The countdown clock had begun at the command of Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of the founders of Harley-Davidson. The year-long party to celebrate the 110th anniversary was officially underway in typical Harley-Davidson style with an appropriate blowout in the heart of Milwaukee and Bullz-Eye was invited to attend. This included the launching of the festivities and a review of the 110th anniversary Harley models and the evolution of this true American icon.

We arrived at the Iron Horse boutique hotel, which offers dream accommodations for bikers. This 5 star hotel resides in a converted 100-year old warehouse and was designed to cater to motorcycle enthusiasts by offering top-notch business services with never-before-seen rider amenities. Loaded with memorabilia and located across the river from the new Harley-Davidson Museum, it served as the perfect home base for enjoying the planned festivities.

At the unveiling of the new anniversary models we saw the new and very eye catching Hard Candy custom paint scenes that we recently saw in the new Seventy-Two Sportster model now available as an expanded option in the Dyna and Softail family of bikes as well. The Street Bob now as been restyled, with awesome factory options, and Harley’s own in-house custom division, CVO, launches a new and very radical Breakout model. The Softail, Dyna and Sportster family of bikes will see the exclusive 110th anniversary editions, with cool, rustic badging included. In the CVO family, models with the 110th package include the Road King, Road Glide and the super top of the line Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout

The next day we were treated to a remarkable factory power-train tour where all the engines are made for every Harley sold world-wide. It’s hard to describe the massive size of this amazing factory, with 750,000 sq feet, equal to 17 football fields, under one roof. Clean, automated and fascinating, the tour is a must-see while in Milwaukee, and the basic tour is free, so you can’t beat that!

Returning downtown we arrived at the remarkable Harley-Davidson Museum, the largest museum in the world devoted to motorcycles. This is the Mecca for any HD enthusiast, from the first HD bike made in a shed to fascinating 3D interactive areas and rider emersion activities. A half day can be spent here easily; it’s that big. You can see a photo of the East Rider Harley in the slideshow above. The museum also featured the “Worn to be Wild” leather jacket exhibit that celebrates the iconic black leather jacket. They had over 50 jackets on display, ranging from rare historical examples pulled from both the HD archives and private collections to those worn by celebrities.

We were able to interview Harley design directors who commented that “freedom, independence and an attitude about life is pretty universal” and that “we want to put a big underline under that with everything we do” throughout the company. “The idea of Harley is universal – it’s not just an American idea.” And they want to bring the experience to everyone. This is also being showcased by Harley on several global “Epic Rides” including ride events to Tibet and through Europe for the next 12 months. They commented “it’s about the individual . . . to live freedom and spread the idea globally . . . each ride of course has its own party!”

We also had the honor of meet with Willie G. Davidson and he commented that “we know how to party with our customers . . . it has a lot to do with loyalty.” He continued, “We work continually on these (parties), this one we started (planning) five years ago . . . we are more internationally focused on our markets and our parties.”

He was quickly ushered away by security to the 10,000 gathered outside. As the huge crowd cheered Willie on with the start of the countdown clock the Harley stunt riders burned 110th in to the museum sidewalk with a massive cloud of smoke. Willie definitely knows how to party, and you can join in or just follow the fun over the next year. Just check the Harley-Davidson website for the Rumble Heard “Round the World.

American motorcycle legend Harley-Davidson hosted an event for its latest Sportster model, the “Seventy-Two,” and Bullz-Eye.com was invited to ground zero of Latino motorcycle culture in East LA for the press launch and cultural immersion. The “72,” with its stylistic nod to hi metal flake custom paint and chrome so popular with the Latino low riders of Wittier Blvd., has made this one of Harley’s most splashy and eye-catching Sportster models to date.

Our first stop was the Harley-Davidson dealership in Glendale on the outskirts of downtown LA for a review of the Harley family of motorcycles for 2012 and our first glimpse of the new Seventy-Two model. This strikingly flashy Sportster is sure to get attention at any stoplight but is also within the most reasonably priced group of Harleys. The “72” boasts a hugely attention-getting hi metal flake red paint job, in Hard Candy Big Red Flake, the Evo 1200 cc V- twin, mini ape handle bars and a peanut gas tank. Forward foot controls and a low 28” seat height give laid back rider comfort, and the high torque output (73 pd-ft) in the low/mid RPMs lends the bike to impressive acceleration on the low end of the spectrum. The MSRP is $10,499 for the standard paint, and if you want the Hard Candy Big Red Flake, it has an MSRP of $11,199.

Tipping the scales at a modest 545lbs, this bike feels even lighter than it is, with a chopper fork rake, aluminum head and cylinders, skinny white wall wheels and narrow frame. The Sportster family has always been my favorite, with its nimble design and attractive low price, and it was always the most fun to drive. This is a bike either sex can easily operate with ease, the low un-sprung weight and laid back low seat height making it fun to buzz around in on a whim.

