Your dog is not just a pet. Your dog is not just an animal. Your dog is a bona FIDO member of the family! So of course your dog needs to dress the part; right? Well thanks to the internet and the many online boutiques you can dress your dog for every occasion from the comfort of your own home. No more "granny knitted" sweaters for your sophisticated canine!! Dog clothes are an extension of your love for them, treating them like members of the family.

Dog Coats

But is dressing up your dog just something that you like to do? Is there any benefit to your dog? It all depends!! A Dog Coat can be a very useful item of clothing for your dog. It can keep him warm in the cold weather, dry in the wet weather, and can protect him from infections in the same way that our clothes protect us. It can also keep him clean which may be especially useful after a romp in the park on a wet winters day. Take the coat off after it's dirty and let your clean(ish) dog into the car helps keep the car cleaner. Dog coats come in many different styles and colors so pick the coats appropriate for their use. And of course what dog would be seen out without the matching doggie hat??

Apart from coats and sweaters, other useful dog clothing items include dog t-shirts and dog sunglasses. These can look cute but they do also serve to help protect your pet. The sunglasses can protect him from UVA and UVB rays, and the t-shirt helps protect his skin. Dogs can develop skin cancer the same way that people can, and it is one of the main cancers in dogs. And you thought it was just to make Fido look cute!! Suitable dog clothes can make your pet happy and healthy resulting in less trips to the vet and additional savings in money and time. Dogs that have had medical treatments that result in the loss of fur will often need at least some protection from the weather until their fur grows back.

Designer Clothes

Just like people wear, you can get designer labels for your dog to make him feel like a million dollars, (and probably cost that too). Many celebrities always have their dogs dressed in the latest doggie fashion. A practice that Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell have raised to an art form, or so it seems! There are designer dog sweaters, name brand outfits in denim and leather, and even emblems from such greats as Harley Davidson.

As you can see, getting clothing for your dog is not just vanity on your part, although it is fun dressing up your dog. It can also play a vital role in keeping your dog healthy and happy. And if you do get the urge to step out on the wild side, get your dog some formal wear or a great costume for Halloween. Go on have fun and get your dog some great clothing today!! Just make sure the outfit you are choosing for your dogs party costume is fire resistant to all the holiday candles.

If you are considering cost effective transport, then look at motorbikes for sale.  From makes such as Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hyosung, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, PGO, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha, and Vespa, there is a wide variety of choice from all corners of the globe.

It is important to consider what the vehicle will be used for, prior to making a purchase. Perhaps you have spent too many hours in your car, enduring severe traffic congestion? Look at motorbikes for sale. Economical commuter bikes with luggage compartments are a perfect solution to urban travel. Economical fuel consumption and the sheer practicality of its size will have you avoiding long hours in traffic jams.

If you are going on a long distance journey on your own then consider buying a bike. Motorbikes for sale are many and the choice can be overwhelming. For the purpose of long journeys both comfort and luggage space are paramount. 

Maybe you want a bike for the sheer adrenaline rush? For the ultimate thrill, investigate motorbikes for sale that offer manoeuvrability, maximum acceleration and power. Off-road bikes are an exhilarating way to enjoy rural terrain.

When looking at motorbikes for sale, consider also the gear and accessories that are necessary too. Most important is a good quality helmet. Regardless of where you are riding, a helmet is vital. Stylish accessories and protective clothing are also part and parcel of owning a bike.

There is much to consider when looking at motorbikes for sale. Once you have made the choice, enjoy the ride!

Motorcycle riding is a hobby made especially for the strong-willed.  Motorcycle riding is one hobby which needs protective accessories since it very dangerous to ride a bike without the necessary safety gear. There’s numerous fatal accidents have recorded showing how dangerous riding a motorbike without wearing any safety gear. So I suggest you if you ride the motorcycle regularly you are already aware of the legal and safety necessity of motorcycle safety gears such us; motorcycle helmet, motorcycle boots, motorcycle clothes, etc.

