BRAGGIN’ ON NASHVILLE AND GUSHER CYCLES
Please allow me to brag on my hometown for just a minute. Widely known for county music, Nashville is much more than most people think and among other things, has a rich history in the hotrod and motorcycle culture. Those traditions continue today and there are a host of talented builders (of both the 4-wheeled and two-wheeled kind) that currently call The Music City home.
One of those talented individuals is J Ryan of Gusher Cycles. I first met J Ryan about 8 years ago at a local bike show and since then have seen him out and about once or twice a year. It’s to the point now that I look for him at any show I think he might be at… just because I know he will have something stellar on display.
Last weekend I attended a show at the Nashville Fairgrounds and sure enough, J Ryan was there with another one of his smokin’ hot creations. You’re going to have to believe me when I tell you that these photos don’t come close to accurately reproducing the gorgeous paint job on this bike (show lighting is always so awesome!) but even so, you can see that J Ryan has perfected his painting and fabrication skills to a level that most will never reach.
Take a look and then jump on over to gushercycles.com to see more of J Ryans creations. I’m jonesin’ hard to have him paint my Sporty project bike for me and if you’re looking for custom work yourself (paint, fabrication, bars, etc.) you should definitely check out what Gusher Cycles has to offer.
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SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
The Spring Thaw! That’s what they call the motorcycle and car show that my friends over at Both Barrels Promotions do every March to kick off the “official” ridding and cruise-in season here in Nashville. It’s the show we look forward to all winter long… knowing that it signifies that the “Dark Months” are officially behind us and we can move on to more cooperative weather for our motorcycle and hot rod habits. It’s an awesome feeling… and today was the day. I never miss this show and this year brought out some real gems. These are a few of my favorites. Look for more in depth features on some of them in the near future… but for now, enjoy the re-cap.
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REVIEW: HARLEY-DAVIDSON SEVENTY-TWO
(WARNING: TONS OF PICTURES)
Those who know me or frequent this blog know that I am a Sportster fanatic. It all started back in the 70s, when as a child, I watched a TV show by the name of Then Came Bronson which depicted an ultra-cool dude riding from town to town on an ultra-cool bike… a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Over the years I’ve owned just about every brand and size of motorcycle you can imagine, but I always seem to wind up back at Bronson’s choice of two-wheels. In fact, that’s where I am right now. Some thought I was crazy when I sold my Electra-Glide last year and got another Sporty. But that’s OK. I am perfectly happy with my choice. And if some don’t understand… well, in Jim Bronson rebel form, that makes it even better!
But enough about me. As a fan of the bike… I’ve been pretty happy to see the Motor Company giving the Sportster model some specific attention over the past few years. And in particular, their decision to try and capture some of its history and the retro vibe that I love. The Nightster, Iron 883 and the Forty-Eight were great steps in that direction and now here we are in 2012 and H-D has taken it to the next level with the introduction of the Seventy-Two.
Marketing blabber from Harley describes the newest member of the Sportster family like this: “Authentic ’70s chopper attitude meets modern power and premium H-D styling in this bare-bones, lowrider-inspired radical custom.” I don’t know how accurate that is and honestly, I don’t really care what a marketing team in a conference room in Milwaukee came up with to say about this bike. I’m only concerned with a couple of things. Does it look good, and does it function well. On the first count, I’ll have to admit that they immediately got me hook, line and sinker. The design team, in my opinion, nailed the retro vibe and I’ve wanted to climb on one of these bad boys since I first saw the sneak-peek photos coming out of the dealer meetings this winter. And today was my chance. Bumpus Harley-Davidson, a local dealer here in Middle Tennessee, is playing host to the Harley-Davidson factory truck this weekend and it offered the perfect opportunity for me to check out the Seventy-Two up close.
The Seventy-Two is available in three colors which are Black Denim, Big Blue Pearl and as in the test model I rode that you see here, Big Red Flake. For me, the gorgeous Big Red Flake is the only viable option if you really want to capture that 70s vibe. It looks gaudy and fantastic! Adding to the retro “look” is the 8-inch round mirror chrome air cleaner cover. It might seem like a small thing but it is a great period-correct touch. And while it may be debatable as to whether whitewall tires are authentic to the time period, they look great on the chrome laced wheels.
