Do you remember where and when you first got the ‘bagger bug’? When I was a much younger pup (1960s) I was fortunate enough to travel all over the US during the summer months. Both my parents were teachers so we could take many long summer vacation trips. We were not rich by any stretch of the imagination, so we would sometimes sleep in the car while at other times we would stay at some side of the road ‘motorhome’. Driving two weeks from Ohio to California was an adventure. We would meet many interesting people and see a lot of really amazing things (driving through a redwood tree in CA or staying at a small camp ground in South Dakota just to name a couple). To pass the time I can remember my sister and I would count the VWs and keep track of the different state’s license plates we would see. But the thing that really got my attention was seeing a motorcycle cruising down the road. Any motorcycle was a thrill but what really got my juices flowing was a loaded down Harley. You remember the kind. Pup tent strapped to the forks, sleeping bag rolled up and tied to the back. And I could only imagine what else the guy had stuffed in the saddle bags. Where was he going and where had he been? I just knew he would make camp that night, build a fire and make some coffee in a kettle that hung over the fire pit. And if it was a nice night he would simply spread out the bag and sleep under the stars. At that age in my life, he was a cowboy; a bigger than life hero. So… to all those who claim that the bagger is an old man’s bike, I beg to differ. I wanted a bagger when I was too young to know what it meant. I’ve never wanted anything else.

 

1974, fell in love with the EG at first sight, the feeling never left.
2007 I was finially was able to buy one outright.
Still have the feeling...

 

Never ever pictured myself on a bagger. That is until 2005 and I saw that damn Street Glide. The rest is history. Couldn't imagine not owning a bagger now.

 

Yeah, I remember. I went in to buy a Softail Deuce and walked out with a RK Custom....

 

Etstrine, first off, “nice CVO”.

In the early 60’s my family made a number of trips across from southern California to Florida and back “Oh ya, I remember the VW’s in fact I wish I had a dime for every punch I gave my brother or maybe the other way around. I have to say, I don’t remember seeing many bikes. Or maybe I was young enough not to have noticed. Then “along came Bronson” (think that’s the name) Man, I was hooked, in fact I think that was why they took it off the air, everyone was running off. In the early 70’s I got into the chopper stuff and by the mid 80’s I was mainline bagger. Got to love the feeling. Ride safe brother, thanks for the story and bringing back the memories….

 

Just got the bug, one ride all it took.

 

In the early 60's I went to the local drag strip on e Friday night & saw a bagger blow away a 57 Chevy. I was a Triumph guy at that time. I knew then I wanted a fat bike that ran like a scalded dog. After 40+ years I got one & love it!

 

I rode my '85 Yamaha Virago 920 from Chicago to Winston-Salem, NC.

It really felt small by the time I got there. My folks older neighbor had a GL1100 Gold Wing in his driveway across the street, and I commented how much more comfortable it looked than mine. He looked a little wistful, and told me he was pretty much thru with riding. I wound up getting the bike for a great price; and drove it for many years.
I realize it's not a Harley, but a "bagger" never the less. In a moment of insanity, I traded it in on a Honda Shadow Aero 1100, and regretted it within weeks. I sold the Aero, and went for 3.5 years without a bike.

I caught the bug again, and decided I wanted the Electra Glide. I missed the stereo, and the idea of touring long distances again appeals to me.

Bought my '99 last year, did the engine work on it with a friend, and love every minute of it!

 

It was in the mid 80's in Council Bluffs IA, there was a guy there that rode around on a completely restored mid 60's Electra Glide.
I've had a woody for baggers ever since!!

 

I NEVER wanted a bagger. I went through them all, Sporsters, Dynas, Softies, and then about 1996 the lights went on. After raggin' on all the geezer glides I saw, and even breakin' ***** on guys that had the nerve to ride with a windshield, I started to think they were pretty cool. In fact, I thought I ought to get one. Sold my fatty, and then sold my Heritage, and bought a brand new Road King in 2000. Haven't looked back. Best bike I've ever owned! But there's a few I seriously miss......