Custom Street Glide Honors New U.S. Navy Submarine
Commemorative Harley won’t be riding along under the ocean’s surface, but sailors can take it for a cruise on land.
The christening of a new military ship is always a big deal. So, while the U.S. Navy was putting the finishing touches on its USS South Dakota submarine, Sioux Falls-based J&L Harley-Davidson was preparing a special tribute to the new ship. The ceremonies kicked off as an American flag made its way across the state. But Harley-Davidson had something else in mind as well.
The flag began its journey at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point in Sturgis. A group of motorcyclists, lead by retired U.S. Navy Commander Wiley Cress, began a week long trip that landed at J&L, where it served a special purpose. And that purpose was to help unveil a custom 2018 Harley Street Glide built to celebrate both the Navy’s newest ship and South Dakota’s motorcycle heritage.
Harley-Davidson themselves donated the Street Glide, while J&L chipped in the parts and labor. A custom paint job by local artist Mickey Harris serves as the centerpiece. The artwork both honors the Battleship South Dakota and commemorates the USS South Dakota. As for the flag, it’s been placed in the saddlebag of the Street Glide for safe keeping until the submarine’s christening ceremony on October 14.
The commemorative Harley won’t be heading out with the sub’s 117 enlisted servicemen as they keep our country’s waters safe. But according to J&L’s Tom Muester, it will forever share a bond with that crew.
“A key to the motorcycle will be on board the submarine, and for the next 30 years any sailor that’s attached to the USS South Dakota can come back to our state, check the motorcycle out of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, and ride it around the state of South Dakota.”
