Harley-Davidson® Of Ocean County

Buying Your First Harley? Avoid These Common Novice Rider Mistakes

Riders that do not have extensive experience on a motorcycle need to be as safe as possible on a Harley. Novice riders that have never owned a Harley-Davidson motorcycle need to be especially careful, as they are the group most likely to get into an accident. To stay safe, follow these tips for safe Harley riding.

Distracted Driving

Riding a Harley is very different from riding a car. On a Harley, you can’t daydream—not even for a minute. Because of the risk of injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident, you must remember to be totally alert.

Wearing Improper Gear

Whether you’re headed down the block or you’re going on a cross-country road trip, it’s essential to wear the proper gear. Your local Harley-Davidson dealer will carry jackets, pants, and shoes that are made for protecting you from wind rash, as well as from asphalt in the event of a fall.

Neglecting a Pre-Ride Visual Inspection

Before you start your Harley-Davidson, inspect it carefully. Check the tire pressure to make sure it is at the manufacturer’s recommended level found in your Harley’s owner’s manual. Make sure you have enough fuel, and that any bungee tie downs are tight and secure.

Riding Outside of Skill Level

This is the most common rider mistake leading to an accident. While it may be fun to push your new Harley to the limits, you should never do it before you have received proper training or experience. Consider taking a riding course so that you are aware of your skill level and limitations.

Forgetting to Leave a Buffer

The distance you leave between your bike and the car in front of you is called the buffer zone. Even in heavy traffic, it’s important to respect the buffer. Don’t ride next to vehicles, especially large SUVs, because they don’t have good visibility and could potentially change lanes into you.

At Harley-Davidson of Ocean County, we are committed to educating riders in NJ about safety. Visit our website to see the Harley motorcycles and rider gear we have to offer you, and call us at (732) 719-3196 for more information about how to stay safe in a Harley.

Rain Gear for Your Harley

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for being unstoppable. To make sure that you are just as strong as your bike, it’s important to invest in proper riding gear. In the event that there is a sudden downpour, having a rain suit will keep you dry, warm, and focused on the road ahead. If you don’t need an entire rain suit, you can opt for a rain jacket or rain pants separately. Harley-Davidson rain gear oftentimes comes with reflective materials, which greatly increases your visibility to other vehicles at night. You can even purchase Harley-Davidson Rain Gaiter Lug Soles, which fit over your biker boots for extra protection from rain and other elements.

To take a closer look at the high-quality Harley-Davidson rain gear that will improve your riding experience, come to Harley-Davidson of Ocean County, NJ. Visit our website to browse our selection of Harley-Davidson riding gear. For more information, call us at (732) 719-3196.

Happy 110th Birthday to Harley-Davidson!

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1901 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is synonymous with rip-roaring performance and classic American style. In the beginning, however, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were nothing more than bicycles with an added motor.

When 22-year old William Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson began making small engines for motor-bicycles, they had no idea that they were founding a legendary motorcycle company. Over the decades, Harley-Davidson made it through the periods of intense competition from foreign manufacturers, and even the great depression during the early 20th century. To witness the pride that Harley-Davidson owners have for their favorite brand of motorcycles, watch this video clip.

If you have never owned a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, or you are considering purchasing a new one, head over to Harley-Davidson of Ocean County today. Check us out on the web to see our great selection of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. And call us at (732) 719-3196 for more information.

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Riding Position?

When you purchase a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you will enjoy specially engineered features that keep you comfortable for miles on the road. In order to get the best possible performance and comfort from your bike, you will need to be sure that you are in the proper riding position. Here’s how to get the most out of your riding position:

Arm and Hand Position

From a seated position on your bike, you should be able to reach the handlebars without straining your arms. Check to make sure that your elbows aren’t locked, and that you have a comfortable, casual bend in your arms. Be sure to have a firm grip on the handlebars so that you don’t lose control when you go over bumpy terrain. Finally, always start up your bike with your hands facing down so that you don’t hit the throttle too fast.

Leg and Foot Position

Your foot and leg position is an important factor in staying balanced at high speeds and around turns. Make sure that your feet are grounded on the foot pegs and keep your toes angled up so they don’t catch on the asphalt. Keep your feet in the same position on the pegs throughout the ride, and make sure that you keep your knees together to maintain the best possible balance.

Body Position

Depending on your style of bike, you might choose from several different riding postures. The standard body position is a straight torso, with shoulders back and no curve in the spine. If you’re riding a sport bike, you will be leaning forward with your torso resting against the tank. This puts you in an aerodynamic position that is perfect for high-speed riding. You can also choose a cruising posture, which allows you to relax and lean backwards during your ride.

Getting the most out of your riding position starts with choosing the right bike for you. Call Harley-Davidson of Ocean County in Lakewood, NJ at (732) 719-3196 to learn more about our great Harley-Davidson inventory.

Taking A Closer Look at Motorcycle Lane Position and Rider Safety

Motorcycles offer rider the benefit of increased maneuverability, speed, and visibility. In order to navigate safely through traffic, it is important to be aware of your motorcycle’s lane position at all times. Let’s take a closer look at motorcycle lane position and rider safety:

Know Your Options

Every lane on the road offers you three strategic lane positions to choose from. You have the option of traveling on the left, right, or in the center of any lane. To choose the best lane position for each situation, consider the flow of traffic, the potential for obstacles on the road, and where you might need to maneuver next. Place yourself in the best possible position to be seen by cars and other vehicles, and make sure that you have space to maneuver out of the lane if needed.

Maximize Your Visibility

From your motorcycle, you have an extended range of visibility that allows you to see more than a car motorist can. In order to use your visibility to your advantage, pick a lane position that allows you to see the other lanes of traffic and what is coming up ahead. By using lane position to maximize your visibility, you will be more prepared to safely maneuver the road ahead.    

Choose Predictable Movements

In order to minimize your risk of a collision with a car, you want to be predictable with your movements and lane changes. When you are moving to the left or the right, be sure to use your signals so that the cars around you know where you are headed. To stop safely, brake slowly and position your bike several feet away from the start of an intersection.

To learn more about lane position and motorcycle safety, contact Harley-Davidson of Ocean County at (732) 719-3196. If you are interested in purchasing a new or used Harley-Davidson, our Lakewood dealership features an extensive inventory of bikes.