Heavy snow storms in the UK over the past month may have hindered some motorcyclists' riding plans. However, Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts can still get their two-wheel fix at the upcoming MCN Show at London's ExCel on 4-7 February...

Visitors to the show can experience Harley-Davidson UK's most interactive stand yet with the appearance of two exciting new features that have never before appeared at a major UK motorcycle show.

The "Fit Shop" will help existing and future Harley-Davidson owners create their perfect riding position. It features a Fat Boy® motorcycle, complemented by a variety of Harley-Davidson® Genuine Parts and Accessories® to reinforce the manufacturer's position as the home of customisation.

Motorcyclists can choose from seven different handlebars, five leather seats, two footpeg sets and two windshields. An optional set of panniers is also available, as is a suspension adjustment kit. The Genuine Parts and Accessories can be mix and matched for riders to find the most comfortable riding position, regardless of shape and size.

In addition, "Me on a Harley" provides the perfect opportunity for riders to picture themselves riding a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. A large screen with eight optional backgrounds helps visitors to find the perfect backdrop to a picture of the rider aboard a Harley-Davidson®.

Motorcycles from the current line-up, including the all new Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight™ as well as recently introduced Dyna® Wide Glide®, Fat Boy® Special, Electra Glide® Ultra Limited and XR1200X™ will also be on display at the show.

Visit us at stand N540

Book your tickets www.londonmotorcycleshow.com

Win your tickets

Ever fancied riding a custom motorcycle, but don't have the time to spend on customisation? The new Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight™ is a new factory custom in the legendary tradition of the hot rod Sportster® line, with the raw appeal of a custom...

Riding low and featuring the classic 7.95 litre "peanut" fuel tank, the Forty-Eight backs up its bulldog appearance with the performance of its blacked and polished rubber-mounted Evolution™ 1200 cc V-Twin engine. The low solo seat, under-bar mounted mirrors, clean rear fender and fat balloon tyres emphasise the Forty Eight's focus on chiselled customisation.

As a Harley-Davidson® Custom, the Forty-Eight, which is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl colours, is ready to ride as a radical custom and also primed to take on its rider's character and personality.

Harley-Davidson Sportsters like the Forty-Eight have retained an aura of rebellion since their introduction in 1957, when the foundation of custom culture was being laid by military veterans, swaggering greasers and anyone else with a gritty garage. Sportsters became an iron canvas for many legendary choppers of that hot rod era and beyond.

Lying low from tyre-to-tyre, the Forty-Eight showcases more of its black 1200 Evolution V-Twin engine with polished accents and other components with a clean look highlighted by the traditional peanut fuel tank and small solo seat. The Forty-Eight has more than just custom cool styling with the smooth ride on new front fork sliders, a fat and wide 150 mm front tyre and slammed rear suspension.

With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and a broad torque curve, the Forty-Eight delivers a powerfully responsive ride with smooth clutch effort. The chrome, staggered shorty dual muffler pounds out the distinctive Harley-Davidson® American V-Twin sound.

The Forty-Eight embraces the street up front with forward foot controls, low profile custom handlebar, under-bar mounted mirrors, fork-mounted turn signals, slammed speedometer mounting bracket and lightened fork brace. A unique dual texture solo seat fits the lone rider, while a passenger pillion, footpegs and backrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.

The black chopped rear fender with combination stop/turn/tail lights help show-off the fat 150 mm rear tyre and 16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels. The front tyre also rides on a wide black wheel.

This all-new motorcycle will be making its first European appearence at the ExCel next week.

www.harley-davidson.co.uk.

After more than 12 months of development in conjunction with racing specialists Harris Performance and Dunlop Motorsport, the eagerly-anticipated Harley-Davidson® XR1200® Trophy is ready for action...

The XR750-inspired XR1200 provides an exciting opportunity with an all-new one-make series at selected rounds of the 2010 British Superbike Championship. Kicking off at Oulton Park on 1-3 May, the series, which is officially supported by Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland, is designed to showcase the performance capabilities of the XR1200 motorcycle.