When I first threw a leg over the Seventy-Two, the shocks seemed pretty spongy. This could be because I have grown accustomed to riding Burly Slammer shocks on my own Sporty… I don’t know. More on the ride later. The next thing I noticed, and what the specs don’t tell you about, is the stance of the bike. The low 26.6 inch seat height, retro 2.1 gallon tapered peanut tank, mini-ape hanger handlebars, 30.1 rake and 21-inch front wheel all add up to a realistic chopper feel. Seriously, It feels like the front-end is up in the air where it belongs on any cool chopper!
Next came the demo ride… where the rubber hit the road, so to speak. At first, the mini-ape hangers seemed pretty wide. My hands were at about bicep level and a few inches wider than my shoulders. This was much different than my Biltwell Frisco bars that are very close together… but it took no time at all for me to get used to the wider feel and I soon found the low seat / ape-hangers / forward-control set-up to be very comfortable. We almost immediately turned on to a four-lane Interstate Highway and since I was the last rider in a line of 15 or so bikes, I had the opportunity to play a little catch-up. I won’t tell you how fast I got going, but let’s just say the 73.3 cubic inch, fuel injected air-cooled Evolution motor had no problem whatsoever getting me to… well at least the 70mph posted speed limit… in no time at all. The Seventy-Two had very good power and the 1-down, 4-up 5-speed tranny shifted and sounded just like any Sportster I’ve ever ridden. No surprises in the gear box.
Next came the curvy part of the demo ride and the Seventy-Two performed flawlessly. I was able to glide through every curve, hitting the apex smooth as silk. It was a joy to ride and very comfortable. This is where the bike shined for me. I would imagine that if I owned one, I would trade every Interstate route I had for the most winding backroads I could find. And as for the soft feel of the shocks? I didn’t really notice it while moving. The ride of the Seventy-Two was very comfortable while still maintaining a good feel of the road. No complaints whatsoever. One final thought on the demo ride. When pulling back into the parking lot of the dealer, I did some slow-speed maneuvering. When I did this on the Forty-Eight, the front-end was pretty “floppy” and a bit unstable but the Seventy-Two handled beautifully with no stability issues at low speed.
So what’s the verdict then? Here are my pro and con opinions of the Seventy-Two. Take them for what they are worth.
PROS: The bike looks FANTASTIC. Even better in real-life. It definitely captures the “chopper” vibe and feel and the Big Red Flake paint is drop-dead gorgeous! The bike has good power and handles well at high and low speeds. One other observation. While waiting my turn for a demo ride, I watched three other people ride off on the bike. A small lady, a stocky man and an older medium build rider. In all three cases, the bike looked killer going down the road. The lines are very nice and regardless of rider size, the vibe works well.
CONS: The most glaring con for me is the speedo location. When you are on the bike it feels like it is sticking straight up in a vertical position. In my opinion it would have made more aesthetic sense to tilt it down and out of the way a bit. If I owned this bike I would probably re-locate the speedo or at least find a different mounting option. The other issue I had is the same one I seem to have with all of the new Sportsters. The exhaust pipes are way too quiet. I literally struggled to hear any exhaust noise at all while riding. I don’t want to hear engine clatter when I’m going down the road. I want to hear that rumble that makes a Harley a Harley. If this were my bike, the stock pipes would have to go! The classic H-D sound should come with the classic H-D look but unfortunately that is only going to come via aftermarket.
Overall, I have to give this bike two big thumbs up! The Sportster haters are of course going to hate any Sportster and the sportbike crowd won’t be interested… but if you are like me and find the classic Sporty look appealing, you should check this bike out. And if the vintage/retro vibe is also your thing, then you definitely MUST check out the Seventy-Two.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.
This review indicates my own personal opinion of this product and should be taken as just that. Yours may vary and you should try this product yourself before drawing any conclusions about it.
