HOG - Harley Owners Group

As the owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you have the opportunity to become a member of an elite group. This group is known as HOG - Harley Owners Group. Currently, there are more than 1 million HOG members around the globe who have united to display their passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Members of HOG attend activities presented by local hog chapters. Activities fall into three categories:

- Closed events - conducted primarily for the benefit of HOG chapter members. Some closed events allow members to bring one guest.

- Member events - only open to HOG members.

- Open events -  chapter events open to HOG members and other guests. 

There are three types of HOG membership:

- Full membership - Entitles members to all the benefits and services of the Harley Owners Group organization.

- Associate membership - Designed for passengers and family members of full HOG members. Associate members must be sponsored by a full member in order to participate in HOG events.

- Life membership - Available as a full life membership or as an associate life membership. Special benefits and recognitions are available to life members.

Members of HOG receive many benefits besides the camaraderie of fellow Harley enthusiasts. HOG members receive:

- Subscription to Enthusiast magazine; the oldest continually published motorcycle magazine in the world.

- Subscription to Hog Tales; the official publication of the Harley Owners Group that keeps members up-to-date on hog happenings around the world. 

- HOG Fly and Ride membership.  This program allows hog members to fly to locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia; pick up a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from a local dealership; and tour in style without any hassle or delay.

- HOG membership manual to help members get the most out of their hog membership.

- Access to the HOG "Members Only" website.

- Copy of the official HOG Touring Handbook; a guide filled with maps, dealer location, riding laws, and much more.

Women who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are privy to the Ladies of Harley (LOH) membership. LOH is the group of female Harley Davidson enthusiasts who promote activities and adventures from within a local HOG chapter. The members of LOH run their own meetings and sponsor activities that both women and men can participate in. 

HOG events include national and international rallies, state rallies, touring rallies, open houses, pit stops and pin stops where members can pick up HOG pins and other memorabilia. 

Every hog chapter reflects the passions and personalities of its members. No matter where in the world you go, HOG members can always feel at home when they attend hog meetings and events. 

While each chapter offers a variety of events, each being unique to the chapter, the focus is to have fun and share your passion for HOG and the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. HOG chapters include a variety of fun and "good deed" events including dinner rides, parades, observation runs, toy runs to provide toys to sick or needy children, charity events, safe rider programs and more.

Becoming a HOG member will open up the doors to life with a Harley and present you with many opportunities to make good friends and be part of an exceptional group of fun-loving, kind and caring individuals.

Harley-Davidson Racing

H-D motorcycles were raced almost from the beginning of the company. In fact the very first appearance of a motorcycle created by William Harley and the Davidson brothers, Arthur, Walter, and William, was in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin motorcycle race.

H-D created an official racing department in 1914, but even before that co-founder Walter Davidson rode a stock single cylinder machine to victory in The Federation of American Motorcyclist endurance and reliability contest of 1908. This race, which had 65 competitors, was a grueling 2-day event that was held on 365 miles of dirt roads in the Catskill Mountains. Davidson earned the only perfect score.

By 1912 H-D had added speed to their successful racing equation by setting a new record at the Bakersfield Road Race. The success of H-D racers, whether on muddy dirt roads, or wooden plank tracks continued despite the interruption of World War I. H-D shattered speed records by 1921, becoming the first motorcycles to reach speeds of 100 miles per hour during a race. H-D racers were known as "the Wrecking Crew, because of this success.

Notoriety continued when a H-D sidecar one the first annual Pike's Peak race in 1916, and another H-D claimed first place in the 1922 Adelaide to Melbourne South Australia race. 

Joe Petrali was one of the best H-D racers of the early Twentieth Century. In the six years between 1931 and 1936, Petrali amassed the most National points five times. The year 1935 proved to be his best season with his winning of every race on the 13-stop National schedule. Petrali also set a speed record in 1937 by riding a 1937 Model E 61 cubic inch V-Twin Streamliner at speeds of 136.183 miles per hour, at Daytona Beach. He also won the National Hillclimb Championship 8 years in a row beginning in 1929. What a guy!

