While we don't have an image of the Harley, the Big Hog Daddy gets some snazzy blue flame paint which carries through to the gauge cluster, Harley badging, and the ubiquitous Harley leather on the inside. Also optional: tightly wrapped head bandannas, brain-bucket helmets and a hardcore, weekend-warrior attitude.

2009 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY GROWS CAPABILITY WITH INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGIES, FEATURES

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, offers more standard capability for 2009, including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business - from their Ford truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of pickups, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and two new packages - a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels - XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat - come with new standard features. The XL, the no-frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock and manual trailer tow mirrors.

The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power-heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009, the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs and SIRIUS satellite radio.

The most luxurious of the Super Duty lineup, Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards and SYNC, Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technologies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by equipping its trucks with new technologies that make staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage and a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin.

It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. It features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access and send documents stored on their home or office computer networks - right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009.

According to customer data, 76 percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish. With F-Series serving as the official truck of Cabela's for the past 7 years - and trucks prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming - there's no more authentic way to connect with customers.

The Cabela's FX4 package for 2009 features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic.

Each is contrasted with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings, finished off with custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All-weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel.

The custom-perforated black leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are visible on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.

"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset - the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military - that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'"

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006 and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat - unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.

All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[via FSeriesTrucks.com]

[MIRG]

Some of you folks may have tried to listen to The Legend of Hoot's Panhead last week, but Odeo presented us with total, maddening failure some technical difficulties on the sound playback. Not to worry! Good ol' YouTube to the rescue...

My uncle Tom- aka Dirty Duck- was an old-time Minnesota biker and British-car mechanic who taught me most of what I know about wrenching (and also tried to convince me that MGs were good daily drivers, but that's another story). In addition to being the best mechanic I've ever seen in action, he was a world-class storyteller who'd been everywhere and seen everything, ya know. He died on the road nearly 20 years ago- in a Super Cobra Jet 428 Torino- but before he left (ideally, to an afterlife featuring Jaguar V12s that never need spark plug changes) he had me record one of his thousands of stories, delivered in that great St. Paul accent. The Legend of Hoot's Panhead is set in 1967 Los Angeles and features till-tapping Seconal-addicted AWOL Marines, rival motorcycle clubs, a pillowcase full of quarters, and- of course- a '48 Harley Panhead. It seems like a good Friday Monday sort of story, so enjoy. Warning: NSFW (if you work in the kind of place where the word "motherfucker" coming from computer speakers makes your boss get scary facial tics, that is). – Murilee Martin

If you'd prefer to just download the MP3 in non-streaming .zip format, go here.

Related:
Go Back to Get Back: Automakers Could Follow Harley's Lead [internal]

SUPERCHARGED 2007 FORD F-150 HARLEY-DAVIDSON PACKS A POWERFUL PUNCH * Ford F-150 supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission delivers 450 horsepower and 500 pounds-feet of torque. * Ford responds to customer demand bringing F-150 performance concept to market in eight months. * Ford-Harley co-branding partnership flourishes - with more than 60,000 pickups sold since 1999.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 23, 2007 - America's best-selling, most capable full-size pickup now delivers the horsepower to make it one of the most powerful half-ton pickups on the market. The 450 horsepower supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 Super Crew 4x2 hits the road this summer.

Born from tremendous customer reaction to the F-150 performance truck concept that was on display at the November 2006 SEMA show, the supercharged F-150 packs the extra power punch that Ford truck enthusiasts have been demanding.

"Ford is the truck leader because we pay attention to what our customers want and move quickly to meet their needs," said Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "They told us they wanted a performance equipped truck so we worked with Saleen to bring the supercharged Harley-Davidson™ F-150 to market in rapid fashion."

The supercharged Harley Davidson™ F-150 is available in Ebony Black or Dark Amethyst with plenty of gleaming chrome, 22-inch oversized wheels and tires, and a custom scalloped stripe that runs along the beltline that creates a glued-to-the-ground appearance. "Harley-Davidson" script runs along the bedside in three-dimensional chrome letters. Blacked-out headlamps and a unique chrome billet grille give it a distinctive, bold front-end.

