 1901, the 21 year-old William S. Harley had created the blueprint of an engine that was designed to fit in a conventional bicycle. Two years later, William together with his friend Arthur Davidson started and developed a one-cylinder engine that was installed on a conventional bicycle during that time. However, this motorized-bicycle was proved to be incapable of climbing through the Milwaukee hills without pedal assistance. Harley and Davidson developed further their motor after that experience.

Immediately, they have created a bigger engine (405 cc or 24.74 cubic inches) that was become the very first and real Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Meanwhile, the first Harley-Davidson factory was in a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed. The two friends were helped by Arthur’s older brother Walter.

After a year, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle entered its very first motorcycle race at Milwaukee.

The first years came in so quickly for the company that after 3 years, Harley-Davidson motorcycle production was transferred at Chestnut Street (that was later become Juneau Avenue). This is still the Harley-Davidson headquarters up to this time.

In 1907, William received a degree in mechanical engineering at University of Wisconsin. This helped them to development of better Harley-Davidson engines in the future. The same year also provided them a much needed factory expansion for the growing motorcycle demands. The year 1907 introduced the 45-degree V-Twin engine which has become the sole Harley-Davidson engine for a very long time.

Over the years, the company has gained so much popularity that was converted into sales output. During the First World War, Harley-Davidson was commissioned to provide more than 20,000 units for military use. The story of the Second World was the same for the company. They produced thousand upon thousands of motorcycle.

Before the entry of the 70’s, AMF or the American Machinery and Foundry bought Harley-Davidson. Policies had changed that resulted to labor strike and substandard bikes. The popularity and reputation of the company was severely damaged.

In the 80’s, it was sold to a group of investors headed by Willie G. Davidson and Vaughn Beals. The provided innovations such as the introduction of the “Sturgis”. The costumers began to return and the company had seen clearer promise.

Since then, the popularity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was unquestionable. They regained their leadership in motorcycle industry as they create a unique line of motorcycles, different from the conventional Japan made. Now, after more than a hundred years of existence, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have become an attraction in every road around the world.

The beginning of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903 was very impressive. The founders, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson, began at a prototype with a small engine- so weak that it cannot conquer the Milwaukee hills. But, all things must have started from small beginnings. And that was exactly what happened to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Schoolboys, as they can be considered, Bill and Arthur may have been born to give contribution to the motor industry.

The concept of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was very advanced at that time considering that fact that these two individuals were living in the period where horses were still the main form of transportation and automobiles were still developing. Bill and Arthur lived in an era where motorcycles were still in infant stage. What was more surprising was that, Bill and Arthur were still too young to be founders of a company then.

The prototype may be considered a success but could not produce more power to be efficient in hills. As resourceful as they were, Bill and Arthur made stronger engines that produced more power and speed.

That very same year, Harley-Davidson made its very first sale. Two years later they had made 11 motorcycles. And in 1908, they had made 154.

As the years went by, the company had produced and sold more and more units. Harley-Davidson, which started at a small backyard of a modest home, grew to become a motorcycle empire in a very short span of time.

Innovations after innovations and awards after awards, Harley-Davidson Motors had increased its reputation as the leader in the motorcycle industry.

Harley-Davidson was one of the 2 motor companies that had been commissioned to mass-produce motorcycles for the government to be used for First World War and the Second World War as well.

Within the 100 years of the company’s existence, they had been challenged with so many trials.

The company’s sale went off in some periods but they regained on the next. The company’s quality had been compromised but they had regained it. And like the toughness of the motorcycles they built, the company had remained tough.

After more than a century of motorcycle manufacturing, Harley-Davidson is among the most sought after motorcycle brands around the world. They have created several models that are truly world-class. Harley-Davidson will continue to manufacture quality motorcycles that are indeed an exiting machine to ride.

There are several manufacturers of motorcycles around the world. The BMW for one, builds performance driven motorcycles for years. Japan-made Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha also have race winning motorcycles. Ducati is another motorcycle brand that is very popular around the world. But why a Harley Davidson?

Why is Harley-Davidson so popular around the world? Why is that when a Harley rolls on the road, everyone will turn their heads for a glance? Why is it that when one talks about motorcycle, the very first brand in mind is the Harley-Davidson?

Finding answers to these questions will give us 3 words: name, quality, and pride.

Name – When you hear the word “Harley-Davidson”, the first thing that might pop out from your mind is a “one hell of a machine”. Hearing the name “Harley-Davidson” would also easily gives you the impression of a great motorcycle company that set a great legacy throughout history. The name can be synonymous with toughness, quality, speed, and versatility. The name itself will set itself on the top of your mind.

Quality– Whether it is a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations), Dyna, Sportster, Softail, Touring, or VRSC model, it is a Harley-Davidson. And when we say Harley-Davidson, we mean quality that is built over the years. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is made in superiority from the engine parts to the decals and finishing touches. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made not only to sell but to live for a lifetime as well.

Pride – Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing motorcycles for over a century. And with a company that survived this long, owning one is like owning a piece of history of the company. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have gained so much respect over the years and it has set the trend for the motorcycle industry in the United States. Any Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner would say that they are proud to have at least one great motorcycle in their possession.

What would you feel if you are riding a motorcycle with the name “Harley-Davidson”? Surely, you feel proud. Proud as if you have your first baby; proud as if you have owned a brand-new house; and proud as if you have realized your dream. Indeed, owning a Harley-Davidson can be a dream come true for most. As the price of a Harley motorcycle does not come cheap, owning one can be hard. But if you do, you feel fulfilled and you somehow feel you have your life complete.

The opposite effect is where the riders in the front are slowing for a speed zone or traffic stop. The group compresses and if you don’t pay attention, can get scary really quick. Now the guys in the rear have to shut down quickly and safely and not run into those riders ahead of them. Just like an accordian or a spring. Back and forth. Stretch and compress. To counter this, the lead riders should acclerate more slowly and evenly to let the rest of the pack stay up with them.

Riding in a staggered formation gives you more cushion and maneuvering room if anything comes up. I know it looks “cool” to ride side by side. You will see some big groups doing this. Motorcycle Police Officers sometimes do this also to show off for the public (really because they are talking with their partner). The problem with riding side by side is if a problem comes up, like a dog darting in front of you, or a car cutting you off, you have no place to go.

Another tip is the “Two Second” Rule. The following video gives a visual demostration of this rule. In a nutshell, this simply means to space yourself about two seconds from the bike ahead of you on your side of the lane. The purpose of this type formation is to give you extra time and room to respond if something unexpected comes up.

Watch the video and see these tips demonstrated:

Jerry Paladino has a series of Ride Like A Pro DVD’s that every motorcycle rider should watch. Here is my affiliate link to the newest version of the essential priceless DVD. I will admit, affiliate or not, that some of the tips I saw when I watched my copy of this DVD saved me more than once. I highly recommend his DVDs from first hand experience.

                        

Ride often! Ride Safe! Enjoy the Ride!