By now, a couple of folks have asked me why I have pictures of "Jap bikes" on a site that's supposed to be "Harley" pages. (laughter) Well, it's like this:
I firmly believe, having more than three decades of experience on two wheels, that it doesn't matter two hoots in hell what it is that you ride. Yes, I know — the dedicated Harley "bikers" probably won't agree with me on this, but for me what counts is that you "live to ride."
If you have a 250cc four-stroke Honda, because that's what you can afford to buy, well, more power to you! If you have a burning desire to build a chopped hog, I think that's great, and I wish you all the success in the world. If you're building, or have built a bike (no matter what make or type), you have my respect and congratulations. And if you're a "Daddy Warbucks" with a stable full of exotic machines, well... I kind of envy you, just a little tiny bit... (smile)
As you already know from the first page of this site, I've owned and ridden a lot of bikes. I have my own favorites, of course — who doesn't? Like my first Triumph TR-6, the one that kept having electrical problems for the three years I owned it. I can't remember how many times that goddam bike stranded me on the road. "Prince of Darkness" sure does fit! Like my second TR-6, the one that refused to leak any oil... Now, there was something truly unusual. Like the VF1100, which was kept without being run, in a seaside garage for eight years with no care at all, and once the fuel tank, filter, and carbs were cleaned out, started within 30 seconds. What a piece of engineering!
And now, I've joined the ranks of the owners of what is arguably the finest bike made in America. Yes, I'm proud of my Harley. I don't think I will ever sell it. I love that heavy, loud, vibrating bastard of a bike! It sure isn't as smooth and quiet on the road as the VF1100; doesn't handle like that bike either; and the transmission feels like it came out of a cement mixer; but on the open road, it's an experience that no other bike can give me. My FXR is unique. Not only compared to my other bikes, but even compared to other Harleys. Each and every Harley is different; they sound different; they ride different; and they look different.
Maybe that's one of the reasons we own Harleys; the fact that each one is an individual bike; the fact that there really are no two that are the same. Maybe another reason is that we're proud to be riding machines which have an unbroken history going back ninety-three years. And if we're proud of owning bikes that are real "individuals," bikes with a long and proud history, why can't we extend the same pride and respect toward those who own other makes?
When I broke down on the road, it wasn't just Harley riders who stopped to help; it was folks on Hondas, Moto Guzzis, Yamahas, Ducatis, and all kinds of other machines. I think there really is a "brotherhood" — not just of Harley riders, but of all riders — a "brotherhood of the road." Hell, one of the premiere Harley events, the Harley Rendezvous Classic, has stated in their newspaper and on their Web site that "all kinds of bikes" are welcome to attend the Rendezvous! If they can be that open-minded and open-hearted, why can't we?
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