Consider this checklist a gentle reminder of the basics of winter storage. Remember, proper winterization will greatly increase the chances your bike will start right up in the spring. So, before you tuck your baby away for its long, winter sleep:

• Find a good place to store it – ideally a dry, heated place with a breathable. motorcycle cover to prevent moisture from being trapped underneath.
• Change the oil – afterwards run the engine for a bit to circulate the new oil.
• Lubricate any moving parts – the chain, all cables, and all pivoting parts (foot peg joints, etc).
• Remove the battery – after removal, it should be stored in a warm, dry place.
• Clean and wax – thoroughly remove built up grease, tar, bugs, etc. that have accumulated from the riding season. Wax the tank to create a nice protective barrier. A protecting moisturizer on the tires will help prevent dry-out.
• Fill the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer – this will prevent the gas from going bad.
• Check the tire pressure – inflate them to the proper level if need be.
• Drain the carburetor – if this applies to your bike.

We understand. You’re anxious to get your bike where it needs to go. And you don’t want to be separated from your baby any longer than absolutely necessary.

Shipping times depend on a few things — how far your bike is traveling, the time of year, and how your bike can be grouped with other shipments.

In general, we pool as many motorcycles as we can during our cross country runs. Understand we are not just driving across the country to pick up or drop off your motorcycle alone. Pooling bikes together for shipping is the key to making motorcycle shipping affordable for you.

When a driver leaves our terminal, our staff contacts each of the driver’s stops to relay an approximate arrival date. Arrival dates are approximate due to traffic, road construction or weather conditions we simply have no control over. Make sure you schedule well in advance if you need the bike on a certain date.

The route driver also will contact a person at each stop when he is expecting to see them within the next 24 hours. It is important you are available to take delivery or be there when the bike is picked up. We do not leave motorcycles or pick up bikes unattended. Leaving a cell phone number can be helpful if you are not able to stay at the delivery location all day.

Our trucks depart frequently with normal shipping deliveries running around 28 days from the time the order is booked or the bike is ready (whichever applies). Some shipments may be faster, contact us to find out the shipping estimate for your shipment. If you schedule your shipment this week, typically your bike is scheduled on a truck departing Milwaukee, Wisconsin next week. The truck’s total delivery time (and essentially your bike’s pick up time) depends on the zones that the truck crosses. If it picks up and delivers in the same zone, timeframes are shorter. Returning the signed contract and payment as quickly as possible will help keep the delivery timeframe on schedule.

Don’t forget to reserve a spot early if you’re shipping your motorcycle to a rally! Rallies are popular shipping venues and our trucks fill up quickly during these times.

Want a driver to deliver your “baby”? Visit us at www.haulbikes.com.

Interested in driving for HaulBikes? We are expanding! Find out more about driving for HaulBikes.

Officially licensed Harley-Davidson costumes

Costumes are available for both boys and girls, proudly displaying the Harley-Davidson logo and will make them look ready to hop on their own hog.

Harley Davidson Costume – Boy

Harley Davidson Costume – Girl

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Dress Up Kit

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Child’s Jacket

Bad Boy Biker

The muscles, the leather, the tattoos, the spikes…..tough and scary that just screams “give me some candy, or else”.

Metal Skull Biker Child

Macho Biker Child

Biker Bad Boy Child Motorcycle Costume

Don’t Forget the Dog

And let’s not leave out the family pet. They will now be ready to hit the open road with a motorcycle look designed just for them. These costumes prove that it can be cool to dress up your dog.

Biker Dog

Motorcycle Biker Dog Costume

50s Dog T-Bird Pet Costume

Once you dress up your little ones, post their pics on our Facebook page!

It’s a great time to check out the scenery – Fall provides an amazing palette with the turning leaves. Some of the best roads to ride are often in areas where there are a lot of hills and trees that are the perfect canvas for autumn colors. Nature’s artwork is often best viewed from a motorcycle.

