Harley-Davidson Bikes History and 2015 Models

Harley-Davidson history is long and proud and began at the start of the 20th century. The beginnings of this American icon were very humble. William S. Harley, born in 1880 and Arthur Davidson, born in 1881 lived next door to each other in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

While the two friends were working in a local manufacturing plant, they decided to build an internal combustion engine to be used on bicycles. They became friends with a German co-worker who was familiar with the De Dion engine already being used in Europe. With his help, they designed a small air-cooled engine.

Arthur’s brother, Walter Davidson, who was working as a machinist was recruited for their bicycle engine project. They built a little engine with a bore and stroke of 2 1/8 x 2 7/8 inches. Soon after they completed the engine, they realized it didn’t have enough power.

In 1902, they designed a second engine with the help of another talented mechanic by the name of Ole Evinrude. You’ve probably heard the name Evinrude before. This new engine had the same displacement as their previous engine but with a larger flywheel and over/under pocket valves. With three horsepower, it had the power they were looking for.

In 1903, Davidson brothers Arthur and Walter along with William S. Harley built a single cylinder motorcycle in a wooden shed built by cabinet making father, William C. Davidson. This was the first Harley-Davidson factory which was about 10 x 15 feet. The Davidson brother's aunt Janet painted the pin-stripes on the first few Harleys. Harley-Davidson built and sold three single-cylinder motorcycles in 1903. They built and sold three more motorcycles in 1904.

Harley-Davidson Shed

In 1905 the first Harley-Davidson to be produced in significant numbers was the Silent Gray Fellow named for its quite operation and gray color. These were 450cc single cylinder bikes using a bicycle-style frame. To slow down and stop the rider had to peddle backwards.

Following the official formation of the company in 1907, Arthur signed up over 800 dealers in ten years. These dealers were in all of America’s then 48 states. Just five years after the first Harleys were made and sold the Detroit Police bought a fleet of motorcycles. By 1925, over 2,500 police units in the US were riding Harley-Davidsons.

The first Harley-Davidson V-Twin was produced in 1909. The first V-Twin engines cylinders were angled at 45 degrees, which has become a hallmark. Harley-Davidson used what is called a knife and fork arrangement to link the connecting rods to the crankshaft at a common point. The first V-Twin had valve trouble and was dropped for 1910. Harley-Davidson realized that V-twins were the future and redesigned the engine. The V-Twin was reintroduced for 1911 and was a success.

A big part of Harley-Davidson history is Harleys contribution to U.S. Military efforts. In 1918 Harley supplied thousands of motorcycles to the military to be used in World War I. Almost half of all Harley-Davidsons produced that year were sold to the military. The first American GI to enter Germany was Roy Holtz, riding a Harley-Davidson.

Even though it's not a big part of Harley-Davidson history, Harley became involved in racing to prove the dependability of their bikes. Harley’s first and notable success was in 1908. Walter Davidson won the Jack Pine Endurance run. Not only did the bike prove its dependability, the bike won the economy contest with 188 miles per gallon. In 1921 Harley becomes the first motorcycle to win a race with an average speed of 100PMH on a board track in Fresno, CA. Another early success story was the record of Joe Petrali, who set a record of 136.183MPH at Daytona Beach in 1937. Early Harley racing teams adopted a pig as their mascot and carried it on victory laps. This might have been the start of the term HOG. Racing was not always a priority for Harley but their riders have had great success over the years.

In 1941 America joins World War II. Harley produces the Model WLA which features blackout lights, high clearance fenders and metal leg shields. Almost all of Harley-Davidsons output was devoted to the military from 1941 to 1945. By the end of the war, Harley produced 88,000 WLA models for the U.S. Military and around 20,000 for the Canadians.

