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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Lucky U Cycles Wildwood Florida

It all started many years ago when I purchase my first "touring" motorcycle a 1984 Honda Interstate from my brother-in-law. Since the kids were tiny, after less than a year I decided it was just too expensive for it to sit in the garage while babysitting. Years later and after owning a few Mustang GT Convertibles the search was on for another motorcycle. The year was 2003 and Harley-Davidson was ready to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. We have owned four touring HD Models, a 2000 Electra Glide Standard, 2000 Ultra Classic, 2008 Ultra Classic and a 2008 Road Glide "Ultra".

For the past few years I have said, in my opinion the Gold Wing is one of the best touring motorcycles. Who can argue with the 1800cc, six-cylinder engine, making close to 120 horse power, shaft driven, liquid cooled, linked braking, adjustable windscreen, 6.6 gallon gas tank that sits low creating a low center of gravity that equals more stability. Add to these features; ABS brakes, comfort package (heated grips, seat and passenger seat), navigation system, premium audio and you have yourself a top notch touring machine! Not to forget reverse gear! I then thought to myself, "if I feel this way, then why am I not riding one?" Now I was determined to find a 2008 with low miles and all the features noted above.

Ebay has never let me down, so the search started. After looking at many different Wings, I zeroed in on a 2008 Titanium Model having Premium Audio, Comfort Package, Navigation System, ABS Brakes, 7665 miles, luggage rack and extra chrome. Asking price was $17,800. I contacted the owner and a deal was born. I forgot to mention, the bike was located in Florida!

I spoke to Jeremy on the telephone who asked to put me on hold. I later was told he had been talking to an interested party in Montana for the SAME bike! After talking to him, he later talked to me and we agreed upon a deal. Jeremy is the owner of Luck U Cycles a small dealership in Wildwood, Florida (Northwest of Orlando, south of Ocala off of I-75). Jeremy said he would arrange a taxi to pick me up at the airport and then he would get me at my hotel to take me to his shop (In the photo is Shane, Wayne and Owner Jeremy Coon). This is the second time I've been in Florida picking up a motorcycle. The first was in 2003 during Daytona Bike Week when I bought the 2000 Ultra Classic.

I arrived at my hotel in Wildwood (Sleep Inn) at 1:30 AM Thursday morning. Jeremy picked me up that morning at 9:30. At Jeremy's dealership I met his two mechanics, Wayne and Shane. Lucky U Cycles is located in a new strip mall, that rents three side-by-side-by-side store fronts. Jeremy has three lifts in the rear garage area. Lucky U Cycles specializes in buying used motorcycles and selling them for a fair price, in fact their labor per hour rate is...........$50!! Jeremy told me that he barely completed high school, worked at a local Harley-Davidson Dealership from 16-23 years of age and then due to differences in opinion, left to open his own store. By-the-way, Jeremy was 23 when he opened Lucky U Cycles! While I was waiting for my touring machine, many customers stopped in to chat and buy parts. His customers ranged in age and from what I saw many were seniors! You see The Villages, a senior community is very close to Lucky U. Just watching Jeremy work and interact with his customers I felt very much at ease. I was in awe that someone Jeremy's age has a mature business sense, treats his customers with respect, charges a fair and honest price and still has room to make a living; I had to remind myself that he is only 27! Jeremy later ordered pizza for the staff and when it was delivered invited me to have some with them. I felt at home and enjoyed sitting down with Wayne, Shane and Jeremy as we talked.

If you are ever looking for a motorcycle don't forget to call Jeremy at Lucky U Cycles. He will do whatever it takes to locate one for you! My Gold Wing he actually purchased at a car dealership as the previous owner traded it in on a car. The ride home to Watertown.....was wonderful, 1367 miles, no problems, but a wrong turn! Weather when I left Wildwood was 88 degrees and partly cloudy (Thursday afternoon). I didn't see a cloud from that point on all the way home. Stopped in Tennessee at Beans Winery for a few bottles to take home for Cathy (Sweetiest Day). Thought about visiting Jack Daniels Distillery but it was half hour out of my way. Saw many more Wineries along the route home, but can't stop at all of them.

I was impressed at the ride quality of the Wing, it is scary fast! It's nice having the power and not having to spend extra $$ to get it. From stock the Wing has over 50% MORE hp than our Harley ever did. The Wing from the factory is a 110 cubic inch motor and that is what the Screamin' Eagle CVO from Harley-Davidson is! Gotta say the Wing is truly a Touring Machine! Thanks again to Jeremy for treating me right, you have a wonderful shop, great guys working for you and the right attitude to go very far! Keep up the good work!