For many years I have wondered what is behind the Harley-Davidson mystique.
Somehow a Harley-Davidson makes other bikes look soft or tame, perhaps it’s the American bald eagle label depicting freedom or maybe it’s the characters that are associated with the brand.
Harley-Davidson has an undeniable aura of freedom that comes with it, to that effect its loved by many who are after freedom in every sense. It has won the hearts of the GBU – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – meaning all walks of life in American street talk, all because of that freedom mystique.
It all begun in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903 when William S Harley and brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson founded the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer. It was humble beginnings and big dreams as they were one of many small motorcycle marquees springing up across the United States.
During the next decade, Harley-Davidson continued to expand as acclaim turned to demand for the unique bikes best known for their signature 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin engines. A few years later during the first World War, Harley-Davidson had a moment of grace when the American military contracted them to manufacture their motorcycles. It was a case of two times lucky when they were contracted again during the second World War, and as the saying goes – the rest is history.
While I have been a fan of American muscle including Harley-Davidson throughout the years, I never knew the half of it until a few days ago when I saddled a Harley-Davison Road Glide and went out looking for an open road. Amidst all the modern upgrades, endless numbers of add-ons, accessories (whether performance, function or style), the brand still retains its link to tradition. Harley-Davidsons are hard core retro machines, they have not evolved into the superbike arena as other bikes have. Even the modern Harleys such as the Road Glide or the electric vehicle Live Wire are all retro in design as this is their lifeline.
Based on 60s, 70s and lately 80s themes, Harley has never lagged behind, but has been moving forward while drawing on history. This is what sets the icon of American motorcycling manufacturers apart from the rest. They are so distinguished that there are motorcycles, and then there are Harleys.
Our test ride Road Glide is based on the 80s theme retro styling. The dual day maker reflector LED lamps carry an essence that was common in the 80s, the two round lamps could be seen on BMW, Alfa Romeo, Bentley and Volkswagen. The frame mounted shark-inspired nose of the Road Glide has an aggressive look and is the most aerodynamic in the Harley family. As retro as it is, it’s still the most modern looking Harley.
The Road Glide features a top of the line 6,5 inch touch screen infotainment system with integrated GPS and the boom box sound from Harmon/Kardon. It includes: AM/FM/WB/CD/MP3 advanced audio system, so even the longest day on the road passes by quickly to your favorite tunes. I was awestruck by the Bluetooth connected helmet, which gave sound from its integrated headphones, at the same time the sound played from its external speakers.
At a press of a button, the all new 1745cc Milwaukee Eight engine bubbles to life. It’s recognisable by its iconic ‘V’ mounting giving a distinct Harley sound. Harley-Davidson says these Milwaukee Eights are the most powerful, coolest running motors they have ever built.
These engines have been developed over countless miles and hours, engineered to give more of what is expected from a Harley engine. The result is a smoother, stronger, more durable, crisper and more responsive bike. Harley-Davidson has also matched the Milwaukee eights in their touring line up with an all new front and rear suspension, making them more comfortable and more controllable, pushing the rider’s confidence somewhere among the stars.
The name for luxury two-wheeled machines is ‘cruiser’. Harley-Davidson went to great lengths to find a perfect balance between its hot rod bad boy bikes and an elegant luxury tourer. Harley made the Road Glide a comfy, high tech bike that moves a little at idle. It feels like a Harley, but one that won’t rattle nearby windows. It’s a cruiser and it’s a Harley.
On the highway I felt like Elvis Presley riding straight out of Graceland. I was no less than the Terminator himself – Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a feeling I can hardly express in words. Freedom, flying on wheels, power, limitless; you cannot ride a Harley and remain the same person.
For many years I have been a fan of cruisers but my encounter with the Harley was an advent that has ushered me into biker status. It was my first big bike experience and as the saying goes, the first cut is the deepest.
Nothing compares to it.
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