Issue 032, 2015 - Harley-Davidson

Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Know your Harley motorcycle, and read and understand your owner's manual from cover to cover. HOG ...

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FOR THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® ENTHUSIAST SINCE 1916

THE SWEET 16s

H I G H WAY R U N AWAY S

WILD WYOMING

2015

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2015

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YOU DON'T N D A LOT TO HAVE A LOT.
IT'S ALL ABOUT DOING MORE WITH LESS. THE ALL-NEW IRON 883TM. THIS ONE IS A BARE- KNUCKLED BOBBER. REDESIGNED FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION, 9-SPOKE MAG WHEELS WITH MACHINED HIGHLIGHTS, BLACKED OUT PIPES, ROLLED LEATHER SEAT, OPTIONAL ABS AND POWER TO BURN.
JUST 5 BUCKS A DAY AND YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED. H-D.COM/IRON883

Financing Offer available only on new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle models financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB), a Harley-Davidson Financial Services company and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 5.09% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant's past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2015 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Denim Pearl with an MSRP of $8,399, 10% down payment and amount financed of $7,559.10, 60 month repayment term, and 5.75% APR results in monthly payments of $145.26. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for details. ©2015 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, and the Bar & Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.

HOG MAGAZINE VOLUME 32 2015
INSIDE

34

FEATURES
26 A Cowboy State of Mind
A journey into the wild American West for the Wyoming H.O.G.® Rally and Sheridan WYO Rodeo.
34 Designing the Machine
Where the Dark CustomTM inspiration came from for the 2016 Iron 883TM and Forty-Eight.®
38 Mile Maker
The 2016 Road Glide® Ultra model takes serious touring to another level.

40 One for the Ages
The Heritage Softail® Classic, now better than ever, stands the test of time.
44 The Power of "S"
Two new Softail models raise the bar on performance.
46 Run Away With Us
Five young women, the "Highway Runaways," ride cross-country to celebrate freedom, self-expression, and Effie Hotchkiss.

54 Power Plant
Welcome to the Temple of Torque, the H-D Pilgrim Road facility.
60 All or (Next to) Nothing
Comparing strategies for camping on two wheels.
ON THE COVER This Forty-Eight® model is just part of the complete lineup of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles recently released for 2016. Read more beginning on Page 34.

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44

6 Intake 10 Opening Shots

THE WORD

15 HD News
Notes from the world of Harley.

19 Rally Point
A look at the remaining 2015 H.O.G.® rally schedule.

21 Gear
The best of the best: FXRG.®

22 Next Ride

Thundering through Nebraska's scenic

54

Sandhills.

24 Spotlight

46

How two H.O.G. members successfully

mix business and pleasure.

EXHAUST

64 Enthusiasts
Readers and riders share pictures and stories.

69 100 Dollar Rides
Camping on the cheap -- old school style.

70 Between the Lines
Climbing the unique challenges of riding in the mountains.

72 H-D Museum®
Before there was Serial Number One, there was a sketch.

74 Last Stop
To wave or not to wave? There's no question.

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SOUND OFF ­ LOUD AND PROUD.
INTAKE

FROM THE EDITOR
Sturgis Bound
W HAT A DIFFERENCE A FEW MONTHS MAKES. In this case, it was about 60 degrees. That was the change in temperature in Sturgis, South Dakota between my trip in March to deliver some of the 75 bricks from the H-D Juneau Avenue headquarters used in the construction of our new Rally Point plaza at the corner of Main Street and Harley-Davidson Way and the return voyage on July 31 to watch the chain-cutting that officially opened our new site just in time for the beginning of the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (see Pages 10-11).
I've lost track of exactly how many times I've made the trip out to the Black Hills over the past 10 years, but it seems like every year Mother Nature has something different to throw at me. I think I've experienced just about every kind of weather at least once, except a full-on tornado, although I've seen some wicked winds out in the Black Hills, where clouds can form on a moment's notice, drop a load of water, and then be gone without a trace. But no matter the temperature or the weather ­ rain, shine, wind, heat, cold, hail, or even snow ­ riding to the Black Hills never gets old. I've made the 900mile ride out enough times that my bike just seems to point its wheel west and go. Every route to South Dakota has its merits, whether it's hustling on the super-slab or meandering through the back roads. And seeing all the other bikes on the road always brings a thrill of anticipation to get there. As you probably know by now, to celebrate its 75th edition, H-D signed a deal to be the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Rally for the next 75 years. I haven't seen the final numbers, but my seat-of-the-pants meter says the anniversary pushed attendance through the roof this year. I calculated that by how numb my butt was from sitting in traffic on Lazelle Street trying to get to the Buffalo Chip on the first Sunday night of the rally. It was nuts, and the Chip wasn't any better. I've never seen the campground so packed ­ or so dusty. We set all kinds of records in the H.O.G.® area at the H-D display, too, including the number of rally pins we gave away. I also became an expert at popping and bagging popcorn for members, so if you were there I hope you got some. If you didn't make it to the rally this year, don't despair. We'll be back next year, and the year after and the year after ... well, I think you get the idea. We've been there since the beginning, and we aren't leaving any time soon.
MATT KING

FEEDBACK
A Time to Read and a Time to Ride When I opened the latest HOG® magazine, it turned into a trip down memory lane as I enjoyed reading the history of the H-D® Electra Glide® motorcycles. Here's a photo from 1971 of the '71 Electra Glide model I owned at the time. I loved that bike and had so much fun with it. It was my first "big" bike, and I learned a lot while riding it. Thanks for the look back in time!
GARY JOHNSON
Lakeville, Minnesota
Off the Beaten Path I had planned a trip to California from my home in Indiana, and I was looking into taking Route 50. After I read the article you did on the Loneliest Road in America, I knew that was the way I wanted to go. The road through Small Town, U.S.A. didn't disappoint, with everything from deserts as far as the eye could see to mountaintops where it snowed and I watched the thermometer move the wrong way. It was a great trip, with wonderful scenery. Thanks, HOG, for helping me make the decision to get off the freeway and see more of our great country.
BOB FRANKO
Crown Point, Indiana

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Keeping Your Cool After reading Mike Zimmerman's article "Thermoregulation and You" in HOG 031, there's something I want to pass along that I tried this summer on a trip from my home in Northwestern Wisconsin through Iowa to the Sandhills region of Nebraska. I purchased a hydration pack, sometimes known as a camel pack, for about $20. Mine holds 1.5 liters of water, and I wear it under my leather jacket. The pack has a long "watering tube" that lays over your shoulder and allows you to drink any time you feel like it while you ride; plus, the water pack helps keep you cool. I rode one day in 100-degree heat and then went for a walk after checking into the hotel in Valentine, Nebraska. I'm happy to say my 2008 Electra Glide and my hydra pack never missed a beat.
BILL BURNHAM
Via email
Harleys and Humble Pie About 10 years ago when my wife, Elaine, and I owned Woody's Sports Bar in Escondido, California (now closed), one of our bartenders was a member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, and invited the Los Angeles affiliate and Mr. Robert Patrick (Spotlight, HOG 031) down for drinks and vittles. He and Priscilla came, and, true to your article, he was humble and accommodating to the dozens of fans who surrounded him. He's the real deal and a class act! I still have my 2000 Heritage Softail® we bought from New York Myke at San Diego Harley-Davidson, and we really, really miss our rides around San Diego County and our Harley®-riding buddies.
RALPH IMHOF
Hudson, Florida
More Deliverance Dear Zim (Mike Zimmerman),
In June at the H.O.G.® Rally in Gunnison, Colorado, a young man told me how much your story about crafting your mom's eulogy while riding to get home ("Deliver Me," HOG 029) meant to him. His dad has only a short time

"After I read the article you did on the Loneliest Road in America, I knew that was the way I wanted to go. It was a great trip, with wonderful scenery. Thanks, HOG, for helping me make the decision to get off the freeway and see more of our great country."
BOB FRANKO, Crown Point, Indiana

left, and your story helped him think of what he will say at his dad's funeral.
While riding to see him recently, he was thinking about his dad, as you were thinking about your mom. Lots of great memories came back of all the good times they had together. He wanted me to thank you for your article and for sharing such a personal view about how riding your H-D motorcycle can take you so many places. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
I want to also thank you. Your stories mean a lot to our members. More than we'll ever know.
J.T. HASLEY
U.S. H.O.G. Events Manager
The Fine Print I'm not sure if others have noticed, but I think the quality of HOG magazine has gotten a lot better over the last couple of years. The articles are very well written and the photos (tour/ride articles) are top-notch. Keep up the good job! It's actually a magazine I look forward to receiving in the mail.
JIM HAYS
Orlando, Florida
Split Up I think most people against lane-splitting feel that way because it seems like it's dangerous even though there's no evidence to support that notion. If lanesplitting helps ease traffic congestion without inconveniencing anyone, then I absolutely think it should be encouraged. To those against it because they don't like

it when someone gets through a traffic jam while they sit there, get a bike!
DAN BATKER
Grand Marsh, Wisconsin
At 72, I've been riding for 52 years. There's one piece of advice I've consistently passed along to other riders during that time: never put yourself and your bike where other people don't expect you to be. Lane-spitting violates that idea. I've never been involved in a bike accident, and I hope to keep it that way. As frustrating and uncomfortable as it may be, no lane-splitting for me.
HIRAM KELSEY
Southington, Connecticut
Lane-splitting is all about driver perception. Being from the Philadelphia area, I can say with certainty that splitting will never work there ­ the local driving culture is one of the most aggressive in the country. While splitting is a great tool for riders to protect themselves, cagers will see it as an annoyance. The first rider to split will be fine, but the next rider will come and have to deal with swerving cars and opening doors. I approve of lane-splitting, but I also know it will never become acceptable to cagers in certain areas.
JOE SEILER
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Check out more responses from our readers on lane-splitting in this issue's Divided Highways on Page 17 --Ed.

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INTAKE

TABLET
Discover HOG® Digital
GET THE DIGITAL EDITION OF HOG MAGAZINE
for exciting bonus content: expanded photo galleries, behind-the-scenes interviews, exclusive videos, and more. Available for iPad, Android, and Kindle Fire tablets. Go to hog.com/tablet for details.

