Free Republic

Bruce Rossmeyer, known for building a Harley Davidson empire with 15 dealerships, died Thursday in a motorcycle accident. Rossmeyer and a group of friends were on their way to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota when the accident happened. Rossmeyer was riding on a Wyoming Highway 28 when he attempted to pass a truck pulling a camper as it turned left. The 66-year-old, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the driver’s side door. Rossmeyer was pronounced dead at the scene.

A very good friend of mine has made a 911 Tribute Motorcycle. He has entered the bike in a contest to have it featured in Ironworks, Magazine. Pierce is a police officer in Stowe, VT and personally built this bike as a tribute to Law Enforcement and those who perished on 911. The fender emblem reads "911 We Must Never Forget." The tank emblem, which is gold leaf, reads the same. Here are some pictures of the motorcycle. Please take the quick moment to follow the link and vote for his bike. He could use the help at this time....

Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG) has sold $600 million of debt, half of which went to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BERK). Berkshire and money manager Davis Selected Advisers LP, the largest Harley shareholder, each bought $300 million of senior unsecured notes carrying an annual interest rate of 15%, according to a Harley news release. The notes mature in 2014. The sale provides Harley-Davidson with more cash after losses at its financing arm, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) led to a 58% decline in fourth-quarter profit. Harley is also cutting 1,100 jobs, or more than 12% of its workforce, over two years. HDFS...

Harley-Davidson Inc. said Friday it will cut 1,100 jobs over two years, close some facilities and consolidate others as it grapples with a slowdown in motorcycle sales. The Milwaukee-based company also reported its fourth-quarter profit fell nearly 60 percent, and said it is slashing motorcycle shipments in 2009 to cope with reduced demand. The iconic motorcycle maker said it will consolidate two engine and transmission plants in Milwaukee into its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis. It will shrink its paint and frame operations in its York, Pa., plant and close its distribution facility in Franklin, Wis., whose duties will be...

On Debbie Argel’s first motorcycle trip from California to Wisconsin in 2003, she was nervous about the risks, but encouraged by her son, Air Force Capt. Derek Argel. He told her: "Fear of death is really just a fear of life. Go for it, Mom." Two years later, on Memorial Day, 2005, Derek was killed in Iraq. In his memory, and to raise money for children of special military forces killed in the line of duty, Debbie and her husband, Todd Bastian, are riding their cycles from Lompoc, Calif., to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson Inc.'s 105th Anniversary Celebration. The big party...

Ray and Jeannie Jordan put 105 flags on their bike for the 105th anniversary Harley-Davidson celebration. Ray, a Vietnam vet, wants to remind people flags are not seasonal.

Chris Bishop has bittersweet memories of the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration. The 46-year-old advertising professional remembers cruising to a street party in 2003 on his 1984 Honda Aero and squeezing the scooter into a row of parking spaces overflowing with muscular Softails and Fat Boys. "I went down to Water Street and parked it down there, and everybody was smiling, and everyone wanted to hop on the back," Bishop said. "It's motorbike culture. You could be cooler if you had (a Harley), but you're still cool." So much for the sweet. Now for the bitter. "I don't think I'd do...

Daniel Gilyeat sauntered through the back door to the offices of Cycle Connections, an online motorcycle magazine, then paused and scratched his chin. He was more than a little aware that a roomful of mechanics and Hooters employees on a Saturday afternoon meant something was up. “Danny, you need to come here,” said sales manager Dave Miller. “For all the things you do to keep us safe, we wanted to give you an opportunity to get back on the road.” Miller then turned to the mechanics. “Go ahead.” Without a word, they pulled a sheet off a sparkling deep blue...

Over in Oakland they like it loud - so loud that all 45 of the Police Department's Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been equipped with shiny new tailpipes, at a cost of $500 apiece, to rev up their roar.It seems the cops just didn't feel safe on toned-down bikes."There's an old motorcycle adage that you are heard before you are seen," said Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, explaining the department's decision to toss the bikes' muted factory-issued mufflers in favor of the more high-volume pipes.Kozicki cited an accident three months ago in which an Oakland officer riding a toned-down cycle was struck by...