Soon after the showroom tour we were given an informative presentation of the Latino and Harley cultural marriage here in East LA. For more than 50 years, Latin American Harley riders have been proudly calling themselves Harlistas, and we were about to go on an enlightening tour of Los Angeles, with all things Latin and Harley mixed in!

Latino culture has profoundly shaped California and LA in particular, and the Latino culture loves the concept of Harley as it symbolizes freedom, individually and a sense of family – the Harley family. We visited several cultural highlights of East LA, including the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the Chicano murals of Boyle Heights, Candelas Guitars and a stop at Cities Restaurant, complete with authentic Mexican premium tequila tasting, courtesy of paQui Tequila! The food and subsequent tequila shots were delicious, and we boarded the tour bus for the afternoon stops.

We arrived at some huge, non-descript warehouse to meet famed low rider and motorcycle custom designer Mr. Cartoon. Here we found a world-class show car collection, complete with museum, showcasing some of the best low rider and motorcycle custom body art in the world. East LA is ground zero for this culture, and Mr. Cartoon gave a brief lecture on his personal lifestyle and professional journey. He recounted his rise from poverty and gangster of the street in his youth to success and giving back to the community that has brought him respect from local police and civic groups alike.

He still has his street cred though, and to prove it, he invited all of the invited press on a low rider caravan cruise to LA stadium, for the Los Angeles Dodgers/Washington Nationals baseball game. Several wild custom low riders were waiting for us, complete with functional hydraulics and immaculate in condition, courtesy of his Lifestyle Car Club. Mr. Cartoon, in a fabulously tricked out 1962 Ford Valliant station wagon in electric orange, invited me to ride with him and his family in the lead car. He was an exceptional host! Cruising Sunset Blvd. at low speed and ¾ of an inch off the ground was a blast (Led Zeppelin at full volume). We watched the game in the Harley VIP box suite. Hall of famer Steve Garvey sat in the next booth as we watched the Dodgers win in spectacular fashion, as a home run blast over the center field wall in the 10th inning ended the night. Complimentary tequila was again offered for a victory toast in the motor coach en route back to the hotel!

The following day was Harley’s showcase appearance at Fiesta Broadway, the largest Latino block party in US. Harley had numerous tents and display areas available, and the invited promotional model team impressed many in the huge crowd throughout the day. Even LA’s finest were on hand admiring the Harleys, as the Electra Glides are standard police issue within the nation’s law enforcement motorcycle fleets.

Special thanks go out to all at corporate Harley for a wonderful event. Look for the release of new “Seventy Two” Sportster model at dealerships across the US and Europe this month!

The situation was thus: the fine folks from Harley-Davidson were looking to shine the light on the ’72 Harley, the latest and greatest model from their Dark Custom Line, with an all-expenses-paid trip to Chicago’s Wild Fire Harley-Davidson. Fair enough…except for the fact that I don’t own a motorcycle, it’s been more than ten years since I’ve ridden on a motorcycle, and, given that the ride in question – on the back of my brother-in-law’s bike – was so goddamned terrifying (he turned a corner, my feet dragged on the ground, and I was convinced that both our asses were about to hit the fucking pavement) that I’ve never thought for even so much as a moment about buying a motorcycle.

Ah, but the pitch wasn’t just about motorcycles. Indeed, the phrase used to describe the expedition was “a jam-packed day of ass-kicking and whiskey drinking.” Now, not being much of a scrapper, I can take or leave the former, but when you bring up the latter…? Sir, you have my undivided attention.

And that, my friends, is how I came to get…

Because of the designated start time on Saturday and the terribly unhelpful flight times from my home base from Norfolk (ORF) to Chicago, it was agreed that the most convenient time for me to arrive into O’Hare would actually be on Friday…and after this was agreed upon, I then begged, pleaded, and ultimately annoyed my hosts into getting me on the earliest possible flight, so as to be in Chicago for as long as possible.

Coming down the escalator, I was met by a driver holding up a card with my name on it, which is an experience that every flier should have at least once in their life. In short order, I had been deposited at the front door of The Drake Hotel, a gorgeous establishment right in the heart of the city, and – to my utter amazement – I was able to check in immediately, go right up to my room, drop off my bags, and hit the streets of Chicago.

And, now, a confession: the biggest reason I wanted to get into town as early as possible on Friday is that I wanted to visit the joint offices of two of the greatest publications in modern media: The Onion and The Onion AV Club. I began as a contributing writer with the AV Club last year, but I’d never actually met most of the people for whom and with whom I’d been working, so it was cool to finally meet Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson, Genevieve Koski, Kyle Ryan, Nathan Rabin, and so many other folks whose work I’d been reading long before I ever actually joined their ranks. I’m still not entirely sure I’m worthy of walking among them, but, hey, if they think I am, then who am I to complain?

