Nothing says summertime quite like warm sunshine above and the open road ahead. That’s right, folks, touring season is officially here and it's time for a motorcycle road trip. Whether you’re riding around town or gearing up for an epic road trip, now is the time to get the most use out of your Harley Davidson motorcycle. To enhance your riding experience, Harley Davidson offers a wide range of touring products fro increased comfort and added convenience.

New riders and touring veterans alike realize the importance of comfort and convenience while exploring new places on their bike. That’s why Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson carries many great products no matter what kind of Harley you ride or where you ride it. Talk to a parts & accessories specialist at Southside Harley today and tell us about your riding style. We’ll teach you what you need to know, and get you set up and ready to go.

Here are 5 motorcycle road trip tips to tour in comfort on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. These licensed products are sure to make your motorcycle road trip better. 

1. Foot controls

Feet and legs get tired on long rides. Equipping yourself with the right parts means more comfort and fewer stops along the way. Don’t settle for anything less than official Harley-Davidson products like:

• Adjustable Highway Peg Mounting Kit – With long and short angled options, these kits offer versatility for taller and shorter riders.
• Rider Running Board – Longer and wider footboards let riders stretch out, relieving muscle tension and reducing fatigue along the way.
• Rider Footboard Heel Guard – Love your Harley but hate cleaning those rubber scuff marks off your exhaust shield? Protect your boots and your bike at the same time.

2. Comfort

A hard seat is no way to enjoy the great outdoors on your Harley-Davidson. Check out the Road Zeppelin seat, with a unique air bladder system that evenly distributes weight across the entire seating surface for you and your passenger. Get rid of pressure points and enjoy the added comfort of enhanced shock absorption and reduced vibration.

3. Luggage products

No one understands your riding habits better than Harley-Davidson. And it shows with such a huge variety of adjustable luggage options. Genuine H-D luggage offers reflective trim, integrated rain covers, secure mounting systems and more, all accented with that unmistakable Bar & Shield logo. No matter where you go or how long you stay, Harley has the right luggage for you.

4. Audio

Bringing some tunes with you on the road? Equip your motorcycle with Boom! Audio components, exclusively from Harley-Davidson. Featuring premium speakers, amplifiers, and other audio upgrades, these products are designed for Harley riders and their favorite motorcycles.

5. Navigation
  

You can leave your maps behind and let the Road TechTM zumo® 665 be your guide. This motorcycle-friendly navigator is more than just a GPS unit – it offers options such as continuously updated satellite weather and traffic information as well as stereo Bluetooth® and SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio. This item is only available for purchase in-store so stop in and get more information.  

These are just a few of the countless options we have in stock at Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson. Want to see what’s new for 2014? Visit Southside H-D today, where you can learn more about official Harley-Davidson touring products, get demos, and try items out for yourself.

Indiana is the Crossroads of America. Before you choose a road of your own this touring season, let Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson get you there in comfort, style, and safety.

My mind wandered back to 2003, embracing memories of a dedicated biker from Texas: the Lone Star State.

I was with a group of about eight Harleys that went to the 100th Anniversary Wing Ding in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2003). While motoring back to Central Indiana, we stopped near Rockford, Illinois for some gas. It had been sprinkling on and off, but the rain had let up when we stopped.

On the other side of my gas pump was a fairly new Harley-Davidson Electraglide Ultra Classic, truly the flagship of the motor company. I noticed it had a Texas license plate. The owner/rider had gone into the gas station. I filled my machine with gas, and as I was putting back the pump nozzle, I noticed a stranger walking toward me. He was a short man of slight build, walking very slowly in a pretty upright posture, and without a limp. He walked straight to the Ultra Classic with the Texas plate.

His Ultra looked just like this one:

My first thought was, “MY GOODNESS THIS OLD-TIMER RODE ALL THE WAY FROM TEXAS TO MILWAUKEE!” YIKES!