Rolling Thunder, Inc. 21st Anniversary Memorial Day Demonstration in Washington, D.C., May 23-25, 2008, To Include Families of Iraq War POWs/MIAs ROLLING THUNDER MISSION STATEMENT The major functions of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. are to publicize the POW/MIA issue, to educate the public of the fact that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all past wars, to help correct the past, and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners of War/Missing in Action. Rolling Thunder is committed to helping American Veterans from ALL WARS. • Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a class 501(c)(4) non-profit...

Forget inflation, the economy, your unpaid bills, that pink slip in your locker. An edgy new Harley-Davidson ad campaign reflects on today's difficult times, finishing with the tag line, "So screw it, let's ride." The campaign, launched this week with a full-page ad in USA Today, also reminds people that the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker and the nation in general have endured plenty of pain - and not just lately. "Over the last 105 years in the saddle, we've seen wars, conflicts, depression, recession, resistance and revolutions," the ad says. "We've watched a thousand hand-wringing pundits disappear in our rear-view mirror....

BOSTON — Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG) said on Friday that 2007 earnings would come in 4 percent to 6 percent lower than last year because of tough times for U.S. consumers, sending its shares down 7 percent. The company said it expected 2008 earnings to rise by 4 percent to 7 percent and withdrew its 2009 outlook. In July, it had forecast growth of 11 percent to 17 percent for the two-year period. "Our U.S. dealers' retail sales have fallen sharply during August," said Chief Executive Jim Ziemer. "Against the current economic background, we no longer expect worldwide dealer...

Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealers who have charged premium prices for bikes are easing back on the throttle as sales slow and customers wait for Harley's 2008 product lineup that's being announced in July. American consumers are spending less in certain areas, including motorcycles, boats and all-terrain vehicles, Craig Kennison, a Robert W. Baird & Co. analyst, said Monday. To assess current trends, Kennison recently surveyed 40 Harley dealers in the U.S. and Canada. What he found was retail demand was weaker than expected. More bikes were selling below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, and dealers were discounting 2007 models to clear...

RAINELLE, W.Va. - Cole Kayser signs his name on a white shirt for fifth-grader Christian Martin, then rises from the grass outside Rainelle Elementary School, a tall and imposing figure. He is every inch the retired Marine, from silvery brush-cut hair and camouflage cap to black leather motorcycle boots and the ``USMC'' tattoo on the edge of his right hand, on display when he salutes. But ask him how it feels to be here, in a sleepy southern West Virginia town where children chase one-time warriors like Hollywood paparazzi, and a tear slides down his cheek. ``I've been holding back...

YORK, Pa. — Nearly 2,800 union workers walked off the job today at Harley-Davidson Inc.’s largest manufacturing plant, with small groups quietly picketing each entrance of the York facility. The workers said they were prepared to stay on the picket lines for as long as it took to win a better contract than a company proposal they overwhelmingly rejected two days ago. "There’s no sense in doing this if we’re not going to stick together," said Nevin Bechtel, 59, who works in the plant’s painting department. "If we regress now, we’ve lost everything we’re struggling for, and the company will...

MILWAUKEE, WI (AP) -- Joe McRae has had many motorcycles over the years, but nothing comes close to his bright red Harley-Davidson. Part of a special line of bikes exclusively for firefighters, his Road King represents a tribute to the 343 firefighters who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he said. "It's not just a motorcycle. Most people don't understand that," said McRae, a fire captain for 25 years in Orem, Utah. "It's not a bike. It's an emotional thing. It represents more than just a motorcycle. It represents the brotherhood." Harley-Davidson spokesman Mike Morgan said calls starting coming...

Bush Hops on a Harley for Economic Pitch President Also Touts Iraq Policy, Raises Funds for GOP Candidate By DEB RIECHMANN, AP YORK, Pa. (Aug. 16) - President Bush hopped on a Harley-Davidson at a motorcycle factory Wednesday as he made an election-year pitch for Republican stewardship of the economy. The president also was in Pennsylvania to raise cash for a Republican hopeful in the state's gubernatorial campaign. Cheers and applause erupted inside the Harley-Davidson Inc. vehicle operations plant here when Bush straddled a high-end model painted blue and white and revved its engine again and again. Climbing down, he...

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts now have their own stamp of approval, thanks to the United States Postal Service. A 1965 Harley Electra-Glide is featured as one of four new first-class stamps being rolled out in Wisconsin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Capital City Harley-Davidson/Buell, 6200 Millpond Road, on Madison's far east side. The stamp rollout ceremony at kick-starts the third annual motorcycle ride to raise funds for the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center. The stamps were officially introduced to the public Aug. 7 during the 66th annual Harley rally in Sturgis, S.D., and have been unveiled in local ceremonies throughout America since...