Later that evening, knowing that I had nothing on my official agenda until the next morning, I met up with a buddy and experienced the awesomeness of Barrelhouse Flat, an outstanding drinking establishment located at 2624 N. Lincoln Avenue. As it happens, our bartender that evening, Greg Buttera, also happened to be the general manager of the joint, so not only did he treat us right (as we, in turn, did him), but he provided us with an amazing display of dexterity and cocktail knowledge…and I’ll be damned if I can tell you which was more impressive, because he never dropped a drink nor checked a recipe, and I think we determined that he made a couple of dozen different drinks just while we were sitting there. Why, it almost made it worth it that we weren’t able to sit upstairs…although I did least get a chance to take a stroll up there before we left, and, man, it’s just something else.

But why take my word for it? Here’s a shot of the place when it’s not dark, loud, and filled with semi-intoxicated revelers…

Swear to God, if I lived in Chicago, I’d be frequent this place all the damned time. But, alas, I was exhausted after having flown out of Norfolk at 6:30 AM, so after a pair of specially selected beers – I decided to stick with Chicago beers, so I started with a pint of Goose Island Sofie and closed with a can of Half Acre Daisy Cutter – it was back to the hotel for me. After all, with a threatened day of ass kicking and whiskey drinking on the horizon, I figured it probably behooved me to be well rested.

Morning soon broke, and with it went the snowstorm that had blown into town right about the same time I had, but the bitter cold (at least to a Virginian like poor ol’ me) had lingered. Good times. Dressed accordingly, I came downstairs and met my fellow journalists in the lobby of the Drake, and we soon hopped upon a waiting bus and headed off to enjoy a tasty lunch – accompanied by some tasty beverages – at Brauerhouse, located at 1000 N. Rohlwing Road in…Lombard? Wait, what happened to Chicago? Were we really on the bus that long?

Apparently so. But it’s worth it, because the burgers are phenomenal…or, at the very least, mine was. I had the so-called Hickory Leroy, which features bacon, BBQ sauce, chili, and jack cheese. Oh, man, I’m practically drooling just thinking about it. And I also had a deliciously creative beverage – sorry, make that two of them – while I was there as well: a Black Banana, which is a blend of Banana Bread Beer and Double Chocolate Stout. Great, great stuff. Unfortunately, the process of studying the menu, taking our orders, making and delivering our food, and figuring and paying our checks took so freaking long that we effectively started our day already an hour late, which bodes poorly for the rest of the rigorously scheduled day we have ahead of us. D’oh…

Thankfully, it’s only a short bus ride from Brauerhouse to our next location: Wild Fire Harley-Davidson. Everyone at the place seems pleased to see us, which is precisely what you’d expect, given that they want us to write something nice about them and their product. But it’s more than that. Not only do the people who work here love the product that they’re selling, but they quite clearly live that love of Harley-Davidson well outside the walls of Wild Fire.

Not only do we scope out the whole joint, getting the chance to check out the various new models of motorcycle as well as the latest Harley-Davidson leather and gear from their Black Label line, but we also get a taste of the so-called Motorcycle Boot Camp. Thankfully, it’s just a taste, which means that only a couple of us get to savor the experience of changing the oil and primary fluid on a Harley-Davidson Sportster…and I, thankfully for all of us, am not one of the chosen few. Similarly, I opt out of giving the Jumpstart Dyno a ride. Even though it’s stationary and almost certainly not going anywhere, it’s still far too close for comfort, at least as far as I’m concerned.

As you can probably guess, I didn’t exactly leave Wild Fire with a burning desire to rush out and buy myself a bike…not least of all because I can’t afford it. I did, however, walk away impressed with the wide variety of individuals who work for the dealership and their knowledge of their product. Also, if I wasn’t scared to get on a motorcycle, I’d definitely get me one of those Sportsters…and you’d better believe I’d spend the extra few bucks to get one with flames on it. Scary or not, that thing is pretty bad ass, ya gotta admit…

Unlike the Harleys, if all too much like the burgers at Brauerhause, our next stop was one which would have ordinarily inspired me to shout (and paraphrase Ralph Wiggum) exuberantly, “Oh, boy! This is where I’m a Viking!” I just can’t thank 8 to 8 Cigars enough for giving us the hook-up on a sweet stogie while also providing us with the opportunity to taste several different types of scotch, including some pretty damned old stuff…which, probably by coincidence, tasted far worse than anything else that was presented to us to taste.

