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It's well known that Harley has been struggling for some time and sales have been declining steadily year to year. There’s just not a big demand for the bigger expensive touring bikes that make up the core of its model line. The company’s loyal base of older customers, who drove a Harley revival during the 1980s and 1990s, is aging and purchasing fewer new motorcycles.

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Michael left us a voicemail in response to that podcast episode. Being 28 years old and having an education and background in marketing, he felt he had some input on the matter.  Many discussions such as this go on inside the Law Abiding Biker Patron Member only Private Facebook Group. It's nothing but bikers helping bikers and it's a troll-free zone, so get signed up. There are awesome and friednly bikers from around the world in that group.

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So, that's how this episode happened! Michael and I hooked up remotely and had a good straight-up “biker chat” on what's going on with Harley. Michael brings some great opinions and insight, so make sure you listen to this podcast episode.

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• Video-Remove Front Brake Hand Lever on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle | DIY

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Harley has been trying to reach a broader customer base as it’s certainly important to their future existence. So, back in July 2018, Harley announced its “More Roads to Harley” strategy. If you haven’t already, you should really get up to speed and watch my video on CEO Matthew Levatich quitting and the current state of the Motor Company.

Harley is trying to be innovative with the late 2019 announcement of the Pan America Adventure Bike and the Bronx Streetfighter. These two bikes are scheduled to go into production later this year.  I’m personally most excited to see the Pan America but I fear as Harley’s first adventure bike it will be way overpriced for most riders like their first electric motorcycle, the Livewire.

The images of these two new leaked models first appeared in a document released to Harley-Davidson investors in late September 2019 but since then Harley has filed design patents with the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

Both the Pan America and Bronx will have the Revolution Max engine and it seems that the same engine will be carried over to the two newest models we talk about in this podcast episode.

First Leaked Harley is a Flat Tracker:

 

 

This new model seems to be loosely modeled off the XG750R Flat Tracker and it can be seen in the shape of the tank, the seat, and the two stacked exhaust pipes on the right side.

It appears the script on the air cleaner housing reads “975″, indicating it’s the same version of the engine used in the Bronx Streetfighter.  That means a claimed 115 hp and 70 pound-feet.

The flat tracker's chassis appears similar to the Bronx, with the same forks and Brembo front brakes but the tubular, triangulated swingarm is different.  One thing that really stands out on this bike for me is the triangulated tubing coming off the left side to situate the signals, brake light, and license plate. And that square style headlight looks cool.

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Second Leaked Harley is a Cafe Racer:

Like the flat tracker, the cafe racer seems to be based on the 975cc Revolution Max engine from the Bronx.  It's worth noting that this cafe racer model is likely to appear later this year as a 2021 model.

The chassis is similar to the Bronx and the flat tracker and it has the same front suspension and brakes.  But, it looks like it gets its own simple straight design swingarm.  A more notable item on this bike is the rear twin shocks rather than the more traditional rising-rate monoshock.

The cafe racer is a new arena for Harley-Davidson to enter. Although the bike is definitely a cafe racer, it sill has a very Harley flare to it.

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Some of the other notable items on this leaked Harley is the small minimal nose cowl that looks like the one on my Dyna Low Rider. The gas tank shape has a hint of Sportster and the seat looks like that on the XR1200.

New Free Video Mentioned: 

• Sony XAV-AX7000 vs Harley Boom Box GTS!

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

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• Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
• Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
• Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

Sponsor-RickRak

• CLICK HERE
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
• Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
• Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

Sponsor-Butt Buffer

• • CLICK HERE
  • Want to ride longer?
  • Tired of a sore and achy ass?
  • Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion

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If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

• Roman Gollubits of Austria
• FIORE ZUCCARELLI of Hartsdale, New York
• Byron Tabisola

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I recently received an email from Harley-Davidson. The email said, “watch hours of video footage on Harley-Davidson TV. We're kicking it off with a never before seen documentary about Wille G Davidson.” So, I headed over to check it out. I think Harley-Davidson is trying new things with the recent resignation of CEO Matthew Levatich. For years now, the Motor Company has been struggling to find its way into the future. Listen in to this podcast episode to get all the details.