The Devil Made Us Do It Your story "Riding with the Devil" on Page 22 in HOG 031 is totally incorrect. The "road scout" is totally lost! First, the highway known as Devil's Highway is now U.S. Highway 191 that runs north and south through eastern Arizona not New Mexico. It used to be the old Route 666. It never has been in New Mexico, and I'm really surprised that the "road scout" had no idea where he was.
ROCK CRONIN
Green Valley, Arizona
I think the Devil's Highway is in Arizona not New Mexico. It was the many times I rode on it. That's a sad mistake in my opinion.
GREGORY SEEGERS
Princeton, Texas

I enjoyed your Devil's Highway piece but found it a bit misleading. From south to north, Old 666 (now U.S. Highway 191) actually began in Clifton, Arizona and continued north to Sanders, Arizona, where it joined Old 66 (now I-40). It's along this stretch in Arizona where the great curves, Hannagan Meadow, and the Morenci Mine are located. I do hope your piece encourages riders to ride the stretch in Arizona, as it's a wonderful section of road.
MARION MOLL
Cedar Crest, New Mexico
I can understand the author's motive for trying to convince readers that the Devil's Highway (U.S. Highway 191, a.k.a. Coronado Trail National Scenic

Byway) is in the state of New Mexico. But attempting to hide this spectacular road isn't necessary. H.O.G. members who seek out this route will, pretty much, have the 95-mile ribbon of Arizona asphalt all to themselves. You certainly won't encounter any lumbering RVs or semi-trucks between Clifton and Alpine, Arizona.
DENNIS R. NELSON
Amery, Wisconsin
Here's what happened: There's more than one stretch of road known as the "Devil's Highway." We wrote about U.S. 491 in New Mexico; Mark, our "road scout," wrote about U.S. 191 in Arizona. And we didn't catch the contradiction. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks, as always, for keeping us on our toes! --Ed.

WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
We welcome your letters, photos, and riding stories. Please email yours to hogmagazine@harley-davidson.com or mail them to HOG magazine, P.O. Box 453, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Please include your name, address, and telephone number and/or email address. All submissions become property of Harley-Davidson. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and content.

PHOTOGRA PH BY M ARK CHILTON

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FROM THE OWNERS GROUP
Best-kept Secret

W ANT TO KNOW A SECRET? Like the best places to ride in your area. The roads that nobody knows about. The best out-of-the-way places to stop for breakfast or lunch along the way.
Here's the real secret: The best place to learn those secrets is at your local H.O.G.® chapter.
Think about it. Have you ever found yourself in one of those situations where you and your spouse, significant other, or best riding friend say to each other: "I don't know. Where do you want to ride today?" As much as we all love to ride, it's not hard to get stuck in a routine.
That's where chapters come in. Your local chapter is filled with people just like you, who love to ride their HarleyDavidson® motorcycles, and are always looking for new and exciting ways to do it. H.O.G. chapters are all about riding and having fun. About unleashing the collective riding knowledge and experience of the members in order to offer unmatched riding opportunities. They have scenic rides, mystery rides, overnight rides, short rides, new member rides, state discovery rides, curve junkie rides, beach rides, bike night rides, rally rides, urban rides ... you get the picture, there are rides for everyone!
In addition to all the great rides, you're going to meet some

great people. I've traveled all over the country for Harley-Davidson, and without exception, the friendliest, most welcoming people I meet are local chapter members. It's amazing how strong the shared interest of riding a Harley® motorcycle can be when it comes to starting a friendship. H.O.G. chapter members amplify the Harley-Davidson bond and take it to another level.
All you have to do to get started is pick up the phone and call your local dealership. Better yet, get on your bike and ride there. Almost all of our Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealerships sponsor a chapter.
When you get there, ask when the next chapter ride is. Ask for the name of someone you can call to find out more. Chances are, someone working there that day is involved and will be able to tell you what you need to know. All that's left is to make it happen; that is, show up for a ride. After that, you'll be hooked. And you won't be able to keep it a secret. See you on the road.
TIM BUDZIEN
Director, H.O.G. & Membership Programs

Editor in Chief
MATT KING
Design and Production GS · Managing Editor ALISON BAN · Creative Director MARC TEBON · Staff Writer/Photographer MIKE ZIMMERMAN Copyeditors AMY REID, CAREY PECK · Art Directors JACKIE BERNDT, RYAN STRZOK · Production Designer JODY JOZWOWSKI 032 Contributors GLEN ABBOTT, BRAD CHANEY, BILL JACKSON, JOSH KURPIUS, BRIAN J. NELSON, CHARLES PLUEDDEMAN

Visit Harley-Davidson Motor Co. on the Internet at www.harley-davidson.com.
We care about you. Ride safely, respectfully, and within the limits of the law and your abilities. Always wear an approved helmet, proper eyewear, and protective clothing and insist your passenger does too. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Know your Harley® motorcycle, and read and understand your owner's manual from cover to cover.
HOG® magazine is published by Harley-Davidson for members of Harley Owners Group, the official riding club of Harley-Davidson.
We reserve the right to edit all submissions for publication in HOG.

All submissions become property of Harley-Davidson Motor Co. If you'd like your photo returned, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your submission.
All H-D® product illustrations, photographs, and specifications mentioned in the publication are based on the latest product information at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time in prices, colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models and also to discontinue models. Some vehicles in this publication are shown with available equipment.
HOG will not intentionally publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. HOG does not endorse any advertiser or its products, and cannot be responsible for advertisers' claims. Some advertised products are not available outside the U.S.

To advertise in HOG, email John Sandberg at jsandberg@integraonline.com.
No part of HOG may be reproduced for any purpose in entirety or part without the express written consent of Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson, Harley, H-D, HOG, H.O.G., and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
Copyright 2015

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Cutting-edge Opening
A massive crowd was on hand July 31 for the official chain-cutting ceremony to open the new Harley-Davidson Rally Point plaza in Sturgis, South Dakota. Located at the intersection of Main Street and the newly named Harley-Davidson Way, the venue is the cornerstone of a new 75-year agreement between the city and the Motor Company declaring Harley-Davidson the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Photograph by Brian J. Nelson

Air America
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Dana Bowman drops in with a 2,000-square-foot American flag to kick off evening festivities at the 85th Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Bowman, a former member of the Army's elite Golden Knights parachute team, lost both his legs in a skydiving accident in 1994. After becoming the first double-amputee to re-enlist, he retired from the Army in 1996 and now devotes his time to inspiring skydiving exhibitions and working with other disabled veterans.
In the stands to help welcome him that night were H.O.G.® members attending the 2015 Wyoming H.O.G. Rally in Sheridan. To read more about the rodeo and rally, see Pages 26-32.
Photograph by Mike Zimmerman

THE WORD DON'T JUST KEEP UP. TAKE THE LEAD.

KEEP FIRING ON BOTH CYLINDERS.
RENEW YOUR H.O.G.® MEMBERSHIP. AND GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HARLEY-DAVIDSON.
Get the full-on, thundering Harley-Davidson experience with exclusive rides, a network of
like-minded independents and a bunch of other perks that help you get every last town-
cruising rumble out of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. RENEW TODAY AT HOG.COM/RENEW.
©2015 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, and the Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Groovy Gas
Retro rules on this colorful custom fuel tank. The Knucklehead chopper it adorns was just
one of hundreds of unique motorcycles on display at the BORN-FREE Vintage Chopper and Classic Motorcycle Show in Silverado, California.
Photograph by Josh Kurpius

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THE WORD HD NEWS

Infotainment Superhighway
To make sure you're getting the most from your H-D® Project Rushmore infotainment system, here are a few tips on efficient, effective operation.
GET FAMILIAR Your system is designed for easy, intuitive operation while riding. But the road is not a good learning environment. Take time to familiarize yourself with the system and its controls in a safe place, like your driveway. The better you know which buttons and switches do what, the better you can keep your eyes on the road and concentrate on the business of riding.
STAY IN TOUCH Remember that there are two ways to make selections: through the touchscreen and with the joystick (operated by your right thumb). Using the touchscreen is very intuitive and good to use when you're stopped, but learning to use the joystick is a better choice when you're under way, since it allows you to keep both hands on the handlebar.
STAY UP TO DATE You'll get the most from your Project Rushmore infotainment system if you keep its software current. 1. Check which software version you're
currently using by selecting Home > Setup > System Information > Software on your bike's Project Rushmore menu. 2. Check for updates by visiting h-d.com/boom. Click on "Check It" under the header "Software Updates." 3. If an update is indicated, you can download and install the software using a USB drive (follow the instructions at h-d.com/boom or in your BOOM!TM Audio Owner's Manual), or take your bike to a Harley-Davidson® Authorized Dealer to have them do it for you.
As always, more details can be found in your Owner's Manual. And don't hesitate to contact the experts at your local Harley-Davidson dealership if you have any questions.

CRUISERS IN THE NEWS
Power to the Cruisers
Cruiser riders looking for a little extra boost of power have now had their wish granted. For 2016, Harley-Davidson is making the High Output Twin Cam 103TM standard in every Dyna® (except Street Bob®) and Softail® model. That is, except for the Softail Slim® S and Fat Boy® S, which get the Twin Cam 110TM; see Pages 44-45. Tuned to deliver maximum power where you need it most, the High Output Twin Cam 103TM engine provides awesome acceleration and passing performance. In other words, real-world improvement you'll feel on every ride.
KEY ENGINE ENHANCEMENTS: · 103-cubic-inch displacement · High-flow airbox · Camshaft optimized for bottom-end torque
Softail® Models ­ Now Available With Cruise Control
Thinking about buying a 2016 Heritage Softail® Classic, Softail® Deluxe, Fat Boy S, or Softail Slim S model? You should know that each of these models is equipped with standard factory-installed electronic cruise control to make those long runs a little more relaxing. It's made possible by the electronic throttle control that's now standard on all Softail models.
That also means that electronic cruise control is now available as an accessory on any 2016 Softail model, including the Breakout,® Fat Boy,Fat Boy Lo, and Softail Slim® models. For more information, contact your local dealership or visit h-d.com/softail.
PIN STOP
Make One More Stop
H.O.G.® is pleased to announce an additional Pin Stop location to help round out 2015. Don't miss your chance to pick up a cool new pin at the Thunder Beach Autumn Rally in Panama City Beach, Florida, October 21-24. If you're already planning to go, you have no excuse not to stop in. And if you're not planning to go, now you have an excuse to change your plans and make the trip!

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THE WORD HD NEWS

DIVIDED HIGHWAYS
To Lane-split or Not?
WE ASKED: While it's only legal for motorcycles in California, lane-splitting is a hot topic almost everywhere. Proponents say lane-splitting reduces congestion and keeps riders mobile (and thus safe). Others question its safety, and say it reflects badly on riders and annoys drivers. It's not a simple subject, but what do you think ­ to split or not?