When looking at Harley-Davidson history, we can't forget the many World War II ex-servicemen who came back to small town America. While Harley-Davidson's civilian production had all but ceased during the war, there were plenty of army surplus motorcycles to be bought. Many of these ex-servicemen started a trend by buying and customizing these bikes. They removed or shortened the fenders to reduce weight. These bikes became known as Bobbers. These changes ultimately lead to the evolution of the Chopper.

After a post-war boom, the company’s sales were damaged by the influx of cheaper Japanese and British imports. This competition ironically caused a resurgence of interest in motorcycles, which the company profited from. Harley was bought by American Machine and Foundry (AMF) in 1969. Harley-Davidson history is full of ups and downs. Some of us are old enough to remember that Harley went through some hard times during the AMF years. In 1981 senior management bought the company back from AMF. Harley slowly came back in the 80s and now Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognized names in the world. In 1983 Harley Owners Group (HOG) was formed with 30,000 members in the first year. Now there are about a million HOG members world wide. After 105 years of Harley-Davidson history, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles are more popular than ever.

U.S. Army Trains Dispatch Riders - Harley-Davidson Bikes

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2015 Models

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2012 Models

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Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana

Eligibility: Available to people in age group 18 to 70 years with bank account.
Premium:  Rs.12 per annum.
Payment Mode: The premium will be directly auto-debited by the bank from the subscribers account. This is the only mode available.

Risk Coverage:  For accidental death and full disability - Rs.2 Lakh and for partial disability – Rs.1 Lakh.
Eligibility: Any person having a bank account and Aadhaar number linked to the bank account can give a simple form to the bank every year before 1st of June in order to join the scheme.  Name of nominee to be given in the form.
Terms of Risk Coverage: A person has to opt for the scheme every year. He can also prefer to give a long-term option of continuing in which case his account will be auto-debited every year by the bank.
Who will implement this Scheme?: The scheme will be offered by all Public Sector General Insurance Companies and all other insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose.

Government Contribution:
(i) Various Ministries can co-contribute premium for various categories of their beneficiaries from their budget or from Public Welfare Fund created in this budget from unclaimed money. This will be decided separately during the year.
(ii) Common Publicity Expenditure will be borne by the Government.


Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yoja

Eligibility: Available to people in the age group of 18 to 50 and having a bank account. People who join the scheme before completing 50 years can, however, continue to have the risk of life cover up to the age of 55 years subject to payment of premium.

Premium:  Rs.330 per annum.  It will be auto-debited in one instalment.
Payment Mode:  The payment of premium will be directly auto-debited by the bank from the subscribers account.
Risk Coverage: Rs.2 Lakh in case of death for any reason.
Terms of Risk Coverage: A person has to opt for the scheme every year.  He can also prefer to give a long-term option of continuing, in which case his account will be auto-debited every year by the bank.
Who will implement this Scheme?: The scheme will be offered by Life Insurance Corporation and all other life insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose.

Government Contribution:
(i) Various other Ministries can co-contribute premium for various categories of their beneficiaries out of their budget or out of Public Welfare Fund created in this budget out of unclaimed money.  This will be decided separately during the year.

(ii) Common Publicity Expenditure will be borne by Government.

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Swine Flu Homeopathic Preventive Medicine and Swine Flu Vaccine

It is feasible to stop swine flu (H1N1 Flu) with homeopathy. Not only swine flu but any epidemic can be kept under control when well selected "Homeopathic Genus Epidemicus" is given to healthy a lot in that particular area.

How accurately preventive medicine (Genus Epidemicus) works

In epidemics, a large number of people have same symptoms. The symptoms of this group are studied and most similar homeopathic remedy is selected which is the "Genus Epidemicus" for that epidemic. This Genus Epidemicus is administered to all healthy people around so that they get immunity against that particular disease. In past epidemics it is observed that number of new cases reduced significantly after administering Homeopathic Genus Epidemicus.

Who can take homeopathy preventive medicine

In epidemics, homeopathic preventive medicine i.e. Genus Epidemicus should be given to all healthy people of all ages. Infants as well as elder persons can take this medicine. It is safe for pregnant and lactating women also.