You can take advantage of the cooler temperatures – Cool, crisp air is very refreshing this time of year.  Riding temperatures can be so much more comfortable than in the summer heat.  There is something about the smell of the falling leaves that makes it so inviting to be outdoors.

You can truly justify wearing leather – Leather looks cool. And milder temperatures make it much more comfortable to wear.  So strap on the chaps, pull on the leather gloves, and don your toughest-looking leather jacket.  You’ll be comfortable and look sharp.  And of course, not to mention the added safety benefits of wearing leather.

You can grab a a last chance to ride – For those that live in parts of the country that don’t get to experience warm climates all year round, fall is the last chance for riding before it’s time for the bike to hibernate for the long winter. All those roads you still want to hit, all those buddies you still want to do a ride with……..do it now.  It could be snowing soon.

5 Tips for Fall Riding:

1. Check the weather forecast – the weather can turn quickly this time of year, so be prepared and pack the rain gear
2. Appropriate clothing – to stay warm and comfortable you may need gloves and a jacket
3. Watch for wet leaves – wet leaves are slippery so be cautious of the road conditions
4. Deer can be more active in the autumn – always be on the lookout for wildlife
5. Check out our website for a listing of upcoming fall rides – see our motorcycle rally events page

Where are you heading to this fall?

Thanks for driving for us, Morgan.

Want a driver to deliver your “baby”? Visit us at www.haulbikes.com.

Interested in driving for HaulBikes? We are expanding! Find out more about driving for HaulBikes.

Delaware
Unique in this state, the current law doesn’t require motorcyclists to actually wear a helmet, but you must at least have a helmet on your motorcycle when riding it. So, cyclists that do not want to wear a helmet, have to purchase one as a bike accessory in order to not be breaking the law. Silly perhaps, but the argument can be made that requiring cyclists to have one in their possession while riding may increase the likelihood they will actually wear one without actually telling them that they have to wear one. Maybe this is an effective compromise or just the requirement of a motorcycle accessory.

Legislatures were trying to repeal this law, making it no longer mandatory to have a helmet on the bike while riding. It made it as far as the governor’s desk before being vetoed. So for now it is still not required that a person wear a motorcycle helmet in the state of Delaware, but it is still required that your motorcycle wear one.

Michigan
Where it gets a little more interesting though is in Michigan where the repeal of the mandatory helmet law could be felt by those that do not even ride a motorcycle. Currently in Michigan, helmets are required for all riders. But sitting on the governor’s desk is a bill that could repeal the law, making it legal for those 21 and older to ride without a helmet. What makes Michigan unique is the state’s unlimited personal injury protection benefits. Michigan is a no-fault state. That means that even if you are the one that caused the accident, you are only responsible for pain and suffering damages. Medical bills are paid by taxpayers if the motorcyclist does not have personal injury protection coverage. Those that oppose the helmet law repeal feel that the increase of catastrophic motorcycle injuries will end up costing the taxpayers more money. The governor has indicated using the bill on his desk as a means of fueling the debate on Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws. So this one still remains to be seen…..

The freedom versus safety debate shall continue on. Tell us what you think …

Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC – Once you cross the bridge into this campground, its motorcycles only, baby!  All cars, trailers, trucks, or any 4-wheel vehicles are not allowed past that point.   Lodging choices are either two person cabins or tent camping sites.  There is beautiful scenery in these parts that overlooks the smoky mountains.  Food looks plentiful here with a kitchen in the pavilion serving up breakfast and dinner.  http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/#

Rider’s Rest Motel, Eureka Springs, AR – After a breathtaking bike tour of the Ozark Mountains, you can take a rest for the night in one of 10 motorcycle themed rooms, and your bike can take a rest for the night in covered parking.  An outdoor bar, fire pit, and horseshoes, but remember to BYOB.  And hey, they also perform small weddings here for registered guests.  http://www.ridersrestmotel.com/