© 2012 Biker Swag, All Rights Reserved. No part of this review may be reproduced in any format without express written permission.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SEVENTY-TWO SPORTSTER
As a kid in the early 70s I was more concerned with mini-bikes than Harley-Davidson Sportsters. But as I’ve gotten older… that is exactly the era that I find speaking to my motorized soul. For some reason, the cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the 1970’s seem to have a personality and spirit that I identify with. I have a buddy that says he was born about 20 years too late and I find myself often feeling the same way.
So of course… when I first started hearing rumors about the Motor Company coming out with a new Sportster that goes by the name “Seventy-Two” I was, to say the least, very interested. Today I made my way down to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to check one out for myself at Bumpus Harley-Davidson.
First of all, let me say, the pictures I snapped in no way do this bike justice. You should go check one out for yourself… and let the vibe grab you in person. And that’s exactly what it did to me. It grabbed me and took me to that “lala” motorcycle land where I kind of lose touch with the reality around me. In short… this bike is way-cool and definitely captures the early 70s vibe.
Contributing to that vibe are a smaller 2.1 gallon peanut tank, a great looking 8-inch vintage-look round air cleaner cover, mini apes and laced wheels (21″ front) with whitewall tires. The bobbed rear fender is not necessarily authentic, but it still looks great.
Look for a complete review of the Seventy-Two from me very soon. Until then, enjoy these pics.
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ANOTHER SPORTY BOB
Call them Baby Harley’s, Girls Bikes… whatever you want… I don’t care. I am an unashamed fan of the Motor Company’s low-end two-wheeler and am convinced that the Sportster is the perfect bike for mods. As a result, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting work by those who feel the same as I do. I spotted this particular example at the 2011 “Spring Thaw” bike show in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The minimalist approach is smokin’ hot and I love that bobbed rear fender. Not sure if I have the CO JONES to cut my frame like that but I think the end look is killer! What do you think?
And… speaking of the “Spring Thaw”… 2012 marks the 10th Anniversary of the show. Anybody close to the Nashvegas area on March 24 should come out and celebrate the end of the “Dark Months” with me. My friends Scooter and Dorris over at Both Barrels Promotions do a great job of making this one of the best shows in the region and I wouldn’t miss it. Below is the show poster which I designed. Hope to see you there!
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BIKE NIGHT!
Boswell’s H-D in Nashville kicked off their season of Bike Nights last night. It was the perfect evening for it! I grabbed a few pics while I was there.
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE “LONE-WOLF/WANDERER” RIDES I TOTALLY DIG
My youngest daughter is enjoying Florida this weekend with some friends… and since the rest of my family has little time for me these days (but I’m not bitter…haha!) … I hopped on the bike and took off. I left at about 11:00am and didn’t get back until almost 8:00pm. It was a great day to ride in Middle Tennessee and I hit a ton of roads that I had never been on before.
And, speaking of hit… I also got hit about a million times today by Cicadas! (You people in the north can Google it.) One nailed me right on the cheek so hard I thought I was going to have to pull over. It literally left a bruise. (When are these psycho things supposed to dig themselves back into the ground?)
But seriously… there is something about the “lone-wolf/wanderer” rides that I totally dig. Getting somewhat lost (physically and mentally) and having to navigate unfamiliar roads is a kick for me and I find it refreshing. The picture at the top of this RANT was taken somewhere north of Nashville at a location where I didn’t know where I was. It didn’t matter… it was awesome… and I did eventually find my way back to civilization. I ended up at one of our Nashville H-D dealers at one point and they happen to be having a bike show. The pics below are from there. It was an awesome day!
MY FIRST REAL SADDLE TIME ON A DYNA
Last week I told you about a run to Charlotte to get a couple of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Well, with temps near 60 degrees today, it was time to get them out and run them. They’ve both been sitting for a while but I’m happy to report that both performed flawlessly… and other than me not paying attention and running the tank over on the Low Rider… everything went great.
This was my first real saddle time on a Dyna and I loved it. I had the Electra Glide with the full-faring for so long that I forgot how awesome it is to feel the wind in your face when you ride. I also loved how easy the bike was to maneuver. And… not having to struggle to back an 850 pound motorcycle out of a parking space was also nice. Don’t get me wrong… I did love the Electra Glide but my next bike will definitely be in the Dyna or Sportster line.