Benefits of taking homeopathic medicines

• Medicines have no side-effects.
• Remedies have no interaction with allopathic medicines so can be taken along with allopathic medications.
• Homeopathy has a limited role in emergency, but can be of great benefit post emergency.
• Medicines can also be used with conventional therapies, to improve stamina, reduce fever, and improve appetite.
• Medicines are safe and can be given to any age group and even to the pregnant women without any side effects, but it is always better if these homeopathic medicines are used in consultation with the nearest qualified homeopathic doctor.

There are 132 homeopathy medicines which give great relief in flu in general. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of experience and right judgment on the part of the doctor. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. Thus remedies of flu including swine flu or H1N1 are tailor made unlike allopathy in which all patients receive the same drugs although trade name may be different.

Swine Flu Vaccine in Care Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Care Hospitals, a leading chain hospitals in Hyderabad (Telangana) and Andhra Pradesh has launched the sale of Swine Flu vaccine at its hospital in Bangara Hills, Hyderabad. The Care Banjara as it is known as has started a swine flu vaccination centre to administer swine flu vaccine. The cost / price of the vaccine is Rs. 450 for adults and Rs. 510 for children.

The vaccine has been launched in the wake of increasing swine flu cases in Hyderabad. The vaccine is a preventive measure for high risk groups such as pregnant women, senior citizens and children below the age of five years.

The swine flu centre at Care Banjara will also provide information about myths and the screening of patients before vaccination.Care Hospitals, Hyderabad is providing the vaccine at a subsidised price. The vaccine is manufactured by Sanofi Aventis. The original price of the vaccine is Rs. 760 and the Care Hospital is administering the vaccine at Rs. 450 for adults and Rs. 510 for children. The vaccine will work for one year.

Interested people can contact / call the phone number 95501 16806 for registration and screening before getting the swine flu vaccine administered. It is also advised that the high risk groups can take the vaccine under medical supervision and guidance.

Read related article:
How to prevent Swine Flu and 10 best home remedies for swine flu

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How to prevent Swine Flu and 10 best home remedies for swine flu

Are the increasing swine flu victims giving you nervousness? Not sure how you can keep away from falling victim to the growing disease? First and foremost, there is absolutely no need to fear.

Watching television to keep tabs on the growth of H1N1, mostly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hilarious anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will keep you only for a specified period.

Without giving in to the swine flu fear and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and inspiring pharma companies, there are a number of other procedures you can take to make sure that the virus is not able to get you, irrespective of which part of the world you are in.

It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it simply. Hence, building your own defenses would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more inexpensive idea.

Here are some easy steps you can take to begin a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these procedures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must.

Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum)

1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of beneficial properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of increase your immunity.

Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia)

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to take out its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.

There are many common names for this species in different languages.
Telugu: తిప్ప తీగ (Tippa-teega) Tamil: சீந்தில் கொடி (Shindilakodi) Malayalam: ചിറ്റമൃത് (Amruthu, Chittamruthu) Kannada: Amrutha balli, Sinhala: Rasakinda, Hindi: giloe (गिलोय), guruc (गुरुच), gurcha, Gujarati: galac, garo, Sanskrit: Amritavalli (अमृतवल्ली), amrta (अमृत), cinnodbhava (छिन्नोद्भवा), Marathi: Guduchi (गुडूची), gulvel (गुळवेल) Oriya: Guluchi

Camphor

3. A small piece of camphor (karpoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken every day, but only once each season, or once a month.

Garlic

4. Those who can take garlic must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.

Milk with Turmeric powder

5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small quantify of haldi (turmeric).

Aloe vera (gwarpatha)

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its wide and long, cactus-like leaves have an odorless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.

Homeopathic medicines

7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.

Pranayam

8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body's fight against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.

Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry)

9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.

Hand wash

10. Last but not the least, wash your hands regularly every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; particularly before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

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