The president worked on policies at the White House before touring a Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations facility and discussing the economy with H-D employees in York, PA. He was interviewed by USA Today. In the early evening he attended a Lynn Swan for Governor reception. Bush granted pardons to 17 individuals, none of whom are still serving time; per Tony Snow, "... these are largely for people who have served their time and this helps expunge their records." Press Secretary Snow's press briefing text and video. Tony sets the record (politicians and reporters) straight on more than one point.

                            Picture from 1916The history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. In Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. Around the turn of the century the gasoline engine was developed and the one-cylinder motor was introduced. In 1901 the Indians were the first motorcycles and in 1903 Mitschell, Merkel and Yale.  This motorcycle was initially built for racing and was powered by a one-cylinder gasoline combustion engine.In 1903 in Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. And ......

(AP) MILWAUKEE Harley-Davidson has been a Milwaukee icon for a century. The company now specific plans to give its hometown another icon with its industrial-style museum slated to open in 2008. The company announced Friday it will start construction on its 130,000-square foot, $75 million museum this spring. The buildings -- which will feature heavy use of glass, brick and steel -- feature four distinct towers, adding another feature to the city's skyline. The museum is slated to open in 2008 with three buildings to house a museum, corporate archives, retail space, restaurant and special events rooms. "Many companies lose...

MOTORCYCLE DESIGN TROPHY 2005 10 February 2006 The overall winner of the 2005 Motorcycle Design of the Year has been announced; The winner was the Ducati Hypermotard concept bike, with the runner-up bike being the Yamaha MT-OS. Other bikes which were highly rated by a panel of motorcycle designers included the Yamaha R6, MotoCzysz C1, Aprilia RS125 and the Victory Vision. Presentation of the awards will take place later in the year - full details will be announced on the MDA website.

He is a "Hoggie", a former Brooklyn prison inmate, a Francophile and a Saudi who is pushing the limits of his country's ultra-conservative yet evolving society. Outside the branch of a US coffee chain on Tahliya street, Jeddah's version of the famed Champs Elysees, Abdelmonem Addas, 49, jokes with members of the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) known endearingly as Hoggies. Dressed in faded jeans, boots, leather vests and bandanas, they stand in front of their shiny Harley-Davidson motorcycles, long associated with rebels and even outlaws like the Hell's Angels. A man in traditional dress followed by...

REPORT: SCHWARZENEGGER STITCHED UP AFTER VEHICLE MISHAP

I own a small motorcycle shop and want to know more about the new epa regulations coming out on them.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (August 19, 2005) -- Harley Davidson motorcycles roared through the hallways of Pendleton Hall and bellowed down the streets of the depot while Marine veterans cruised down memory lane Aug. 12. Seventeen former Marines from the Leatherneck Motorcycle Club, California Chapter, came from all over the state to witness recruit graduation and walk around the base where many of them trained decades before. To be a part of the Leatherneck Motorcycle Club, one must first be an active duty, reserve, or honorably discharged U.S. Marine or Navy corpsman who has served with a...

Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. said Wednesday that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission is launching an inquiry into the company's April announcement that it would limit short-term production and decrease planned motorcycle shipments. On April 13, Harley-Davidson said it would increase motorcycle shipments from last year's 317,000 units to a target of 329,000 units, below original plans of 339,000 units. The company also lowered earnings forecasts for the year, citing weak first-quarter sales and a glut of 2005 models on dealer floors. In response, Harley-Davidson shares plunged nearly 17 percent to their lowest price in more than 14...

BELLINGHAM - Police and federal agents began rounding up members of the Bandidos biker gang across the Northwest on Thursday, after a grand jury returned a 19-count indictment accusing them of crimes ranging from racketeering and witness tampering to dealing drugs and stolen Harley Davidson motorcycles. At least a dozen had been arrested by Thursday afternoon, including the organization's international president. About 300 investigators working the case in Washington, Montana and South Dakota had arrest warrants for 20 more members, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives said in a news release. They also served 21 search warrants, including...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Harley-Davidson Inc. (HDI) on Wednesday cut its 2005 production and earnings targets and blamed bad spring weather for a 1 percent dip in first-quarter U.S. retail sales of its motorcycles, sending shares down 17 percent. The warning overshadowed news of an 11 percent rise in quarterly earnings, and raised questions among analysts about the long-term growth outlook and strategy for Harley-Davidson. "Management attributed the cuts to slow first-quarter sales, but we think the issue may run deeper than that," said RBC Capital analyst Ed Aaron. "We think Harley's underlying (production) growth rate is lower than either...