Racing was halted for the H-D team and others with the start of World War II. Petrali did not return to the circuit when the war was over but H-D continued to dominate the scene.

The tradition of great H-D racing continues today with both drag racing and flat track racing. Most national championship races are managed by the AMA in the United States. These include the AMA Supercross Series, AMA Superbike Championship, AMA Motorcross Championship, and AMA Flatrack Championship. The National Hot Rod Association is another great racing venue for H-D riders.

The VRSXE Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer is H-D's current pride and joy of drag racing machines. This bike can do a quarter mile run in less than 10 seconds. This machine is not street legal and ill see limited production.

The Buell Motor Company, a subsidiary of Harley Davidson also produce bikes for racing. Buell motorcycles are available at select Harley dealers. Buell racing teams are definitely up and coming, claiming top spots in several recent racing events. This success is propably due to the fact that the founder of the company, Eric Buell was not only a racer himself, but worked as an H-D engineer before forming his own company.

Finding The Right Harley Accessory

Finding just the right accessory to give to your favorite Harley Davidson rider is fun and easy. Even if that favorite rider is you! There are three basic categories to know when you are searching.

Items that can be added to your wardrobe, or that can be worn. Any accessory in this category would include black leather jackets, pants, chaps or other items of outerwear. It also includes headgear such as helmets, sunglasses, goggles and masks. Hats, caps and bandanas are also popular. Bandanas can be either for the head or around the neck. Next up are belts, belt buckles, watches and other small items like lighters, jewelry, key chains, money clips, patches, pins and scarves. Purses are also a great gift for the ultimate biker chick and perfume is even an option. T-shirts are also available and don't forget underwear.  Clothing even comes in kids' sizes for your favorite little biker. It is important to know what size whomever you are buying for is. Better too big than too small, better still that it fits.

The second category is for items that can be added to your motorcycle. Any accessory in this category would include anything that would give you a more comfortable and stylish ride. Luggage racks and saddlebags for example, provide storage on long trips. Radios and navigation equipment are also fun. A more practical accessory might include grips, decorative gas caps, timer covers, license plate frames, medallions, mirrors, covers and cleaning products. Handlebars, gas tanks, floorboards and footpegs, fuel gauges and the most popular items to give your bike a new look-chrome fenders and other chrome accessories are another way to go. Practical or custom, whatever you want is available.

The third category is reserved for any Harley Davidson accessory that can be used in the home. These items are for fun. Books, calendars, computer software, music collections, videos and handheld games are appearing on the market. Other items include dartboards, posters and other pictures, coffee cups, coasters, clocks, piggy banks-especially ones shaped like motorcycles, bottle openers, wine glasses, shot glasses, beer mugs and other dishware. Playing cards are a must. And for the true Harley fan there are table and chair sets, storage units, popcorn machines and even game tables. Don't forget to check out the pet gear as well. Truly there is something for everyone.

Most Harley Davidson dealerships offer some of these items for sale. The best place to find that special Harley Davidson accessory just may be online. Just open your browser, go to your favorite search engine, type in Harley Davidson accessory and hold on for the ride. Trade magazines are also full of ads. Biker rallies and Harley Davidson sponsored events should also have merchants hawking their wares.

If you are buying online make sure you pay through a secure site, and be aware of any return and refund policies. While you are searching for that perfect accessory, you might even find a good free Harley Davidson screensaver to download on to your computer!

Famous Harley Davidson Riders

Though it's not documented the very first woman to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle was probably Janet Davidson. Janet was an aunt of Arthur, Walter and William Davidson. She helped her nephews out by using her artistic talents to paint pinstriping and lettering on their motorcycles.

Several other women are notable in the just over 100-year history of the Harley Davidson Company. In 1929 Vivian Bale road her 45 Twin D Harley on a trip of almost 5,000 miles. Along the way she stopped to meet with dealers of her favorite ride. After completing this legendary trip she spent many more years riding and performing motorcycle stunts at various racing events in Florida.