For women motorcycle riders whom that want to protect your feet from potential injuries in case of accidents you need to wear motorcycle boots while riding the motorbike. Quite similarly motorcycle boots protect the rider’s foot in case of a sudden mishap on road. Actually, these motorcycle boots also prevent accidents from happening and minimizes the overall heat that is emitted by the motorcycle itself.

Before buying a motorcycle boots you need to make sure that boots is high quality boots and also should e rough and tough. Women’s motorcycle boots must be durable to offer protection in the event of mishap. Commonly, motorbike boots consist of shifter pad, a non-slippery sole, and also an ankle protection.

Nowadays, there are many kinds of motorcycle boots for women since the motorcycle boots company realizes the boots play an important role during any motorcycle ride. For women motorcycle riders especially for Harley Davidson riders these boots are motorcycle accessories that must to have. Motorcycle boots are the ones most in demand at this time not only for safety riding but also styles.

Women motorbike riders of to day value the design and style of motorcycle boots that they want to have. Women motorbike riders can even get the boots custom-made if they want a more personalized fit. Custom-made boots have one purpose and that is for aggressive riding. These boots have an additionally features that protect the riders feet during a motorcycle ride. When it’s comes to choose a women motorcycle boots that’s not only about safety riding gears but also fashionable.

At one point or another, we all have to admit to ourselves that bikers - with their gritty leather jackets, imposing motorbikes and gothic biker jewelry - represent everything our repressed hearts secretly desire. The appeal of running loose, going anywhere you wish is universal, transcending age, race and gender.

What makes good, law-abiding, peace-loving boys and girls suddenly get the burning desire to jump on their Harley Davidsons and hit the road? Bikers are all about the S&M image, the leather and studs. Images of tough guys or Harley babes come with the territory. Perhaps it is because being a biker represents the ultimate release, the act of running wild and running free, able to flaunt your own style and live on your own time. Who wouldn't want to imagine themselves as kings and queens of the road, the visions of complete independence that would otherwise terrify many of us?

The imagery adopted by most bikers reflects their attitude. When they ride together, on a biker rally or biker week, they identify themselves and their group affiliations by the things they wear. Some of the larger groups fashion their insignia and wear them as logos on their clothing, or as pins and other forms of jewelry to place upon their person and belongings.

In general, bikers know each other by the "look" they project. And biker jewelry is a vital part of this "look." Reject convention, change for no one, never compromise - these are important mottos to bear in mind when you want to achieve the perfect biker image.

Most of the time the appropriate jewelry takes on gothic themes, like skulls, crossbones, snakes, roses with bloodied thorns... and many of us can't help but admit that these could be rather sexy. The goth look, combining themes of sex and death, comes with its own appeal. A school of the goth style even advocates the liberal use of jewelry, such as piercings and rings, to further the death metal image. Most of the time, this jewelry is delicate and complemented with black clothing, such as black leather, which is rather staple biker wear.

But biker jewelry distinguishes itself from being strictly "goth" by being made of thick material. This gives it a definite masculine look. Often it features a combination of leather and steel, the two essentials of the "born to be wild" image, which dates as far back as James Dean and the other motorcycle-riding heartthrobs of Hollywood. The ongoing theme is "the larger the better," which comes with the biker creed of not caring what people think as long as you know you look good.

Biker jewelry comes in different flavors. Gold is rather popular in some circles. White gold goes well with most anything, especially dark colors. Wings and stars are other popular motifs, as well as other things that speak of a truly American way of life.

My last motorcycle cruise was a spur of the moment decision to ride with a group of my buddies. Wouldn't you know it, 10 minutes into the ride and a drenching rain started. Well my buddies pulled off the road and slid on their rain gear and they were ready to roll. Stupid me watched with much envy, as I kicked myself for not buying any rain gear. I really wanted to head home and change from my rain soaked jeans and drenched cotton jacket but my ego pushed me onward with the guys. That night as I slithered from my cold slimy clothes I vowed to go over to Adventure Harley-Davidson and pick me out some good rain gear.

