WHAT’S UP IN THE FORUMS: What’s Your Bike Say about You?
Power, independence and rebellion. Harley-Davidson Forum members sound off about their beloved hobby.
The one thing that we all share in common is that we’re all different. That includes not only our backgrounds, beliefs, personalities and personal preferences, but our reasons for owning a Harley in the first place. And despite our differences, we all share a love of H-D motorcycles. The beauty of owning a Harley is that you can customize it to reflect your unique personality. And for most, a motorcycle is more than just a motorcycle.
This much is clearly evident when you take a look at our unique Harley-Davidson Forums forum members and their many unique rides. But if you’re not a forum member (and you should be — it’s free!), you probably missed this thread that celebrates those differences and provides some unique insight into both. Here are some of the highlights.
For a lot of people, like DianneB, riding simply signifies freedom (and rebellion).
“I guess the most important part is that it is a link to my Dad, who rode in the ’40s, got me started riding at 15, and taught me mechanics. He has been gone a long time now but I still feel his presence when I am working on the bike or riding.
“Secondly would be that it represents a spirit of Independence that I have had all my life. At age 15, in 1964, there were damned few women riders and I didn’t mind being the only one — have always gone my own way.”
To others, like Baka1969, the reason for owning a Harley is quite simple.
“It means I like to ride motorcycles.”
Forums member Son of the Hounds decided to get a little more “poetic” about it:
“It means that I like the smells of the open road.
It means that I like condition yellow, awake, aware of the world around me when riding. Cars, people, animals, weather, road conditions, even the air.
It means I like to be an integral part of the vehicle I ride and that I cannot be replaced by a self-driving vehicle.
It means I feel a greater sense of connection to other riders, no matter if they are 1%er or riding, dare I say it, a Honda.
It means that at this time in my life, my touring Harley and my sportster are the best motorcycles for me.
It means if you have to ask me why I ride or why I ride a Harley, you are probably not capable of understanding the answer.
It is what I choose.”
For forum members like Mastiff107, the love for Harley-Davidson goes way back.
“In 1962, at 12 years old, I rode on the back of a guy’s Duo-Glide. What a wonderful feeling of power, great looks and smooth ride! That was the first year I got my own bikes, and I have had one to five bikes at a time since then. Early years was on the dirt, then when old enough, fast on the street, then the Chopper phase for the past 40 years. This year, I sold everything and went back to the beginning with a 2012 Road King Classic…….what a wonderful feeling of power, great looks and smooth ride!!! Full circle…. I’m 12 again!”
We’re sure that a lot of you out there can easily identify with these responses. But what does your Harley mean to you, and more importantly, what does it say about you? Join our forums now, either for free or by opting for any of the available upgrades, and then tell us your story!
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