“We’re excited to bring back this campaign, which will reinforce that anyone can take a test ride at your local Harley-Davidson dealer,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Director, Advertising and Promotion. “To make it even more exciting, we are adding elements that only Harley-Davidson can pull off, such as scheduling test rides online that will make it even easier to get on a bike, and the chance to win the ultimate Super Ride.”

Promotion highlights for the Harley-Davidson Super Ride 2010 will include:  Only licensed riders can visit participating Harley-Davidson dealers or sign-up online to ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010.  All bikers and interested motorcycle enthusiasts that take a test ride can the sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Milwaukee to customize the 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle of their choice at the Willie G. Davidson Design Studio, along with a VIP tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum.   $500 Harley-Davidson gift cards will be awarded every day during the promotion to Super Ride participants around the country.  Contact your local Harley-Davidson dealerships anytime during the riding season to find out more about this great event or click here Harley-Davidson Super Ride 2010 to learn more.  Harley-Davidson Motor Company is the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer that produces heavyweight motorcycles along with a complete model line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and apparel.  For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site.

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Exclusive motorcycle parking will also be provided for participants in Glendale H-D’s Ride to the Revolver Magazine Golden Gods group ride from the dealership to Club Nokia the evening of the awards show. Twenty lucky riders will win pre-show VIP access to meet the Golden Gods.  New for this year, fans can cast their votes to choose who will take home the awards for “Best Guitarist,” “Best Drummer,” “Best Vocalist,” “Album of the Year,” “Best Live Band,” “Best Underground Band,” “Most Metal Athlete,” “Hottest Chick(s) in Metal” and “Comeback Of The Year” at by clicking your mouse here at Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Awards and vote please.  Voting ends on Wednesday, March 31.  As an added bonus, everyone who casts a vote will be entered for a chance to win one of three Harley-Davidson prize packs, including a free Riders Edge course for two, or a free three-day Harley-Davidson Authorized Rental, plus a $100 Harley-Davidson Gift Card to get geared up.  Come on now, lets all watch Rob Halford of Judas Priest in action riding in on a FLSTB Harley Davidson Cross Bones Custom Motorcycle.  To enhance your viewing pleasure, please click on the photo for enlargement.  Boss Hawg

The crystal-clear rhinestones are set within the Harley Davidson Bar & Shield logo medallion placed in the center of a mirror-polished chrome fuel console door and these crystal clear rhinestones add a brilliant flash, and dance in the direct sunlight making you motorcycle stand out front and center to attract maximum attention.  These new Diamond Ice Collection Fuel Tank Console Door accessories fit 2008-later Ultra Classic, Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road Glide and Trike model motorcycles.  Make note that several other motorcycle accessories are also available within the new Diamond Ice Collection are gauge trim rings, a license plate frame and a fuel cap medallion, each set with sparkling rhinestones to make your motorcycle bling complete.  For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories and Women Riders, see the Harley-Davidson Dealer Locator to visit your local dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site or you can call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada and to find out more regarding fitment details.  Please click on the photo for an enlarged view.  Boss Hawg.

The Screamin’ Eagle® / Vance & Hines team brings Harley-Davidson® high-performance to the top level of professional drag racing. Champions four of the past six seasons in the Pro Stock Motorcycle division of the National Hot Rod Association® Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team wins with American V-Twin powered Harley-Davidson V-Rod® motorcycles. Plus, it teams up two of the best riders in the world, former champions Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec.

“We had one of our most successful seasons ever in 2009,” said Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team owner Byron Hines, “except that we did not retain the championship that Eddie earned with the team in 2008. In 2010, we’ll be racing to put the number 1 back on one of the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rods.”