Waking early, I got dressed and hopped on my V-Rod® Muscle and headed to Adventure H-D. Upon arrival I was greeted by Jeff, Matt, Lori. Yea, all the Adventure gang was up and at it this morning. They all know me there since it is my favorite hangout. I saw Carolyn from MotorClothes® and anxiously said,"Hey, I desparately need some Rain Gear!"

"Hi Tom, we've got every level of Harley-Davidson® Rain Gear available," said Carolyn.

"Is there different levels in Rain Gear?"

"Let me explain it to you Tom. An entry level rainsuit has waterproof fabrics to help keep light rain from messing up your ride. These rainsuits are an inexpensive choice when you just need protection for a short time period. They start at about $99-$139 dollars." Carolyn smiled as she explained.

"Tell me about the next level, I need something that I can be out in the rain in for a longer time," I implored.

"OK, we have two more levels of Rain Gear protection. Mid-level rain gear have a 2-1/2 layer of lightweight breathable fabric. You know how you get cold and clammy in the rain?"

Ashamed to tell her about my rain encounter just yesterday I said, "Yea, I think I could imagine that feeling!"

"Well the mid-level fabric includes a dot pattern that is welded to the fabric and you don't have to have a mesh liner. It makes for a more comfortable rainsuit that is less bulky. It also packs up smaller. You can buy these as separates in case you need a different size for rainsuit top and rainsuit bottom. This level of rain gear is wonderful for longer rides in wet weather. The price range is usually from $150-$200.

"Wow" I'm glad I asked for help. I did not know anything about these levels," I bellowed.

"Tom, I have one more level to tell you about. High-End Rainsuits use all the latest and greatest technology and are made with the best materials you can buy. With this type of Rain Gear you'll be able to wear the thinnest jacket and pant that have superior waterproof and breathability. You'll want to look for materials like Gore-Tex® Paclite®. These are extremely lightweight and they form an impenetrable barrier against wind and water. This material lets your skin breath by allowing perspiration to escape. It helps you not to get cold and clammy. Tom, this type of Rain Gear is so lightweight that it reduces bulk while you are wearing it or when it is packed. You can use this rain gear for light rain or extreme conditions. They start at $200 and up.

"Carolyn, that Gore-Tex® sounds great for me, show me some styles with that material."

"Here ya go, Tom, Gore-Tex® Rain Gear"

I left Adventure a happy and dry man. Thanks Adventure. If you guys can't go to Adventure H-D then you have to check-out their website at www.adventurehd.com

Every biker has his own reasons for riding a motorcycle. But if there is one thing all motorcyclists have in common, it has to be their desire for that wicked adrenaline rush that makes them feel like they are on top of the world.

Another thing that most bikers love about this activity is the fashion that comes with it. One look at a person and you can easily know if he or she is a biker based on his or her personal fashion style.

Biker fashion, as we know, consists of leather clothing, protective gear, and of course, the shoes. It is true that one of the most important parts of a biker's wardrobe is the motorcycle boots. Biker boots are widely available in many stores, both online and offline.

When buying a pair of biker boots, it is a must to get the right fit. This is because the right fit ensures comfort and contributes to safety. Your shoes should fit snugly into your feet. This means, they should neither be too loose nor too tight. Boots that are too loose can easily slip off your feet while those that are too tight can hinder blood flow in your feet.

To get the right fit, it would be a good idea to go to the store yourself so you can try on the actual shoes you are going to purchase. Yes, this may take quite a lot of your time but at least you get to ensure that you are getting the correct size.

Do not just try on the shoes. Try walking on them to see if they fit you comfortably. Of course, you have to remember that since boots require several days to break in, they will not feel extremely comfortable the first time you wear them. But, they should not feel extremely painful as well.

Also, it would be smart to do your shoe shopping in the afternoon since the feet are at their biggest about this time. Do not forget to bring a pair of thick socks as well for you to use during the fitting.

Now, if you do not have the time to do manual shopping, you can do it the easier and more convenient way and that is through online shopping. Since the advent of Internet technology, shopping for goods and services have become so much easier.