61%
SPLITTING, SAFELY AND SLOWLY

39% NOT WORTH THE RISK

YOU SAID: Anything that helps traffic flow makes sense. Too many fender-bender accidents happen in a "moving parking lot." Remove the biker from being there. ­KEN S. ... Lanesplitting is like riding your bike into a running blender. Why would you leave your life up to distracted cagers? ­MATT L. ... I'm not splitting lanes at 70 mph. I'm moving slowly and safely, yet consistently, toward the front of traffic congestion. ­SAMUEL B. ... Maybe it's legal but so is jumping off a 90-foot silo. Both are ill advised in my opinion. ­LEE C. ... The choice to split lanes or not involves several factors and should be made only when you are there in the moment. ­PERRY M. ... It's not that I'm afraid that I'll do something stupid. It's the everyday drivers in cars that worry me. ­ TOM R. ... It might seem dangerous to some, but statistics show lane-splitting is safe. If annoyance alone was enough to make something illegal, then freedom would have no meaning. ­DAN G. ... Lane-splitting is a practice that can be, and is, abused by some bikers, but it makes my daily commute bearable

instead of torture. ­BRUCE C. ... Split lanes or sit on a hot, air-cooled motor while wasting your clutch and risk getting plowed by an oblivious driver? I'll split ­ just have to be smart and polite about it. ­WILLIAM H. ... Safety first. I may miss a light or two and sit in traffic a little longer, but it's worth it to get somewhere alive. ­ROB C. ... When done safely, you're effectively creating an additional traffic lane. I don't see the point of taking up the space of a car when we can ride beside them. ­COLE P. ... A car driver isn't going to see or expect a motorcycle coming between cars; I think it's a recipe for disaster. ­RICH E. ... Like motorcycle riding itself, lane-splitting can be done carelessly or safely. ­DON T. ... In Japan you must lane-split; it's the law. If this country as a whole would say it's legal, I'd give it a couple years before car drivers acclimated to it. Then I'm for it. ­RICH E. ... Lane-splitting (sharing) is not about riding between vehicles at speed. It's about letting me move through slow traffic. California has rules for safely doing this, and I hope all states follow suit. ­BOB C.

NEXT QUESTION:
To Wave or Not?
With a simple hand gesture, motorcyclists connect on the road without saying a word. Yet the wave isn't as easy as it seems. What are the right times to wave at a fellow rider? How do you wave? And do only Harley® riders deserve your attention? How ­ and why ­ do you wave? (See Last Stop on Page 74 to read one man's opinion.)
Send your thoughts to hogmagazine@harley-davidson.com with "Divided Highways" in the subject line. We'll publish the best responses in the next issue.

«

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A CLUB FOR PEOPLE WHO TEND NOT TO JOIN CLUBS.
JOIN YOUR LOCAL H.O.G.® CHAPTER WHERE YOU'LL FIND OTHER RIDERS WHO SHARE A DEEP PASSION FOR THE OPEN ROAD.
Friendships built on Milwaukee steel don't crumble. Your local chapter is the perfect place
to meet like-minded independents who all share a love of the open road. See why joining
a local chapter helps you get the most out of the ride. LEARN MORE AT HOG.COM/CHAPTERS.
©2015 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, and the Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SEIZE THE DAYS
The 2015 rally season is winding down, but there's still plenty of time to squeeze in a few more events. Check the schedule for an upcoming H.O.G.® rally near you (or far away, if you're in the mood to pile up the miles), then hit the road to adventure. You may regret it if you don't. Because every H.O.G. rally is a once-in-alifetime opportunity.

For specific U.S. rally details, visit www.XXstatehogrally.com with "XX" as the two-letter state abbreviation.

SEPTEMBER
KANSAS CITY OPEN HOUSE KANSAS CITY, MO SEPT 11-12
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ
SEPT 17-19
TOMAHAWK OPEN HOUSE TOMAHAWK, WI SEPT 18-19
BIKES, BLUES & BBQ FAYETTEVILLE, AR
SEPT 23-26
RENO STREET VIBRATIONS RENO, NV
SEPT 24-26
YORK OPEN HOUSE YORK, PA
SEPT 24-26
H.O.G. RALLIES PIN STOPS EVENTS

OCTOBER
FORT MYERS, FL
OCT 7-10
HONOLULU, HI
OCT 9-11 BIKETOBERFEST®
DAYTONA BEACH, FL
OCT 15-17 LOVE RIDE
GLENDALE, CA
OCT 18 THUNDER BEACH AUTUMN RALLY
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
OCT 21-24
YUMA, AZ
OCT 22-24
NOVEMBER
JEKYLL ISLAND, GA
NOV 5-7

KEY

GLEN ABBOTT RESIDENT ROAD HOG
ROAD FOOD
One of the joys of any road trip is discovering a great roadside dive. Be it burgers, barbecue, or a burrito, as bikers we flock to these kinds of places like seagulls to a trawler. I'm talking about the types of joints where locals go ­ nothing fancy ­ just good food at a reasonable price, with a certain atmospheric je ne sais quoi [a French expression signifying "a quality that cannot be easily described or named." I'm using the phrase ironically here, but I digress ...].
If you belong to a H.O.G. chapter, you've probably gone on any number of foodcentric rides. Longer road trips can revolve around food, as well, and some states have capitalized on this by designating food trails ­ there's the Hot Tamale Trail in the Mississippi Delta and the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail in New Mexico, to name a couple. Besides talking with the locals, a full parking lot is always a promising sign, and I read somewhere that the number of police cars in the lot is another (the latter doesn't apply if those police cars all have their emergency lights activated, however).
What are some of your favorite roadside haunts? To get started, I'll name a few of mine: Sparky's in Hatch, New Mexico for its green chile cheeseburger; Dinosaur Bar-BQue in Syracuse, New York for

its "Big Ass Pork Plate" (their name, not mine); Crazy Burger in Narragansett, Rhode Island for its "Luna-Sea Burger" (a mix of ground salmon and pistachio pesto); Wein-O-Rama in Cranston, Rhode Island, for its irresistible name and "New York System" wieners (a special type of hot dog covered in meat sauce, mustard, diced onion, and celery salt on a steamed bun); Clinch Mountain Lookout Restaurant in Thorn Hill, Tennessee for its Vinegar Pie (a Depression-era recipe in which vinegar is substituted for lemons); and High Tides at Snack Jack in Flagler Beach, Florida for its Blackened Fish Reuben.
These personal favorites aren't a comprehensive list by any means, and in no way imply an endorsement by HOG® magazine. So we'd love to know your favorites, too. Email hogmagazine@ harley-davidson.com with "Rally Point Road Food" in the subject line.
Some friendly advice, though: You can't claim "What happens on the road, stays on the road" when what happens is visible on your waistline.
See you on the road!

SEND US YOUR RALLY OR EVENT STORY hogmagazine@harley-davidson.com Subject Line: Rally Point

THE WORD HD NEWS

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Here's to the Heroes
Honor America's heroes with hot, new H.O.G.® gear dedicated to the Wounded Warrior Project. This valuable program helps returning soldiers lead more complete, fulfilling lives when they come home from active duty. Order yours today by visiting hog.com/shop.

5 THINGS WILLIE G. WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT
The Fat Boy®

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Fat Boy motorcycle, introduced for the 1990 model year (okay, it's actually the 26th model year!), we asked legendary H-D Chief Styling Officer Emeritus Willie G. Davidson to share some thoughts on this timeless classic.

1 The now-iconic solid disc wheels and big front tire were central to the design. "We did a lot of laced wheels and 21-inch front wheels in those days," Willie says, "but we didn't do a lot with big, fat custom wheels. And when you think of a motorcycle, one of the main things that create character are the wheels. Those big, fat, solid wheels just say `Fat Boy.'"

According to Willie G., a defining characteristic is the simplicity of the design. "It's basically an engine with wheels," he says. The subtlety of the various silver finishes (primarily the
3 "as-cast" wheels, silver paint, and chrome) is also key.
The monochromatic overall look is offset by a few wellplaced yellow highlights ­ what Willie calls "zingers."
4 Willie G. designed the Fat Boy tank emblem to be nostalgic and patriotic ­ a piece of "Americana." The key elements are a star, "USA," the Harley-Davidson name, and a pair of wings. A variation of it has appeared on every Fat Boy model since.

The original Fat Boy prototype is now a part of Willie G.'s
5 private collection. It was displayed as part of the
Harley-Davidson Museum® "Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend" exhibit.

2 The name ­ along with the introductory headline, "Hey, Fat Boy." ­ was considered provocative at the time. "I like the name because it was edgy, it was open to interpretation. We definitely took a little risk with the name and that headline, but it worked beautifully."

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THE WORD GEAR

Ready for Anything
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H arley-Davidson® FXRG® riding gear incorporates the best technologies and materials for the serious rider. Three new FXRG® Switchback jackets from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® Collection take function and versatility to a new level for four-season riding comfort.
The Men's FXRG jackets feature the patent-pending Triple Vent System,TM with three strategically placed zippered vertical vents on each side that allow customizable airflow that's unaffected by backrests or passengers. For even more ventilation, each of these jackets has the new Switchback system of panels on the sleeves and shoulders that zip off to create a mesh jacket. Each jacket also features the FXRG Multi-Liner System that allows a rider to adapt to changing conditions and seasons; a removable zip-out full-sleeve wind/waterproof liner complements a zip-out full-sleeve warmth liner with thermalreflective technology, stretch side and under-sleeve panels, and extended cuffs with thumbholes. The sewn-in ultra-lightweight CE Level 1-approved impact protectors at elbows and shoulders offer added protection, while a back pocket accepts optional CE-approved accessory back impact protectors. h-d.com/store

The MEN'S FXRG® SWITCHBACK LEATHER JACKET is made from mid-weight cowhide leather, and features a removable snap-out kidney belt and snap tabs for a belt to keep the jacket from riding up; and two zippered vertical interior pockets, including one with a media port. 3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material incorporated in the piping, arm panels, and back graphics makes riders more visible in bad weather or after dark. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and available in sizes S-5XL and Tall. Starting at $795
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The MEN'S FXRG® SWITCHBACK RIDING JACKET features a shell made of lightweight yet tough 500 Denier nylon, with durable cowhide leather patches on the shoulders and elbows. It also features a removable snap-out kidney belt and snap tabs; two zippered vertical interior pockets, including one with a media port; and 3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material in the piping, arm panels, and back graphics. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and available in sizes S-5XL and Tall. Starting at $595 P/N 98094-15VM
The WOMEN'S FXRG® SWITCHBACK RIDING JACKET has a nylon oxford shell with reinforced and padded cowhide leather trim on the shoulders and elbows. It also features a removable snap-out kidney belt and snap tabs; two zippered vertical interior pockets, including one with a media port; and 3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material in the piping, arm panels, and back graphics. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty and available in sizes XS-3W. Starting at $595
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THE WORD NEXT RIDE

PHOTOGRAPH BY GLEN ABBOTT

Road Captain Recon
Tips from the Twin Rivers H.O.G.® Chapter
of North Platte

Thunder on the Prairie
The Nebraska Sandhills and Buffalo Bill.

