The 'big apple'

[weedavie_j]

Originally Posted by banquo

Make a list, with part numbers, of all the small but expensive parts that you're always needing to buy, and that will fit in yer suitcase. Oil filters, brake pads, gaskets, plugs: that kind of thing. Pick up a P&A catalogue at a dealer as soon as you get there, so you have time to browse. Bring it back with you, even though it's heavy, as it will have all the USA list prices in there, and that's useful when you're buying online from the States in future. Take your VIN with you, so you can be sure any bits you buy are for your bike. Consider pre-ordering any manuals and stuff you want, like the official repair manual, or the parts catalog for your bike. $60 for a repair manual's a lot cheaper than 60 quid..
If you're flying back into Glasgow, and you're on one of those flights much used by Xmas shoppers, then your chances of getting stopped at customs are high, and they can confiscate the lot if you don't declare.... although they might be generous if you play dumb, and remind them that Big Gordy said a couple of budgets ago that he was going to increase the allowances to £1000, but then never implemented it....
"Last year I proposed the European union raise the duty free allowance for bringing goods into the country from outside the EU. This year the European commission have proposed to increase it from £145 to £340. But I am submitting proposals today for a further increase to £1,000."
Silly Gordy forgot to ask permission from the EU first...
If you buy any expensive gear, make sure it's de-labelled, and make sure you wear it for as long as possible when you're out there.The more used it looks the better.
make sure all your gear is divided evenly by value amongst your party. Each individual has an allowance, so if you've got loads, spread it around...
Phone around a few dealers and ask if they have any special offers, or check out their websites before you go (easier than when you get there....). I got 20% off a whole stack of USA priced P&A stuff, just by being at the right dealer at the right time.
Hava a big suitcase, and make it a strong one.
A big suitcase will carry a complete detachable windshield, detachable side plates, sissy bar and pad, and various other things, and then it will collapse on you so the wheels don't work anymore, and you will understand why your Harley is so damn heavy... ;)

Chrisakes Jake you sound like yer a dab hand at the old contraband scam M8 but a lot of sound advise there for a 'virgin smuggler' like me

[weedavie_j]

[quote=kiwidave;452142]Davie there is a Harley-Davidson cafe in New York and that and the mega dealership/s in the boroughs have the whole ugly ''$70 T-shirt'' side of things taken care of.

I would AVOID!!!! LOL


Do you want me to bring you one back M8


NOOOOOOOO I hear you scream

[banquo]

KD can scoff at Tees ;) , but I buy all my T-shirts over there, just because they are so, so cheap. Most big deaklers have a bargain basket, with stacks of Tees nobody wants, usually for about 10-15 bucks or under a tenner in real money. I picked up 3 winter long sleeve ones for that kind of price, and I have no qualms whatsoever about advertising a US dealer, if it keeps me warm, and/or cool . A cheap Tee with Harley on it is a cheap Tee (with Harley on it), or did I already just say that... ;)
Usually they are good quality, and the dealer-specific ones (bought locally and not through Harley) often have unique designs, and are printed on higher quality material. It is especially a good place to buy Tees for the ladies (not the laddies!) as ladies generally like GENUINE H-D merchandise in my experience, and they cost a fortune here. Not cheap over the pond either, but a damn sight cheaper than here, and heavy on the sparkly bits...

[kiwidave]

I would be right behind you in the bargin bin, Jake...... you know the kind of bullshirt i *AM* against....... ;)

[banquo]

Jeez Dave! I saw the shirt you were wearing at Langholm (Tee it wasn't ;) ).
As an example of sartorial elegance it left me shocked and stunned.. Was it like this one, or is that somebody else...? Was a long time ago, and my memory ain't what it used to be.....

[kiwidave]

you cannot shame me you cheeky bastard......that's one of my favourites!

[kiwidave]

You can't embarrass me, you cheeky bastard - that's one of my favourites!!!!!



Hey Davie, my buddy Jason who lives in Brooklyn advises by email:


(snip)

unfortunately, most department stores that your friend will inevitably be hanging around are in midtown manhattan

Not a lot of cool stuff to do there. Especially since the Disney-fication of Times square.

But, there a few hold outs in that area:

Rudy's bar - 9th ave & 44th st. (on the west side of 9th ave) Mostly original times square dive. Used to have an AMAZING juke box. Hot dogs free. Not for those with a weak stomach.

Havana Central - 46th st between 6 & 7th ave. Cool Cuban restaurant/bar. Food varies from dynamite to just OK. The scenery (cuties) is always MIND BLOWING. Fresh mojitos and sangria all the time.

Central Park is always right. In all the years I've lived here, I never get tired of it. This time of year is particularly nice. Good place to take a nap or a picnic in the grass when you're worn out from running around manhattan.

Venture away from midtown and there's much more to do.

