Comparisons One day as I was listening to the radio, a commercial for Hurst Motosport announced a Harley-Davidson demo day coming up. Up to this point, my only time on a Harley was limited to a short ride as a passenger on the back of a 1977 Low Rider shovelhead. To me it was a stunning bike visually, but the uncomfortable seat and the incredible vibration made me wonder if all Harleys were this primitive. The newest generation of Evo powered Harleys was getting decent reviews with the main stream About an hour later I was riding the Virago back home reviewing in my mind my experience with the big American bike. I was shocked to discover that even though it displaced 1340 cc, it felt grossly underpowered. I'd fall back from the group a bit and then hit the throttle to close the gap and see what the mighty v-twin could do. EPA had strangled the new engines to the point that they did not even want to rev. Unlike the Virago motor, the Evo signed off very quickly and nothing could be gained by shifting near the red line. Yet despite this disappointing introduction to Harley power, I was still drawn to the motorcycle with conflicting emotions. End of an Era I owned the Virago for close to five years, the longest period that I had ever owned a bike thus far. It was 100% reliable and never again saw the interior of the dealership since its initial maintenance servicing. And yet I struggle to write about the bike itself. I waxed and polished it frequently, changed the oil once or twice a year, added gas, and rode it. My daughter even insists that I took her for a ride on it around the block when she was less than six, but darn if I can remember that. When I finally traded her in, it wasn't a traumatic experience. I kept some of the accessories for future bikes, others cause I paid for them. A decade later I would regret parting with the Yamaha as it would have been perfect for my wife, but at the time I needed the money. And so it was gone. Although a very competent steed, it never really invoked a strong passion. It did, however, bring me one step closer to my ultimate dream.
|
motorcycle press, and so I decided to give them another try. I must admit that I was somewhat intimidated showing up at the dealership and standing in line with big, hairy, outlaw looking bikers at the sign-in table. Although I've mingled with all types of bikers over the years, the Harley loyalists always tended to keep to themselves, and therefore were an unknown entity; at least to me anyway. Meanwhile the legend of Harley-Davidson, the machine, further demanded my total respect. I chose a SuperGlide to test as it was the least expensive of the big twins, and the most likely choice given my bank account. When my turn came up, I remember being quite excited, as well as nervous with the anticipation of riding an icon. 