The Screamin’ Eagle/ Vance & Hines team will be racing the same Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycles the team campaigned in 2009. Those bikes featured a new fuel-injected V-Twin engine with four-valve cylinder heads and dual overhead camshafts, resting in a new racing frame designed by Vance & Hines. Before the fifth race of the 17-event 2009 season, the NHRA increased by 20 pounds the minimum weight of the team’s V-Rod bikes, from 620 to 640 pounds, part of NHRA’s ongoing efforts at maintaining competition and parity within the category. The minimum weight of Buell (625 pounds) and Suzuki (595 pounds) motorcycles was unchanged. For 2010 the team will further develop the transmission to accommodate this added weight, according to Byron Hines.

“We always seem to have to work a little harder,” said Byron Hines, “but this team is so talented that we always find a way to adapt to rules changes and new competition. I expect us to be back at the front of the pack again in 2010.”

Creating a V-Twin Challenger

Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines Motorsports created the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team in 2002 to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle division, and to develop a drag-racing motorcycle powered by a V-Twin engine to challenge the dominance of four-cylinder engines in NHRA competition. In 2004, the team won the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship as Andrew Hines won three races and, at age 21, became the youngest professional champion in NHRA history. It was also the first NHRA title won by a V-Twin-powered motorcycle. Andrew Hines went on to ride a Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines V-Rod to the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship again in 2005 and 2006. Krawiec joined the team in 2007, and in 2008 became only the second racer in NHRA history to earn a national title without winning a national event during that racing season. Krawiec qualified seventh for the five-race Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to One playoff, and then won 14 of 20 possible Countdown rounds to clinch the championship during the semi-final round of the season’s final event in Pomona, Calif.

In 2009, Krawiec made it to the finals 10 times, winning five of those races. He also placed second in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs during the final five races of the season, just two points shy of repeating as champion. His Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines teammate, Andrew Hines, won three events in four final-round appearances, and for the fourth time won the Ringer Gloves Pro Bike Battle bonus event in Indianapolis. Over a three-race stretch (Norwalk, Denver and Sonoma), Hines and Krawiec both advanced to the final round of eliminations. All totaled, the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rods won eight of 17 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events in 2009, the best results ever for the team.

A Team of Champions

Based in Indianapolis, Ind., the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team is lead by Vance & Hines Motorsports owners Byron Hines and Terry Vance. The duo began racing together in 1972. With Hines as crew chief and Vance riding, they became a dominant team in national Pro Stock and Top Fuel motorcycle drag racing, earning 24 NHRA national victories before Vance retired from competition in 1988. Matt Hines, the older son of Byron, returned the team to drag-racing prominence, earning 30 NHRA event wins and 44 number-one qualifying awards in eight seasons. Matt Hines was the first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer to win the championship in three consecutive seasons (1997-’99). Matt Hines retired from racing in 2003 to become assistant crew chief for the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team. Today, Matt Hines brings his competition experience to his role as crew chief of the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team, making race-day tuning decisions and advising the team riders. Byron Hines leads engineering, development and tuning efforts for the team. The Vance & Hines organization has won 11 professional motorcycle drag racing titles.

In 2010, the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines team will pursue the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle title with two former champion riders, Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec.

Andrew Hines will turn 27 on May 25, 2010. He is a son of Vance & Hines Motorsports co-founder Byron Hines. Since making his professional debut in 2002, Hines has 18 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle event wins and has won the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship three times (2004-’06). He is also a four-time winner (2004, 2006-’07, 2009) of the Ringers Glove Pro Bike Battle bonus event. In 2009, Hines won three NHRA events and made one other final-round appearances. He was also the No. 2 qualifier for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs and finished the season point race in third place.

Eddie Krawiec is 34 years old. He started motorcycle drag racing in 1999 and had nine wins in the AMA Pro Star series. He made his NHRA debut in 2004. In 2008, he won the Ringers Glove Pro Bike Battle bonus event at Indianapolis, qualified seventh for the Countdown to One playoffs, and won the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship. Krawiec was the number-one qualifier for the 2009 Countdown to the Championship playoffs, and won five times in 10 final-round appearances. He finished second in the season points.