A century and a half ago, vast herds of buffalo thundered over the Great Plains, but nowadays you're more likely to hear the rumble of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in these parts. The Nebraska Sandhills ­ covering 19,000 square miles and a quarter of the state ­ comprise the largest area of grass-stabilized dunes in the Western Hemisphere. Riding the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway ­ one of nine scenic byways in the state ­ takes you through mile after mile of wide-open, grass-covered rolling hills, much of it with native prairie grasses. Don't expect to see actual sand dunes, however ­ most of the sand lies underneath all of that grass, save for some open areas called "blowouts" that look like giant sand traps.

BLAZE A TRAIL
Another of Nebraska's byways includes part of the Lincoln Highway, officially dedicated in 1913 as the country's first transcontinental highway. For history buffs, the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Gold Rush Trail, Pony Express, and the Transcontinental Railroad all followed the course of the Platte River through the state. With two original Pony Express stations, the town of Gothenburg, along U.S. 30, calls itself the "Pony Express Capital of Nebraska."
WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAMED
Although not a Nebraska native, Buffalo Bill Cody casts a long shadow here. William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody developed his

hugely popular "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" traveling show in North Platte in 1883, a hootin,' hollerin,' shootem-up extravaganza. Today, you can visit Scout's Rest, his Victorian mansion and ranch, now part of a state park. A few miles away, stop at Fort Cody Trading Post, a popular old-time "tourist trap," where you can shop for kitschy souvenirs and see a hand-carved 20,000-piece miniature re-creation of his Wild West show.
COWBOY UP
In Valentine, get in touch with your inner cowboy at Young's Western Wear. Founded in 1928, the third-generation family-owned business offers everything from saddles to Stetsons, boots to belts, and a whole lot in between. "The motorcyclist is the modern-day cowboy, in a way," says third-generation owner Mike Young.
See more Nebraska Sandhills photos and video in the HOG® tablet edition. hog.com/tablet

CHUCK WAGON
Cowboys don't go hungry here and neither do motorcyclists. In the
town of Hershey, "There's a café called Butch's that has a delicious fried prime rib," says Twin Rivers H.O.G. Director Gary Smith. "It's out of this world." He also recommends Tumbleweed Cafe in Broken Bow, a small mom-and-pop-type café.
HAPPY TRAILS
Nebraska riders tend to be a hardy lot who don't let a little cold weather get in the way of their motorcycling.
"Whenever there isn't ice and snow on the road is always a good
ride," Smith says. For those who might disagree, "The Sandhills are absolutely gorgeous in the spring."
HOME ON THE RANGE
It shouldn't come as a surprise that cows outnumber people nearly four to one here -- the sandy, arid
soil isn't suitable for farming, but it's perfect for cattle ranching. Most of the land has never been
plowed and has changed very little over the centuries.

For more information, visit sandhillsjourney.com and visitnebraska.com.

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TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN.

YOU'RE PART OF THE HARLEY FAMILY. It runs in your veins. So keep your ride in the right hands with Harley-Davidson® Insurance­
$3,000 Accessory Coverage, Genuine H-D® Parts guarantee, Total Loss Replacement Coverage, H.O.G.® member discount and so much more.
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Harley-Davidson Insurance products are underwritten by Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Insurance quote provided through Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, Inc., a Nevada licensed insurance agency (NV#5597). Available in U.S. only. $3,000 Custom Accessory coverage included in most states with the purchase of Comprehensive coverage. Total Loss Replacement coverage is available in most states at additional charge on late model motorcycles with
CA LICENSE #0B26461 comprehensive and collision coverage. *Excludes state fees and taxes. Discount availability varies by state. All coverage is subject to policy terms. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D and the Bar and Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2014 H-D or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 11D00808.D (05/15)

THE WORD SPOTLIGHT

Second Time's a Charm
Dave and Marie Branovan successfully mix
business and pleasure.

T he first time Dave Branovan brought home a motorcycle it didn't go so well. In fact, he had barely started to explain the rock-solid reasoning behind the purchase before his wife, Marie, interrupted him: "You can get the bike out of the garage right now," she said flatly. "We're not riding motorcycles. It's too dangerous."
And that was that. The bike went back. Ten years later in 1998, it went a little better. Of course, by then things had changed. The kids (four of them) were older. He had a better excuse. And he had a better motorcycle. This time, it was a Harley-Davidson® Road King.® And the "excuse" was that he had started doing some business with the Motor Company, and becoming a rider would help that relationship. "So the sales pitch for me to start riding again was not so over the top!" Dave says. It all started when A Branovan Company (ABC) won a bid to supply

H.O.G.® pins and renewal rockers, a job that later grew to include patches and a wide range of other official merchandise. The key stipulation was that the pins had to exactly match the look and feel of the pins already in circulation. Dave was able to keep the manufacturing process in America and produce pins using the same 85-15 brass (85 percent copper, 15 percent zinc) used since the inception of the H.O.G. pin.
"U.S.A. made," he says. "It's made by Americans who ride and love the brand like you and I do."
This time, Marie said okay. As the owner of the company Dave works for, ABC Gifts, she understood the intrinsic business value. And she was willing to let Dave indulge an old passion for the sake of the business.
What she did not anticipate was that within a matter of months she herself would be learning to ride. Turns out it suited her inner contrarian.
"I was in my 30s, with four children,

running a business, with no time to myself," she recalls. "And I'm like, `What's the craziest thing I can do right now? I'm going to learn to ride a motorcycle!' So that's what started it. It was something for me, that I could do for myself, and enjoy by myself. But with other people, too."
Before they knew it, the Branovans had joined a local chapter, Suburban Milwaukee H.O.G., and threw themselves into their new pastime. Back then, Dave was often on the road working H.O.G. rallies, so he got immersed into the culture at full throttle. Meanwhile, Marie was pretty content to stay home and hold down the fort ­ and the family. But as time went on, they all got involved.
The Branovans have three boys and a girl. The oldest two ­ Jordan, 21, and Joshua, 19 ­ ride now, too. Jacob and Jenna, 16 and 14, are on their way, as well. All four kids have been on long rides with their dad, though some have taken to it more readily than others.
"Joshua, he's our road-tripper," Dave says. "I mean, this kid ... we've done everything. We've gone around all the Great Lakes together, we went to Sturgis. He's been all over."
So what started as a "business decision" has grown into a true passion for the entire family. Dave rides a 2013 Ultra Limited. And Marie has finally gotten her long-desired Fat Boy® ­ though now she has to fight off Joshua to ride it.
She started with a Sportster® but quickly realized she really wanted a Big Twin. So Dave, as a surprise, brought home a shiny, new CVOTM Softail® Springer. It was a beautiful bike, just not quite what she had in mind.
"It was such a `Homer gift!'" Marie says with a huge smile, a reference to an episode of "The Simpsons," where Homer gives his wife Marge a bowling ball ­ with "HOMER" engraved on it ­ as a birthday present. "He was hoping I wouldn't like it so that he could have it!"
But it all worked out in the end. They both enjoyed the Springer for a few years before trading it in for the custom 2003 100TH Anniversary Fat Boy she rides now.
The lesson? Dave, will actually consult his wife before he brings home another motorcycle to park in the garage. Or he may just find himself sleeping there.

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KINGS OF THE ROAD TRIP
Roll up and save 10% or more on your room. Earn bonus points toward free stays.*

TO SIGN UP FOR THE BEST WESTERN RIDE REWARDS® PROGRAM OR BOOK A STAY, VISIT BESTWESTERN.COM/HOG OR CALL 1-888-292-2453.
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*Restrictions apply. See bestwesternrewards.com for complete details. **Number is approximate and may fluctuate. Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Harley-Davidson, Harley, H-D, the Bar & Shield Logo, and the H.O.G. Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Best Western and the Best Western marks
are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc. ©2015 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.

YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Contact us today at 1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873) or Roadtrek.com to find out more

With all the amenities of a larger motorhome but the added benefit of its smaller size, a Roadtrek is the perfect place to call home after a day of riding the open road. Add in our towing capabilities, ease of driving and tons of storage space and exploring the countryside will never be the same.
There's no better time than now to start your journey.
Visit us at Sturgis 2015 and step inside the Roadtrek of your dreams.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ZIMMERMAN

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It might just be the manliest place
I've ever set foot ­ behind the bucking chutes at the 85th Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Everywhere I turned, battered young men wearing boots, chaps, cowboy hats, sweat, Wrangler jeans, and serious looks wrapped various limbs and nursed nagging injuries. You could almost smell the testosterone. Or maybe that was just my own insecurity. Rarely have I felt like such a wimp.
That area of the rodeo is off-limits to spectators. But my press pass and

camera gave me access. And I'll admit, I felt like a little kid. I've always loved cowboy stuff, the Western mystique. So when someone casually tossed aside a horseshoe, freshly thrown from the hoof of a genuine bucking bronco, I immediately asked, "Is that going to get thrown away?"
"Probably," he said. "Do you want it?" "Absolutely!" I said with a huge grin. So much for detached professionalism. But I really wanted that horseshoe. It would go nicely with the cowboy hat I planned to buy on the way out ­ not to mention the set of longhorns that hang in my office (a souvenir from a long-ago road trip). I was in Sheridan to explore the overlap between the Harley life and the rodeo life. This legendary cowboy town, in the heart of the Cowboy State, provided the perfect opportunity, with the rodeo and the Wyoming H.O.G.® Rally in town the same week. Yee-ha!
Sheridan or Bust
There's a reason they're called "iron horses," you know. Because there's something about riding a motorcycle that evokes the same sense of freedom and adventure that cowboys must feel on the open range. As I rode my rented 2015 Ultra Limited Low from Shoshoni to Sheridan, it wasn't hard to put myself in that place. Leading the way were Bryk and Martha Cook, and their good friends Bill and Miriam Klingsporn. By Sunday, we were all friends.
The first big item on the rally agenda was a poker run on Thursday. But not just any poker run: a 260-mile all-

day ride through the rugged Bighorn Mountains. There were seven stops in all, counting the start and finish at rally HQ, the Trails End Motel. It was a lot of riding for a measly pair of jacks, but you know what they say: It's not the jackpot, it's the journey. Every mile was more spectacular than the last. And at each checkpoint, happy riders cooled off, chowed down, and soaked up the camaraderie.
That evening it was off to the rodeo, where cowboys and fans wore pink for breast cancer awareness. In their rally packages, H.O.G. members received a

bright pink bandana so they could take part. But even the impressive display of pink was nothing compared to the entrance made by Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Dana Bowman. This inspiring double-amputee parachuted into the arena pulling a 2,000-square-foot American flag to officially open the festivities. You've never heard a louder cheer.
I spent most of the evening lurking among the dirty, sweaty cowboys behind the chutes, watching everything with wide eyes ­ and perhaps hoping that some of their cowboy-ness might rub off on me. The horseshoe ­ which still has nails and bits of horse hoof attached ­ was as close as I got.
Animal Athletes
In these sensitive P.C. times, it would be tempting to think of riding bulls and broncos as animal cruelty. But I was struck by how calm these animals were as they waited to be ridden. I expected the horses to be fidgety and anxious, but they weren't. I asked one of the cowboys why this is, and he said, in effect, that

these horses are "professionals." They're doing a job. They've done it many, many times, and they know the routine. They're actually bred for it.
The bulls were even more surprising. They were completely passive as they waited to be loaded into the chute. And as I watched the cowboys prepare their bulls to be ridden, not one animal seemed to object. Once the rider takes a seat, however, the bull's demeanor changes. It's game on.
My impression is that the bull knows he's in a fight ­ and it begins as soon as the cowboy lowers himself into place. It's one of the most dangerous times for the rider. One ride was delayed several minutes because the bull decided to lean against the gate, pinning the rider's leg. It must have been very painful, but it didn't stop the ride from proceeding once they pushed the stubborn 2,000-pound beast off the poor man's leg.
I also got the sense the bull wants to fight. Yes, the bull is angry ­ but I think it's the same way a boxer or UFC fighter is angry when he fights. Bulls are