Cool bike shop: Queens County Cycles. Woodside section of Queens. Real shop. Nice people. No attitude. No fat tire bullshit. http://www.queenscountycycles.com/ Ask for Mike or John (the owners). I would offer to show them round, but I am moving OUT of NYC next week!

regards

Jason

(ends snip)

there ain't nothing Jason doesn't know about what is cool in NYC. Havana Central sounds like the kinda place you might volunteer to ''rest'' a while in while the missus carries on shopping!!! ;) Have a great trip!!

[banquo]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

you cannot shame me you cheeky bastard......that's one of my favourites!

Oh, so it WAS you then..... ;) (as if I didn't know)
And yes, I know exactly the kind of tat you're talking about..
Why is there never a vomiting smiley when you want one...

Thanx Baza!

[weedavie_j]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

You can't embarrass me, you cheeky bastard - that's one of my favourites!!!!!



Hey Davie, my buddy Jason who lives in Brooklyn advises by email:


(snip)

unfortunately, most department stores that your friend will inevitably be hanging around are in midtown manhattan

Not a lot of cool stuff to do there. Especially since the Disney-fication of Times square.

But, there a few hold outs in that area:

Rudy's bar - 9th ave & 44th st. (on the west side of 9th ave) Mostly original times square dive. Used to have an AMAZING juke box. Hot dogs free. Not for those with a weak stomach.

Havana Central - 46th st between 6 & 7th ave. Cool Cuban restaurant/bar. Food varies from dynamite to just OK. The scenery (cuties) is always MIND BLOWING. Fresh mojitos and sangria all the time.

Central Park is always right. In all the years I've lived here, I never get tired of it. This time of year is particularly nice. Good place to take a nap or a picnic in the grass when you're worn out from running around manhattan.

Venture away from midtown and there's much more to do.

Cool bike shop: Queens County Cycles. Woodside section of Queens. Real shop. Nice people. No attitude. No fat tire bullshit. http://www.queenscountycycles.com/ Ask for Mike or John (the owners). I would offer to show them round, but I am moving OUT of NYC next week!

regards

Jason

(ends snip)

there ain't nothing Jason doesn't know about what is cool in NYC. Havana Central sounds like the kinda place you might volunteer to ''rest'' a while in while the missus carries on shopping!!! ;) Have a great trip!!

Hey this is fantastic Inside information from a native New Yorker, what else can a man ask for?
Like the sound of Havana Central, I've heard of that place before,sounds cool and Queens County Cycles looks like it would be well worth a visit if I can manage to venture out to Queens in the short time I'm there (four nites only)

The list of things to do just gets longer and longer and the possibility of fittin them all in seems less and less likely but I'll have a good try.

Might even buy a shirt like daves when I'm there and a pair of snakeskin boots and a cowboy hat and a leather belt wae a huge buckle and............................. yae think am jokin

[weedavie_j]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

You can't embarrass me, you cheeky bastard - that's one of my favourites!!!!!



Hey Davie, my buddy Jason who lives in Brooklyn advises by email:


(snip)

unfortunately, most department stores that your friend will inevitably be hanging around are in midtown manhattan

Not a lot of cool stuff to do there. Especially since the Disney-fication of Times square.

But, there a few hold outs in that area:

Rudy's bar - 9th ave & 44th st. (on the west side of 9th ave) Mostly original times square dive. Used to have an AMAZING juke box. Hot dogs free. Not for those with a weak stomach.

Havana Central - 46th st between 6 & 7th ave. Cool Cuban restaurant/bar. Food varies from dynamite to just OK. The scenery (cuties) is always MIND BLOWING. Fresh mojitos and sangria all the time.

Central Park is always right. In all the years I've lived here, I never get tired of it. This time of year is particularly nice. Good place to take a nap or a picnic in the grass when you're worn out from running around manhattan.

Venture away from midtown and there's much more to do.

Cool bike shop: Queens County Cycles. Woodside section of Queens. Real shop. Nice people. No attitude. No fat tire bullshit. http://www.queenscountycycles.com/ Ask for Mike or John (the owners). I would offer to show them round, but I am moving OUT of NYC next week!

regards

Jason

(ends snip)

there ain't nothing Jason doesn't know about what is cool in NYC. Havana Central sounds like the kinda place you might volunteer to ''rest'' a while in while the missus carries on shopping!!! ;) Have a great trip!!

Hey this is fantastic inside information from a real native New yorker;) what else could I ask for.
Dave , Havana central sounds the biz and Queens cycles equally appealin' just hope I can manage to fit in half the stuff I want to now as the list of things I wanna do and the short time I'mm there seams like I will struggle ( four nites only) but will have a good crack at em' see I'm startin to talk like a yankee already

I might even see if I can buy a shirt like daves and a pair o snakeskin boots;) I aint kidin bhoy