Rommel Harley-Davidson® Blog
Most folks who own a 2014 or later touring model with the 6.5″ infotainment system were jazzed to find Bluetooth connectivity for their phones but disappointed there was no good solution for a wireless headset. Even those with wired headsets often feel the tug when dismounting before unplugging (you know who you are!).
The wait has finally ended. With the introduction of H-D’s new Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) anyone with the 6.5″ Infotainment system (yes, Street Glides and Road Glides too!!) can have full wireless connectivity with their radio. Listen to music thru the headset, get directions from your GPS, take or make phone calls- it’s all connected!
While many feel that riding should be a break from many of those modern world distractions, most of us have experienced having to pull over to call someone back or just to see who called, realizing you forgot to call someone before you got on the bike, making sure you understood the last GPS direction, and other similar inconveniences.
While there have been a couple of aftermarket modules that promised the wireless connectivity we craved, quick research showed us they simply were not ready for prime time so it is sweet relief to finally have a system that works!
If you are interested in learning more about this awesome new system, swing by and talk to our P&A pros or feel free to drop us a line here: Contact us
April is here- we have just gone through springing forward and changing batteries, now it’s time for Check your Helmet Month!
We know you’ve heard this before (multiple times if you read our emails)…but the helmet is that thing that protects your brain so it has the potential to be important. You know how that saying goes, “you have 10 fingers, but you only have one brain”…
Our MotorClothes teams are ready, willing, and able to make sure you will be
properly protected by your helmet with a few vital inspections.
1. Fit is It!
Whether it’s a half shell or a high-tech modular full face, a good fitting helmet may cause a little helmet hair, but having a proper fit is critical to your safety as well as your comfort. To insure a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze your temples our MotorClothes staff will encourage you to wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.
2. Helmets Don’t Last Forever
We like to use the example of a new styrofoam cooler. When you first get it, it’s squishy and bright! If you take it to the beach all season, it gets yellow and brittle. Time, exposure to your sweat and UV rays, and the aging of adhesives and components will compromise a helmet’s protective qualities. That’s why manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend that helmets be replaced about every five years, depending on use. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a “purchased on date” sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.
Take a look at your helmet or have us check for you.
3. Keep it Clean
Just like when you wash your bike (you do wash your bike all the time, right?), look for wear and tear that may impact safety and comfort. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Many helmets have removable pads and liners that come out and make them easier to clean! Stay away from solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.
4. One Drop and it’s Done
A helmet is designed for only one impact. The outer shell is designed to spread out the impact and the inner polystyrene is designed to compress/crush upon impact. Once the inner polystyrene is compressed it loses its ability to protect. Have you ever dropped your helmet trying to balance it on your seat? Be careful because every impact can create fractures in the outer shell of the helmet making it less effective as a vital piece of safety equipment. If a helmet has had an a major drop or impact, it should really be replaced.
NEW 2017 Technology Update:
Though the concept of protecting your head is pretty old, there had been many improvements to the technology to do so!
Shells:
• Ultra-light helmet shells reduce the weight of a helmet but also have increased durability. What does thin mean for the rider? You can ride longer with less strain on your neck.
• Comfort liners and padding improvements mean that now many are removable so you can clean them, and some have moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties.
Visors:
• Drop-down sun shields are built into the helmet and can be used with the push of a button! You can use the shield in lieu of sunglasses as they reduce glare from the sun and keep harmful UV rays out of your eyes.
Other features:
• Zip-off neck curtains and ear flaps keep you warm while wearing a half-helmet in the cooler months. Though this is not a new feature to helmets, they are now handy for riders looking for options for their Bluetooth communicator systems.
• If you find that you’re in between sizes, adjustment dials built into some helmets can make a helmet tighter or looser depending on your comfort level. They’re also helpful if you wear headgear under your helmet or want to accommodate a new hairstyle.
As Memorial Day approaches, it is certain that you will start to see more motorcycles out and about all over the country. This year it is even more noticeable on the east coast since this has been the rainiest Spring in quite a while and the weather is finally drying out! Some of the Rommel H-D dealerships are close to our Nation’s Capital and people from far and wide make their way to this neck of the woods to participate in Rolling Thunder. Make sure to check out the Open Houses at on our Calendar.