RALEIGH, N.C. - Harley-Davidson enthusiast Richard Woodworth has an unusual piece of art in his back yard, and it's causing him quite a headache with the city of Raleigh. It's the gnarled metal of a wrecked motorcycle hanging in a tree. In February, a city inspector walked on Woodworth's wooded property and decided the dangling metal fell under Raleigh's code definition of a nuisance motor vehicle. But even though Woodworth lives a mile outside the city limits and has posted no-trespassing signs, he falls under some city code enforcement. For Woodworth, that meant receiving a city inspections letter telling him...

Love it or hate it, you have to admit: A mullet hairstyle is distinctive There are two kinds of people in this country, and forget that blue-state, red-state thing. You're either for a mullet or against a mullet. What's a mullet? Do not mock us. Yes, a mullet is a spiny-finned, feeble-toothed fish, but we all know it's so much more. A mullet is a hairstyle characterized by the hair cut short in front and on the sides but kept long down the back. It's not a cutting-edge style. But recently, the mullet has re-emerged as a pop culture object...

MILWAUKEE, WI (January 3, 2005) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced the implementation of "Operation Extend the Ride," a plan to extend warranty coverage to military personnel deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Men and women from around the world have made great personal sacrifices to serve their countries during military efforts in the Middle East," said Steve Phillips, Vice President of Quality, Reliability and Technical Service. "Harley-Davidson and Buell want to recognize these military personnel by extending the warranty on Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles owned by those who have served and been...

Town of Waukesha - Motorcyclist Daniel Buckel was within 10 feet when he saw the potential disaster stretched across a dark and foggy rural road just ahead. Disbelief turned to fear, then anger, as Buckel's 2-year-old motorcycle hit a barrier of kitchen-variety plastic wrap that was wound thickly from traffic pole to traffic pole on opposite sides of Guthrie Road, south of Highway I. The clear plastic trap, which was 3 to 4 feet above the two-lane road south of Waukesha, sent both Buckel and his passenger, girlfriend Theresa Brzykcy, into a bloody slide across the asphalt. "It's appalling, and...

Who's goin'? The Hollister Independence Rally takes place in Hollister, California from July 2nd to July 4th, 2004. This year’s rally will consist of musical entertainment, a bike show, bike games, beer garden and much, much more!

What do men want more than anything else? No, not that ... well maybe that also; but that is not the topic of today's column. According to a survey of 1,000 men nationwide, besides wanting more money and keeping their wives happy, six out of 10 men dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson communication director, said, "When asked why they had not bought one, there were some interesting answers such as, 'My wife won't let me,' 'I don't have the time' and the one that really drives us crazy, 'Don't they cost at least $20,000?' " The...

Today was the 2nd Annual Support the Troops Rally at Public Square in Cleveland. It was sponsored by the Blue Knights Motorcycle Group, (Cleveland, and Ohio area Police Departments), and it couldn't have been a better day for it.Sunny, temps in the middle 70's, clear skies, and between 5000 and 10,000 people.Patrick Henry Chapter of the Free Republic was represented by Neefer, Las Vegas Dave, Las Vegas Dave's FReeper widow Ann Marie, GOP Lady, DollyCali, Oliver the Wonder Dog, (and a pretty good dancer),Bill the Almost FReeper, and your's truly.Not having been there last year, I thought it was going...

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Declares Dividend Tuesday February 10, 6:43 pm ET MILWAUKEE, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI - News) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 8 cents per share, payable March 25, 2004 to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2004. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general...

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Sponsors Organization Committed to Legal Diversity Thursday January 22, 11:06 am ET MILWAUKEE, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) is pleased to announce that Harley-Davidson, Inc. has become a financial sponsor. "We recognize the importance of diversity relative to the utilization of our outside counsel. We have already worked successfully with a number of NAMWOLF member law firms over the last several years and feel sponsoring such an organization will assist in identifying more highly qualified firms with the necessary areas of expertise we require," stated Gail Lione, Vice...

