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Many had different bikes in the neighborhood while growing up and no problems with/by others riding different bikes. Everything about Harley's were just considered the best regardless of Harley's issues vs the new upcoming reliable and some fast jap rides during my time. Riding any bike back then when the city roads weren't congested was open wind. Today it's better to live in the country. Riding a bike within any cities increasing congested travel just doesn't cut it with what was and takes the fun out of it.
Opportunity presented. An aunt taught school in Dallas and one of her former pupils needed a loan so she took a non-running 1937 WL 45 for collateral. Student welched on repaying so she sold me the motor for the $250 she had in it. 1962. I was thirteen. Perhaps the most liberating part of my life.
Last edited by Sierra977; Dec 23, 2017 at 08:27 AM.
One was real, one was fictional; I knew the difference but it created a desire to go places on a motorcycle; sometimes recklessly. Heck, I even rode to Evel's house and grave. I've ridden the Bixby Creek bridge many times as I consider it Bronson's home. It's been nearly 50 years ago that I started and I don't have any intention of stopping.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Dec 23, 2017 at 09:18 AM.
After not riding for like 35 years (real life got in the way), a buddy rode a Harley. We talked a bit and I figured, not getting any younger....took it for a short ride; that was it. We do about 5k miles per year touring....just for fun.
I spent my years in high school racing 2 strokes on flat track and TT track in Norcal. I remember watching with awe in the unlimited class on the TT's the Harley's come out. After all day listening to open expansion chambers the rumble of the 4 strokes was really something. But that was the dark ages of AMF, and the name Harley was not synonymous with quality. I bought my first Softail Standard in 93 and have been on a Harey ever since.
When I moved back to the states from the Philippines in 2014 I thought what better motorcycle to ride in the USA than a Harley Davidson. I was right....
Nobody in my family rode bikes, but in the 6th grade I had a friend who put together a mini bike using an old Briggs&Stratton lawnmower engine. He let me ride it, and I was immediately hooked on two wheels. But my parents wouldn't hear of me getting my own bike. Fast forward a few years to high school, finally got to buy my own bike, a used Honda 305. Rode the **** out of it. Met another friend who's older brother rode Harleys. This was in the 60's before doctors and lawyers rode Harleys. He was a real hard-core 1%er, won't mention the club, but you've heard of it. Look up "Biker" in the dictionary and and his picture would fit the profile. Loved the look and sound of his home built Panhead chopper. He also ran a small construction business and hired me during the summer, taught me a lot. He let me tag along on my Honda on a ride with a couple of his brothers - not a club function, just a ride in the country. Knew then that I was going to ride a Harley one day.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