I couldn't help but approach this sojourning, biker enthusiast from Texas. In a nutshell he told me that most of the folks he had ridden with had gone on to that great "poker ride in the sky." However, he was not going to miss the 100th anniversary gala, so he just came on his own. This he lamented with a smile and a little twinkle in his eye.

After I noticed his age and how slowly he walked from the gas station back to his machine, I could not help but be concerned about his welfare. Hence, I inquired, "Sir, are you going to be OK on your trip back to Texas?"

He smiled and replied with much confidence and a Texas drawl, "Oh sure, I'll do just fine ... I've been riding Harleys for 70 years."

I dare say that this determined man had to be in his late 80s or early 90s and was all of 5'6" if that, and 130 lbs. or less. I bade him farewell as he rode off the lot with steady precision. Then I prayed that the Good Lord would keep His hand of safety on the old-timer as he motored home to Texas.

After I got home I did the math, and if this old Texan had been riding 70 years and started out on a new Harley, it may have looked something like this 1933?

Golly, I wonder if that old-timer rode up to Milwaukee for the 105th Harley-Davidson Anniversary in 2008? I hope I am blessed with good health and can enjoy riding my Harley for many more years.

Randall K. (Randy) Wilson

You love your dad, right? So why dishonor him on Father’s day with golf tees or a silly necktie? He probably has enough of both, and doesn’t want more of either. This is his day, so make it a Father's Day to remember. 

With less than two weeks to go until the big day, you might not have time to ride around Indianapolis looking for things to buy. Thankfully, the perfect Father’s Day gift can be found at one place: Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson. While we can’t think of a better present to give pops than a brand new Harley, we understand a motorcycle might not be in your budget for the big guy. That’s why Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson also stocks all the awesome parts, accessories, and other cool Harley-Davidson products your dad is sure to love.

Let’s highlight a few of the gift ideas you’ll find in stock today at Indiana’s oldest and best-known Harley-Davidson Dealer, Indianapolis Southside Harley:

Harley-Davidson Tour-Pak Luggage & Saddlebag Interior Light Kit

Is your dad a traveling man? Before he takes his Indianapolis Harley out on another road trip, equip him with a Tour-Pak illumination kit that turns night into day when he opens up his luggage carrier or saddlebags. These super-bright LED light pods mount right inside the bags, and mean no more fumbling for gear when it gets dark outside. Each battery-operated pod features a 5-minute auto shutoff timer to conserve power when he needs it the most.

Harley Bike Wash Kit

Long rides leave dad’s Harley looking dirty. Cleaning up is never a chore with the Harley Bike Wash Kit. It’s packed with everything he needs to keep his motorcycle looking like the day he bought it. The Harley Bike Wash Kit includes:

• Sunwash Bike Soap
• Bug Remover
• Wash Mitt
• Bug Eater Sponge
• Synthetic Drying Chamois
• Microfiber Detailing Cloth 

Harley-Davidson Helmet Hanger

Motorcycle helmets can be expensive. They’re also as bulky to store as dad’s favorite bowling ball. Protect his helmet and get it out of the way with the Harley-Davidson Helmet Hanger. This ingenious storage hook comes in two shapes, and both work with any type or size of helmet. Hang the S-hook from a closet rod, or mount the J-hook to a wall. The hooks get your dad’s helmet off the ground, which allows air to circulate inside, keeping liners fresh and dry.   

For Father's Day deals going on in your favorite local Indy Harley store, check out our Motorclothes Weekly Flash Special. But hurry, these deals don't last long!

Not sure which one of Southside’s many Indianapolis Harley-Davidson accessories to choose for dad? No sweat! Call or visit us and talk to a sales associate for friendly, expert advice. You can always opt for a Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson gift card and let dad buy whatever the heck he wants!

No matter which gift you decide, a genuine Harley-Davidson product from Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson is the perfect way to give your dad the Father’s Day he deserves.