I hadn’t had a cigar in ages, so I felt a little flummoxed at first as I fumbled with the provided cutter and attempted to chop off the end of the cigar without doing any dramatic damage to the tobacco at hand. In addition, the first several puffs left me convinced that I’d been right to keep my wife happy and avoid smoking cigars at all cost…but then – and it’s probably coincidence that this happened right around the time I considered that my wife was more than a few states away at that moment – I suddenly got whatever the casual cigar smoker considers to be his second wind. I was puffing away like the chimney on a steam engine, listening to our hostess as she discusses the finer points of whiskey, the differences between the different types, and then noting in which order we would be tasting ours. For my part (and I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who felt this way), I think my favorite was the wheat whiskey from Lion’s Pride. That stuff was goooooood. In fact, I’m trying to get a bottle to review for the site. I’ll keep you posted…

You wouldn’t be able to tell it from the above picture, but I’d never had a straight razor shave before I put my face (and my jugular vein) in the hands of the fine gentleman you see before you. I just figured, “The man’s a professional, a second-generation barber, and he knows what he’s doing.” Of course, he might be a bit too funny for my tastes. I’m pretty sure he didn’t need to preface the shaving under my chin by saying, “Here comes the ‘Godfather’ moment…”

Joe’s Barber Shop, located on West Fullerton in Chicago, is the very definition of an old-school establishment, not only in their method of shaving but also in the lather, creams, and other assorted materials necessary for a good shave and haircut. Sure, it’ll cost you a bit more than two bits nowadays, but it’s worth the cost for the quality that goes into it.

When we got to the shop, Joe Caccavella, Sr. was done for the night and preparing to head home, but he’d stuck around to say “hey” to all of these assembled journalists and thank us for stopping by. That’s his son, Joe, Jr., who’s giving me the shave in the above picture.

When they asked for volunteers, I was the first one to raise my hand. I mean, why not, right? Everyone should have a straight-razor shave once in their life, and I’m glad I can say that I’ve experienced it. I wasn’t willing to give up my goatee, but I still got as much of the full treatment as I could, which meant the hot towels on my face and, at the end of the process, some fierce aftershave. A few chairs over, one of my journalistic comrades got his entire head shaved. Hey, if it’s free, why not get as much out of it as possible, right? Good for him, that’s what I say.

I admit that I’d never heard of the restaurant Three Aces before I learned that it was going to be the site of our dinner, but it’s funny how accepting you can be of a restaurant when you learn that its slogan is, “The Italian countryside meets the American farmhouse…in Keith Richard’s basement bar.” I don’t really know what the hell that means…but, by God, I like the sound of it!

Our food was ordered family style, with all of us sharing amongst ourselves and trying to taste a little bit of everything, so I can’t necessarily swear that I’m remembering everything that I tried, but I can, at least, confirm that way more than the majority of what I tasted was top notch.

First off, the arancini (braised oxtail, celery leaf, and parmesan) was the perfect starter, followed by ricotta gnocchi (confit rabbit, mushrooms, pecorino, celeriac cream sauce) and mussels and Brussels (shredded Brussels sprouts, bacon, shallots, garlic, fresno chiles, and assorted herbs). Of the “Barn” portion of the menu, I can’t say as the beef tongue hash did a lot for me, but I blame that on the hollandaise. Never been a fan. The so-called Slagel Farms steak, however, was fantastic, and I could’ve eaten a full order of the ribollita – a Tuscan stew consisting of white beans, milk-braised pork shoulder, parsley pistou, and shaved parmesan – if I didn’t think the richness would’ve given me a heart attack on the spot. Can’t tell you which of the pizzettas I tried beyond the carbonara (parmesan cream sauce, parsley, homemade bacon, black pepper, and egg yolk), but, holy shit, that was crazy delicious.

Okay, here’s the problem with getting old: you have a huge meal, a couple of beers, and your instant default setting becomes, “I want to go home, watch TV, and go to bed.” What you do not particularly want to do is go see a band play. Sorry. I’m 41. That’s just how I roll now.

But in this case, I did go see a band play. This was partially because I didn’t really have much choice in the matter (tired or not, I just couldn’t see myself hopping off the bus, into a cab, and back to the hotel on my own) and partially because the band in question – Pegboy – are pretty legendary in Chicago. Really, though, it was mostly because I figured, “Hey, free concert, free beer…I’m old, but I’m not dead yet.”

The Flat Iron is a pretty nice beer joint on North Milwaukee Avenue. More importantly that night, however, was the fact that it was the site of the 5th Annual Half Fast “Burning Love” Party, where Harley-Davidson unveiled the latest addition to their Dark Custom line.

I gotta tell ya, I was too tired, too full, and…well, I wasn’t too drunk, at least, but the end result was still that I never actually got around to checking out the motorcycle they’d brought in. But my guess is that we might’ve seen it at the dealership earlier in the day, anyway. In fact, yeah, let’s just go ahead and presume that I did, shall we? And it was awesome. Pegboy was pretty good, too. But, fuck, am I tired…

…and I’m still tired come the next morning. And cold. And ready to go home. And very, very glad that there’s a vehicle parked outside the Drake to take me to the airport without all the hassle of a taxi, subway, bus, or anything else. You wanna talk about a guy’s-guy event? That’s what this was. It was, just as the press leading up to it had described, a real back-to-basics kind of day. Eating, boozing, smoking, rocking out, riding motorcycles, and – lest we forget – a goddamned straight-razor shave. Was there any ass-kicking? No. But was it kick-ass? You better believe it.