<p>PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. (AP) - As soon as a group of fellow bikers pulled the handlebars out of his abdomen after his motorcycle crash, Brian Shipwash wanted to do one more thing in case he died.</p> <p>So he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, broken and blood-spattered, with a ring inside and asked Shandra Miller to marry him.</p>

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Doubles Quarterly Dividend Friday December 5, 10:17 am ET MILWAUKEE, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI - News) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 8 cents per share, payable December 29, 2003 to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2003. This represents a 100 percent increase over the last quarterly dividend. "The recent change in tax law has increased the attractiveness of dividends as a way of sharing the success of the Company with our shareholders," said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc....

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Riding in on a borrowed Harley-Davidson, John Kerry appeared Tuesday on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" as rancor within his presidential campaign continued to boil. The Massachusetts senator, wearing a leather jacket, blue jeans and a denim shirt, rode the motorcycle onto the stage. The Democrat talked mostly politics during the interview with Leno, generating few laughs. He criticized George Bush's handling of the war in Iraq and told the president to "get off his high horse" and involve other countries in postwar efforts. Kerry also said the improving economy wouldn't be a major issue...

Street Chatter Highlights the Following Stocks: Harley-Davidson, Kroger, and Novellus Systems Wednesday October 15, 2:45 pm ET CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2003--Today's Street Chatter focuses on: Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HDI - News), Kroger (NYSE:KR - News), and Novellus Systems (NASDAQ:NVLS - News). Street Chatter focuses on three stocks that are generating a lot of attention on Internet message boards and is published every day at SchaeffersResearch.com . For additional information about this report or to have it delivered to you via email everyday click on the following link : http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/addinfo . Street Chatter: 1. Motorcycle magnate Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HDI - News) revved into the...

Sorry, all. Check out Kerry on his Harley, just for laughs.

HEADLINERS UNVEILED Elton John caps entertainment list Piano legend Elton John capped the list of mystery headliners Sunday night for the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration at Veterans Park. Country star Tim McGraw and rocker Kid Rock were the first two headliners

A woman from Iowa is making a model of a Harley-Davidson motorbike out of butter. Norma "Duffy" Lyon from Des Moines is creating a full-scale butter V-Rod to celebrate Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary. The butter she is using is five years old, which is about the maximum age she likes to work with because the consistency changes. She began the Harley sculpture last week after finishing a life-sized butter model of a dairy cow. She's carved a life-sized dairy cow out of butter for the Iowa state fair for more than 40 years. Norma, 74, said: "I decided four years ago...

Along with blue jeans, and rock and roll, one of America's cultural icons is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The legendary bike has come to symbolize the spirit of freedom, independence and individuality. Throughout August, Harley-Davidson will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a series of events and concerts, along with a commemorative album. VOA's Bernie Bernard tells us about the festivities, and the music that has been associated with Harleys over the decades. Born To Be Wild, a 1968 hit for John Kay and Steppenwolf, remains an anthem for motorcycle riders all over the world. The song conjures up the wild, romantic,...

In an effort to be inclusive, this thread is for nonmetrosexual males (and likeminded women) to advise queer guys on their outfits, decor, vehicles, hairstyles, homes and hobbies. I've outfitted the thread with keywords toward this end.Enjoy.

Fallen hero's bike will help educate daughter By:Patrick Donahue , Executive editor 06/09/2003 Paul Ray Smith's Harley-Davidson waits for a new owner. He only got to ride it a few times, his sister Lisa DeVane said. Now, she's raffling it off to help pay for the college bills Smith's daughter Jessica will incur in a few years. Smith, a sergeant first class in the 3rd Infantry Division's 11th Engineer Battalion, was killed in action at the Baghdad Airport on April 4. "Paul only had the bike, not even a year," DeVane said. "Jessica is getting ready to go off to...

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Will Harley-Davidson Hit the Wall? It redefined the motorcycle industry as it roared through 16 years of growth. But as its customers age--and the stock market slides--the ride could get uneasy. FORTUNE Monday, August 12, 2002 By John Helyar Wearing black leather and riding huge Harleys, a motorcycle gang thunders through northern Georgia as if en route to a rumble. But the only rumble for this gang--the Atlanta Harley Owners Group (HOG)--is the one in their stomachs. It's another Sunday ride in the country for the group, and as usual it ends with a feast. "We live to ride,...