This pic was taken at the local H-D dealership before our ride. I think him cutting my head off might have some subliminal meaning… ha! The guy in the orange shirt is a guy I’ve been riding with for many years. Another advantage of riding… making friends!
PICTURES…TO FUEL MY INSPIRATION
As you know from my last post… I have sold the Electra Glide and am currently considering my next bike. I know for sure that I am down-sizing and I think it may be all the way to the Sportster level. If that’s what I end up with though, it will only remain a typical stock Sportster for a little while. I’ve always wanted a “bobber” Sportster and it may happen soon. For now I am just gathering information (aka pictures) to fuel my inspiration. Here are a few that I have found on-line recently. There are parts of each that I really like. What do you think?
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The above image is courtesy of www.bikeexif.com. It reminds me of a Russell Mitchell creation… but it’s not. I love the “blacked-out” look and the “fatty” front tire. The “mid-level” exhaust works for me too.
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The above image is courtesy of www.ironhead-bobbers.com. There is not much that I don’t like about this bike. WAY COOL! If I had one beef it is that I don’t usually care for spring mounted seats. Love the color scheme.
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The above image is courtesy of www.xlforum.net. The minimalist vibe is cool… I like the rear fender a lot as well. Some cut fenders look like doggie-doo but this one works for me. This is a good argument for drag-bars too..
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The above image is courtesy of www.sideroadcycles.com. I really like the exhaust here… and the “gators” are a nice touch. Bars are probably a little too high for my 5′-9″ frame.
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The above image is courtesy of www.soflasportbikes.com. (Believe it or not!) Again… the minimalist vibe is appealing to me. Not crazy about the riser.
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FOUND THIS GEM AT A LOCAL BIKE SHOW
Today I dropped by to see my friends at Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and found this gem entered in their bike show. Thought I would share:
THUNDER ROADS TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 2010
The October issue of Thunder Roads Tennessee is in the stores and this month you will find photography and an article by “Yours Truly”. I’ve been writing for the #1 motorcycle publication in the state for several years now and it’s one of my favorite things to do. The bike featured in my article is one cool ‘84 Shovelhead built by Mr. Sins. Pick up a copy of Thunder Roads at most any motorcycle shop in the state.
’84 SHOVELHEAD FLH
I got to photograph this way cool ’84 Shovelhead last weekend. The bike is owned and was built by Middle Tennessee’s own Mr. Sins (fabricator and painter) and I think everything on it is modified in some way. One of my favorite parts though is the 1976 SuperGlide tank. Sins got this tank from his dad and he can actually remember riding around the yard with his dad on his bike, while he sat on this tank when he was a kid. What a cool two-wheeled legacy!
Here’s the details on the rest of Sins work: WideGlide front end, SuperGlide rear fender, ’56 Sporty tail lights (filled), Sporty bars, SU Carb, Motor is Stroked, S&S Rods and Flyweights, Branch Heads, 5 Speed Trans, Paint: Blue Steel Metal Flake/Vivid Black / White Stripes.
DOES AN OLD-SCHOOL BOBBER HAVE TO BE A HARLEY-DAVIDSON?
I went to a local bike show today. It was at a local Harley-Davidson shop but the bike that caught my attention was not a Harley-Davidson… it was a Honda Shadow that had been customized to look like an old-school bobber. Take a look… what do you think? Does an old-school bobber have to be a Harley-Davidson? This is a pretty good argument that the answer is no… this bike looks great to me.
REVIEW: HARLEY-DAVIDSON FORTY EIGHT SPORTSTER
I’ve been a Sportster fan since I was a little kid and Michael Parks was tearing up the TV screen as Jim Bronson in the cult classic show “Then Came Bronson”. For you younger readers that have no idea what I am talking about… that was about 1969… and since then I have had a long-lasting love affair with the entry-level Harley-Davidson.