Many have claimed that rock is dead, and if recent trends are anything to go by, they may be right. As the Black Keys’ screed against Nickelback last January showed, rock is struggling to reconnect with a generation that has turned to auto-tuned, plastic pop stars for entertainment instead of the thrum of electric guitars. But the main reason why people have turned away from rock has gone unsaid. Rock was always about rebellion, but lost people when the image of rebellion overtook the message. Like rock, motorcycles are a symbol of rebellion in culture gone soft. Also, like rock, they are struggling to reinvent themselves for a new generation after marketing rebellion instead of living it. However, as Harley-Davidson’s Softail Slim shows, rebellion is not dead in the motorcycle marketplace. And if this bike is anything to go by for both rock and motorcycles, the way to reconnect with younger kids may be going back to what made you so popular in the first place.

The Softail Slim is one of two new Dark Custom motorcycles that harkens back to the days of the choppers and bobbers from the 1950s. In the ‘50s, choppers weren’t just something you could buy; they were built with bare hands and bad attitudes as a serious style statement. To bring the Slim in line with this attitude, the bike is finished with a few time-appropriate design cues. But it’s not enough to just make the bike look old and then market it as something badass; the product should actually act out the marketing message. What Harley has done to the Slim to capture that old chopper mindset is to follow up its vintage look with a really raw riding experience.

This first step in bringing the bike in line with its historical inspirations is to get the look right. First, the overall stance is slimmed down to give the bike a more custom look. The fenders are bobbed, turn signals and accessories are slimmed down or removed, a thin solo seat is placed on the bike, and skinnier tires with thick sidewalls are added. Then, a few period correct cues are put on, like the Hollywood handlebars on the bike. Characterized by the crossbeam on the top, and the gentle sweep to bring the bars closer to your hands, the Hollywood bars were originally a Harley-Davidson accessory back in the ‘50s that have been taken out of retirement to give this bike a more vintage feel.

However, like the lead guitar in a band, the center of attention on a Harley has always been the engine. In the Slim, the motor is a 103 cubic inch V-Twin that has had an extra dose of attitude added with a healthy coat of black paint. To highlight the vintage feel, a round air cleaner has been added. Internally, nothing is changed over other Softail models. What this means is that you get the same 79hp and 90lb feet of torque that is on other Softails, such as the Blackline we reviewed last year. But more importantly, this is where that vintage feel starts to shine through. The motor responds to inputs nicely, but along the way it vibrates, shimmies and shakes. It feels natural where other motors feel too refined and clinical. It’s more time machine than engine in that it really brings you back to how older bikes feel.

So, how does a bike styled to look like it’s from the ‘50s ride in 2012? Vintage feel is a theme that keeps coming up. The motor is strong and torquey like in the Blackline, but does not like to be rushed. Even when pulling the bikes 700lbs of American Iron around, though, power is adequate. Front-end effort is high, and the suspension has very little travel, but looks do come with sacrifice. Braking feel and performance can also be described as decent. Braking response may be difficult to get used to at first, but you quickly learn how much force to apply to get the bike slowed down quickly. Also, the bike has ABS as an option which is highly recommended for new riders.

Around town, the weight and feel of the controls seem to bog you down, but out on the highway, it all comes together to form a cohesive, enjoyable package. Just point the bike forward and let the weight and torque take care of the rest as you easily plod along to your destination. The bike is unencumbered by long distances, road imperfections, and other small obstacles that make some other bikes feel jittery while traveling on the highway. The bike is a real confidence booster on longer trips.

But Harleys have never been only about the performance; they are about feeling, emotion and attitude, and that’s what shines on this bike and all of the Dark Custom bikes. And their efforts are paying off. CMO Mark Hans Richer pointed out on this trip that Harley-Davidson has the largest amount of younger buyers in the 18-35 demographic. Where the news is dominated by stories saying younger kids only like iPhones and Facebook, Harley has succeeded where others have failed in bringing new, younger riders into the fold.

This trend points to a larger theme that younger people want emotional connectivity – not just what is faster, better and newer. A Harley is not an objectively fast bike, but what it offers is an experience past the spec sheet. The way the motor reacts to your inputs, the heft of the bike, and the way it looks all combine to create a very analog experience where most new bikes have you feeling cold. In a world where one of the largest selling apps is one that makes digital pictures look old, it makes perfect sense why younger people should want to ride a Dark Custom bike. And if that’s anything to go by, if rock can reconnect with its roots the same way Harley has, then it should be just fine too.

