"If I Had To Explain......

.........You wouldn't understand." Where have you heard this saying before? I have had the pleasure of riding many different motorcycles since getting back on one in 2002. Many of them have been Harley-Davidson's and others consisted of Honda's, Yamaha's and BMW's.

My latest "test" bike a 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800 with all the goodies except for rider airbag and CB radio ran like a Swiss watch. Many call the GL1800 a "recliner on wheels", after riding one for the past several months and thousands of miles, I refer it to a rocket on wheels that can take the twisties like a sport bike.

What I loved about the Wing; adjustable windscreen, heated grips, seat and floorboard vents (for those early mornings and late nights) with it's Comfort Package, ABS Brakes, on-board GPS, rider adjustable clutch and front brake levers, frame-mounted fairing and 111 ci/120 hp 6 cylinder motor, and low center of gravity making it a very easy "big" bike that is well balanced.

What fell shorter than I would have thought; lack of air movement on the rider side of the massive fairing (it was every bit as warm as any air-cooled motorcycle I have ridden), sport-bike foot positioning (I always felt cramped and I am only 5'11"), center stand (that I never used because I simply could not get it up), lack of CB radio (though you could order one, installed around $1200), poor gas mileage (the best was 41+ which I was happy with, but typically it was 38 mpg), this may have been due to my "wow this is fun on the on-ramps to I-94 style of riding (remember, a rocket ship on 2-wheels?).

Well, out with the old and in with the new. The term "Limited" has many meanings. "Limited" within a business might refer to having a smaller number available to the consumer or being around for a shorter period of time or may include additional sought after accessories. Those that know me well, know it was only a matter of time before I returned home, home to the motor company that has been making dreams come true since 1903, Harley-Davidson. Have you ever seen Elvis Presley, Peter Fonda or Mickey Rourke ride anything other than a Harley!?

Working with Capital City Harley-Davidson in Madison, WI. while teaching Rider's Edge one weekend, I decided it was time to get on a HOG! What I originally selected for our "next" bike was a Merlot Sunglo/Vivid Black Ultra classic with the 96 cu in 6-spd motor. My only request, it had to have ABS Brakes. The dealership placed this on a wish-list with the Motor Company and after a few weeks decided they would take all the colored parts off a non-ABS model and place them on one with ABS. Well I had second thoughts about this, asked about the Ultra Classic Limited models and price. I was informed they recently (that same day) sold the cherry Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo, however had the Psychedelic Purple/Vivid Black available (otherwise known as the "Barney" Bike as in the kid's popular TV show from the early 90's) and a Cool Blue Pearl/Vivid Black. Other color selections for 2011 included Vivid Black, Dark Candy Root Beer/Light Candy Root Beer and Apple Green/Vivid Black. I looked at the Cool Blue Pearl model and knew as soon as I saw it, it was going to be in our garage soon!

The Limited comes with Chrome 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels, the 103 cu in motor, heated grips, luggage rack, chrome rings around the gauges, special gauge package (different from Ultra Classic models), limited edition paint colors and name plates indicating it is a Limited.

After working the deal with Glenn, within a week I was back on a Harley! It was kinda funny the first time I lifted my feet off the ground, I didn't find the floor-boards immediately because they are set further forward from the Wings. The first right-turn I took from a stop sign had me looking to find the directional switches all over again (on the Harley you have one for each thumb!). It took me a week of riding before I found 6th gear (not that I didn't know I had one, the break-in was 500 miles).

Cathy doesn't think this will be my last bike, but I so badly want to prove her wrong! This is our 6th touring motorcycle since 2002! We have owned a 2000 HD Electric Glide Standard (Vivid Black), 2000 Ultra Classic (Suede Green/Vivid Black), 2008 Ultra Classic (Vivid Black), 2008 Road Glide (Vivid Black), 2008 GL1800 (Titanium) and now the 2011 Limited. Many of our friends have already welcomed us back! I (we) are happy to be back, back on a Harley! Pictures coming soon!

By-the-way, Limited also indicates, only available for a short period of time? Harley-Davidson released the FLHTK in 2010. Now in it's 2nd year of production, both with the 103 cu in, I think (for what it's worth) this will be the last year. Since HD now offers the 103 on the Road Glide Ultra and the Road King Classic, next year we probably will see the entire touring line of Harley's sporting the 103! Does this mean the police motors will then have the Screamin' Eagle 110's!