In recent years the Motor Company has wisely given some extra attention to the baby Harley, releasing some vintage looking spin-off models including The Nightster and the Iron 883 and this year they continue to emphasize that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to own a piece of the Harley mystique by offering the model Forty-Eight Sportster. I’ve been reading about this bike for a few months now and when my friends at Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Murfreesboro, Tennessee extended the offer to test one out, I jumped at the chance.
Right off the bat let me just say… this bike is plain-old cool. And when I say old… I mean old. Drawing inspiration from WWII era bobbers, the package includes a fat front tire (MT90B16 72H), a 1948-like Peanut Tank, a slammed speedo, under mount mirrors, combined stop-turn taillights, side-mount license plate holder, forward controls and a super low 26” seat height that all add up to a head-turning, old-school vibe. It looks great!
But looks aren’t everything… so after drooling over the Forty-Eight for a while I hopped on for a 30 minute ride that included everything from a 4-lane Interstate to curvy backroads and even some stop-and-go urban traffic.
Power was of the typical 1200 Sporty type with adequate punch and while the lowered stance offered a better ride than I expected, there was a slight but noticeable instability at take-off and in steep turns. I am assuming it is because of the larger front tire but the bars tended to want to wobble when departing from a complete stop and when pushing hard through a corner.
From an ergonomic standpoint I’d have to say that this bike was a bit awkward for my short 5’9” frame. The low seat combined with forwards and drag style bars left me stretched out and by the end of the 30 minute ride my lower back was beginning to feel it… but you have to take into consideration my back has seen stronger days and the fact that I am used to riding an Electra Glide Standard. One other noticeable issue for me was the position of the forwards. You can see by the picture here that the shifter was hitting my foot at the very tip of my size 8.5 work boot. I had no problems shifting but I would have felt more comfortable if the shifter had rested an inch or so closer to my ankle.
As you can tell… this is definitely not the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden but that’s not the point here. I believe Harley-Davidson has nailed it again in their quest to offer entry-level priced bikes (Sportsters) that appeal to the James Dean lurking deep within all of us. The Forty Eight is oozing with old-school attitude and while I can’t recommend it to anyone who plans on taking long road trips… it is well worth consideration by those looking for a bad little bar hopper or daily commuter that is cooler than the norm. Besides… who needs geezerglide comfort when your bike looks this good!
A Few Key Stats:
MSRP: Vivid Black $10,499, Color $10,789
Length: 88.6”
Seat Height: 26”
Ground Clearance: 3.9”
Fuel Capacity: 2.1 Gallons
Dry Weight: 545lbs
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This review indicates my own personal opinion of this product and should be taken as just that. Yours may vary and you should try this product yourself before drawing any conclusions about it.
© 2010 Biker Swag, All Rights Reserved. No part of this review may be reproduced in any format without express written permission.
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON FORTY-EIGHT
(above photo courtesy of http://www.Harley-Davidson.com)
As most of you who frequent this blog know… I am a huge fan of the bare-bones Harley-Davidson Knightster and Iron 883. These bikes get me excited not only because of their retro-killer looks but also because they target younger riders and provide some of that intoxicating Harley mystique at more reasonable prices… and continuing in that vein, Harley-Davidson just announced a new addition to the Dark Custom series.
The 1200cc Forty-Eight is another old-school vibe Sportster but this one has even more retro features like… a 1948 style 2.1 gallon Peanut Tank, under bar mirrors, forward controls, FAT front end with FAT MT90 tire plus a low solo seat and suspension. MSRP is $10,499. CLICK HERE for more details and be sure to check out the video below.
REVIEW: HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXRG LEATHER JACKET
Those who are closest to me know that I am somewhat of a tightwad. For example, a few years ago when all my friends were rushing out to buy Ultra Classics I opted for the less expensive Electra Glide Standard. Last year when others were going crazy, trading in their 3-year-old cars for something new, I was (and continue) to drive my 10-year-old truck. I think you get the idea. I’m so cheap I even wear Levi’s and Dickies work shirts every day for cryin’ out loud!