In today’s market, speed rules the conversation. Superbikes, supercars, super(blank) are the center of attention. All marketing materials talk about is going faster and harder. Horsepower, lap times, and what minute difference is going to give one bike an edge is seemingly all we talk about with motorcycles, and what the public sees of us. But beyond the power, speed and fury that few people will use on the street, there is a whole type of riding that goes unnoticed: the road trip.

There used to be a valued segment of the marketplace for “grand tourers.” For cars, these were old Jaguars XK’s and graceful Aston Martins; machines that were built to effortlessly travel long distances with power and grace. As such, they were tuned to deliver a ride that would not rattle every bone in your body to dust. For motorcycles, it has always been the cruiser: Big, bold machines with slow turning engines that produce more torque than power. Many manufactures make bikes built for this segment, but only one has built their reputation on cruisers: Harley-Davidson. On our recent trip to Miami with Harley-Davidson, I discovered the experience of a road trip on a trip from Miami to Key West, and back, in one day.

The U.S. is built for road trips. Our roads are long and flat. Our country is big and wide. Culturally, we have always felt a need to push towards the frontier, and the road trip satisfies that need. It must then be easier to ride long distances than attacking a road course with Red Bull-aided fury since you really are riding in a straight line. But that’s not the case. The experience of a cruise is less technical precision than it is adapting to the little things that get in your way. This is where the difficulty lies.

Take the road itself. Not much attention is paid to it in a car because you don’t feel the differences in the pavement unless you’re in a sports car. On a bike, you feel the difference between where the road has been patched, the seams in the road, gravel, and how it may dip or rise in certain areas, and this all effects how the bike handles. The relationship is much more intense because it changes the way the bike moves.

For this reason, a cruiser is better over a sport bike. Sport bikes are built for maximum road feel so they are affected more by changes in surface. That means they are more jittery and sensitive. A cruiser, on the other hand, is heavier and with a lower center of gravity. As opposed to a sport bike, a cruiser plods along more confidently. This means you spend less time correcting the bikes path and more time enjoying the ride.

But just because you have a cruiser doesn’t mean that road a trip is a time to tune out and stop paying attention. Another small detail that becomes important on a trip is the wind. Again, not something you notice in a car, but a major factor on a bike with no wind protection. It is continually beating you down. Also, there are crosswinds that hit you after traffic passes that you must anticipate and adjust for. The result of just these two small variables is an experience that wears you down over time, rather than in large bursts if pushing the limit on the track. You notice this pain and exhaustion after you sit down at your destination and a day’s worth of effort starts to seep into your muscles.

You might be wondering, how is this supposed to be fun in the slightest? But the pain is part of the fun. Anyone can drive long distances in a car, but it takes a real effort and certain personality type to do it on a bike. This makes it more of an accomplishment. Also, as opposed to blitzing across long distances in a car, you stop in increments along the journey on a bike, adding to the story. You also interact with the machine you are on and the riders you are with. Not from a conversation standpoint, but an unspoken relationship where you begin to trust your group and bike more because of the time you put in together on a trip.

And there is no better feeling than that one moment of nirvana. For me, it was cruising back from the Keys back to Miami. The sun was setting, I was comfortable on the bike, and the temperature had cooled down. At that moment, cruising made sense to me. It is a moment where you feel completely insignificant as you look out over the horizon and notice just how small you are. But you also feel empowered, and yes, a little bit badass.

When it comes to cruising, a Harley is built for this experience. Not from a mere technical standpoint, but an emotional one. The look, sound and feel I was talking about in my first article transfers to how you ride the bike on the road. The way the motor reacts to more throttle, the way the brakes feel, and the way the suspension is tuned makes more sense on the open road in a Harley than it does around town. The sensitivity that is not there around town helps you on long journeys. They provide more wiggle room to be more forgiving of mistakes and more comfortable to use over long distances.

At the end of a cruise you have a story, not just a lap time, and that’s why you should try a road trip no matter what bike you ride. But of course, it doesn’t hurt to make that bike a Harley.

Look, sound and feel. These are the defining traits of the Harley-Davidson brand as told by Willie G. Davidson. The look is characterized by simple designs that highlight the mechanics of the bike. The sound is the familiar loping idle of their V-Twin engines. And the feel is contained in the details such as finishes and riding characteristics that make a Harley feel substantial and sure-footed. More importantly, these traits are used as launching pads for owners to put their own spin on the bike. It is in this culture of customization that the bike becomes more than another mass-produced good, but a part of the owner’s life.