As usual, and with the new Harley TV, the company decided to try to do things on their own instead of going to where their core and prospective customers are actually hanging out. They created their own Harley TV website page instead of going to YouTube with the new content.  Motorcyclists are already on YouTube, which has a great algorithm for suggesting videos to viewers.  YouTube, owned by Google, is the second-largest search engine in the world.  Harley would have gotten a ton more views and engagement on YouTube because everyone is already there.

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I'm not trying to be too negative here and the few programs that are on Harley TV are actually interesting. However, there is a schedule like you'd see on cable TV and often they claim it's “live”. But it's not, and the same programs and content just repeat day after day. The content is not even on-demand like YouTube where you can pick where and when you want to view it. You have to wait for a certain time to watch a rerun on Harley TV, and that won't cut it these days with all the on-demand services.  In my opinion, Harley TV is something that may have worked for them 10 years ago.

The entire platform is really clunky right now and I see daily changes and issues. The menus don't even work correctly and each day I try them I get taken somewhere different. Many times the videos won't even play. It seems Harley rolled this out well before it was ready as they often do with things.

In my opinion, Harley TV will likely fizzle out over time and it seems it already is. I just can't see bikers remembering to go over to an entirely different platform to routinely check in on Harley TV.  Most bikers just don't have time for that and will forget it. Us bikers already on enough content platforms we're on. Harley TV would need to have some amazing content that was constantly new for bikers to consistently stray from on-demand platforms such as YouTube or Netflix.

With all that said, I hope the best for Harley TV and I hope they can get things ironed out over on the website so it actually works.

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Next, we talk about the new 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC pickup in this podcast episode. The following is taken from a January 10, 2020 press release.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (NYSE:HOG) and Tuscany Motor Co. will introduce the first Harley-Davidson branded GMC pickup in history at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona in Quarter 1 of 2020. Only 250 Harley-Davidson branded GMC Sierra trucks will be available through select authorized GMC/Tuscany dealers in North America.

The new Harley GMC pickup includes over 65 edition-specific components that make the 2020 model truck distinctly Harley-Davidson. They say the styling was inspired by the famous Harley-Davidson Fat Boy model.

It appears Tuscany will provide the GMC Sierra and manufacture the interior and exterior components under Harley-Davidson’s direction. The 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC will be available for delivery to the retail public at select authorized GMC dealers beginning February 2020.

The new Harley GMC pickup has an MSRP of $94,995.

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• Sturgis 2020 Cancelled? 80th Anniversary? COVID-19!

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

• CLICK HERE!
• Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
• Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
• Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

Sponsor-RickRak

• CLICK HERE
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
• Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
• Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

New Patrons:

• John Gallagher of Cleburne, Texas
• Ed Rodriguez of Navarre, Florida
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If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

• Steven Adair of Marysville, Michigan
• John Livings
• Brian Sparrow of Sumrall, Mississippi

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We upgraded a 2016 Ultra-Limited that had the older Harley-Davidson Boom Box Infotainment 6.5 GT to the new Boom Box GTS, which came out on the 2019 and newer Harley touring models. We filmed the install and will release that video on our Y0uTube channel, so get subscribed right away. (see our install video)

Converting to the newer Harley Boom Box Infotainment GTS System:

As of November 2019, Harley-Davidson made it possible to upgrade your older system to the new 2019 Boom Box GTS on those 2014-2018 touring models. Visiting Harley's website, it seems they are marketing and describing this conversion kit more towards upgrading from the smaller 4.3 non-touchscreen unit to the new GTS unit but you can upgrade from either the smaller 4.3 unit or the larger 6.5 GT unit.

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For 14-18 Harley models, they state that an additional USB connector needs to be purchased for around $35-$50 but you can't even find the part on their own website at the time of this article.  Further, we found during our install that it's not even required.  This USB connector is the one that plugs into the rear of the Boom Box unit and it is already inside your jukebox compartment where you can plug in your smartphone or USB drive. We just used the USB connector that's already there instead of installing a new one and all works perfectly.

And that goes for all the other new cables that come in the box with the new Boom Box GTS such as am/fm antenna a GPS antenna. We didn't use any of the new cables and used the ones already routed and installed and all works perfectly.

Also, be aware that if you have XM radio and have installed the module on the rear of your older 6.5 GT unit you don't need a new one. Just remove your XM radio module and install it on the new Harley Boom Box GTS unit and all will work fine.