Brigitte Bardot was a famous movie star and pinup star in the 1950's. In the 1960's she became so enamored by Harley Davidson Motorcycles that she debuted her hit single entitled Harley Davidson. Also popular was a photograph of her astride her favorite motorcycle. She is wearing hot pants and a partially unzipped leather jacket.

Well-known actress Elizabeth Taylor rode a Purple Passion motorcycle that was given to her by her friend Malcolm Forbes. It was said that the bike matched her famous eyes.

Peter Fonda is probably one of the most famous male Harley Davidson Riders thanks to the 1969 movie Easy Rider. Dennis Hopper also appeared in this movie and the photo of a scene showing them both together, each atop his Harley is still sough after today.

Malcolm Forbes, the founder of Forbes magazine and one of the wealthiest men ever, not only loved giving Harley Davidson's to friends as gifts, he owned more than 50 of them himself. Forbes began riding motorcycles in his late 40's and enjoyed it so much he began collecting them. His personal endorsement of the Harley made its sales soar to new heights.

Jay Leno is another celebrity who is known for his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He loves them so much that not only does he own several, but he also does his own maintenance and repair work.

Several other well-known Harley Davidson riding celebrities include: Elvis Presley, Don Johnson, Jackson Browne, Mickey Rourke and Tina Turner. And who can forget Arnold Schwarznegger and His Terminator role.  Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton also posed astride a Harley during his campaign.

Though not famous in a good way, the hard-core motorcycle gang known of as the Hells Angels also favor Harley Davidson bikes. There is no known link to the Harley Davidson Company. This motorcycle club began in 1948 and by the 1960's was notorious throughout the United States and Canada. Tied to drugs and crime just the site of these bikers was enough to strike fear into an entire town whenever they rode through. Today the Hell's Angels sponsor several charitable events in the United States and Canada. Unfortunately they still frequently appear in the news for criminally related activities. The motorcycle club has been deemed an established criminal organization by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Harley Davidson : Clothes Make The Rider

Whether you own a Harley or just want to look like you do, the clothes you wear can make or break you. The true Harley Davidson experience requires a little preparation besides the bike. Most dealerships also sell clothes, or purchase them online.

The Black leather jacket is the first clothes item that comes to mind. Harley Davidson has a trademark black leather jacket. This jacket is worn not only for attitude, but to protect the rider from the elements. It is important to get a jacket that fits. Leather sizing is not always the same as regular street clothes sizing. Also remember that leather will stretch a little and mould to your body shape with frequent wearing. This does not mean that you should buy a size smaller as leather only gives in areas that it needs to. If you can't afford a leather jacket, a vest made of leather or denim with a Harley Davidson logo may be a good substitute.

Black leather pants are also important for the rugged rider clothes look. Buying leather pants at the same time as the jacket will ensure that the color of the dyes matches if that is important to you. There are several different styles available ranging from classic leather pants, to black leather motorcycle chaps that are worn over jeans or other pants.

Black leather boots are classic Harley Davidson attire. They scream the word "tough". They are available in several styles for both men and women. Women may also choose clogs and sandals, however these are not recommended for serious riding. 

Should motorcycle riders wear helmets or not? This is a question that has been left up to the rider to answer. If safety is as important as the clothes you wear a Harley Davidson half helmet may be just what you are looking for. Several other styles are available if you can't pull off this classic look.

Whether you choose a helmet or not, goggles are valuable eye protection that keeps out dust and bugs, as well as adding to "the look". No one looks cool with a dead bug in his or her eye.

Gloves are also popular with riders. They are of course made of black leather too, and may be open tipped, full fingers and even heated. Gauntlets with fringe look especially cool.

These are the basic pieces of a Harley Rider's clothes wardrobe. Other options include t-shirts, jeans, special rain gear, bandanas, watches and sunglasses. Leather saddlebags are also a good investment.

