1973 XLH / Spring of '76

 

"99 Sportster 883.

 

I used to ride my dad's 52 panhead fl when I was 16. He had a hard time starting it while I could always get it to start after 2 kicks. Really pissed him off. It was the first year that had a footshift and still had the ridgid frame and huge buddy seat. Man I wish he had kept it. He ended up trading it on a Honda 900 and regretted until the day he passed. When I toured the H.D. museum for the 105th I looked for a 52 to refresh my memory but believe it or not that was the only year that wasn't on display.

 

The first one I rode was
my Uncle Bob's red and white 1957 FLH.
That was in 1984, and he still has it today, in his living room.
You would not believe the shape it's in....
Almost showroom condition......

 

Back in the mid '80s, a buddy of mine had a AMF Sportster. I don't know what year his bike was, but we swapped bikes and he rode my '76 Honda 750F.

I knew then AMF had better stick to making bowling products instead of Harleys.

 

1968 Don't remember model but it was a full dresser. Sgt I was stationed with had it. He was half my size and said that if I could start it I could ride it. First kick I think I went higher than the windshield, he set the timing that way on purpose. LOL Second kick it started. I didn't like riding it because I wasn't used to the springer type forks. Didn't feel like I had control. 41 years later I got my 1200 sporty. love it.

 

My Dads 1988 Sportster 883 back in 1990. I was 18.

 

Took my father in laws '48 pan w/suicide shift for a quick spin......scared the beejesus outta me, but in a good way

 

64 FLH March 16, 1972, the day after I got home from Vietnam! Wish I still had that bike.

 

An 07 Ultra during the "Test Our Metal" Harley rides. That did it and I was "smitten".