The 2010 Pro Stock Motorcycle season schedule includes 17 events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, beginning at the NHRA AC Delco Gatornationals March 11-14 in Gainesville, Fla., and ending November 11-14 with the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif.

Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

Owners can enter their motorcycles in the Ride-In Show Contest on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in Daytona Beach, or online at www.harley-davidson.com. Registration is followed by judging with prizes awarded by Harley-Davidson design experts beginning at 4 p.m. First place and two runner-up winners in each of 14 judging categories will receive cash prizes or trophies.  In addition, cash prizes will be awarded to the top motorcycles using Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, for Most Dramatic Audio and the Willie G. Award for H.O.G. members. Entry fees are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

“There is a tremendous sense of competition and camaraderie among the riders and motorcycle enthusiasts who attend the Ride-In Custom Bike Show,” said Steve Earnshaw, Harley-Davidson Director, Retail Operations: Parts & Accessories, CVO, Trike / Service. “The passion and creativity that goes in to these custom Harleys is so incredible that we want to see it all get recognized and rewarded, while also helping support MDA.”

The Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show has also been one of the biggest and best shows at Daytona Bike Week for more than 30 years.  Look here for additional information on the Ride-In Show.  Other Harley-Davidson events during the week at Riverfront Park include interactive activities, MDA Auction and Bike Raffle and other events. There will also be Demo Rides, H.O.G. Pin Stop, interactive motorcycle display and other activities at the Daytona International Speedway.  A full schedule of Harley-Davidson Bike Week activities is posted here on Harley Davidson .

Lione, 60, will remain with the Company as President of the Harley-Davidson Foundation, a position she has held since 2006. She has served as Harley-Davidson’s chief legal officer since joining the Company in 1997.  Harley-Davidson has initiated a candidate search for the General Counsel position. The Company’s legal and compliance functions will continue to report to Lione until April 30.

“We greatly appreciate Gail’s service and many contributions to Harley-Davidson, and look forward to her continued leadership of the Foundation and her outreach on the Company’s behalf to the community,” said Keith Wandell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) has announced the retirement James A. McCaslin, Executive Vice President, Corporate Product Planning, effective April 30, 2010.  McCaslin, 61, served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 2001 to 2009.  He joined Harley-Davidson in 1992 as Vice President and General Manager of the Company’s York Vehicle Operations.

“Jim has served in several key Motor Company leadership roles and we thank him for his dedication and many contributions. He has tremendous passion for the brand and the products, and we wish him many great journeys ahead on the seat of his Harley-Davidson® motorcycle,” said Keith Wandell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta.

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Harley-Davidson welcomes everyone to Daytona Bike Week 2010 at its exciting new location at Riverfront Park on Beach Street and with an array of Harley® products and activities at Daytona International Speedway. “Daytona Bike Week marks the start of the riding season, like New Year’s Day for motorcycle riders, and Harley-Davidson will be there to celebrate,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Consumer Events. “Our new location at Riverfront Park is a showcase for custom Harley motorcycles, while our spot at the Speedway gives riders a chance to test ride any of our 70 demo bikes.”

Harley-Davidson activities at the Riverfront Park on Beach Street will run from Friday, February 26 to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

* Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories® and MotorClothes® Products interactive experience: Check out the latest and greatest in customization and technology.
* Third Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride (Tuesday, March 2)
* Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show (Wednesday, March 3)
* V-Rod® Race Experience – Race your friends and win!
* Fit Shop customization activities
* Tattoo competition
* Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) bike build and raffle
* Food, beverage, music and free parking

Harley-Davidson activities at Daytona International Speedway near the Intersection of Midway Avenue and Richard Petty Boulevard will run from Saturday, February 27, to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

* Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides
* Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) pin stop: Members get a free event pin
* H.O.G. Day, Saturday, Feb. 27: Members receive a special gift
* 2010 Harley-Davidson interactive motorcycle display
* Fit Shop motorcycle experience – see how any Harley can be custom fit
* Food, beverages, music and free parking

