I think that it's a bit of both.

 

I can't speak for anyone else, but I definitely feel my bike's soul. Been all over the States and Canada with her, and there is a connection. I have made a piece of machinery mine. The bars, highway pegs, seat etc are fitted to me. I know the right sounds and can tell when there is a bad or different sound. My bike speaks to me. For those that don't have this connection, I think you are missing a major component of riding. But hey, that's just me.

 

Don't know about a "soul", but there can be a connection and a personality.
I believe that is the reason why so many of us "Make the bike our own."
We change them to suit us, and don't care what others think.

To me my greatest joy is getting up early on a clear day and to just cruise back country roads, listening to the muted rumble, enjoying the sun, the scenery, the wildlife, perhaps cruising to some small town destination for a coffee or a late breakfast. Feels like America.

It's just a machine, it's old and well patina'ed (And so am I.). But it's mine.

I once referred to her as my "Faded Black Rose" to my son's mom. The name stuck and I call her Rose, as does my family and friends.

 

You usually see a connection between "soul", "character", and "personality" and "uncomfortable", "quirky", and "unreliable".

Now with that said, certain bikes speak to certain riders in different ways.

 

I think it's the people who love them, that have the "soul".

 

I have been building and riding Harleys over 50 yrs. For me until they have been massaged with a lot of TLC, all metals polished finally given the look I need it is just another Harley. Once I have them to a point where a walk around gaze shows me nothing out of place then they become another member of the family. The wife has always loved how our Harleys turn out especially when she has say in paint, foot pegs and things like that. I'm a lucky man.

 

Yup...I believe so. Especially when you make it "yours"...when you wrench her, and tend to her yourself. Puts you in tune with her cuz you've been learning all the parts inside and how they work.

 

Don't know if they start out that way but by time I get done with them they have some of mine in them so hell yea

 

Harley did there part to make the bike have there soul connection and after I modded it to the way I wanted, it now has part of my soul. Love looking at it and love riding it. Wanted one since I was a kid and the Rushmore road king fits me perfectly. Thank u Harley D.

 

Soul, rhythm, whatever...as long as you take that act on the road every chance you get.