There are several articles of clothes available for your special little rider as well. Everything from diaper covers and micro-sized leather jackets to teeny leather boots. It's never too early to love a Harley.

Motorcycle leathers represent a significant investment. Proper care should be taken to preserve and protect these articles, especially if the wearer is a dedicated rider who rides in any weather. Waterproofing and cleaning properly will help keep leather clothes supple and looking good, as well as promoting longevity of wear.

Porsche Panamera

In 2009 is set to be launched a four-door, four-seat coupe, called Porsche Panamera. The car, powered by a modified version of the 4.5 L V8 found in the Cayenne, equipped with the FSI system will be front engined and rear wheel drive. Although it is extremely unlikely, rumors is that an option for the Panamera will be the V10 engine from Porsche's limited-run Carrera GT supercar. 

Porsche Panamera will be produced in the new plant at Leipzig alongside the Cayenne. It is the first V8 engined sports car built by Porsche since 1995, when the 928 was discontinued and some consider it a suitable successor to the two-doored 928. 

The company built the new model as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG and Maserati Quattroporte and (to a lesser degree) a less expensive alternative to expensive vehicles such the, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Bentley Continental GTand Aston Martin Rapide.

Like Porsche Carrera`s name, the Panamera`s derives from the Carrera Panamerican race. Before it, there were other four-door sedans prototypes, such as the 1991 Porsche 989 prototype or the even earlier 4 door prototype based on the 911, but they never went into production.

2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Unofficially, the Porsche Carrera GT is a racecar, a racecar built for the street. What makes it a racecar is not necessarily the huge power produced by its V10 engine or the carbon fiber construction that keeps everything very lightweight – although these features surely make it a fast car. It’s more the sum of its parts that make this car worth every bit of its $440,000 price tag.

The Porsche Carrera GT was introduced as a 2004 model and until 2005 there were already a few changes in order to make the Carrera GT the new Porsche super car. These were minor updates in order to make it a little more street friendly. Between the supplemental bar hoops is now mounted a glass screen. The seats height is adjusted along with the additional bolstering in the thigh area. The Carrera GT is easy recognizable, as it’s a low, sleek, lightweight roadster, very beautiful on theoutside as it is on the inside. Two removable panels that canbe stored in the front trunk make the foul weather protection available.

The car has unique features, among which are: 5.7 liter, 605 horsepower V10 engine, monocoque chassis with Porsche-patented engine and transmission mounts made of carbon-reinforced plastic and the first use of a ceramic composite clutch in a production car. A very important aspect is that The Carrera is safe and stable at speeds up to 205 mph, thanks to its aerodynamic and race-bred suspension package. 

The design of the suspension is so sophisticated that the shape of its components improves the Carrera GT`s aerodynamics.The designers used lightweight materials such as magnesium for the car’s substantial wheels and the frames of its special sport seats, the result being a faster and safer car. To prove so, The Carrera GT accelerates from a standing start to 62 mph (100km/h) in only 3.9 seconds reaches 100 mph (160 km/h) in less than seven seconds, 125 mph (200 km/h) in less than 10 seconds, and can achieve a top test-track speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

What makes this car have these impressive results is it’s 5.5 liter, normally aspirated V10 engine for racing created in the development center in Weissach, Germany. That engine’s bores have been enlarged to displace 5.7 liters in the Carrera GT. It has a very low center of gravity, a 68-degree V angle and four valves-per-cylinder heads. Since the block, crankshaft and camshafts are all made of light alloys, the engine weights only 472 pounds (214 kg).

To stop this “monster” Porsche`s team used a high-tech braking system. Developed for demanding motorsports applications, ceramic brakes are the first to work for on-road use.The massive 15 inch ventilated discs and six-piston calipers havethe amazing capacity of bringing the car to a sure and safe stop, matched only by the stunning acceleration of Carrera GT.

Porsche Carrera GT is definitely a exotic appearance, a car that can do it all: fascinate you with its good looks,   astound you with its performance and abilities on the race track.