Cool Commercial - Freeze-Frame Radio

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Cool Commercial

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Oh and this one...so much fun!

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Riders/Creed_Video.jsp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

LOL, so cute!

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Yeah, I thought so too! Not at ALL what I expected harley to come up with! I guess it was a pretty tough shoot - the sheep didn't really want to play nice and got a bit messy. {{lol}}

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

Well yeah, they're SHEEP!

Jeremy Riggs · 2011 Super Bowl Champions!

Those are cool!

Hey, as a biker chick

Maybe you can answer a question for me.

What's the deal with those bikes that have the handle bars like a foot and a half ABOVE the drivers head?

That can't be very comfortable can it? And is it safe? It seems like in an emergency situation that would be very difficult to handle. Everytime I see those I can't beleive that's legal. I can't imagine putting a steering wheel in my car that's at roof level.

Have you ever driven one? Are they any more difficult to drive than a regular bike?

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

They're called "Ape Hangers" and they are really nothing more than something to make your bike look cool, to give it your own style. It's a customization, not usually standard from the manufacturer unless they specialize in choppers. They are illegal in some states because they are harder to steer. Personally, being involved in motorcycle training and safety, I don't like them and have never ridden a bike with them. I sat on one and could barely reach the hand grips, which is pretty extreme considering I'm pretty tall. I'm a relatively new rider though. Ape hangers are often a guy thing, and I can't imagine they're all that comfy.

Jeremy Riggs · 2011 Super Bowl Champions!

Aaah, thanks!

I've wondered about that for years. I'm not surprised they're illegal in some states.

I just imagine having to manuever out of the way in a hurry on one of those and I would think it's got to be more difficult.

Like anything, I'm sure with enough practice it becomes second nature though.

Thanks G-Gal!

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Jeremy Riggs wrote:

Aaah, thanks!

I've wondered about that for years. I'm not surprised they're illegal in some states.

I just imagine having to manuever out of the way in a hurry on one of those and I would think it's got to be more difficult.

Like anything, I'm sure with enough practice it becomes second nature though.

Thanks G-Gal!

De nada!

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

MzHartz wrote:

Well yeah, they're SHEEP!

Yeah, they're higher maintenance than Willie G himself! Haha! Much cuter celebs though....

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

Did you say you help with rider training courses? I've ridden on the backs of bikes forever, and I want a bike so bad, but I don't know how to ride! I know our local Harley shop does courses, and I've thought about taking one. But if I bought a bike, I'm not sure I'd get a Harley. I prefer sportier bikes. But I would seriously consider a Buell (which is basically a sporty Harley anyway).

WebGuy · Doesn't Do Windows

Those are good commercials, but one thing I don't totally understand . . . If being a Harley rider is all about individuality, blazing your own trail, not being one of the "sheep" . . . then why do Harley riders always travel in herds, in perfect formation, following one leader, and all dress alike?

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

MzHartz wrote:

Did you say you help with rider training courses? I've ridden on the backs of bikes forever, and I want a bike so bad, but I don't know how to ride! I know our local Harley shop does courses, and I've thought about taking one. But if I bought a bike, I'm not sure I'd get a Harley. I prefer sportier bikes. But I would seriously consider a Buell (which is basically a sporty Harley anyway).

Mz!! You just HAVE to try it! Learning to ride was one of the coolest things I've ever done, and I've done some really cool things! That class at the Harley dealership - which dealer is it? It might be one of our programs. I took the course not too long ago and, as an inexperienced rider, it was AWESOME! I loved riding the Buell Blast. Hey, if you want to see what a Harley class is all about, check out www.ridersedge.com and it will give a little more info. {{lol}} I get a little over-enthusiastic, don't I?

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

WebGuy wrote:

Those are good commercials, but one thing I don't totally understand . . . If being a Harley rider is all about individuality, blazing your own trail, not being one of the "sheep" . . . then why do Harley riders always travel in herds, in perfect formation, following one leader, and all dress alike?

Good questions. There's a social aspect to riding, a shared love of that feeling of freedom and living to experience the moment. You can ride with friends and be an independent soul all in the same moment...no one else feels it exactly like you do, although they may share in the journey! And, if you look at a bike, the individuality shows - most people make customizations to their bikes to make them more comfortable for them, to show their personal style, etc. I can't speak to the clothes - it is a social bond, a branding of the person that allows comrades to identify with each other. So much so that people tattoo Harley on themselves! {{lol}}

Traveling in herds in perfect formation - good question with multiple answers. About the formation, it actually has a structure and rules that allows riders to communicate quickly without speaking (hand and foot signals) to alert each other of hazards, a pit-stop, etc. The formation also is a safety zone to allow maximum visibility, deter obnoxious drivers, and avoid a multi-bike collision if one person goes down. There's a captain and a chaser to also make sure everyone can ride together comfortably and no one is left behind or in danger. this applies to organized riding groups that like to do events together mostly, but people use these rules when riding 3-up or more.

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

It's Harley Davison of Bloomington, IN, and it is the Rider's Edge courses. When I can come up with the money to do it, I think I will take the beginners class.

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Oh cool! When you get the $ together and decide to take the class, go there and talk to Ron Hess - he's in charge of the program. He's a gem! If you do, tell him Heather from Milwaukee says "big hug!" {{lol}} Personally, I didn't mind the extra cost for me to have more time and better bikes for learning. There's more time on the range for you to practice and get comfortable with it. Buell Blasts are street-worthy bikes, so you learn on something you'd actually want to take on the road. Just a good deal all around!

I was nervous as all get-out, didn't think I'd pass. But I got a perfect score on the written test and made only 1 mistake on the range - I kicked A**! {{lol}} You will love it...I really believe that!

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Lady riders rock! {{lol}}

Mad Mema · Bad Biker Granny

I took a motorcycle training course that actually gave you the equivalent of the state driver's exam at the end. When I was finished with the course and passed the test, all I had to do was go to the DMV and present my paperwork, pay the licensing fee, then I got my license. It was nice not having to take the driving test again.

As for ape hangers they only look cool for tall, gangly bikers. They are not for everyone (including me). I've never bothered trying them since I'm only 5'4". I have a fairly good reach for my height, but I'm not exactly go-go gadet armed.

garougal · Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

That's what I did with the Rider's Edge class - pass it all in the class and then head down to the DMV to get the "M" on my license. It was so nice! I hear you on the ape hangers - you have to be pretty long in arm to make it work.