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View Full Version : The Harley Bubble

hschisler
Dec 26th, 2006, 7:31 pm
First, my disclaimer:
The author represents that this is a true and factual observation, and that he relates same here at this time as a point of discussion and not something intended to bash our Harley-riding brethren.

On the way back from Youngstown today (3 hours from home) we stopped at a very large, very nice HD dealership. I was greeted very warmly, had a nice (brief) talk with the sales guy, and after wandering around the floor for awhile something caught my: the Harley Bubble.

I first thought it was one of those large, new Christmas yard inflatables that are seen everywhere. You know -- Santa inside a snow globe, etc. Upon closer inspection I saw that there was an actual HD motorcycle inside a bubble; the bubble was kept inflated by a small electric motor. What is this product, you ask?

It's the Harley Bubble! For $269 you get a sealed bubble to protect your nice clean bike. From the HD web site (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441849449):

"The Harley Bubble is designed to constantly flow filtered air over the bike, providing a dust-free, condensation-free environment that greatly decreases the chances of corrosion during storage. The bike stays clean, dry, and best of all, can be viewed even while it's being stored. For indoor use only. 110 volt only. View 1 photo at right shows Harley Bubble that fits Sport and Cruising models. View 2 photo at right shows Harley Bubble that fits bikes with windshields and Tour-PakŪ luggage carriers.
http://a1276.g.akamai.net/7/1276/734/94fb0c3ed8a8f9/resource.harley-davidson.com/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
This product is available in multiple variations. Be sure to look for the one that fits the specific model and year of your motorcycle.
http://a1276.g.akamai.net/7/1276/734/94fb0c3ed8a8f9/resource.harley-davidson.com/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
http://a1276.g.akamai.net/7/1276/734/94fb0c3ed8a8f9/resource.harley-davidson.com/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
Fits Sport and Cruising models."

Don't know what to make of this, so I'll leave that up to you. Talking about it on the way home, I thought "Sure, this makes sense. If you're going to polish up the bike and store it for awhile, why not?" On the other hand, I think I'd prefer to keep dust off it by blowing real, natural, unfiltered air at it -- at highway speeds. :)
jwd98056
Dec 26th, 2006, 7:59 pm
Nothing new about the idea. Harley didn't invent it and like much of the stuff you can buy there they just re-market it with a HD badge on it.

Here (http://www.carcoon.co.uk/bike%20bubble.htm) is one of the manufacturers of "Bike Bubbles" and here (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/products/product.asp?Item=CAPSULE) are some sold by one of this forums vendors.
jkersh1
Dec 26th, 2006, 9:23 pm
I was thinking this was the Harley Bubble of invulnerability that let's you ride with in shorts, flip flops and no helmet. I was thinking your BMW could benefit from it too--if you could ride slow enough.
hschisler
Dec 26th, 2006, 9:27 pm
Nothing new about the idea. Harley didn't invent it and like much of the stuff you can buy there they just re-market it with a HD badge on it.

Here (http://www.carcoon.co.uk/bike%20bubble.htm) is one of the manufacturers of "Bike Bubbles" and here (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/products/product.asp?Item=CAPSULE) are some are sold by one of this forums vendors.Interesting. Until a few hours ago I didn't know such a thing existed. But then, I didn't know you could get an electric windscreen on a bike until I saw my first LT about a year and a half ago. Completely off my radar, and outside my experience.
Morley
Dec 26th, 2006, 10:18 pm
Those "bubbles" first appeared for antique, collectable cars. Since those cars rarely ever get driven they wanted a way to keep them pristine.
jorawro
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:05 am
For those of us who have to store our bikes for an extended period called winter these may well be practical---not only for dust but better yet as a mouse "protector" ------ hmmmmm ??
deputy5211
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:10 am
Yeah -- until the mice start nibbling on the plastic bubble :)
jorawro
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:25 am
Good point ---- I'll scrap that plan:o
gfspencer
Dec 27th, 2006, 9:13 am
I thought you were talking about a "sales bubble" . . . . as in "dot.com bubble". :confused: But you were talking about a real bubble. :(
cfell
Dec 27th, 2006, 9:19 am
Hey Roy and Tony.. long as you don't leave any Pork CHOP finger latents on the edges of the "bubble" you might be "okay". ;) If worried about mice, I'd rather they eat the bubble than my bike wiring...

Just set a few traps.. the ones that "terminate with extreme predjudice... http://www.victorpest.com/images/metal-pedal-mousetrap-comp-.gif

or http://www.victorpest.com/images/cheese-pedal-mousetrap-ejh.gif

or just click here for these pics and the SHOCKING, "Electronic" trap http://www.victorpest.com/mouse_instructions.htm

Happy Mouse Hunting...

Oh.. don't forget to check out the 'Tin Cat'.. it looks like HD farkle... shiny..
deputy5211
Dec 27th, 2006, 10:06 am
Must --- have --- shiny --- thing --- :rotf:


Oh.. don't forget to check out the 'Tin Cat'.. it looks like HD farkle... shiny..
hawg
Dec 27th, 2006, 10:50 am
Hmmm....love those mouse traps, especially the Tin Cat! The electric shocker thang is pretty neat, too.

We had a few mice move into the attic over the last coupla months. Orkin brought out the glue traps...and they WORK! Of course, the poisoned bait blocks did their thang, too....no mo mices!!! :D:D:D

Not as much fun as using a shotgun, but cheaper! :rolleyes:
jayjacobson
Dec 29th, 2006, 7:55 am
It's the Harley Bubble! For $269 you get a sealed bubble to protect your nice clean bike.

Yup, if had that much "show," I'd want something over it!