So what is it that shapes one into the self-proclaimed “Edward Scissorhands of budget” you may ask? Two things. First there is the fact that I have never had a lot of money to begin with but secondly, my parents taught me at a very young age that you don’t spend your hard earned cash flippantly and always opt for the best value when making a purchase. It’s just in my upbringing, and I don’t suppose even a lottery windfall would change that about me. (Although, I’d like to find out!)
So, as you can imagine, when my friend at Harley-Davidson called and asked if I would be interested in reviewing the new Men’s FXRG Perforated Leather Jacket, which sports a hefty $625.00 price tag, I literally laughed. “You want me to do what?” Despite confessing that I was probably the wrong guy to give a fair review of a high-dollar piece of H-D Motorclothes, she convinced me to take a look at the FXRG and promised no retribution for my honesty.
Well, last week my review jacket arrived and the first thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the box was how heavy it was. A quick trip to the bathroom scale revealed that the FXRG adds 10 pounds to my load, but what do you get with that extra load? Well, a whole lot of safety and protection.
For starters, the perforated leather is bonded to Cordura mesh for added strength and abrasion resistance, but there is a more. Removable Body Armor (CE Approved) covers your shoulders, elbows and spine, a detachable Kidney Belt gives you extra back support while 3MTM ScotchliteTM reflective piping provides added visibility at night.
Beyond the safety considerations are the functionality issues and the FXRG has you covered here… pun intended. The removable liner features Gore-Tex Windstopper technology providing a windproof barrier for those colder days and you won’t have to worry about having enough pockets. Other than the barely visible front hand-warmer pockets, on the inside the FXRG sports an entire interior pocket system with 2 zipper pockets, a cargo pocket, cellphone pocket, and an eyewear pocket that includes a lens wipe.
But the best part about the FXRG is how it feels when you put it on. You know that constricted feeling that you get with a lot of leather jackets, like you can barely reach your handle bars? Forget about it with the FXRG. The ergonomic pre-curved sleeves and what H-D calls an “action back” make this jacket feel like a million bucks when in the riding position. Mobility is not an issue in the least and the added weight of the jacket seemingly disappears in comfort.
What’s my verdict? Well, the bottom line is that I am still a tightwad but with value being my highest consideration, even a penny pincher like me would have to recommend that you check out the Harley-Davidson Men’s FXRG Perforated Leather Jacket. Yes, it’s a hefty investment but given it’s superior build quality, tremendous protection capability, abundant features and no-frills good looks (I hate those jackets that look like a H-D billboard), the FXRG would no doubt provide outstanding service well beyond the 5 year warranty that it comes with which translates to pretty good value. Check one out and decide for yourself but I love this thing.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Harley-Davidson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This review indicates my own personal opinion of this product and should be taken as just that. Yours may vary and you should try this product yourself before drawing any conclusions about it.
© 2009 Biker Swag, All Rights Reserved. No part of this review may be reproduced in any format without express written permission.
WANNA TRADE YOUR OTHER BRAND FOR YOUR DREAM HARLEY?
I heard from my friend Laura at Harley-Davidson today and she told me about a couple of cool things going on at the Motor Company. If you have another brand of bike and have always wanted a Harley… this might be a great time to make the switch. Between now and January 31st, H-D will give you $500 over trade-in value toward the purchase of a new Harley. Not bad… CLICK HERE for the details. Some restrictions apply.
And then… check out their Facebook page for a cool app called “My Dream Harley”. It asks you a series of questions and then shows you which bikes would be the best choice for you. I know it works because I took it and it suggested the Street Bob… a bike that I love! (remember this?) Go ahead… try it for yourself.
GUESS I’M JUST AN OLD FOOL AT HEART!
I was working today so I didn’t get to a chance to get out and ride in the beautiful weather we had. I did however stop by the local H-D dealership for a minute and they were giving away these 24×36 posters of Marisa Miller. It’s a part of Harley-Davidson’s “Salute to the Millitary” campaign and I love the retro look! I have always been a fan of “Nose Art” and the old “Pinup Style” of WWII… I’ve done a few shoots in this style before but I would love to do an entire calendar like this one day. I don’t know why everything I like is old-school, but it is for some reason. Guess I’m just an old fool at heart!