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naturally aggressive, and going after the cowboy who's trying to ride him provides an outlet. Again, it's what he's bred to do. Like a sled dog that will run 'til it drops if you let it.
Or maybe I'm just high on rodeo juice. Whatever the case, it makes a wildly entertaining spectacle.
Riding vs. Ridin'
I wanted to find out if Harley riders like to rodeo ­ and if rodeo cowboys and cowgirls like to ride Harley® motorcycles. I figured there'd be some overlap. But what I learned is that if you're serious about rodeo, it dominates your life during the warm months. You travel constantly, from one event to the next,

trying desperately to win enough points (that is, prize money) to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. That's where the real money is.
And in Wyoming, there are rodeos everywhere. They hold one every night

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in Cody, I was told. There's demand because of all the tourists. There was even a rodeo happening in Casper (where I rented my motorcycle at Oil City H-D) that very same weekend. It seemed like every small town we rode through had a rodeo arena. Where I grew up, every kid had a baseball glove; here, I imagine every kid has a saddle.
And there's more to "Rodeo Week" than the event itself, including a big Friday morning parade. The H.O.G. rally-goers were invited to ride, but I chose to watch and take pictures instead. This gave me a great view of one of the best parades I've ever seen, featuring more than 125 entries. But it also meant I didn't get to experience the joy of riding

2.3-mph for an hour or so in the hot sun on a hot motorcycle, while dodging truly monumental amounts of horse poop. I guess when there are so many horses in a parade, it's pointless to try to pick it up as you go. There was so much, we were genuinely concerned that a misplaced foot or tire might send a rally-rider to the ground, but the only casualties were a few cramping clutch hands.
And it was great to see H-D, H.O.G., and the rally so well represented in the parade. You could tell by the crowd's reaction that they're not too accustomed to seeing so many horses of the iron variety.
Back at the rally, one of the highlights was Saturday morning's biker games. Just as rodeo was created as a competitive

outlet for ranching skills, biker games emphasize riding skills. The slow race is a great example. I've always wanted to try it, so I signed up.
The object of a slow race is to be the last of three riders to cross the finish line, about 25 yards away, without putting a foot down. It's harder than you might think, requiring a lot of balance and clutch/throttle control. As I waited for my turn, I watched many of the riders put a foot down within seconds. So I developed a strategy: make sure I finished the course and hope my opponents didn't.
But wanting to avoid an early exit, I started a little too fast and moved quickly into the "lead." Once I got

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stabilized, I slowed to a crawl. The rider to my left was out, but the guy to my right was still behind me. So once I crossed the line, all he had to do was stay on two wheels. Which he did.
Bryk said I did really well for a firsttimer ­ and that the guy who beat me, F.C. Dobbs of New Castle, Colorado, was one of the best slow riders in all the land (and the eventual champion). But as far as I was concerned, second place (in the heat) is just first loser. Just wait'll next year!
It might not compare to riding bulls and broncos, and barrel racing and calf roping and other real cowboy stuff, but it was a lot of fun, just the same.
Last Rides
After the biker games and a bike show Saturday morning, closing ceremonies at lunch, and some more riding in the afternoon, I made my way back to the arena for a little more rootin' and tootin.' The Saturday night Finals were sold out, and I immediately noticed a more formal air. It felt like even more of an event, with more fancy shirts and pretty dresses on display than the previous night. There was a definite "goin' out on a Saturday night" feel to the festivities. And the weather, again, was perfect.
At the stroke of 10:30, I watched as 23-year-old bull rider Cody Teel, on the very last ride of the 2015 Sheridan WYO Rodeo, scored 89 points to pull into a tie with 30-year-old Shane Proctor. Each man earned $3,911 for his efforts. The seventh- and eighth-place finishers earned $344. Nobody's getting rich here. But every dollar counts and gets them just a little bit closer to that dream of riding in Las Vegas.
Many of the cowboys, once they were eliminated, had already packed up and moved on to the next event. As for me, I would be saddling up early the next morning to ride to Casper with Rally Coordinator Eric Keyes to return my steed and board a plane back to Milwaukee.
It was an easy ride to Casper, freeway all the way, with no traffic, great scenery, pleasant temperatures, and beautiful blue skies. Unlike at the parade or the rodeo, there was not a drop of horse poop anywhere.
But in a strange way, I kind of wished there was. I guess that's what you'd call a cowboy state of mind. So maybe some of that cowboy-ness rubbed off, after all.
See more photos of the Wyoming H.O.G. Rally in the HOG® tablet edition. hog.com/tablet

2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR

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DESIGNING THE MACHINE
TWO DESIGNERS DISCUSS THE NEW IRON 883TM AND FORTY-EIGHT® MOTORCYCLES.

2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR

B efore a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle settles into its place of honor in your garage, long before it arrives at your local dealership, and even before it rolls off the assembly line, the vision of what that motorcycle will look like begins as an idea in the mind of a designer. How does a machine go from a sketch on paper to real iron and steel? Where do the ideas come from that inspire the sketches?
Ben McGinley and Dais Nagao are two young members of the talented Styling team at HarleyDavidson's Product Development Center whose job it is to make that happen. For 2016, they have designed a pair of new motorcycles, the Iron 883TM and Forty-Eight,® that are on the cutting edge of Harley-Davidson's Dark CustomTM styling movement. We asked each designer to describe the new models in their own words.

IRON 883TM

FORTY-EIGHT®

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D AIS NAGAO was born in Tokyo and studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, the alma mater of H-D Styling legend Willie G. Davidson. A fan of motorcycles and Mopar muscle cars since he was young, designing motorcycles combines his love of machines and drawing.
The approach to the project to redesign the Iron 883TM motorcycle was to build a factory bobber with a bare-knuckle, rough-around-the-edges feel, but without the crudeness or imperfections you often find on garage builds.

When you walk into the dealer and see this bike on the floor, I'd like you to think how it would look after you have put your own miles on it. This is a bike that could look right with some patina on it brand new, but I think it's the privilege of the owner to put it there. The more you ride it, it may get some scratches or dings and dents, but those will make the bike look even better.
To me, the appeal of a Sportster® motorcycle is the beauty and timelessness of its basic structure. It feels young, pure, and sexy. It's nimble and agile, and everything comes together in a great package. We were given such a fantastic foundation to begin with, but we took it a couple notches higher with a visual and performance upgrade.
The wheel design is a highlight of this project because we were able to reduce the weight by eight pounds total, which is a big improvement in unsprung weight. From a design approach, I went

back to a 9-spoke design, which is a familiar look for the Sportster family, with machine-cut spokes to give a new visual identity to the wheels. The Engineering team then took that design and knew how to machine the spokes to reduce the weight. It was a big challenge, but it really adds to the agility the Iron 883 is known for.
For the tank graphics, the eagle in particular, I worked very closely with Ted Turner, our graphic guy, and he started with the hand-sketched HarleyDavidson logo and turned that into the eagle. We had so many iterations and different sizes and placements, but the final version we came up with has the right balance, and it's located in the sweet spot on the tank. h-d.com/iron

B EN MCGINLEY grew up near Madison, Wisconsin and attended design school in Milwaukee. A lifelong gearhead who joined the Styling team five years ago, one of his first jobs at Harley-Davidson was working on the Project LiveWireTM electric motorcycle.
The Forty-Eight® is all about being minimal and stripped down, but also muscular and tough. Having that fat front tire and the small tank emphasize the engine, and it all plays into that toughness. It has a very functional look to it.
One of the things we went after with the new Forty-Eight model was to give

it an even more muscular look and a bit more performance with the front end. We've gone from the current model's 39mm forks to 49mm forks. They're really beefy, very tough looking, and add a lot of stiffness. But even though the forks are larger and we've got new cast wheels and beefy triple clamps, the whole assembly is actually lighter than the current model, so it's not only about the look but also paying attention to how we can make it perform better, handle better, and be more fun to ride.
We drew some inspiration from '60sand '70s-era Harley-Davidson graphics for the tank graphics for the Forty-Eight. The graphics echo that era without
being totally literal. It's a new twist on a theme. The repeating slot pattern in the tank graphic you'll see elsewhere in the bike. It's

in the belt guard and exhaust shields, too ­ it adds a little bit of lightness and also provides a sort of visual theme to carry across the bike. No one piece is designed on its own; it's all part of a larger whole.
Another thing that's really cool about the Forty-Eight is how compact it appears. To keep that feeling of mass centralization, we blacked out the pipes and added slotted shields so it brings your eye toward the center of the bike. h-d.com/fortyeight

2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR

MILE MAKER
THE 2016 ROAD GLIDE® ULTRA TAKES SERIOUS TOURING FURTHER.

