September ‘HD Forums Member of the Month’ Has Been Riding for 50 Years
HD Forums regular got hooked on bikes at the age of 16 and hasn’t let go, five decades later.
It never fails to amaze us just how much passion HD Forums members have for their motorcycles. Many members have been riding since they were mere teenagers, spending decades dedicated to their beloved hobby of riding. That includes our September HD Forums Member of the Month, TwiZted Biker, or Dan as he’s known outside the forums. He’s been around the forums since 2009, but has been riding Harley-Davidsons for a whopping 50 years now.
Dan is one of the most well-respected and prominent members in the forums, never failing to share his knowledge with others when called upon. One thing he can’t remember, however, is just how many bikes he’s owned over the last five decades. Back in the 1980s, in particular, he was buying and selling them so fast that he stopped counting after he hit 20.
As far as which one was his preferred purchase, well, he said “they’re all my favorites,” which makes sense. But the ones that he’s kept above all others include a heavily modified 1972 Shovelhead with a 93-inch stroker that he’s owned for 40 years, as well as a 2017 Road King that’s bone stock. The latter is the one he’s spent the most time riding in recent months, mainly because it’s practical and comfortable.
In all of his years riding, Dan has obviously been on some epic trips, too. His favorite was a six-week freestyle journey around Germany back in 1988 with his brother, when they shipped two 1986 model year Harleys over and rode wherever they pleased with no plans or itineraries.
Interestingly enough, Dan currently works for Tesla in its Freemont, California plant, and he even helped design an item that’s in use on those cars today. Currently, he’s eyeballing retirement in the next year or so, which will undoubtedly allow him even more time to spend with his daughter and three grandchildren, along with his various hobbies.
But if there’s one thing that keeps Dan occupied more than anything else, it’s bikes. Since he acquired his first two-wheeler at the age of 16, he’s been enthralled with them. Dan’s passion for Harley and his presence in the forums makes him more than deserving of Member of the Month honors, a distinction that’s arguably long overdue.
Photos: HD Forums