Among other highlights:

* The SALEEN supercharger option is available through Ford dealers for $6500 MSRP. Base F-150 Harley-Davidson™ pricing starts at $37,210 MSRP including $925 destination and delivery.
* The twin-screw supercharger is the same style as the one in the Shelby GT-500.
* A dual-stage water-to-air intercooler increases the supercharger's efficiency and adds performance by cooling the intake air.
* The volume from the exhaust is cranked up into a sustained growl.
* An available gauge pod with boost (PSI) and air-charge temperature (ACT) gauges monitors the system's performance.

The 2007 Harley-Davidson™ F-150 truck is the ninth model to emerge from a Ford/Harley-Davidson™ partnership that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied 104-year-old companies has proven to be a successful formula with total sales of Ford F-Series Harley-Davidsons™ of more than 60,000 units.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About Harley-Davidson®
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. As a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

The California Highway Patrol is caught up in a bit of a snafu. For the last six years, the law-enforcement agency has been buying and riding BMW patrol bikes through a Roseville, California dealership. A Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson agency, however, submitted a bid reportedly a cool mil less in an attempt to score the lucrative fleet order for a mess of Hogs. In fact PA governor Ed Rendell submitted a personal plea to Ahnuld a couple of years back on behalf of The Motor Company in a bid to get California to buy the Electra-Glides, which happen to be made in the Keystone State.

Meanwhile, the test-riding cops don't particularly like the Harleys, saying that the bikes have a high-speed wobble, and a spokesperson for the agency says "We're looking for a bike that meets our specifications and safety standards at the lowest cost to the people of California." Harleys and Beemers are rather expensive bikes to both buy and maintain. We're wondering why they don't just go Japanese? More power, cheaper to fix, etc. After all if Japanese motorcycles were good enough for Poncharello and Baker, shouldn't they be good enough for the Chippies of today? [Thanks to Scott for the tip.]

CHP motorcycle purchase hits the skids yet again [Sacramento Bee]

Related:
Possibly The Most Amazing Episode of 'CHiPs' Ever Filmed [Internal]

A New "Chinese Democracy" Track: Maybe This Thing Is Happening After All [Idolator]

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More On Axl's Auto Lawsuit; Axl Rose on the Lawsuit Train [internal]

Ed Roth's more-awesome idea, embraced by many a wild and wooly ruffian without a care for fashion, the motortrike, is on its way back and we have The Motor Company to thank. The vehicles, developed along with Lehman Trikes U.S.A. Inc. of Spearfish, South Dakota (The Leader of the Three World! Best. Slogan. This Quarter.), will be Harley-branded and sold via H-D dealers. Fat dentists lacking an innate sense of balance are stoked.

Harley to develop three-wheeled Harley trikes [Reuters via Autoblog]

Related:
Trike Psych!: Piaggio's Three-wheeled, Backwards Scooter [Internal]

President Discusses Economy During Visit to Pennsylvania [WhiteHouse.gov]

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Breaking! Prez Bush Sez Not Snubbing Big Three, But No Meeting's Planned [internal]

NEW 2007 FORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON F-150 SUPER CREW REVS UP STREET ROD APPEAL

* New Super Crew model targeted at one of the fastest growing segments - 4-door pickups - of the truck market
* Menacing Monotone Black exterior boasts 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels with unique split five-spoke design
* New, optional Dark Amethyst exterior color, interior features high-gloss Piano Black detail, rich black aniline leather seating surfaces and lots of chrome
* Available with 4x2 or all-wheel-drive capability - a first for any F-150

Ford's king of the road joins another motoring giant to give performance enthusiasts a new definition of custom cool - the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew. This limited-edition vehicle draws inspiration from more than a century of tradition at Ford and Harley-Davidson to give customers an F-150 with more attitude than any other truck on the road.
"This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that's been the hallmark of the Ford brand," says Ford President Cisco Codina. "Now, we're giving customers more of everything they love with the boldest Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever - with all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels and an interior that will take your breath away."

The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew is the ninth model to emerge from the alliance that was first forged in 1999. The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced six F-150 models, as well as Super Duty F-250 and F-350 offerings.