W HEN THE ROAD GLIDE® MODEL RETURNED to the Harley-Davidson® Touring lineup for the 2015 model year, riders around the world hailed the aerodynamic advances of its new fixed fairing and the improvements in style, power, and infotainment that Project Rushmore delivered.
With their sleek and minimalistic styling, the Road Glide and Road Glide Special models that were introduced last year are the hot rods of the Touring family, but for 2016 Harley-Davidson takes the Road Glide model a step in a different direction with the Road Glide Ultra. With outstanding aerodynamics and fitted with

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all of the most essential touring amenities, it's a motorcycle built for riders who are born for the long haul.
"We know that Road Glide Ultra motorcycle riders historically put the most miles on their bikes, on average, of all our customers," says Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Planning Paul James. "So we built this bike with those serious long-distance riders in mind.
"It's the bike of choice for people who ride the longest and hardest miles. And the bike a lot of our riders have been asking for."
With its standard 13.5-inch-tall windshield, no other Harley-Davidson model provides better wind protection ­ for both rider and passenger ­ as proven in

wind-tunnel testing. That's also thanks to a redesigned "rider triangle" (defined by the relative position of the feet, hands, and hips), which adds comfort, reduces head buffeting, and fits more riders.
"The new riding position puts this bike within reach ­ quite literally ­ of a much wider range of riders," James says.
Other highlights include a premium lighting package, Tour-Pak® carrier with luggage rack, Twin-CooledTM High Output Twin Cam 103TM engine, ReflexTM Linked Brakes with ABS, and much more.
All things considered, the 2016 Road Glide Ultra is everything you need to satisfy the long-distance road warrior in you. h-d.com/roadglideultra

ROAD GLIDE® ULTRA FEATURES
OUTSTANDING AERODYNAMICS
The new handlebar and seating location put the rider into a more comfortable position -- out of the wind and within easier reach of the handlebar. With the stock 13.5-inch windshield, mid-frame air deflectors, fairing lowers, and triple splitstream venting, its aerodynamics provide a large reduction in rider head buffeting.
PROJECT RUSHMORE INFOTAINMENT The Road Glide Ultra is equipped with a BOOM!TM Box 6.5GT Radio with 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen display, USB port for iPod/iPhone, navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and more.
TWIN-COOLEDTM HIGH-OUTPUT TWIN CAM 103TM ENGINE Twin cooling circulates coolant around the exhaust ports in the cylinder heads to deliver at- or near-peak performance under all operating conditions. A higher compression ratio and high-flow airbox deliver the fastest 60-80 mph 5th gear roll-on performance in Harley-Davidson history. Translation: amazing passing power.
DUAL REFLECTOR DAYMAKERTM LED HEADLAMPS LED headlamps deliver improvements of up to 67 percent in spread (light across the road) and 25 percent in punch (light down the road) to help you see and be seen like never before.
REFLEXTM LINKED BRAKES WITH ABS The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) turns locked-up wheels into a thing of the past. And the electronically linked front and rear brakes make you a better rider by applying the perfect front-torear balance, every time.
TOUR-PAK® LUGGAGE WITH RACK Roomy top box easily accommodates two full-face helmets with an easy-toopen one-hand latch. (The saddlebags also open with just one hand.) Packed an extra bag? Bring it. The sleek, stylish, and functional luggage carrier makes it easy.

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2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR
ONE FOR THE AGES
HIGH STYLE AND HIGH TECH COMBINE FOR A CLASSIC AND COMFORTABLE TOURING EXPERIENCE.

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T HROUGH THE YEARS, NO OTHER HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MODEL has ridden a straighter path to the present than the Heritage Softail® Classic. Before there was an "official" Touring family of HarleyDavidson motorcycles, the bikes that preceded the Heritage Softail® in form, function, and style defined touring for generations of riders. Introduced in 1986, the Heritage Softail Classic is still the bike of choice for many riders who want to eat up miles in classic comfort and style.
The model's roots go back to the 1949 FL Hydra-Glide, the first Harley-Davidson Big Twin model equipped with hydraulic front suspension. Much has changed technologically since then, but you can still clearly see the influence of the Hydra-Glide in the Heritage Softail Classic models of the 21st Century, which retain the iconic styling elements that have made it one of our most popular models.
On the surface, there's no mistaking the nostalgic styling. Soft leather saddlebags. Iconic deep-skirted front fender. Wide, comfortable leather seat. Optional whitewall tires. Stylish "conchos" on seat and saddlebags, with red starburst inserts. A look that never goes out of style.
For 2016, it gets even better, with more power, key styling enhancements, and a saddlebag full of touring upgrades.
TOP TO BOTTOM IMPROVEMENTS
Look closer at the 2016 model, and you'll notice that those beautiful saddlebags have been reinforced with a new and improved support structure. You'll see a new High-Output Twin Cam 103TM engine ­ which you'll especially appreciate when you're rolling on the throttle to pass. And you'll see a switch near your left thumb to control the standard electronic cruise control ­ a feature not previously available on any Softail model. Never before has a Softail model offered so many touring amenities.
"Even though it looks so familiar, this bike is truly groundbreaking in the Softail family," says Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Product Planning Manager Rebecca Krueger. "So whether you're someone who's been riding a Heritage for years or are a newer rider looking for a little more touring comfort, the 2016 Heritage Softail Classic is a real step up. But one that fits right in with the history it represents." h-d.com/heritage

2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR

HERITAGE SOFTAIL® CLASSIC FEATURES
A CLASSIC TOURING ALTERNATIVE

Even though it's not officially a member of the Touring model family, there's a host of reasons so many riders choose the Heritage Softail Classic motorcycle as a long-haul option:
PASSENGER BACKREST Ready for a comfortable two-up ride, right from the start.

WINDSHIELD Great for riders who prefer an unobstructed view of the road (vs. the view from behind a fairing).
Detachable for shorter trips around town or when you want to
feel the wind on your face.

SEAT Big, wide, and comfortable, it offers fuller support on long trips.
FIT Seat height is just 27.2 inches, which puts it within easy reach of shorter riders.
SADDLEBAGS No upgrade required to hit the road right off the showroom floor.

NEW CRUISE CONTROL Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever toured without it.
NEW HIGH-OUTPUT TWIN CAM 103TM ENGINE Awesome passing power comes standard. Even better when you add Screamin' Eagle® pipes.

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS
1949 FL HYDRA-GLIDE
Inspiration for the Heritage lineup.
1984 FXST SOFTAIL®
First bike of its kind: "Hardtail" styling with hidden rear suspension.
1986 ORIGINAL HERITAGE
SOFTAIL® First FL Softail; windshield and bags not standard.
1988 FLSTC HERITAGE SOFTAIL®
CLASSIC Windshield and bags standard.
1993 HERITAGE SOFTAIL®
NOSTALGIA Cult classic; a.k.a. the "Moo Glide," due to its black-and-white paint.

1949 1986 1993

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1994-96 HERITAGE
S O F TA I L® S P EC I A L Like the "Moo Glide," with less cow.
2000 TWIN CAM 88BTM
ENGINE Counter-balancers added to reduce vibration from the rigidmounted Softail engine.
2007 HERITAGE
S O F TA I L® C L ASS I C New Twin Cam 96TM engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission.
2016 HERITAGE SOFTAIL®
CLASSIC High-Output Twin Cam 103TM engine, reinforced soft leather saddlebags, electronic cruise control standard, and styling enhancements.
Photography courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.®

I RIDE AMERICAN MADE
The highest-mileage tire ever offered as Harley-Davidson® original equipment*
Made in America from domestic and foreign materials, incorporating Dunlop's MT Multi-TreadTM technology for high mileage and great handling
Fits all 2009-2015 Harley-Davidson® touring models Enjoy the freedom of the open road with Dunlop because riding more is better than riding less

Share your I RIDE story @RideDunlop

*Actual mileage varies depending on road conditions, riding habits and tire maintenance.
For more Dunlop tire information go to dunlopmotorcycle.com or call 800-845-8378. ©2015 Dunlop.

D408FTM/D407TTM

Do not overload your tires. Never exceed vehicle load capacity found in your owner's manual. Never exceed maximum load molded on the tire sidewall. Check your tire pressure frequently and always before extended trips. Obey all traffic and safety laws. Dunlop does not endorse or encourage exceeding legal speed limits.

©2015 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D and The Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2 0 1 6 NEW MODEL YEAR
THE POWER OF "S"
HAS EVERYTHING YOU WANT. AND NOTHING YOU DON'T NEED.
F OR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN A REGULAR PRODUCTION MODEL, you can get the power of a Harley-Davidson® Screamin' Eagle® Twin Cam 110TM engine from the factory in a pair of new-for-2016 cruisers: The Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S models.
We started with the idea that there's no such thing as too much power. After all, who isn't thrilled by the unmistakable rush of power and speed that follows a firm twist of the throttle?
Next we took the styling to the dark side. To paraphrase Henry Ford, you can have the Fat Boy S in any color you want ­ as long as it's Vivid Black or Denim Black. The Softail Slim S comes in Vivid Black or Olive Gold Denim with military-inspired graphics, paying homage to the WWII-era WLA military model that so many returning GIs built into the stripped-down bobbers that inspired the original Softail Slim model.
Each bike comes standard with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and security system for comfort and confidence, creating a complete custom package that will turn heads as fast as you can twist the throttle. h-d.com/smodels

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On July 1, 2015, five young female riders set off from Brooklyn, New York to follow in the
tire tracks of Effie Hotchkiss. Effie, with her mother Avis in the sidecar, made history ­
and shattered all kinds of stereotypes ­ by riding from New York to San Francisco on
a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle in 1915.
Today, there are new stereotypes to shatter and new history to be made. But these five "Highway
Runaways" don't ride for posterity. They ride for the joy and freedom of it. And to shine a light on what Lana MacNaughton, creator of the Women's Moto Exhibit, calls "a new wave of women riders." Women who are not afraid
to take life by the handlebars, carve out their own identities, and ride their own roads.
If they happen to knock down a few barriers along the way ... well, we never wanted those barriers built in the first place.
Here are their stories. In their own words ...

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Off road at White Sands, New Mexico

RUN AWAY WITH US

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"I think the trip overall has made us all really want to be more minimal ... In the way we spend and how we live. We want to be on the road more and experience more adventure and go more places. If you're on a good, strong bike, like our Harleys, you can go anywhere."
Lanakila MacNaughton

The Runaways at an abandoned ghost town outside of Austin, Texas (L-R) Jenny Czinder, Nina Kaplan, Lanakila MacNaughton, Imogen Lehtonen, Megan Allen
LANA | Transformation
I grew up on a one-acre plot in southwest Portland, Oregon. I was a tomboy. I grew up with all boys. I remember punching boys in the face and stealing their candy around the age of 7. I spent my time in the forest playing around, and I was usually covered with cuts and bruises from head to toe. I played a lot of sports, soccer and snowboarding mostly. I was super-competitive from a very young age. I always needed to be number one.
After I got sober, life was really boring for about a year. One summer day, I had to drive the car to the river while everyone else rode their bikes alongside me. It made me feel really envious. I was determined to learn how to ride.
I wanted to shine a light on these incredible women riders I was meeting and share their stories with the world. That was my mission. I have always taken photos. At first it was just simply asking women if I could photograph them riding. It started off well, and something clicked. I knew that this could be something big.
This trip represents a transformative period in my life, where I am pushing past my own fears and breaking through new boundaries. I think my number-one goal on this earth is to live as free as I possibly can. Not just physically but spiritually. Not let society's expectations of what or who I should be affect me. Stay true to who I am and live for the magic.
Learn more about Lana, her photography, and the Highway Runaways crew at womensmotoexhibit.com

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MEGAN | Courage
I was born in San Clemente, California but raised in beautiful Oceanside, California by the beach.
The independence and freedom of riding are what inspired me to start riding, along with my boyfriend, and my good friend Mitchella. My brother Devin's death also had an effect. These influences collectively showed me a new world, and a new life path of exploration and adventure. I decided to live life to the absolute fullest and owning a motorcycle was in that plan. Now I ride every day and don't even own a car.
Women have come a long way as far as equality and rights, and having a voice in society. However, your sex, race, style, or what you look like doesn't matter to me when it comes to riding. It all boils down to the simple fact that you are on two wheels and share the passion of riding.
Meeting people and going on crazy, interesting adventures breaks down my walls and allows me to open up. To ride a motorcycle in all weather conditions has built up my courage tremendously. As John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."

