The 2008 Crossbones

Harley-Davidson's Cross Bones is one of the Softail's new additions based on the pre-war bobbers.
Key features include:
An air-cooled, 1,584cc Twin Cam 96B powerplant that produces 87.9 ft-lbs of torque at 2,750 rpm
A six-speed Cruise Drive transmission
An adjustable sprung solo seat that sits as low as 26.6 inches
Straight shot exhaust with chrome slash-cut mufflers
A 200mm rear tire
Gloss Black cat-eye tank console with a new speedometer face
Weighing 737 lbs in "running order," the Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones isn't the nimblest of motorcycles, but its bobber styling cues and retro details effectively reinforce the nostalgic style that typifies the Harley-Davidson brand.
The Cross Bones boasts ape-hanger style handlebars, springer front suspension with leading link forks, and a considerable height of 49.4 inches.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The "Harley" Buell

The Buell Motorcycle was founded by Erik Buell and became linked with Harley-Davidson in 1993, and has been owned by the Motor Company since 1998.
The Bikes being of a radical design employing only the changes for the riders enjoyment and not for changes sake.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Harley Davidson in the Early 80's

1982 Harley Davidson

1981 saw AMF selling the company to a group led by the grandson of the co-founder William A Davidson and Vaughn Beals for $80 million.
The US International Trade Commission imposed in 1983 a 45% tariff on imported bikes over 700 cc to protect Harley-Davidson,as they claimed the japanese were dunmping bikes in their country.
Rather than trying to match the Japanese, the new management deliberately exploited the "retro" appeal of the machines, building motorcycles that deliberately adopted the look and feel of their earlier machines and the subsequent customizations of owners of that era. Many components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and wheels were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, technical improvements were made, and buyers slowly returned. To remain profitable Harley continues to increase the amount of overseas-made parts it uses, while being careful not to harm its valuable "American Made" image.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Harley's struggles in the 50's-60's

1952, Harley applied for a 40% tax on imported motorcycles,also Films coming out of hollywood tarnished harley's image with their movies about biker gangs in the 50's thro' 60'."Harley-Davidson" for a long time was synonymous with the Hells Angels and other outlaw motorcyclists.
In 1969, AMF (American Machinery and Foundry) bought the company, streamlined production, and slashed the workforce. This tactic resulted in a labor strike and a low quality of bikes. The bikes were expensive and inferior in performance, handling, and quality to imports from the far east. Sales & quality plummeted, and the company almost went bankrupt.The "Harley-Davidson" name was mocked as "Hardly Ableson", "Hardly Driveable," and "Hogly Ferguson",and the nickname "Hog" became pejorative.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Harley and the "Model 125cc"

Harley Davidson in 1948 released the "Model 125" at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory. However, technically speaking , this was a small , sturdy , light weight , two-stroke motorcycle, of 125 cc displacement. The Model 125's design, was actually a similar to the German motorcycle manufacturer DKW , whose engineering designs were forfeited to the allies, as a result of World War 2 reparations , at the conclusion of World War II. Other manufactures also benefited from DKW's slightly altered designs, including Britains BSA, with their range of Bantam models
When Harley introduced the Model 125. Its engine was of two stroke design, which meant the operator had to mix oil, with the gas. This was a first for Harley! Failure to properly mix the oil with the gas, was sure to cause engine failure! It produced 3 horsepower, and featured a girder-type front end ,with a front suspension that consisted of large rubber bands. It was touted by Harley, to get 90 miles to the gallon! Due to its low, initial price, and its economical price to operate, the 125 cc was a very popular choice, with many groups, including paper boys, farmers, beginners, and even veterans returning home, after the war, who had limited income! It was a popular addition, to the 1948 Harley model line-up.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com