Customization has been ingrained in Harley owners since the very start. From small touches on the very earliest bikes – such as headlights – to fully customized examples seen today, a bike’s design process does not stop at the factory, but begins in the hands of the owner. This needing of expression from owners has driven Harley to offer more products that reflect their tastes and preferences. One way to do this is to offer bikes that display classic design cues from the past. Motorcycles such as the ‘72 and the Softail Slim do just that, reinventing them for a generation that wants to feel connected to a history that they were not a part of. “They want that feeling of something both mechanical and natural,” as Willie G. Davidson describes it. These products are machines that grow with you instead of being disposed of within a year or when the contract expires.

But offering more bikes is just the first step in a customer’s relationship with the brand. After the bike is bought, owners have access to an extensive list of parts and accessories (P&A) to customize their bike. A variety of finishes, parts and equipment are available. The part offerings include things from grips to exhausts and everything in between. Also, dealers have the ability to work with you on a personal level in order to get parts that fit the exact look you're going for. Of course, there are enough chrome items to fill the Bible, but there are also a variety of parts that you’d be surprised to find.

For instance, every year Harley produces a color scheme available for a few bikes. These tanks are hand painted and pinstriped, and are limited in number. Once the run is finished, the color is not available for purchase. And these tanks are not simply painted one color. Deep metal flake and hand-applied pinstripes and lustrous colors are used to give the tanks a truly custom look and feel. Plus, a person, not a machine, applies the pinstripes on the tank.

The final step in factory customization process is the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) offerings. These bikes take the process from the factory one step further by offering even more custom touches with paint and parts unavailable through the normal Parts and Accessories catalog. This process has more in common with building luxury sedans than it does with most motorcycles. It is the apex of factory customization, but of course, the customization probably continues after these bikes roll off the lots too.

The common thread from standard bikes, the parts and accessories selection, and the CVO offerings is Harley owners’ unique need to express themselves. From East to West, it is this mindset that resonates with people from different cultures and creeds as described by Harley’s Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hans Richer. It’s not all leather and bad attitudes, but a need to both express individuality and become part of a larger group. Through offerings such as the Blackline, the Parts and Accessories offerings, and the CVO program, Harley-Davidson enables everyone to put their own spin on their products, regardless of who they are, how much they spent and what bike they bought.

Look, sound and feel. These are the defining traits of the Harley-Davidson brand as told by Willie G. Davidson. The look is characterized by simple designs that highlight the mechanics of the bike. The sound is the familiar loping idle of their V-Twin engines. And the feel is contained in the details such as finishes and riding characteristics that make a Harley feel substantial and sure-footed. More importantly, these traits are used as launching pads for owners to put their own spin on the bike. It is in this culture of customization that the bike becomes more than another mass-produced good, but a part of the owner’s life.

Customization has been ingrained in Harley owners since the very start. From small touches on the very earliest bikes – such as headlights – to fully customized examples seen today, a bike’s design process does not stop at the factory, but begins in the hands of the owner. This needing of expression from owners has driven Harley to offer more products that reflect their tastes and preferences. One way to do this is to offer bikes that display classic design cues from the past. Motorcycles such as the ‘72 and the Softail Slim do just that, reinventing them for a generation that wants to feel connected to a history that they were not a part of. “They want that feeling of something both mechanical and natural,” as Willie G. Davidson describes it. These products are machines that grow with you instead of being disposed of within a year or when the contract expires.

But offering more bikes is just the first step in a customer’s relationship with the brand. After the bike is bought, owners have access to an extensive list of parts and accessories (P&A) to customize their bike. A variety of finishes, parts and equipment are available. The part offerings include things from grips to exhausts and everything in between. Also, dealers have the ability to work with you on a personal level in order to get parts that fit the exact look you’re going for. Of course, there are enough chrome items to fill the Bible, but there are also a variety of parts that you’d be surprised to find.

For instance, every year Harley produces a color scheme available for a few bikes. These tanks are hand painted and pinstriped, and are limited in number. Once the run is finished, the color is not available for purchase. And these tanks are not simply painted one color. Deep metal flake and hand-applied pinstripes and lustrous colors are used to give the tanks a truly custom look and feel. Plus, a person, not a machine, applies the pinstripes on the tank.

The final step in factory customization process is the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) offerings. These bikes take the process from the factory one step further by offering even more custom touches with paint and parts unavailable through the normal Parts and Accessories catalog. This process has more in common with building luxury sedans than it does with most motorcycles. It is the apex of factory customization, but of course, the customization probably continues after these bikes roll off the lots too.

The common thread from standard bikes, the parts and accessories selection, and the CVO offerings is Harley owners’ unique need to express themselves. From East to West, it is this mindset that resonates with people from different cultures and creeds as described by Harley’s Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hans Richer. It’s not all leather and bad attitudes, but a need to both express individuality and become part of a larger group. Through offerings such as the Blackline, the Parts and Accessories offerings, and the CVO program, Harley-Davidson enables everyone to put their own spin on their products, regardless of who they are, how much they spent and what bike they bought.