Today, the online market is bustling with so many products. Everything you can imagine is available online. As for motorcycle boots, you will find a wide variety of these products in the cyber market from Women's Harley Davidson Boots to Kids Motorcycle Boots to Harley Davidson Sandals.

You might be wondering how you can get the right fit when you shop in cyber space. The trick here is to get the correct measurement of your foot, and then send it in together with a scanned outline sketch of your foot. This way, the store personnel can ensure that the shoes you order are of the right size.

Moreover, you need to choose an online store that accepts returns or replacements so that just in case you still get the wrong size, you can replace or return the boots without any problem. Getting the right fit is very important when picking out a pair of boots. Follow these tips so that you can get the perfect pair that you would be able to wear comfortably.

In the midst of a shaky economy, motorcycles are showing increased demand because of their fuel economy. Today’s savvy shoppers are always on the lookout for a great bargain. Excellent bargains can be found at a new website, Bob’s Easy Rider, which is now, announcing discounted prices online for new, pre-owned, custom and collectible motorcycles.

We have always had a fascination with the motorcycle and the rugged independence it represents. In addition to those who romanticize motorcycles due to movies like the 1969 cult classic, Easy Rider, today’s economy is attracting a new following that is primarily interested in saving money on gas. The economy is in a slump and many people believe a recession is on the way. With gas prices hovering at $4 per gallon, the fuel efficiency of a motorcycle is very appealing and demand is strong. Of course, savvy buyers continue to look for great bargains when they purchase their motorcycles, which is where the new website, http://www.bobseasyrider.com, comes in.

Online sites are increasing in popularity, since consumers are always looking for the best deal in today’s economy. Bob’s Easy Rider has just announced that it is offering new, pre-owned, classic and custom motorcycles at discounted prices, making this site an attractive one to those looking for a great deal..

Today customers are no longer willing to pay the high prices that retail shops command, although discounted high end motorcycles still have quite a market. For this reason, many consumers are finding this new site to be an excellent place to purchase the motorcycles they dream about for prices that truly are affordable, even in today’s economy.

Customers that visit this new site find low prices on new, pre-owned and classic collectible motorcycles. The site offer motorcycles from every manufacturer, past and present, displayed in the categories of American, European and Asian motorcycles. Choppers and custom motorcycles are also available.

The very expensive choppers and custom motorcycles are witnessing a surge in popularity among celebrities and ‘common folk’ alike according to a December 2007 article in Forbes magazine. These elite motorcycles can also be bought at discounted prices on Bob’s Easy Rider.

Americans continue to have a love affair with the Harley Davidson, but also very popular are Triumph, Norton, BMW, Ducati and the ever reliable Japanese bikes, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. All these and more can be found on the site at greatly reduce prices.

In addition to motorcycles, Bob’s Easy Rider offers OEM and replacement parts for all motorcycles brands. The shopper can also find motorcycle accessories and men and women’s motorcycle leathers and clothing. All products are sold at the site for bargain prices you can’t find anywhere else.

Bob’s Easy Rider is a site that is specifically devoted to motorcyclists, and it is partnered up with eBay to offer customers an easy way to find great deals on motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories and motorcycle clothing. Two purchase options are available, auction and buy it now.

To find out more about the excellent prices available, visit http://www.bobseasyrider.com.

There’s nothing as exhilarating as taking off on your new Harley Davidson. If you made the decision to buy a Harley Davidson, you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching the motorcycle, selecting the best model, and even getting trained on how to ride the bike. What you may not have given a lot of thought about is Harley Davidson motorcycle parts and accessories.

The right accessories can enhance your riding and driving experience when on your motorcycle. And, without the right accessories, you may not be as safe as you could be – or as comfortable. What should you consider when it comes to Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts and accessories? Let’s take a look at some of the popular items:

Some people focus on the “look” of the Harley rider. For them, it’s all about the leather. You certainly can buy the leather pants and leather jacket, but from a practical side, that might not be the best fit for you. So what other options should you consider for motorcycle friendly clothing?