Check out all of our very helpful Boom Box Tutorial Videos for 2014 to present units!

• We sell a ton of these tutorial videos and are praised by bikers worldwide. Learn everything you need to know to get the most out of the Harley Boom Box system and how to integrate and use Harley Ride Planner!

Note: After upgrading to the new Boom Box GTS unit, you'll need to visit a dealership so they can flash the unit with their Digital Technician II software. Until then the unit will beep at you every 15 seconds or so, regardless if it's on or off.

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Here is the information and part numbers you'll want to be aware of for a Boom Box GTS upgrade:

Harley Street Glide and Ultra Models 2014 to present:

Fitment is taken from Harley's own website:

Fits '19-later FLHTCU, FLHTCUTG, FLHTK, and FLHX models with a 4.3 Boom!™ Box Radio. Also fits '14-'18 FLHTCU, FLHTCUL, FLHTK, FLHTKL, FLHTKSE, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXSE and FLHTCUTG, models with separate purchase of USB Connector P/N 69200031A. Also fits '19-later Electra Glide® Standard models with separate purchase of appropriate Hand Controls, Wiring, and Antenna.

• Boom Box GTS Unit
  • P/N 76000829A

Harley Road Glide Models 2014 to present:

Fits '19-later Road Glide® models with a 4.3 Boom!™ Box Radio. Also fits '15-'18 Road Glide® models with separate purchase of USB Connector P/N 76000374A.

• Boom Box GTS Unit
  • P/N 76000374A

Converting to a Sony XAV-AX7000 instead: 

Darryl “Squid” Barnes here at Law Abiding Biker Media dug in deep to find out everything you'll want to know if you're considering ditching your Harley Boom Box for the Sony XAV-AX7000 unit. Listen in to this podcast episode as I ask Darryl all the questions you'll want to know.

Note: The Sony XAV-AX7000 is designed for use in a car. It was never designed to be used on a motorcycle.

The pros of the Sony XAV-AX7000 Harley Boom Box Replacement:

The replacement Sony system has standard am/fm and it has both Apple Car Play and Android Auto baked in and they will function if your smartphone is plugged into one of the USB ports. It has a full 7″ touchscreen and is very sleek. You can buy a XAV-AX7000 bundled kit from certain companies that will allow it to install and function when installed on your Harley-Davidson. With Apple Car Play and Android Auto, you'll be able to use Apple Maps and Google Maps for navigation. Another nice feature is that with the Sony XAV-AX7000 you'll maintain your factory handlebar toggle control functions but with several limitations.

Note: If you appreciate all the information we provide and to help us continue our mission to help as many bikers as we can worldwide, consider purchasing a Sony XAV-AX7000 through our affiliate link below. No additional cost to you, but we get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

• CHECK OUT A SONY XAV-AX7000 HERE

Further, the Sony replacement plays FLAC files on USB drives and includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. You can also jam to your favorite playlists on Pandora or Spotify if you use those instead of your pre-loaded Apple or Android music. The unit is also compatible with a SiriusXM satellite radio tuner. AND, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

The Sony unit also has dual USB inputs and has 45 watts RMS per channel and five 5-volt preamp outputs.

The cons of the Sony XAV-AX 7000 Harley Boom Box Replacement:

The Sony XAV-AX7000 is not a marine-grade like the Boom Box system is. So, you'd need to be careful if riding in heavy rains and when washing your Harley. Additionally, you won't see your EITMS on/off-screen or oil pressure like on the Boom Box. You'll also only get limited functionality with the use of your control toggles.

The XAV-AX7000 has a microphone included with a wire that you normally route inside a quiet car. Using this microphone for voice commands or phone calls with the wind and noise would be less than practical on a motorcycle.

The XAV-AX7000 only has a handsfree profile “HFP” and not a headset profile “HSP”. That means you cannot pair a wireless Bluetooth headset directly with the unit, but you can pair your smartphone with it because of the HFP profile. This is similar to the Boom Box system but you can add the additional wireless headset interface module “WHIM” to get the HSP profile. There is no ad-on for the Sony unit to get the HSP profile.