Shrines are places so hallowed, so respected, that entering into them sends a chill straight up your spine. They become this way by being attached to events that are legendary and seem almost impossible. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of these places. For over 100 years, people have challenged the laws of physics to extract even more speed out of the vehicles they raced in. To ride here is to ride along with the many legends that have come before. This weekend, I had a chance to ride in this cathedral of speed as a guest of Harley Davidson.

When one thinks of Harley Davidson, racing is not the first thing to come to mind. However, Harley has a proud past and present in various racing leagues across the country, including its own class in AMA racing for the XR1200. Harley is not just chrome and loud pipes, but a significant part of the racing culture in the U.S. For our trip on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they chose a bike that can trace its roots back to racing: the newest Harley V-Rod, the Harley Night Rod.

The original V-Rod is not a racer at first glance. It is by all respects a power cruiser. Back in 2001, it was meant to bring the attitude of Harley cruisers into the new millennium. To do this, they started with a brand new, water-cooled motor. And this is where the racing connection is made. The reason is that the motor of the V-Rod was not made specifically for the bike, it was meant for racing in a bespoke superbike. In fact, the motor was even developed with the help of Porsche. However, the racing bike was shelved, so Harley created the V-Rod instead, and as they say, the rest is history. 10 years later, Harley is celebrating the V-rod with two new versions: the Night Rod and the 10th Anniversary edition.

The true stunner of the two is the Night Rod. Like the Blackline we previously tested, the Night Rod is a blacked-out and tuned-up V-Rod to give both extra performance and increased attitude. Matte paint, wider rear tire, lighter wheels, special exhaust, and inverted front forks update the bike’s looks for the next 10 years.

The Night Rod also rides like no other Harley. Whereas other Harleys feel and ride heavier than they are, the Night Rod feels much lighter. The engine is smoother and more linear in power delivery; silky in nature as compared to the coarseness of some of the other bikes. This character is exemplified on a track like Indy where the bike begins to just sew ribbons of pavement together with its excellent power delivery and effortless, accurate steering.

The bike definitely helps you take in the experience of riding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first thing you see is the grandstand looming above you. The banking dares you to take it a good clip, and the infield curves are a snake of pavement. It is less of a racetrack and more like the Roman Coliseum. Like the Coliseum, the fans roared on as men challenged themselves to not only survive, but also thrive on the track. Taken at even a slower speed, the experience is powerful.

Combine the experience of riding Indy with the new Harley Night Rod and you have a potent mix. The V-Rod, like the creation of Indy’s infield track, may have seemed slightly odd at first. However, time and development has been kind to them and we stand here today the better for it.

Bullz-Eye is driving and testing a 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 and we noticed that this truck gets a lot of attention. There is no mistaking the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 with the black and orange custom paint job and Harley-Davidson decals visible from just about every angle of this truck. While we're working on the review check out this gallery of the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150.

Bullz-Eye is driving and testing a 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 and we noticed that this truck gets a lot of attention. There is no mistaking the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 with the black and orange custom paint job and Harley-Davidson decals visible from just about every angle of this truck. While we’re working on the review check out this gallery of the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150.

The Harley-Davidson XR1200X breaks from contemporary Harley design and embraces the company’s racing roots. The bike is all black, including a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust and black wheels, leaving nothing to polish after a hard day’s ride. The XR1200X is aggressive enough to attract Bubba Blackwell and Seth Enslow, two extreme riders that both pulled off full flips on an early edition of the new Harley.

The XR1200X is being unveiled tonight at 6:30 PM CT in Harley-Davidson’s hometown, Milwaukee. The bike will be available at dealerships later this summer for $11,799.

Oshkosh Defense will be participating in a jam-packed month of events planned across the country as it continues its support of the Armed Forces Foundation’s Rumble with a Cause sweepstakes. The campaign has a goal of raising $150,000 for AFF while providing the opportunity to win one of two custom-painted motorcycles. The AFF provides a wide range of assistance and services to active and retired military members and their families, including counseling, living expenses, funeral arrangements, housing improvements, and career counseling.

One recipient of the organization’s services is retired U.S. Army Captain Mark Little, who lost both of his legs below the knees following an improvised explosive device attack in Iraq in 2007. While recovering in the U.S., Little and other wounded veterans were taken on a getaway vacation to Las Vegas as part of the AFF’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation Program. The program provides moral support and diversionary programs for service members and their families to help cope with the stress of deployment and injury or loss of a loved one.

With the support of Oshkosh, the AFF launched the Rumble with a Cause sweepstakes in October 2009. AFF employees will be on site at a number of events across the country to collect donations and sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes, which closes on April 15, will have two winners, each receiving a one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, donated to the AFF by Oshkosh Defense. Those not able to attend the events may enter online at the official site. It’s only a $10 donation per entry, and even if you don’t end up walking away with a Harley, you’ll still walk away a winner.