Development riders including experienced British motorcycle racers Niall Mackenzie, Sean Emmett and Matt Llewellyn have all been impressed by the XR1200's performance on track, and their positive feedback has set the scene for what is expected to be a series packed with close and exciting racing.

Open to clubman and professional racers alike, entries for the 2010 grid are still being accepted. So far, several Harley-Davidson® dealerships have got in on the action, with entries from Black Bear Harley-Davidson, the Blade Group, Jersey Harley-Davidson, Warr's Harley-Davidson, West Coast Harley-Davidson and The Foundry.

If you fancy your chances aboard a Harley-Davidson XR1200 and lining up on the grid in front of thousands of race fans, simply click here.

XR1200 www.xrdna.com

• Seven races at five events
• Attractive prize fund at every race
• A road legal XR1200 motorcycle for the series champion
• Live TV coverage
• Harley-Davidson XR1200 motorcycle
• Harris Performance race kit
• Preferential terms and full factory Dunlop race fitting service
• 4 guest and 4 competitor passes
• Access to reduced rate hospitality at £99.

A new year, a new riding season to look forward to! For many, owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is a dream (lifestyle choice) and no other manufacturer offers the same possibilities in customisation...

Harley-Davidson® Genuine Parts and Accessories® are built with legendary Harley-Davidson craftsmanship and style. They're designed to work together with your motorcycle, for that end-to-end custom look. From lighting, horns and trims to windshields, backrests and paint kits there's something for everyone to make their Harley® truly their own.

The 2010 catalogue is available at your local dealer now, and the highly-skilled team is on hand to advise on the best combination of accessories for your motorcycle.

Alternatively, you can find accessories designed to make your motorcycle really stand out at My Dream Harley Simply select the bike you ride and get started! Or, if you're really stuck for ideas, why not visit the Inspiration Gallery.

Time to stop dreaming and start building...

My special Valentine

With the Christmas festivities well and truly over, some of us will have turned our attention to another annual custom - Valentine's Day (14 February). If you're looking for a special gift for that special someone, look no further than Harley-Davidson's Valentine's Day collection of clothing and gifts...

From ladies T-shirts and personal garments to jewellery and accessories, there's something for even the most discerning Harley-Davidson fan. Most items, such as the Heart-shaped Photo Frame and Embellished Flask are also packaged in a collectable and reusable gift tin.

Selected Harley-Davidson® UK and Ireland dealers already have these in stock, but you'll have to be quick...

The Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) is more than just a motorcycle group. Its one million members around the world are united by a common passion: making the Harley-Davidson® dream a way of life...

The Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) was first established in the USA in 1983. Harley-Davidson® owners across the country were looking for an outlet to share their passion and show their pride, and by 1985, the group had attracted more than 60,000 members.

H.O.G. went international in 1991, with the first official European H.O.G. rally taking place in Cheltenham, England. Today, H.O.G. is the largest manufacturer-supported enthusiast club in the world, with chapters as far a field as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and it continues to grow!

There are currently more than 17,000 members in the UK alone and over 30 H.O.G. ® chapters in the UK, sponsored by official Harley-Davidson® dealerships. Being part of a chapter is like being part of a family, with regular club nights and social events, scheduled ride-outs and rallies... and all the camaraderie that goes with that of course! Joining a chapter is a great way to meet fellow riders and like-minded Harley owners but that's only one of the great benefits of being a member of H.O.G.

H.O.G. UK members are also entitled to a range of other benefits in addition to their annual membership package which includes pin, patch and touring handbook. H.O.G. UK members have access to the H.O.G. Fly & Ride program that offers members preferential rates on motorcycle rentals at locations around the globe, access to the H.O.G. Europe Gallery (www.hogeuropegallery.com) that offers information on events and the ability to share pictures, stories and ride advice with other members and they receive four H.O.G. magazines and 12 monthly H.O.G. E-magazines to keep them up to date and informed of latest H.O.G. news and events.

If you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle or know someone that does, and are interested in joining the Harley lifestyle, there are lots of ways to become a member. Simply click here to learn more.