So, you'll need to pair your wireless Bluetooth headset directly with your smartphone and then have your smartphone plugged in via the USB port to use Apple Car Play or Android Auto. You can then give commands to your phone which will then bring things up on the Sony unit.

Further, because the unit lacks the HSP profile, you'll lose your Harley intercom functionality and it's not CB radio compatible.

Remember, that the Sony XAV7000 unit was made for a car and that's why you need to buy a kit or bundle of things to make this conversion possible. There are companies around that sell the bundle.

Obviously, the Sony XAV-AX7000 is a much cheaper option than the Boom Box GTS if you don't care about the above-mentioned items and limitations.

Conclusion:

Now that you're educated on the Harley Boom Box GTS upgrade vs. the Sony XAV-AX7000 conversion, you have a decision to make on which will work best for you.

New Free Video Mentioned: 

• Why I Still Do What I Do on YouTube After 7 Years | 100K Subscribers!

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

• CLICK HERE!
• Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
• Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
• Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

Sponsor-RickRak

• CLICK HERE
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
• Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
• Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

New Patrons:

• Eric Sanchez of Central Islip, New York
• Joe Vitelli of (unknown)
• Phil Campione of Phelps, New York
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• Kris Gulbro of Northwoods, Illinois
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If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

• Gerald Welch of Barterton, Ohio
• John Post of Flower Mound, Texas
• Martin Blazko

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In this episode, we discuss long distance street motorcycle riding and everything that surrounds it. Long distance riding is such a broad subject, so Squid and I keep it narrowly focused on our experiences over the years and what works and what doesn't work. Squid and I have both tested a bunch of street motorcycle riding gear over time. Some of it worked and other gear now sits on a shelf in a pile of “what did not work so well.”

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We talk motorcycle riding gear such as jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, riding shoes, and heated gear. We also discuss other emergency roadside repair items we carry or have personally used.

For the most part, neither Squid nor I use leather anymore. Yes, we used to ride with leather as we knew no better. Then we started discovering all the progressive motorcycle riding gear that is lighter, waterproof, heated, and actually provides more protection than leather for our type of riding. If you still ride with all leather, then more power to you. Ride on!

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In this episode, we also talk about motorcycle trip planning and the use of the Harley-Davidson Boom Box Infotainment System for such. Make sure to check out our entire Harley Boom Box Infotainment Infotainment System Video Tutorial Series!

You'll want to listen in to this entire podcast episode to get all the details.

Support us!

Below are affiliate links to many of the items discussed in this episode. No additional cost to you, but if you click through and make a purchase we get a small commission. Some of the links are direct to the Law Abiding Biker Store.

Long Distance Street Motorcycle Riding Gear Mentioned:

• REV'IT Horizon 2 Jacket and Pants
  • Revzilla | Amazon 
• Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles | Amazon
• Schuberth C3 Pro
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles | Amazon
• Drayko Protective Riding Jeans
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles | Amazon
• Rokker Protective Riding Jeans
  • Revzilla
• Dainese Protective Riding Shoes
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles | Amazon
• Icon Patrol 2 Boots
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles

Heated Riding Gear Mentioned:

• First Gear Wired Heated Gear (Wireless Remote)
  • Revzilla | J&P Cycles | Amazon
• Warm & Safe Generation 4 Men's Heated Liner – 12V Motorcycle
  • The Warming Store
• Warm & Safe Heated Socks – 12V Motorcycle
  • The Warming Store
• Warm & Safe Men's 12V Heat Layer Shirt
  • The Warming Store
• Warm & Safe Generation Windblock Men's Heated Pants Liner
  • The Warming Store
• Warm & Safe Dual Remote Control Heat-Troller
  • The Warming Store

Emergency Motorcycle Roadside Repair Items in the Law Abiding Biker Store:

• Cruz Tools Kits
• Stop & Go Tire Repair

New Free Video Mentioned: 

• How to Install Shifter Linkage on Harley-Davidson-Replace & Review-Kuryakyn

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

• CLICK HERE!
• Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
• Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
• Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

Sponsor-RickRak

• CLICK HERE
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
• Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
• Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

New Patrons:

• Thanks to all our new Patron Members!

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

• Frank Simms
• Cary Baker of Northridge, CA
• Lynn Santosuosso of Barrington, NH