Hot-Rod Inspired Custom Looks
For 2007, the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew visually communicates power, dressed in all black, oozing chrome and sporting distinctive Harley-Davidson visual cues. The Black Monotone exterior is accented with a hot-rod inspired custom scalloped stripe running along the beltline. The custom stripe adds to the overall performance feel of the vehicle, creating a sense of motion and speed. "Harley-Davidson" script is featured along the bed side in three dimensional chrome letters. The new model also features a unique color option, Dark Amethyst, with a complimentary stripe color.

The custom appearance begins with the bold front-end design, featuring a unique chrome billet grille and blacked-out headlamps. Based on a Super Crew configuration with a 5-1/2-foot Styleside box, the new 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 cuts a menacing profile. Beefy 22-inch polished forged-aluminum rims - unique for F-150 - sport a split five-spoke design, exposed lug nuts and the distinctive Bar & Shield logo on the center cap. The massive wheels give this ride undeniable attitude.

Between the wheel wells, chrome-accented ground effects help create an integrated appearance and enhance the truck's powerful stance. The ground effects and the unique lower front valence, or chin spoiler, help create a lowered look. Heavyweight genuine zinc die-cast badges on the fenders celebrate the Ford Harley-Davidson alliance. Dark tinted smoked-out tail lamps and headlamps, a blacked-out bumper and the "Harley-Davidson F-150" badge distinguish the rear. Chrome tie-down hooks and a slash-cut chrome exhaust tip add even more street-rod appeal.

Rugged and Refined
Harley-Davidson heritage resonates throughout this new vehicle. Inside, the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 makes a strong statement of custom-inspired refinement, with an underlying tone of authenticity and genuineness that has been the hallmark for all Ford Harley-Davidson trucks.
"We've designed a cockpit that's a tribute to the open road," says Ford F-Series Chief Designer Gordon Platto. "We've introduced high-gloss Piano Black cues along the instrument panel, center stack and console to bring in a feeling of visual motion. Combine that with the rich leather and bright chrome that's been such an essential part of all our Harley trucks, and you're surrounded with styling that salutes motorcycle culture."

Rugged and supple black aniline leather seating surfaces create a distinctive, inviting interior. The captain's chairs are unique, sporting a die-cast HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield logo embedded in the leather. Elegant high-gloss Piano Black surfaces on the center stack and door panels are flanked by a Bar & Shield logo-patterned graphic treatment. The striking instrument panel - and the overall vehicle interior - features a stunning display of chrome, including unique chrome-ringed instruments, chrome handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls. Adding to the overall custom feel of the interior is a serialized nickel plate showing the vehicle's production date and number.

Built for Performance
Enthusiast events such as South Dakota's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Daytona Bike Week in Florida, along with everyday customer feedback, helped shape the performance story for the new 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150. Customers said they wanted bigger wheels and all-wheel-drive capability. Besides boasting 22-inch wheels, this truck includes a performance sport handling suspension that's tuned to deliver a more precise driving feel.

Customers now also have the choice between 4x2 and all-wheel drive, with the capability to handle more challenging driving conditions and road surfaces - ranging from dry pavement to winter weather. The new AWD system continuously monitors the wheel speeds and throttle position to determine the appropriate amount of power to send to the front of the truck to help prevent slip. Customers also can choose to override AWD by simply selecting the locked mode.

Lurking under the hood of the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8 featuring a specially tuned exhaust system that delivers a more powerful, throatier rumble. It turns out 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pound of torque at 3,750 rpm.

Vital statistics
Ford will build the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew limited-edition trucks for sale throughout North America beginning September 2006. The vehicle will be produced in Michigan at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant.

In addition to the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew and other vehicles in the Ford
Harley-Davidson truck lineup, the companies' alliance has produced other products such as co-branded clothing and vehicle accessories.