Annual MOR and RavenStone

Just back from the Annual MOR (Men Only Ride) or OMR (Old Men Ride) November 13 & 14 to St, Charles, IL. It was decided a few years back that rather than miss a televised Packer Game, the MOR would take place during Green Bay's bye-week. This was an easy decision back when bye-week's usually took place earlier than mid November!

MOR was scheduled and promoted via Face Book. Once again though there would only be one other brave soul to ride in unpredictable fall weather, I'll call him "C". Oh, others "said" they might join in on the fun, but when it came time to putting on rain gear, long johns and gauntlet gloves no one other than "C" and me braved the elements.

MOR was created as a "one last ride" before putting the bikes away from the long Wisconsin winter. Since I don't hunt, this was my outlet away from home. Each year stops at Woodstock Harley-Davidson and then Zylstra Harley-Davidson were planned. For the past two years I have received a $10 birthday coupon from Zylstra. Last year a ride was scheduled to simply buy a new HD hat, if I had to explain, you wouldn't understand! Besides I saved $10 on the hat with the coupon! This year I needed a battery trickle charger.

In reviewing upcoming events at the two dealerships,I saw that Woodstock's HOG Chapter was hosting a food drive and serving a complete Thanksgiving Dinner and Zylstra was honoring our Veterans and the USO with a ride later meeting at Alley 64 downtown st. Charles. For work I needed to stop at Hemingway's Port of Call in Lake Geneva regarding a GYR container. After meeting Steve the owner and discussing business, placement and use of the GYR container, "C" and I were back on the bikes headed south to Woodstock and a turkey dinner. We rode in the pouring rain from Lake Geneva all the way to Woodstock, but the temperatures were holding steady at 50 degrees.

The parking of Woodstock Harley-Davidson lot was full of cars, not motorcycles! There was one other fool that rode his motorcycle (lol)! It was difficult finding an open parking spot. Once inside and ridding ourselves of wet rain gear, the next step was hot coffee. Next we found the turkey dinner! The HOG Chapter served ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, many different fall casseroles, stuffing, rolls and desserts like you can only dream of! There was even an apple pie from the Elegant Farmer "baked in the bag"! After an hour or so we rolled ourselves to the parking lot and were off riding towards St. Charles and Zylstra Harley-Davidson, remember I had a $10 coupon to spend!

Zylstra was not nearly as crowded as Woodstock, but then again we were late getting there and the USO Ride had already left. We were later told that around 20 bikers participated in the ride. Zylstra served virgin bloody mary's prior to the ride leaving, along with sweet rolls and huge muffins. After selecting my battery tender, "C" and I were on our way to the Country Inn & Suites in St. Charles.

We met a couple in the hot tub from the Chicago area who were in town simply to visit Geneva Wine Seller on Sunday. They were in their late 20's and very easy going. Another couple we met he is a Lieutenant for Bloomington Police Department. We started talking motorcycles and found out he and his wife own a brand new Ural Russian motorcycle with side car with the optional dual drive wheels (both the rear motorcycle tire and side car tire power the bike).

After breakfast on Sunday we left West on E Main Street to Highway 31 along the western shore of the Fox River. We continued north through an old city of yesteryear named, Algonquin. Old homes and even a trolley historic area! A large deer was seen about 50 yds in front of us run across the road. Thank God we were paying attention and speed was well under the posted limits. Sunday's weather was 10+ degrees colder than Saturday and very windy. Temperatures started at 39 degrees and never reached more than 43!

As we neared Harvard, IL I remembered that "C" had found a castle during either the 1st of 2nd MOR. We entered Harvard on HWY 14 and had to turn around to get onto HWY 23 south of town. It isn't merry old England or France, but Harvard has a RavenStone Castle. This was a photo op that couldn't be missed. After a few pictures we continued north towards Wisconsin.

Another MOR is history and it just might be time to winterize the Wing for the season! Between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and buying the Goldwing GL1800 in Orlando it was a 12,000 mile riding season! This was the most miles ridden in a year! A wonderful riding season! Thanks to everyone for making it enjoyable. Please keep Randy & Lynette Dunn and Bill Murphy in your prayers as they recover from motorcycle crashes.

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!