The Jacket – Leather jackets may look cool, but they definitely aren’t cool when driving in hot weather. However, there are some great motorcycle jackets that provide warmth when necessary, but are still lightweight. These jackets are durable in light weight ultra-suede with lining that provides warmth. They are comfortable to wear for long rides and provide protection.

The Right Socks – Don’t believe socks can make a difference to your ride? That’s because you’ve never tried these socks. Compression socks are designed for motorcycle riders. These socks keep you blood circulating freely, while wicking away moisture from your boots and feet. You can even find these socks that fit over the knee, with articulated joints that allow your legs to move freely. 

The Right Headgear – Sure you know that wearing a helmet will keep you safe, but there are other motorcycle accessories to consider wearing under the helmet. One example is a Balaclava. This head gear keeps your head warm under the helmet without seams rubbing against the scalp.

Boot Straps – There’s a lot of air flowing while you ride. Keep your pant legs firm against your boot with a pair of clips. There are some great designs for boot straps that attach to an elastic band. This band slips under your boot arch and keeps your pant legs straight. 

Sometimes your bike needs a few accessories to make it road worthy. Some great examples include:

Motorcycle windshield – Your windshield provides vital protection, but can take a real beating on the road. If you need to replace your windshield, check stock replacement windshield. You’ll get a motorcycle windshield that fits perfectly for your model, keeps you safe, and is scratch resistant.

How about something just for fun? One of the easiest installations is to add a motorcycle flag mount. There are several different types of flag mounts. With these flag mounts you can fly your favorite colors or a patriotic flag.

Look for the right accessories to make your motorcycle experience even more enjoyable. You’ll be the king or queen of the road.

Style is part of the motorcycle equation for every rider. It comes up every time you buy a new bike or jacket, accessorize, study your reflection in a plate glass window, and when you pull into a crowd that scrutinizes every move you make. All this makes you think about the style you have or wish to create.

Maybe you just want to look cool. But you can get philosophical about it and make your style exhibit you - if you know who you are. What image do you want to project as a biker? What do you want to tell people about you? Style development begins with the bike you choose to ride. Most bikes will fall into one of the styles below, and your style will emerge from there. The bike and the style it inspires go together. You can change your style too. Cross over to another bike. But that can get costly.

I see six styles all around me. Find yours here or start defining yours by reading these characteristics. If you ride any of  these bikes in these categories, you are already inclining toward their styles.

Leisure Style

This person isn't the James Dean/Marlon Brando/Peter Fonda type. He enjoys the ride and the breeze and looking impressive in bermuda shorts and tennis/deck shoes without socks. He may despise the leather look and its image. He refuses to conform to any of the well-defined, rigid styles characterized below. He bops around town in a Hawaiian shirt and corduroy OP shorts or cruises down beach drive in 70-90 degree weather making everyone envious by announcing, ”This is living.“ Forget safety. Wearing a helmet only gets in the way of his mane waving in the humid breeze. Shaving the nipples off of his chest with road rash, or rounding off his knee caps down to the nerves and marrow isn't going to happen. There is a little bit of the 60's beach movies in this style. You observe it in Florida, California, and other beach, resort, or retirement communities where life is slower. Teenagers who are not serious about riding, older adults, and people who are frightened by larger bikes do the leisure style. But you just as easily see it anywhere where a person just does errands, saves money on gas, or cruises to enjoy the experience. Those who do not ride that often or have a scooter or a smaller displacement bike adopt this style. It is relaxed and surrounded with an air of innocence and a money-saving attitude.