In case you are preparing to ride for Memorial Day and you’re getting your bike flags unfurled, here is some info on the correct way to display your flags.
…and to all who serve to protect our freedom: Thank You.
Riding in the rain divides riders into two groups. Those who aren’t really phased by it and do it all the time… and those who think it’s the worst idea. Many new riders consider it crazy to ride in the rain and people who are dry in cars are usually appalled to see riders out on wet roads at all. What separates the men from the boys? Why proper gear and prep of course! Most experienced riders know that with the right techniques and the right gear that riding in the rain is almost as fun as riding on dry roads.
For some less experienced wet weather riders here are few words of wisdom:
Gear up!
It is true that you get what you pay for. That $2.99 plastic poncho from wally world is going to be more dangerous and annoying when it lets in as much rain as it keeps out, steams up when the sun returns, and then melts itself as a permanent reminder onto your pipes. Get the right gear and riding in the rain is quite comfortable. Obviously a good suit is the main thing- preferably something breathable that creates additional visibility with reflective material or hi vis color. Gloves and boots that shed water rather than turn into sponges will make a wet ride much better, but if you don’t have waterproof items already some mitts and gators can cover up your non-water shedding items and give you a dry ride. If you ride with a shorty windshield (or none at all) consider something to help protect your face. A full face helmet may work best but there are other items we have to protect you if you prefer to stick with a three quarter or half helmet.
Technique!
There are several things you can do to make yourself a safer wet road rider but number one is Smoooooooth things out. You want to maintain traction…and traction is a lot like money- it’s easier to keep than it is to get back!Smooth throttle movements, steering inputs and braking will ensure that the traction you own continues to be yours.
The first 15 minutes:
When you add rain to a road surface that has accumulated oil drips and anti freeze leaks, the first thing that happens is the oil rises to the top making the road a little extra slippery. This can be a great time to get your rain gear on, get some gas or have a snack. After some time the goo will be rinsed away and all will be well.
Slow your roll!
Ok- it’s raining and you want to be smooooth…would you rather start an evasive braking maneuver at 55 miles an hour or 70 miles an hour? Just sayin’.
Practice the rest:
There are lots of little things that also help you avoid surprises. For instance, be aware of paint and metal on the roadway; crosswalk lines, painted arrows, manhole covers and other non-pavement materials are more slippery. It also helps to ride in the path of one of the tires of the vehicle in front of you when possible. It has already pushed the water off the surface on that path of travel and is less likely to have oily residue than the center track.
Did we mention being smooth?
We’re happy to offer test rides here at the Rommel H-D stores. Click here to schedule your next life changing experience.
Few motorcycles are as iconic and instantly recognizable as Harley-Davidson. As one of the few motorcycle companies to survive the Great Depression, Harley-Davidsons have been going strong ever since, and for good reason: They’re sturdy and reliable; they turn heads wherever they go; and they’re a lot of fun to ride.
Well-known for their customizability, Harley-Davidson owners have been creating one-of-a-kind bikes for generations, tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle, but Harley-Davidson is much more than the classic chopper immortalized in movies such as Easy Rider—their street bikes and other midsize models are gaining popularity among new riders, too. On top of all that, they’re developing an all-electric version that will open up a whole new realm of innovation.
Ask any current owner, and you’ll see why Harleys have stood the test of time and keep customers coming back for more. The reasons to own a Harley-Davidson are innumerable, but here are a few to start.
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2016 is here in what seems like a blink of the eye! Need a resolution? We have one suggestion for you. Do something that will truly make a difference in your quality of life. Do something that will make you happy.
Get out and ride more.
There are many reasons why you should do this, but the most important one is that riding should make you happy.
If you really want to make the time to ride more, how about commuting?Check into toll discounts and even free usage in your area for HOV and HOT lanes. You show up to work with a smile on your face instead of a case of road rage. And you create less emissions, save money on gas, and cause less wear on roadways. That’s a win-win! But the biggest win is that you have just done something to make yourself feel good!
