Santa Claus is coming to town Word is Santa will stop by the dealership Saturday the 13th, 11 -3 pm for cookies, refreshments and free photos with the kids!

The 2004 Sportster - A classic reborn! Those of you who own, or have owned, a Harley-Davidson Sportster don't need us to tell you that for the past 47 years, Sportsters have delivered on hot-rod performance, versatility, and bare-knuckle styling. The four models in the new 2004 lineup take these attributes to a whole new level with a redesigned Sportster Evolution V-Twin engine that is rubber mounted in a brand new, sleeker frame. The lineup is comprised of the classic XL883 Sportster 883, the XL883C Sportster 883 Custom, the XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, and the new XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster. The lineup boasts a new twin-cradle steel frame and swingarm design that supports the powertrain using three stabilizer links. This results in an engine/frame partnership that is 26% stiffer than previous Sportster models and a more comfortable ride through less vibration. Lower seat height (26.3") and a narrower frame accommodate the shorter rider offering improved comfort and handling. The battery and oil tank are located behind symmetrical covers and feature a new push-button dipstick. Engine cooling is improved with new cylinders, heads with larger fins, and new internal oil jets that cool the pistons. High-performance cams add torque to the new XL Evolution 1200, which also benefits from high-flow heads with an oil drain-back feature, and lighter pistons with a high-speed ring pack to extend top-end life. Restyling on the XL Evolution engines includes a new contour on the air-cleaner cover, and a new location for the exhaust cross-over pipe, which now resides behind the mufflers to provide an unobstructed view of the engine. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is rated at 70 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 79 ft-lbs of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of more than 15% over the previous 1200 powerplant. The XL Evolution 883 makes 53 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 51 ft-lbs of torque at 4300 rpm (US figures). Rounding out the new package is a wider rear tire, from 130mm to 150mm, a new braking system designed to reduce initial lever effort, and a reduced handgrip diameter (from 1 1/4" to 1 1/8"), shortening the reach to the control levers. Retention of the distinctive "peanut" profile of the traditional Sportster 883 and Sportster 1200 Roadster was accomplished even though the tank capacity was increased from 3.3 gallons to an ample 4.5 gallons, delivering about 30% more range - always a good thing!

Winter storage Many riders garage their motorcycles when winter makes riding difficult or impossible. However, you shouldn't just park it on the side stand for months at a time and then expect it to start when the Crocus bloom in spring. There are some things you should do. First, turn off the fuel, start the engine and allow the bike to continue to run until it starves from lack of fuel. This empties the carb float bowl or reserve fuel in the injector system. If there is gas in the tank pour in a fuel stabilizer. If you're unsure of the band or type to use, contact us. Next, remove the battery and connect it to a trickle charger, preferably one like the Battery Tender that makes sure the battery stays fully charged but protects from overcharging. We suggest you put the battery in a plastic tub on a cement floor just in case it develops a leak. Next, Try to store the bike with both wheels off the ground. We have lifts that work but you can use cement blocks topped with wood 2x4 under the frame. Of course, you'll want to make sure the bike is stable. And, you'll need a friend to help you lift it up on the platform. Finally, cover the bike with a breathable cover. Solid plastic covers trap moisture in and can cause rust or corrosion. Some riders opt to remove the spark plugs and squirt a small amount of oil into the combustion chamber and then replace the plugs. We suggest you see us before you try it. One reason is that you might want to put an anti-seizing compound of the spark plug threads before you reinstall them. Another is to make sure you're using the right kind of oil and the correct torque on the plugs. Oh yes, we also suggest you thoroughly clean and polish the bike before you store it. You never know what's in that road grime. It may contain caustic substances that would harm you bike.

Store Hours M, T, W, & F : 9am - 6pm Thursday : 9am - 8pm Saturday : 9am - 5pm If you've received the text only version, please click here to view a library of HTML versions: http://www.westernreservehd.com/Newsletters/news_library.htm