BTW… I also scored a new H-D T-Shirt sent to me by a family member in Cody, Wyoming. An orange one… my favorite. Happy Birthday to me!
THANK YOU!!!!!
We need to say it more often than every November 11th… and I do… but today let me say once again that I am thankful for all who have served past, present and future to preserve my freedom. It is not taken for granted in this house!
And… if you are looking for a way to show your appreciation… click on the picture of Marisa Miller below to find out about Harley-Davidson’s “Military Appreciation Month”.
STREET BOB – I DON’T KNOW WHY I TORTURE MYSELF
I don’t know why I torture myself… I mean… I have 2 great bikes sitting in the garage and yet I still ran down to the local dealer yesterday and allowed myself to be coerced into a test ride of the 2010 H-D Street Bob. OK, I admit it… it didn’t take much arm twisting. After all, I had ridden the Street Bob before and loved it, so I was more than willing to take the latest version for a spin. Long story short… it did not disappoint. For some reason this bike just resonates with my mind, body and soul. I love the look, It fits me perfectly and gives me that “Nothing Else Matters” feeling we all strive for when riding. I want one!
…POINTS UNKNOWN
A few weeks ago four of us decided to hop on the bikes on Sunday afternoon and ride to points unknown. I suggested highway 231 and it took us out of Nashville all the way to the Tennessee/Alabama border… providing some great scenery along the way. The pic above was taken on a break just at the state line. The three of them are checking out my map to figure out how we were to get home.
As you can tell from the pic below… this is a diverse group. An Electra Glide, Fatboy, VStrom and some kind of a naked BMW. Nope… no brand prejudice here!
The last pic was taken on the way back in a little town called Wartrace, Tennessee. They have this old time looking gas station set up there so we had to get a shot.
Another great ride with good friends… and a few roads I had never traveled before… love it!
JUST ME, THE ELECTRA GLIDE AND MY RETRO SHUFFLE!
I took a ride to the middle of nowhere today… sometimes that’s best. Along the way I stopped at a few familiar places but the best part was just me, the Electra Glide and my retro shuffle discovering places we had never been before! Oh… BTW, I saw the Duke boys out there too!
A LOOK AT THE 2010 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MODELS
This past Saturday marked the introduction of the 2010 line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Our local Nashville dealership held a special unveiling event but I was not able to go! Still, thanks to my friend Laura at the Motor Company and the awesome H-D website I was able to check out the new line-up.
Most interesting to me among the new models is the re-introduced Wide Glide… pictured above. I’ve always liked this bike and like it even more with a few retro appointments. The Street Glide Trike, pictured below is also kind of interesting with it’s vintage utility-cart-like vibe… and the Fat Boy Lo is also kind of cool.
Here is the scoop on the 2010 lineup:
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The 2010 line-up is made up of 34 motorcycles and includes nine new models – the most expansive new-product introduction in the history of the Motor Company.
Highlights include:
– The Electra Glide® Ultra Limited model delivers the performance upgrade of a Twin Cam 103™ engine, and features standard equipment items previously offered only as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models.
– The new Road Glide® Custom model looks lean and mean, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system.
– The Wide Glide® returns as an all-new Dyna® model done in old-school chopper style, with black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black “wire” sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and an optional flame paint scheme.
– The new Street Glide® Trike brings stripped-down, hot-rod styling to the three-wheel category, and joins the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® in an all new Trike family for 2010.
– The new Fat Boy® Lo presents a darker and lower interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the fat-custom segment.
– Updates to the 2010 Street Glide® model include a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly.
– Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™) will offer four new limited-production models for 2010: the CVO Softail® Convertible, CVO Street Glide, CVO Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® and CVO Fat Bob®.
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Having said all that… I still have to tell you that the H-D that I dig most continues to be the Iron 883. I mean look at it below… it’s just plain cool and the possibilities for making it even cooler are endless. Plus there is good news… the price on the Iron 883 only increased $100 for 2010!
Photos courtesy of www.harley-davidson.com.
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