NINA | Dreams
I grew up around motorcycles. My dad is a British bike enthusiast and would always take us to Norton events around California.
In my time in England (I lived in London for eight years), I developed a desire to ride motorcycles. It made sense to move back to California, where my dad had a garage full of motorcycles to chase the passion that was growing inside me.
I ride as often as I can, out to the horse barn about 50 miles from my house; or to the beach; or at sunset, catching the last rays of light and then that final dusk right before nightfall.
This trip means so much to me. I have dreamed about seeing the country on two wheels, and when this opportunity presented itself I jumped at it. My father inspired me from a young age with stories of his motorcycle travels. When he was discharged from the Army after serving in Vietnam, he purchased a 1968 P11 in Chicago and
rode it to New York. Then he shipped the bike to Amsterdam, and rode it all around England and Western Europe.
Being on this trip now, I feel the same sense of wild adventure. It has given me a sense of admiration for my father's service as well as the rebellious freedom he created for himself on his motorcycle following the Vietnam War.

Nina waiting for the rest of the crew to suit up and head out on the open road

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The Runaways heading to Las Cruces from Big Springs, Texas through the Guadalupe Mountains

JENNY | Bliss
I was born in Norman, Oklahoma, but when I was 3 years old my parents moved us to Fairfield, Iowa to be a part of a Transcendental Meditation community. I learned how to meditate when I was 5 and have been practicing it ever since.
I'm a super-curious person, and when motorcycles came into my awareness, through my boyfriend at the time, it looked like so much fun I had to try it on my own. Now, if I don't have my dogs with me or I don't need to haul stuff that's too big for my bike, I'm riding.
This might sound strange, but life became a bit quieter when I first discovered motorcycles. I'd come across the kind of profound silence you find through meditation or while gazing up at the universe. And there I was, in that emptiness, looking back at myself, peaceful and smiling, patiently waiting. I was overwhelmed with familiarity and relief, like I'd finally found my way home.
My experience riding has encouraged me to let go of the person I was, so I can become the person I want to be. I'm not really afraid of anything. If I find myself in fear of something, it's okay because it's all part of the process of self discovery, and so I let it wash over me.
The moment I started riding I instantly had the goal to ride across the country. And I knew it would happen. I was determined to make it happen. However, I did not expect it to happen like this. This trip is more magical than anything I could have imagined. The places, the people, the riding is all confirmation to me that I can create anything I want in this life if I simply put my positive attention on it.

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IMOGEN | Tribute
I was born in London, and my family moved to New Zealand when I was a baby. I grew up in a two-bedroom cottage that over time my dad built into a four-bedroom rambling jungle house. This is the only home I have ever known, and I still go back to visit my family there as often as I can.
I am a silversmith for my family company, The Great Frog, which was started in London in 1972 by my uncle and aunt. My parents met each other and fell in love working there together. For the past 18 months I've been running our new flagship store in Los Angeles.
My dad is my biggest inspiration. He used to ride a Panhead around Florida in the '70s before he moved to London and met my mother. Growing up I spent a lot of time in his workshop, watching and learning as he worked on various projects. He was a mechanic, a jeweler, a builder, and an all-around jack-of-all-trades.
When we found out that my dad had cancer, none of us could believe it. He had always had the most positive attitude and refused to let it change our family dynamic. He did everything in his power to stay around as long as possible, and it worked. We got seven years instead of the 18 months he was originally sentenced with. When I ride, I'm the closest I can get to feeling him near me, and my words to him come easier from inside my helmet.
Riding across the States was something my dad had talked about wanting to do ­ so for me this trip is a dedication to him. I've been in awe of the beautiful and changing scenery we've been riding through and feeling that he's there with me. The one-year anniversary of his passing was difficult to endure without my family, but I know that he would be so proud and stoked on this journey I'm taking.

A pit stop water break in Taos, New Mexico

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PROJECT BIKE
Black on White
Project bike blacks out the White Sands of New Mexico.
For a cruiser, the 2015 HOG® project bike sure has been logging a lot of miles. First it took that frigid ride from Milwaukee to Sturgis with HOG Editor Matt King. Then it cruised from Los Angeles to Canada on U.S. 395 with contributing photographer Carlan Tapp. But this third leg of the year-long journey is clearly its biggest adventure yet.
In August, as you may have read about in the previous pages, our favorite 2015 custom Wide Glide® motorcycle accompanied five amazing young women on the journey of a lifetime, from New York to San Francisco. Who says cruisers can't double as touring bikes?!
One of the highlights was a stop at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, where the gleaming sand beautifully set off the increasingly dark and menacing motorcycle. Where a glimmer of chrome once caught your eye, the subtle sheen of basic black now urges a second look -- all the better to draw attention to the allures of its "Highway Runaways" rider.
See if you can spot all the differences by taking a look at the parts list below. To learn more -- about the bike and its five new best friends -- check out Chapter 3 at hog.com/projectbike.

Phase 3
PA R T

PART NO.

Bobber-Style Round Air Cleaner Cover -- Gloss Black

61300128

Rocker Box Lower Housing -- Wrinkle Black

17618-99A

Rear Turn Signal -- Black

67800217

Front Turn Signal -- Black

67800178

Street Bob® Battery Box Cover

66444-12DH

Pushrod Cover Kit -- Gloss Black

17900033

Front Split 7 Spoke Floating Brake Rotor -- Black

41500108

Rear Split 7 Spoke Floating Brake Rotor -- Black

41500110

Front Brake Rotor Hardware Kit -- Chrome 46646-05

Rear Brake Rotor Hardware Kit -- Chrome 46647-05

Burst Collection Footpegs -- Round

33600059

Black Fin Timer Cover -- Wrinkle Black

32677-01

Black Fin Derby Cover -- Wrinkle Black

25454-01

Burst Collection Brake Pedal Pad -- Small

50600140

Rocker Box Cover -- Wrinkle Black

17620-99

Finned Headbolt Bridge -- Black

43859-00

Edge Cut Billet Style Rear Brake Lever

41600003

Slotted Black Anodized Custom Gear Shift Linkage

33745-09

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STORY BY CHARLES PLUEDDEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD CHANEY

04

cadence of the Harley-Davidson heartbeat comes to life at Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations, where the HarleyDavidson® Twin Cam and Evolution® XL engines are assembled. This is the shop space for a dedicated staff of machinists cutting forged steel and cast aluminum into the connecting rods and cases, the cam shafts and cylinder heads, and the gears and flywheels that will survive the fire and pressure of combustion and help propel Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders down the road to freedom. Those and many other components converge along the Pilgrim Road assembly lines, waiting to complete one of the 59 different engine configurations currently flowing through a manufacturing process bristling with technology and supervised by a talented assembly team. From Pilgrim Road,

these engines and their transmissions are bound for bare frames waiting at the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle assembly operations in York, Pennsylvania and Kansas City. But before you can build a motorcycle, you need a motor.
Wedged between the urban artery that is U.S. Highway 45 and the Pilgrim Road exit, H-D Powertrain Operations covers almost 19 acres of floor space in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls, about 13 miles from the Harley-Davidson headquarters on Juneau Avenue. This place has always been about engines; the building was erected in 1979 by smallengine icon Briggs & Stratton, acquired by Harley-Davidson in 1996, and fully occupied by 2006 after Harley-Davidson completed the transfer of powertrain assembly from its World War II-era Capitol Drive plant, located a few miles away. In the larger and more modern Pilgrim Road building, Harley-Davidson has established an ever-evolving element

01

02

03

01 
On the perfectly synchronized assembly line, there's always a black cylinder head sub-assembly waiting for a black engine.

02 
A robotic socket set snugs down four cylinder head bolts simultaneously and to a precise torque spec.

05

03 
A bin of raw forged steel connecting rods ready for machining.

04 
A connecting rod bore glows red hot with electric current as it undergoes induction hardening. Nozzles will next quench it with oil.

05 
The critical engine charging system is assembled. Each stator is wrapped with 144 feet of insulated copper wire.

of its flexible motorcycle manufacturing

strategy, an operation designed to

react quickly to orders placed by dealers

and customers.

"We now have the capability to build

an engine to order in 24 hours," says

Process Engineer Jared Olsen. "We can

react almost instantly to production

changes in Kansas City and York, or

get a P&A engine promptly shipped to

a Harley-Davidson dealer."

During peak production, Pilgrim

Road employs almost 1,000 people.

It's a union shop, represented by the

United Steel Workers Union and the

International Association of Machinists

and Aerospace Workers.

06

Many of those employees are engaged in machining and heat treating, two of

the core competencies of the Pilgrim

Road facility. Suppliers deliver raw forged

and cast parts ready for precise finish

work executed by machinists manning

state-of-the-art computer-controlled

machining centers. The faces and bores

of connecting rods, for example, are

machined in multiple stages before the

bores are heated red-hot by electric

current in an induction hardening step.

Suppliers deliver raw forged and cast parts ready for precise finish work executed by machinists manning state-of-the-art computer-controlled machining centers.

06
Hooks ground cases so electrostatic resin powder will cling to each part as its applied and then baked into a powder coat finish.