Steel Steeds Motorcycle Campground, Milton, PA – One of the nice features of this motorcycle campground is that not only does it offer tent sites, but also RV sites with full hook ups. They also have RVs, cabins and tents for rent that come with towels, pillows and blankets – allowing the camping experience for those that just want to ride in without hauling all the gear.  There’s fishing and boating on the river. Lots of great riding in this area and their website outlines some fabulous suggestions from a covered bridges tour, to a ride through Amish country.  http://www.steelsteedscamp.com/

Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Campground, Stecoah, NC – If you stay here, then you are within minutes to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway.  Lodging options here include full cabins, cabin rooms, a bunkhouse, and tent or RV sites.  After a day of riding, enjoy home-cooked meals served in the pavilion and a group campfire.  There is even a biker church service on Sunday mornings.  http://www.ironhorsenc.com/

Thompson’s Eagle’s Claw Motorcycle Park, Tok, AK – Riding in Alaska? Then here is a unique stop.  There are some really interesting lodging options here. But be aware that the amenities aren’t quite like home at this primitive motorcycle park.  There’s no electricity in this ‘off the grid’ part of Alaska.  But if you want a roof over your head, or perhaps a teepee or ambulance over your head then check this place out (yes they have a converted ambulance built for two to sleep in).  Other services they offer are a steam bath, a cleanup station and a workshop for your bike.  http://www.thompsonseaglesclaw.com/

Sparkplugs Motorcycle Camp, O’Brien, OR – This place pretty much caters to motorcyclists only, with only limited parking for chase vehicles.  They offer tent sites, teepees, an outdoor kitchen, and even a swimming hole.  Relax to the trickling sound of the river that runs through this 15+ acre campground.  http://www.wediditforlove.com/sparkplugs.html

D’Rose Inn and Cabins, Leakey, TX – This place is for motorcyclists and bicyclists only!!  You can either ride in or trailer in.  Choose from either 4 rooms in the inn or 10 cabins.  There’s a pool, covered pavilion and BBQ pits.  But what makes this place really great, besides the fact that it’s for cyclists only, is that it’s in Texas Hill Country.  It’s riding that offers great views, rolling terrain, wildlife sightings, and interesting places to visit along the way.  While staying at D’Rose, we recommend riding “The Three Sisters” (RR335, RR336, & RR337).  http://www.droseinn.com/

And as always, we save our hometown favorites tied for #1 …

Blue Highway Motorcycle Lodge, Hillsboro, WI – In the summer, it’s motorcyclists only at the cottages here.  Check out the list of amenities that each knotty pine cottage comes with:  covered parking for your motorcycle, a hose to clean off your bike, full kitchen, gas fireplace, whirlpool tub, screened in back-porch, gas grill, and an outdoor fire pit.  Sounds like the perfect combination of up-scale amenities mixed with the Wisconsin outdoors. And of course, don’t forget the motorcycling……enjoy some of the best touring roads in the Midwest.  In the winter, this place opens up to snowmobilers and skiers. Year round fun to be had here! http://www.bluehighwaymotorcyclelodge.net/

The Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, WI – This hotel, situated on the southwest side of the state and close to Lake Michigan, is one of our favorites. It’s the first upscale hotel geared for motorcycle enthusiasts and business travelers. Recognized in many publications as a top hotel to visit and just steps away from the Harley-Davidson Museum, The Iron Horse caters to motorcyclists with on-site parking for bikes and room entryways containing tile entrances with hooks for leathers and a bench for removing gear, all in an extremely gorgeous environment. Check out their great restaurants, outdoor pavilion and don’t forget you’re in walking distance to all the entertainment that Milwaukee has to offer. And as a guest of the hotel, you get exclusive shipping rates from HaulBikes. Get a group together, take your wife on a vacation or maybe head over for the Milwaukee Rally in September.  http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/

1.    Stinkers BBQ at The Shed/Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson, Maryville, TN – Stinker’s serves up delicious BBQ at The Shed, an outdoor pavilion located at the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson.  They are known for their ribs and also serve up “shack packs”, perfect for taking with you when headed back on the road.  Also worth checking out, the lineup of live music concerts held at The Shed.