We're all about - riding and having fun!

Harley-Davidson Insurance Services* has announced improvements to the official insurance it provides to Harley-Davidson® motorcycle owners across the UK and Ireland.

Existing policy benefits such as agreed value and protection for helmets and leather have now been complemented by the addition of UK and European breakdown cover and up to £50,000 - €75,000 in Ireland - motorcycle legal protection insurance to aid recovery of uninsured losses following an accident for which the rider is blameless.

H.O.G.® members also enjoy a five percent discount on cover which can be provided for modern bikes, including customs.

Mark Rzedzian, Harley-Davidson Insurance Services*Business Development Manager, said the new policy would provide even greater value and protection. "This enhanced policy offers not just the benefits to which riders of Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles are accustomed, but others which they might ordinarily expect to purchase separately. That means the cover now provided is more extensive and therefore offers much greater reassurance and value."

For details call 0800 977 6878 or ask your local Authorised Harley-Davidson® dealer.

*Harley-Davidson Insurance Services is a trading style of Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales 2600841

Nothing compares to the thrill of cruising the open road on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Many motorcyclists say that passing their test is one of the best things they have ever done and obtaining a road licence unlocks the door to an abundance of adventures...

However, passing your motorcycling test can be a daunting experience. Many people are reluctant to apply for their two-wheel licence because of the complex training involved and choose the pillion seat instead.

Dedicated training schools have helped to make learning to ride a motorcycle less intimidating. Schools such as Harley-Davidson's Rider's Edge® Academy at Builth Wells and Silverstone help students to pass their test and become confident riders. The programmes are designed to suit a rider's skill level, whether they are starting from scratch or advancing their road skills.

Harley-Davidson® Rider's Edge Academies offer a variety of flexible five and six-day courses from CBT and Direct Access, to advanced rider programmes and a "Day with a Harley®".

Training includes:

• use of a Harley-Davidson® jacket, helmet, gloves and waterproof clothing
• use of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle
• fuel
• accommodation (if applicable)
• lunch
• top quality instruction.

Each month we'll be focussing on specific Rider's Edge courses, starting with New Rider Programmes in the February issue of the E-zine.

For more information click here or call Rider's Edge® Academy on 0871 641 2207

Custom Bike Show rolls into town
A major part of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle involves customisation, so Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland's support of the London Ace Café Custom Show at Alexandra Palace on 26-28 February couldn't be more appropriate...

The manufacturer is sponsoring the prestigious Modified Harley-Davidson class at the show, and is an extension of its international backing for the Official World Championship. Harley-Davidson has agreed to offer £5,000 of Harley-Davidson® Genuine Parts and Accessories® - £3,000 of which will be awarded to the class winner.

H.O.G. ® members benefit from a special entrance package to the show, which includes a reduced admission fee (on the day at the H.O.G. booth only), Ace Café food and drinks vouchers and discounted Ace Café merchandise.

For full details and entry forms please click here.

A helping hand from HarleyWorld
Chesterfield's official Harley-Davidson dealership, HarleyWorld, is supporting the BBC Sheffield Kids' Scanner Appeal by organising a special raffle with a prestigious first prize. The dealership has donated a Harley-Davidson XL 883 Sportster® to the cause and is now selling tickets at its Station Road showroom.

The draw for the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle will take place in March 2010. Until then, members of the Chesterfield dealership's Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) Chapter, Peak Riders, will be completing monthly charity rides across Yorkshire to help raise more money for the appeal.

The BBC Sheffield Kids' Scanner Appeal aims to raise £500,000 for a new CT scanner, which will provide images of the body quicker than the current equipment, with even lower doses of radiation. HarleyWorld owner Stephen Priestnall and Dealer Principal Patrick Yates decided to get involved with the scanner appeal after hearing about it on BBC Radio Sheffield. "We both have young kids," explained Stephen, "and if ever they had to go to hospital, we would want them to get the best treatment possible. It's reassuring to know that such a pioneering hospital is close by and we were keen to do something special to support it."