Related:
Ezra Rode a Harley: The NY Times on the Ford F150 Harley Davidson [internal]

Bumbeck came down from the hills in the Mighty Starlet to catch a showing of Cars today (which totally brought out the softy in us, and may well be our favorite Pixar film yet — disregard the haters and see it). He calls and says, "Hey, I just ran across this awesome bike show," which happened to be at Century Motorcycles (since 1936!), only a few blocks up from us on Pacific. We'd been meaning to check the shop out, and we're kicking ourselves for not going in sooner. Oh man...if your tastes run toward old bikes, we have to say, this show was a killer. Even the Harleys there were well-sorted, although most of the machines were either of British or Japanese origin. This might well be the best motorcycle show we've ever attended, because practically everything there was a runner, and those that weren't, well, they were all rad and weird in their own way. Click through for a grip of photos.

So what happens when you drop close to 40 large on a well-accessorized Hog but seemingly have no more idea of how to operate it than you probably do the concept of Schr dinger's Cat? Click on and find out.

Genuis [sic] with Harley wrecks bike [Streetfire]

More hoons

Our homeboy, Automobile writer Ezra Dyer got it on with the Gray Lady, penning a piece for the NY Times on Ford's cross-branded F150 Harley Davidson pickup. Obviously, ol' Ez was called in to add a dash of youthful color to the Times's notoriously wife-and-kids car reviews. His job (sure, he accepted it) was to translate the latest Harley edition F150 SuperCab pickup — which bypasses HD's lucrative aftermarket business by factory-installing a billet-style grille, Harley badging, supercharged 340-hp V8 and full-time all-wheel drive (it's the only F150 with that option) — for those whose last car ride was a post-midnight grope in the back of a cab.

And while the Harley F-150 offers tough-truck options like skid plates and towing package, you'll see one on a job site when you see I-beams being welded by the Construction Worker from the Village People.

2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150: This Harley's Not a Hog, but It Is a Ham [internal]

Related:
Taking a Mercedes SL65 AMG to the Drag Strip [internal]

One could argue Harley-Davidson has been successful of late despite an approach to technology that's in opposition to that of the motorcycle industry at large. That is, they do what they've always done — build the best bikes 1960 can offer. While others hire up all the lab-coated wonders they can find, and point them toward a technological Oz, Harley keeps on building the same old old iron and selling it at astonishingly high profit margins. Sure, they're using a portion of the spoils to address that technology divide, but its best sellers are still its simplest machines. Thomas Bernard, writing for The Truth About Cars says US automakers should learn how to stop hating themselves for being behind the tech curve (in the showroom, if not in their R&D centers) and embrace a kind of lovable simplicity. Could it work? Is it already working?

The Way Forward is Back [The Truth About Cars]

Related:
The Truth About The DSG: So Long Stick Shift [internal]

When reader Terry had a heart attack over a quarter-century ago, he was worried that he wouldn't be able to ride his beloved Hog again. So he built this. MGB body, Harley front end, 1.6L VW engine with appropriate transmission, and a McLaren F1-style seating arrangement. Weird, but cool. Thanks for sending it in, Terry.

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Hayabusa-Powered Trike-Thingy: The Martiino Kamikaze [Internal]

It's a wacky, mixed-up, topsy-turvy world, where motorcycles are powered by car engines and cars powered by, well, you know. In the case of the Hot Rod Hawg, it's a Harley Twin Cam 95 mill nestled in the engine bay of an old-school Bill Smith Model-T rod. No word on price, but the car's builders will hook you up anyway if price is of no consequence, Rocker-fella.

Hot Rod Hawg

Related:
Boss Hoss V8-Powered Motorcycle [internal]

Seeing as it's already Day 4 of the Dakar Rally and we've been lax in posting about the goings on over on the Portugal-Senegal run, we thought we'd toss out a link to Hog Wild Racing's blog. Scott Whitney and Duane McDowell are a couple of Southern California sidecar racers who have put together something that's a bit more than a KTM or a Beemer with a sidehack strapped to it. Their machine, which has won at Pikes Peak, is powered by a water-cooled Harley motor out of V-Rod. Which sounds Andy Dick-nuts, but it apparently works. [Thanks to Denis for the tip.]

Hog Wild News

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Dakar Rally to Start from Lisbon, Feature Speed Limits [Internal]