Honda GoldWing Style

Now we begin the major styles. GoldWinging is a unique style in motorcycling. GoldWingers are in their own world. Nobody but them does what they do. Check out any normal bike night you might frequent. Bikers will be everywhere wandering around and mixing, but off to the side someplace will be a contingent enclave of GoldWingers like a wallflower at a 50‘s Sock Hop. But it really doesn't make any difference because there are so many of them out there that they have an army of their own rallies just for them only. They have enough peer support that no matter how strange things may look to others, they think that everything they do is preferred. GoldWingers ride these behemoth, bus-like, half-ton bikes that they decorate and hold certain behaviors in common. But there is one thing alone that defines the GoldWinger above all others. Lights. The quintessential GoldWing will look like a rolling solar system at night. The entire bike and road will be bathed in luminescence. Lights flashing in the front, on the side, in the back, on the wheels, the helmets, everywhere. The reason is because a GoldWinger is hammered with the gospel of SAFETY. Safety is the by-word for this style more than any other. Hence, lights. They believe in being seen. And seen they will be for all kinds of reasons. Every conceivable doodad one can imagine hangs off a GoldWing. Helmet holders reflect lights off of the back like little sequins. Stuffed animals perch on top boxes. There will be CB's, helmet microphones with dangling cords, pin striping, GPS's, cup holders, wind wings, horns, chrome trim for every hole and vent, windshield etchings, detailed paintings of landscapes and Indians and wolves, hitches, coolers, sheep skin, beaded seats, speakers, arm rests, back rests, tissue holders, electrical outlets, XM radios, flags, antennas, plastic woodgrain trim, and every convenience of an automobile. If they can think it, it is on there. The last word for a GoldWinger is ”minimalist“. A GoldWinger maxes out. They are the most adorned and stocked in the motorcycle world, which is why they are liked by so many. They head out on the road with every convenience there is. Except for one thing. Leather. This is not normally included in the GoldWing style. You WILL see denim jackets with GWRRA emblems and pins, satin jackets, and screwy looking stuff at times, like striped clown pants, especially at their rallies. Another GoldWinger feature is the pressure to join GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) with all its camaraderie, but it is not required. GoldWinging comes with the Couple of the Year Award (lots of emphasis on 2-up riding), couple's names painted on their bikes, evening rides, and restaurant stops galore. GoldWing people (not unlike many other motorcyclists) often add significantly to the overall weight of their bikes. Group rides are a phenomenon. Everyone saddles up with his CB and a rider who is the locomotive and another who is the caboose. This little train rides along at moderate speeds and is shepherded by the leader and end as they alert  riders of every move they should make with every potential hazard in the road. GoldWinging makes little sense to many bikers. For that matter, none of the other styles make any sense to the other styles either. But it takes a certain frame of mind to get into this. It has its own culture and lifestyle, just like a HOG Club. So who does this? Go to rallies and just look around a bit. You see a lot of older guys and their wives. The cost of the bikes probably has something to do with that. They are independent thinkers who are conforming to a certain philosophy about motorcycling that is legitimate if that is who you are and what you like and like to do. ”Do“ is another good word for the GoldWing style. These people have all sorts of chapters, officers, and things to do together. GWRRA is about doing.

BMW Style

Beemer people are among the most independent thinkers in motorcycling. That is because, by comparison, there are few BMW's out there even though they are among the most technologically sophisticated bikes there are. But they are expensive. To buy a Beemer, you will force yourself to think outside the herd. They look different than the most popular bikes out there, the most peculiar being the GS. If you buy one and are not a loner, you will become a loner because you will be riding solo most of the time. Why? Nobody will be able to keep up with you for one. These things fly. But BMW riders prefer to ride alone anyway. They don't ride in packs. You won't see them laden with useless ornaments. Only what is essential for the job of LONG DISTANCE RIDES at high rates of speed for hundreds of thousands of miles over the life of the bike, far ahead of the conforming mob behind them. The Beemer rider is confident, self-assured, and swimming up stream against the current. He doesn't need any kind of approval from the majority. Because all this goes together, the Beemer crowd has a style as peculiar as the bikes upon which they ride. Leather is not the BMW style. Textile is. With armor and heated clothing. And full riding suits so you look like the Michelin Tire Man. Thus, weather is irrelevant. Beemer people are ready for anything. He'll be in a full-face helmet. With gloves and GPS's and XM radios and panniers and weather-proof boots and rear end black tape on his bags that reflects light like the sun at night. He is likely a camper too. Completely self-contained and self-sufficient. A 2-wheel RV with camping gear loaded wide and high, including tires, sleeping bags, tents, chairs, stoves, and coolers. A BMW rider stands alone. His conformity is non-conformity. He is pretty much ignored. But he is like a Marine and thinks he rides the best. All other bikes are inferior, and the riders who ride them have been deceived or are ignorant.