The raffle tickets, available at £5 each, are available at HarleyWorld, Station Road, Chesterfield, S41 9EX or call 01246 450 850.

If you're looking for a new challenge in 2010, why not consider embarking on a touring ride? As the saying goes, the world is your oyster, and there are a number of Harley-Davidson® Authorised Tours™ for you to choose from. Get ready to be inspired...

With its close proximity to the British Isles and regular channel crossings, France is a popular touring destination for UK riders. Whether you're looking to cruise the picturesque Normandy coast, sample infamous French cuisine in the Chateaux region or escape to the beautiful Loire Valley, there's something to suit everyone's tastes.

A tour to France can be as long, or as short as you like - an extended weekend or a week-long holiday. With its borders with Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, there are also plenty of opportunities to ride onwards to a destination further a field.

For more adventurous riders, tours to the USA are not to be missed. Route 66 is more than 2,300 miles long and runs through eight US states including Arizona and California. En route, riders will experience the charms of old petrol stations, motels and Fifties roadhouses and there are plenty of museums and historical sites to visit too. Alternatively, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com) can be a real eye-opener!

If you're a football fan, you'll already know that the World Cup 2010 takes place in South Africa. However, did you know that South Africa also has some of the world's best touring roads? The Western Cape is famous for Table Mountain, its wildlife, prize vineyards and blue flag beaches, and with numerous valleys to explore, there has never been a better time to visit the country.

For those looking for a break or wanting to exlore areas closer to home, there are also a number of tours to take you places in the UK - the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and through the Welsh countryside as well as to the Emerald Isle. All of which are not to be missed.

For more information contact Rider Services on 0080011112223.

In each issue of the E-zine, we'll be focusing on a tour or two-wheel expedition to whet your appetite. For more information about Harley-Davidson Authorised Tours in 2010, please contact Rider Services (www.members.hog.com) or call 00800 1111 2223.

For more information, please visit http://testrides.harley-davidson.co.uk/a/pdf/Harley_Davidson_Ulta_Tour_Brochure.pdf

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are never far from the eyes of the media. This month, our bikes have been on the small screen and in print...

Harley-Davidson® darling
Girls Aloud and X Factor darling Cheryl Cole launched her solo career in late 2009 with an edgy new guise. Her sexy transformation from the girl next door into a rock chick was showcased in the latest edition of the UK's biggest music magazine, Q, as part of a frank interview and dramatic photo shoot alongside a stunning Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ Nightster®.

The heavily-customised motorcycle, which benefits from a wide range of Harley-Davidson Genuine Parts and Accessories®, was specifically requested by the publication for the London-based photo shoot. It is one of five motorcycles in the Dark Custom family, which also includes the Cross Bones™, Fat Bob®, Street Bob® and newly launched Iron 883®.

Dark Custom
Q magazine

Material Girl
A Harley-Davidson® XR1200® took the spotlight on primetime television this month, with its debut appearance in new six-part romantic comedy drama Material Girl on BBC1. The stunning motorcycle was ridden by London bike courier Chris (played by OT Fagbenle) and is expected to enjoy a starring role in the remaining episodes.

OT, who joins a host of other leading actors and actresses including Lenora Crichlow, Dervla Kirwan and Michael Landes, also wears top-to-toe FXRG® riding gear in the programme. The leather jacket and pants were chosen for their incredible functionality, styling and suitability to his role, demonstrating their durability when out on the road.

Material Girl

The competition has now closed.

Terms and conditions
Closing date: Monday 1 February 2010
Winner will be notified during the same day
Only one entry per reader will be counted
Further terms and conditions are available by calling the Harley-Davidson press office on +44 (0) 1652 682881

For further information about the show visit www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com or call 0844 581 0752.

This year's biggest Harley-Davidson UK-supported events

What's your dream Harley® ?

We're interested to hear your feedback and welcome any comments you may have on the new-look Harley-Davidson UK E-zine. Simply complete the form below*.

*Please note that we cannot respond to individual enquiries.

For brochure requests, customer support and H.O.G. enquiries please click here.