2.    Biker Jim’s, Denver, CO – Once only hot dog stands but now also a restaurant, what makes Biker Jim’s motorcycle friendly is that, well, Jim’s a biker.  Biker Jim’s is known for friendly service and extremely delicious hot dogs of various exotic meats (reindeer, yak, and elk to name a few).  Standouts on their menu include a rattlesnake and pheasant dog, southwest buffalo dog, and an Alaskan reindeer dog along with sides of fried green tomatoes or perhaps fried mac n cheese.

3.    The Pig Stand, Ormond Beach, FL – Situated off I-95, the Pig Stand provides a perfect location for a quick, outdoor BBQ meal.  The wafting smell of BBQ just may be enough to lure your motorcycle in for a pit stop. Another bonus, it’s right by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, home of the largest Harley Davidson dealership.

4.    Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill at Brandon Harley Davidson, Tampa, FL – Enjoy open air dining on the water at this BBQ joint. Located inside Brandon Harley Davidson, this restaurant offers live music, monthly bike nights, and smoked hog wings? That’s right, hog wings -  pork shank that’s been smoked for 6 hours in hickory wood.  Tender, BBQ deliciousness.

5.    City Limits Cafe, Waterbury, CT – In addition to food, this biker owned bar and restaurant offers  an outdoor pavilion, where you can gather around a campfire, enjoy a meal, and listen to live music. Bike nights are held every Wednesday.

6.    Wild Hogs Roadhouse, Miamisburg, OH – Ohio’s largest biker bar and restaurant caters to the Harley Davidson crowd but welcomes everyone. Their menu offers chicken, pizza, burgers, and wings and hosts F(ride)day bike nights.

7.    Poppa Wheelie Restaurant in Mexico, MO – Named after the owner’s nickname, Poppa Wheelies specialty is Friday night prime rib and the Poppa Burger, consisting of three pounds of meat! Finish it in under an hour and it’s free.  The sight of Harley’s in the parking lot of this small roadhouse will make this restaurant inviting to bikers looking for a sandwich and a beverage.

8.    Mountain House Restaurant, McConnellsburg, PA – With a great view of the mountains and a parking lot full of motorcycles that often numbers in the hundreds, this restaurant also offers live music.

9.    Rock Store, Cornell, CA – Motorcycle destination of the stars! The location of the Rock Store draws motorcyclists because of the windy roads and beautiful landscapes.  The Rock Store is perhaps one of the most famous places to stop on your bike for lunch.  Celebrities such as Jay Leno and Tommy Lee are known to frequent this establishment.  If you are in for interesting motorcycle gawking, celebrity sightings, and a picturesque ride into this place, then this will be the perfect destination to pick up breakfast or a BBQ lunch.

10.    We saved our local favorites here in the Milwaukee area for last. Try out Motor Bar and Restaurant in the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on Thursdays for their Bike Night and then get some Friday fish fry at Stolley’s Hogg Alley in Oconomowoc.

Motor Bar and Restaurant in the Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI – What better place to catch a meal after a ride on your motorcycle than the mecca for all Harley Davidson fans, Milwaukee, WI.  The restaurant at the Harley Davidson Museum, aptly called Motor, offers American cuisine and Wisconsin classics such as fish fry, sausage, and cheese. Communal tables in this restaurant are perfect for chatting it up with fellow Harley-Davidson fans.

Stolley’s Hogg Alley, Oconomowoc, WI – Hogg Alley is one of our favorites. You can ride around the lake country and then stop by for the fry. We think they have other food besides fish fry, but we’re personally focused on the “fry.” From blue gills to cod, we’ve tried it all. With the fantastic food, bar and great customer service, we have to agree with their slogan, “You don’t have to be a biker to have fun here.”

Thanks for driving for us, Mike.

Want a driver to deliver your “baby”? Visit us at www.haulbikes.com.

Interested in driving for HaulBikes? We are expanding! Find out more about driving for HaulBikes.