Wanna talk about motorcycles? What biker doesn't? The Beemer guy takes it to the next level. Most people talk about new ones coming out next year or some of the late models around. Beemer men love history. They love to ride history too. Bikes from the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. The are more interested in the greatest than the latest. Simplicity rather than complexity.

Some of the most unlikely people in the world ride Beemers. If there is such a person who does not think of style at all, it would be a BMW rider. Lots of farmers in the Midwest sit on these things and roll up at rallies as if they just came out of the barn. Their rallies are benign. I went to a Beemer rally in Iowa one Spring. Every registrant was given a mug. It entitled him to unlimited alcohol for the weekend. Parked on the rally grounds was a beer wagon open 24 hours a day for three days. It was the biggest bong you could think of with a beer Niagara Falls pouring through it. All beer and meals were in the rally fee, and the beer wagon was drained non-stop every hour on the clock. The event was uneventful. No one got drunk or naked. Think innocent for the Leisure style, gaudy for GoldWing, and plain for BMW.

Harley Style

This is the majority style. It is not plain. Most conceptions of bikers are in this category. 99% of most riders at most rallies model this version. It is marked by four features. CHROME. Not plastic. It is a signature item that gleams on every spot where it can be fitted. BLACK. For almost everything. BLUE. As in jeans. LEATHER. Add doo rags, beer gushing like a fire hydrant, beards, mustaches, long hair, patches, and expensive rides weighed down with sparkling silver. Throw in muscles and tattoos, chains. pack riding. Vests worn outside the jackets. Thunderous racket. Each rider tries to raise the dead before the Day of Judgment and get cagers to curse. Lack of self-assurance or over-confidence with constant throttling at a stop light that says to everyone around them, ”Look at me.“ Sexy women. Skulls. Club names. Revelry. Black and orange and Harley-Davidson written on everything from the boots to underwear. T-shirts from every Harley shop on the planet. Vendors by the thousands. Charity rides. Poker runs. $100 minimum for all things Harley. The omnipresent, stocked Harley-Davidson dealership at every exit on the interstate. The H-D style is emulated by every age group from children to old men. The ultimate rebel and independent conforms to the majority. The bikes are cruisers or metric cruisers. Leather is the de rigueur outfit, the uniform of long-standing tradition that looks right. It fits the soldiers who ride them to a tee. And it's practical because leather provides the best protection when evil visits. Textile is loathed like a GoldWing. This style can be worn everyday of the year, even if you are not riding or have never ridden a motorcycle in your miserable life, because it is a fashion statement worn by movie stars to teeny boppers to infants. It is THE style. Black leather begs to adorn the classic loner.

Sport Biker Style

The sport biker style gains momentum every year. Sit on a beach boulevard. What bikes are coming down the pike? Sport bikes outnumber cruisers sometimes seven to one. The reasons are: PRICE. It is half or less to get into a sport bike compared to a Harley. SPEED. The cops give up if you fly down the street at 100 mph. They turn around and radio ahead, hoping that you are not already outside the range of their frequency. You can wheelie 10 miles across the Howard Frankland bridge on Tampa Bay and still pass everyone. Adrenaline will fire down your veins like cocaine as you cut between cars and blast past them like F-15's. Cagers almost fly off the road when you sneak upon them with that high-pitched whine in the left lane just before they were about to enter it.  IMAGE. Cruisers are for old men. Sport bikes reflect youthful egotism and unabashed, daredevil courage that takes unnecessary risks. YOUTH. They can bend over like a rubber band on those things. The cruiser guy sits in his Lazy Boy seat and picks up his own leg to get on. This calls for a different style. Not leather. Unless it looks like it came from a racetrack and is rated for 200 mph. Textile is the costume. And exo-skeletal armor strapped to the back. In fact, armor everywhere. With a pack. And racing boots with colorful full-face helmets. Often strapped to the side. The most pronounced and unimaginable decoration to everyone over 30 though is the hood ornament on the BACK. The girl. Knees on both sides of her face, back bent like a hinge, her thong straps painted on her bare back, she sails by at 100 miles an hour in short shorts and hangs on to the moron's waist while she both exults in the speed rush and thinks about her eternal destiny if something goes haywire. The Harley style is macho or classic; the Sport Bike style is just plain crazy.