Until very recently, increasing the displacement of your HD big twin past 103 cubic inches required machining cases or buying a bigger motor. The problem is that the cast iron liner that the piston travels in needs to go below the cylinder into the engine cases in order to properly support the piston as it travels to the bottom of its stroke; that portion of the liner is referred to as the “spigot”. At the same time, while cast iron is strong, it can be brittle and crack if it is too thin, so boring the cylinder past 3 3/4 (which combined with the 4 3/8 stroke used since 2007 provides a 103″ motor) can result in the spigot cracking which could, of course, be catastrophic. Therefore, to produce a 110” motor we had to completely disassemble the motor, split the cases and re-machine them in order to accept a different cylinder entirely.
Drum roll please……
However, after considerable testing, Harley-Davidson has just released a new cylinder that uses a high strength steel liner that can have a far thinner spigot without risk of cracking and the resulting damage.
What that means is that we can now take a stock 96″ or 103″ big twin and increase it to a beefy 110” motor for far less in parts and labor than we could previously. On top of that great news, Harley has provided several of those kits that, when installed on your new motorcycle, will NOT impact your warranty!
As surprising as this was to me, we can now install a Stage 5 Pavement Shredder 110” kit to your new Harley-Davidson and you will not only have an unaffected 2 year factory warranty, but if you buy our Extended Service Plan you will have full coverage through the entire period- up to 7 years, with the ability to extend it further.
Stage 5 too much? There are stage 2,3, and 4 kits all available that dramatically increase power (and sound sweet too!) yet stay within the confines of your factory warranty.
Wanna know more? Give us a call or stop by to discuss your options.
“110 cubic inches of bolt on power has me thinking about a new Road Glide!”
-Lyndon (GM at Rommel H-D Annapolis)
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available in a variety of styles to suit each rider’s needs and preferences. The Road King, Street Glide, and Electra Glide are all part of Harley’s “touring” line of bikes. These motorcycles are designed for superior comfort and handling during longer rides. If you’re ready to buy or lease a Harley in Delmarva, you may be wondering about the major differences between each motorcycle line. Keep reading to learn a little more about the Road King, the Street Glide, and the Electra Glide to get a better feel for each of these bikes and which might be right for you.
Electra Glide
The Electra Glide is one of Harley-Davidson’s best-selling touring bike models. At 102.4” long and an unladen seat height of 29.1”, the Electra Glide is larger and higher than both the Road King and the Street Glide. It is also the heaviest of the three bikes, weighing in at approximately 879lbs in running order. The Electra Glide features greater luggage capacity than the other two bikes as well, with nearly five cubic feet of storage space and four audio speakers. This motorcycle’s forked “batwing” fairing is one of its most recognizable features. The Electra Glide often gets superior marks in terms of comfort—in fact, many enthusiasts call it Harley-Davidson’s most comfortable motorcycle.
Road King
Harley-Davidson’s Road King comes in at 96.5” long and features an unladen seat height of 28.2”. This traditionally-styled bike comes standard with a windshield but little in the way of fairing, making it a sleeker motorcycle with a lower, more classic profile preferred by many. In terms of weight, the Road King falls between the Electra Glide and the Street Glide at 814lbs when in running order; it features the same cubic luggage capacity as the Street Glide of 2.3 cubic feet. The Road King is not available with an audio system; however, this streamlined, classic bike holds great appeal for many experienced and long-distance riders. The standard Road King model is loved by drivers and passengers alike for comfort even on poor-quality roads.
Street Glide
The Street Glide model is a step up from the basic Road King, similar in size and style but with a few added features. Both the Road King and Street Glide are 96.5” long, but the Street Glide features a slightly lower chassis and an unladen seat height of 27.4”; it is also slightly lighter than the Road King at 810lbs when in running order. Many newer riders enjoy the Street Glide’s smooth maneuverability, as well as its standard fairing to block the wind for greater comfort at high speeds. Like the Electra Glide, the Street Glide comes standard with an audio system, but features two speakers, rather than the Electra Glide’s four. The Street Glide and the Road King both offer similar luggage storage capacities of 2.3 cubic feet.
Are you ready to live your dream of riding a Harley in New England? We can help you choose and customize the right Harley-Davidson motorcycle for every rider; our dealerships in Annapolis, Delmarva, Durham, New Castle, Smyrna, Plains Township, and Scranton offer onsite and online shopping so you have all the information you need to make the right choice. You can check out our Harley showroom online, where we feature a variety of bikes and accessories so you can browse our customized new and used Harleys, or read through our blog for more tips on purchase, customization, and maintenance for your bike.