Motorcycle owners are invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Ride-In Custom Bike Show on Wednesday, March 3. Registration is only $10, and will be at Riverfront Park on Beach Street from 9 a.m.-noon, with cash prize winners in a variety of classes. Entries are open to the general public.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides will be available at Daytona International Speedway February 27 to March 6. Motorcycle riders with a valid license and appropriate riding gear can test ride any 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.   Take a look at Harley-Davidson’s website for a complete listing of events and visit here for Online Coverage Direct From Daytona and look at the on-site activities guide.  For additional events, please take a look here at the Official 69th Daytona Bike Week Calender of Events.

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The Harley-Davidson Museum is home to many iconic stories starring the motorcycle.  Beginning February 12 – and just in time for the Oscars – the Museum is rolling out the red carpet for some very special guest appearances as it showcases “Harleys & Hollywood,” an exclusive, limited-time exhibit affectionately known as Harelywood.  Visitors to the Museum will have the chance to see, live and in person, some of the famous Hollywood motorcycles that have defined pop culture over the years.  Bikes on display include those seen in the films:  G.I. Joe, The Rise of Cobra, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and The Wild Hogs, as well as those owned by stars Clark Gable, Steve McQueen, Ludacris, and Jesse James to feel like a piece of Harleywood themselves.

Everyone who visits “Harleys & Hollywood” can enjoy a flash of stardom as they hop in the saddle of the actual bike ridden by Shia Labouf in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and get their photo taken.  And those who want to know more about the bikes can hear a gallery talk on “Harleys & Hollywood” from a member of the Museum’s Archives and Curatorial staff every Thursday (Feb 18-March 11) at 2 p.m.  For more on “Harleys & Hollywood” and the Harley-Davidson Museum, visit www.h-dmuseum.com and look for the Harleywood banner.

Come to the Museum for this Special Event – February 26 at 7:00 p.m for the “Untold Stories” Motorcycles in the Movies with an Evening with Tim Woods and Justin Kell.  Come to the Harley-Davidson Museum and learn how motorcycle movie magic is made from two of the industry’s insiders! Join Tim Woods, Picture Car Coordinator, and Justin Kell, Motorcycle Coordinator, for a fun evening of entertaining stories and unique insights on motorcycles in films, the actors who ride them, the stunts that are performed, and much more.  Over the past several years, Tim and Justin have worked together on the hit films The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, G.I. Joe and The Rise of Cobra. As Picture Car Coordinator, Tim selects the vehicles and manages the transportation scenes, and as Motorcycle Coordinator, Justin coordinates, builds, and serves as technician to the bikes. Come see the bikes, watch clips from the films, and get the inside scoop on how it’s all done!  Of course there are many more activities and Weekly Events at Motor Bar & Restaurant with plenty of reasons to visit Motor® Bar & Restaurant!  Ongoing weekly events include Tuesday Trivia Night (7-9 p.m.), Wednesday Open Mic Night (6-9 p.m.), Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour (3-9 p.m.), and Saturday UFC fights.  Visit the Harley Davidson Museum for details.

About the Harley-Davidson Museum:  The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Museum is open year-round (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursdays) and parking is free. For more information on the Museum’s galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets, and more, visit Harley Davidson Museum.

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Photo:  Harley-Davidson

There were great products represented by most and it was great to meet up with some of my well established industry friends and the new ones made, too.   There were some high-end Custom Prostreet and Custom Choppers displayed nicely, but like I have said before Custom Prostreet and Custom Choppers at higher price points are 5 years to late and those introduced may very well have a very difficult time establishing themselves in the industry.  However, those custom motorcycle builders established long ago are holding their own and taking orders to build more custom bikes.

Watch all three of these videos of the 2010 10th Anniversary Easyriders V Twin Expo Custom Motorcycles show and please let all of us know your thoughts here at Boss Hawg Blawg.

Boss Hawg