Your Own Man Style

Other than the Beemer rider, this is the cruiser rider who refuses to imprint everything he owns with the words Harley-Davidson. He's not a pack rider and doesn't conform to their lifestyle. He watches the crowd and enjoys the rallies, but ”watch“ is the key word, not do. If something makes sense to him, he will borrow a useful feature from another style whether anyone else (more likely, no one else) does so or not. These people are few.

So there you are. Motorcycle style. You have one, and it is probably one of these. You style is either innocent, gaudy, plain, insane, classic/macho, or maverick. In your mind or with your bike and all things related to it, you are in one of these camps.

Many companies bank on a loyal customer following to help keep them in business; however, it is one thing to be a loyal customer that continues to purchase from the same store or manufacturer and quite a different thing when that customer goes to their local tattoo parlor and has the company logo inked onto their chest or bicep. Now, that is customer loyalty and Harley-Davidson motorcycles have their fair share, and then some, of that type of customer loyalty. It has been said that there is not another company around that works harder to create and maintain genuine customer loyalty; they follow a pattern of dedicated interactions with their customers. The Easy Rider movie not only increased their popularity, it also led to Harley-Davidson motorcycles becoming a cultural icon. With its toughness, powerfulness and distinctive roar it cultivated a bad-boy image; which attracted celebrities and consumers alike. While they did experience a few rough patches they were one of the few companies that were able to completely invent new models and reinvent the existing models. Harley wanted to differentiate themselves from the Japanese competitors by broadening their customer base from only catering to what were considered “hard-core” bikers and include the weekend rebels and leisure riders. Traditionally the bike owners came from the middle and working classes, however when prices and quality increased they began attracting a different class of buyers. Over one third of Harley buyers are managers or professionals and 60% of them are college graduates. Hell’s Angels no longer ride in the same group anymore; now there are doctors, lawyers and accountants. Today women account for a significant portion of the new riders and there are women only riders clubs springing up everywhere. Harley-Davidson motorcycles acknowledged this sector’s need for an atmosphere of community and began to change the premise of the existing method of comparison from brands being compared as one service or product to another service or product to comparing it more like their lifestyle versus the competitor’s lifestyle. Harley managed to differentiate the experience value on qualities other than strictly bike performance and these included the bikes look and feel, the unmistakable sound of their bikes and just as relevant, clothing, accessories and events in the communities that actually had nothing at all to do with their bikes performance. In other words Harley went from merely supplying motorcycles to selling a lifestyle; a concept that was lost on competitors and ensured that they could not begin to compete against Harley-Davidson, especially on something that was considered Harleys home turf. All of this enabled Harley-Davidson to reinvigorate their relationships with dealers by cosponsoring events within the communities, which had become one of the main focal points of a completely new Harley division. The world’s largest motorcycle club, the Harley-Davidson’s Owners Group, or HOG as it is better known, was organized and Harley began to expand their brand to include Harley lifecycle accessories, such as clothes, for biking life. Harley-Davidson motorcycles brand of a rebel lifestyle is a profitable business model that has been studied by both the consumer business and manufacturing circles as a one of a kind success story. For more information on motorcycles, visit http://harleymicroblog.com and http://bikermicroblog.co.uk