An electronic gauge at the finish station measures every aspect of each connecting rod ­ ensuring precise quality control for a very key component.
At the north end of the plant, a roller track feeds the raw Twin Cam cylinder head castings into a five-axis machining center that cuts all flat surfaces, the combustion chamber, and valve paths; drills and taps the spark plug hole; and then rinses away all the aluminum chips, in a single operation. In another machining center, a giant orange robot is

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07

08

In a tour de force of flexible manufacturing, the Pilgrim Road operation and its employees are able to assemble its whole portfolio of engines in any mixture or order.
the preacher at the marriage of left and right crankcase halves, lifting each over a jet of air to blow away debris before joining them with bolts and line, boring the assembly to ensure absolute accuracy in alignment of the crankshaft bearing surfaces. The case halves are stamped with an engine number and will remain a set when they're separated for final assembly.
Before they're machined, cylinders, heads, case halves, and the transmission case are powder coated black or silver. Powder coat replaces wet paint with a durable coating of polyester resin applied in a powder form and cured with high heat. Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process that, unlike liquid paint, produces zero VOC air emissions and almost no hazardous waste. In order to adhere to the precise, tight tolerances required to deliver to customer expectations, the plant generates and recycles annually

more than 10 million pounds of steel and aluminum. Much of the metal is of such high quality that Harley-Davidson washes it to increase its value to recyclers.
Engine assembly occurs along a clean, brightly lit line shaped like a double horseshoe. Assembly takes place simultaneously on the inner and outer lines during peak production, on just one line when demand is lower, or can continue on either if there's a problem on the other. In a tour de force of flexible manufacturing, the Pilgrim Road operation and its employees are able to assemble its whole portfolio of engines in any mixture or order. An 883 Evo XL engine may be on the line right next to a Twin-CooledTM Twin Cam 103TM or a Screamin' Eagle® 110 engine. Pilgrim Road also assembles engines for Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, including the new powerhouse Screamin' Eagle® SE120ST Crate Motor.
Many technologies and processes are in place to help assembly employees maintain quality control. Each engine is scanned into the system at the beginning of the line. A "pick-to-light" system places an electric eye over bins of small parts at each work

station to confirm that the employee has reached for the proper part, in the correct order. Screens at each station flash green when an assembly step has been successfully completed. At some stations, digital cameras scan the partially assembled engine and can alert an operator if the wrong part was put on by mistake ­ if the wrong head gasket was put on, for example.
Near the end of assembly, each engine is "cold tested" to check its operation. Rather than running the engine on fuel, the engine is spun by an electric motor at 60 to 1600 rpm for about 100 seconds. Dozens of sensors placed around the engine record 250 data points, from oil pressure and voltage output to the sound of the valve train. All of this data is saved as a digital history of each engine that can be traced if any service or warranty issues arise in the future. Engines that don't pass the cold test are sent to a repair area. Those that are good to go get a fresh set of spark plugs and a bar code label, and are lifted off the line and secured in shipping pallets for the trip to York or Kansas City, where they take the next step on their journey to providing the customer with miles of dreams, chasing the horizon.

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09

07 
At the end of the assembly line, finished powertrain units are clamped in shipping cradles that fit in special pallets.

08
Some sensors in the cold test cell "listen" for trouble in an engine as it's turned by an electric motor.

09
These steel shavings will be recycled, maybe into more H-D parts.

10
Need a lift? Finished powertrain units are ready to hit the road for final motorcycle assembly in York or Kansas City.

10

Two Serious Two-wheeled Campers Compare Strategies for Roughing It on the Road
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH KURPIUS

JIM FRITZ
GRAYSLAKE, ILLINOIS AGE: 53 OCCUPATION: SEMI-RETIRED
Right Saddlebag: Small tool bag, small air compressor, tire plugs, jumper cables, hatchet, gas backpacking stove with fuel, coffeepot, small fan for tent, small bottle of H-D® oil, fire starter
Left Saddlebag: Clothes
Tour-Pak® Luggage: Clothes, iPad, various chargers, flashlight, sunglasses, coffee mugs, sunscreen, bug spray, windshield cleaner, soft hand wipes, emergency toilet paper
Dry Bag #1: Sleeping bag, pillow, pad (packed on rear seat)
Dry Bag #2: Two-piece rain gear strapped on Tour-Pak, tent and small camping chair strapped on Tour-Pak, soft-side cooler and ground tarp strapped on rear seat under Dry Bag #1
Lower Fairing Compartment: Rope, camera

It started when H.O.G.® member Jim Fritz sent us a picture of all his camping gear laid out on a tarp. We were impressed, to say the least, by his thoroughness, preparedness, and organization. Pretty amazing how he gets it all on that bike ­ along with his clothes, riding gear, and other riding necessities.
It also made us think of Josh Kurpius, a HOG® magazine contributing photographer, who takes a completely opposite approach. Josh spends a good portion of the warmer months living on the road, riding with friends from job to job on his strippeddown chopper, camping every night. Somehow he manages to get everything he needs ­ including camera gear and basic tools to keep his bike running ­ into a few small bags.
Which approach is best? It all depends, of course ­ on what you can afford, how comfortable you need to be, and how much you value clean clothes and hot showers.
JIM: BRING IT ALL
Over the past 30 years, my good friend Lou Bischoffer and I have logged thousands of miles together on countless day rides and camping trips. Between the two of us, we've been through many different bikes, various girlfriends, and a couple of wives.
In addition to many miles of summer day trips, we take an annual two-week camping trip with really only a

direction as a plan. In 2014 we rode from our homes in Northeastern Illinois to the Mississippi River, south to New Orleans, over to Barber Motorsports Park Museum, and up to the MotoGP race in Indianapolis before heading home. We tent camp every night and never make reservations along the way. We just wing it. We have modernized with an iPad app called "Allstays," which shows camping areas along the way, but we never plan too far ahead.
I did that trip on my 2011 Ultra Limited (pictured), but when we got home I traded it for a 2014 Ultra Classic.® That's the bike I'll ride for our 2015 trip. Destination: Thataway. Whatever we encounter, I'll know right where to find whatever I need to deal with it.
JOSH: NEXT TO NOTHING
Back when it all started, my friends and I would do long trips on motorcycles, with no plans and no money. We'd just go. We weren't prepared for much, but we'd never sleep in a hotel. We'd just sleep on the ground if we had to.
But what I've learned in about 10 years of traveling like this is that it pays to make an investment in some decent gear. In the old days, I would just pack a big tarp. At night, I'd lay it on the ground, park my bike on one end of it, wrap it up around the bike and stake the other end to the ground. This makes a pretty serviceable lean-to. It kept (some of) the rain off, but was completely exposed to bugs and cold.
These days I pack a specialized tent, designed to use my bike (or a picnic table or some other structure) in place of poles. It packs down super small (smaller than the tarp, actually) and keeps all the rain and bugs on the outside. I can even fit two people in it, tightly, if I set it up right.
The only problem is I can't take my bike out without breaking down the tent. It's great for one-night stays, but when I want to stay somewhere a few nights (like at Sturgis) I pack a small free-standing tent instead. It's very low to the ground -- you have to crawl into it -- but it packs down almost as small and does a great job keeping out the weather. Even the hail and wind and rain that sometimes pop up at Sturgis.
Most of what we do is "renegade" camping -- that is, we camp wherever we can find a spot, whether it's behind an abandoned barn or whatever. We don't pack food or cooking gear; we just ride into town and buy hot dogs or pork chops or something to cook over an open fire. Ideally, we look for a spot with a river or lake nearby, so we can cool off and clean up after a long day of riding.

JOSH KURPIUS
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS AGE: 33 OCCUPATION: FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Camping: Abel Brown Nomad Tent, 32-degree Guide Series Sleeping Bag, Therm-a-Rest Small Self-inflating Air Mattress, inflatable pillow, heavy tent stakes
Parts and Tools: Specialized tool kit for Ironhead Sportster® chopper (compact sizes, if possible); misc. spare parts, including inner tubes, voltage regulator, points/condenser, spare bulbs, nuts and bolts, gaskets, cables, etc.; one gallon of extra gas; two quarts of extra oil
Camera Gear: Canon 5D Mark III and three lenses, batteries/charger, memory cards/card reader, computer/charger, lens cleaner
Riding Gear: Rain/cold-weather gear, gloves (light and heavy), helmet with removable face shield (for helmet states and rain/cold), H-D leather jacket, Carhartt hooded sweatshirt, long underwear

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EXHAUST
ENTHUSIASTS
STORIES FROM THE OPEN ROAD.
1 It's For Work
My buddy and I took a great trip from Winnipeg to Vancouver, Canada on our Street Glide® motorcycles. We had to be there for a work conference, so we decided to turn it into a bike trip. We dropped down through the U.S. on the way there, and then we went back through Canada. In the end, it was an awesome 3,300-mile trip over six days. Hopefully we have more business trips like this.
RON PENNER
Winnipeg, Canada

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2 A Proud Son

Both my parents are incredible

and have given me more than

I could ever thank them for,

but I always try. This one is for

my dad. He has been riding

and reading HOG® magazine

for years. When he was done

with an issue, he would hand

it off to me. This went on for a

long time even though I didn't

have a bike, but he knew I

wanted one. I'd flip through

the pages and imagine what

it would be like to ride next

to my dad. After fueling my

fire for a long time, I finally

bought my starter bike, a

2008 Sportster.® Now I get to

share adventures with him

all the time! It's another way

we get to connect and create

memories I'll never forget.

Like the first time he asked

me to lead, and I saw him

smiling in my mirror. What's

it like riding with my hero?

2

It's awesome. I'm so proud

to be his son.

3

PETE WEBER
Merriam, Kansas

3 On the Right Path
Before my 2-year-old granddaughter Paige could walk, she was in the saddle of grandpa's bikes, a 1977 XLT and 1983 FLH Classic, and making appropriate motor noises. But now she has her own Glide. Nothing will give me more pleasure than one day sharing the experience of two-wheel touring with her.
BRIAN BOETTCHER
Columbia, Maryland

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4
5 6

4 Oil is Thicker Than Blood
This picture was taken during a ride to Sedona, Arizona with my girlfriend to celebrate my bike purchase, and it's the beginning of many to come. I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I've been in the U.S. since 1999. I served in the Army and belong to the Rolling Knights Motorcycle Club. My bike is a 2015 Night Rod® Special, and it's not a toy; it's my love and escape.
JAMES REPULLO
Chandler, Arizona
5 Project Night TrainTM
My Night Train motorcycle is tricked out for long rides and not bar biking. Case in point: I rode from Florida to the French Quarter in New Orleans to get something to eat. Afterward, I went to Arkansas to surprise my brother for his 50th wedding anniversary. Finally, I rode to Deals Gap before stopping in North Carolina to get a T-shirt prior to heading home. If any Harley® rider's jaunt is like mine, there's a smile on their face.
DONALD MILLIGAN
Auburndale, Florida
6 Practice Makes Perfect
I bit the bullet and bought my first Harley motorcycle without having taken a class. I then attended a new rider course and have been spending the summer practicing before my new Street® 750 will become my primary mode of transportation to my job as an emergency room nurse.
MAIGHEN MACGABHANN
Via email

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7 Just the Two of Us
This past March, my 65-yearold father and I purchased our first H-D® motorcycles together. We're known as the two Jakes. They told us we were the first father and son team to purchase bikes together. We've been riding every day since. This picture was taken while we were waiting for a ferry on the Colonial Parkway, a road connecting Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown, Virginia. It's an awesome ride through the past.
7

JAKE FAHRNER

Isle of Wight County, Virginia

8

8 The American Dream
My wife and I both hail from South Africa and shortly after being married in 1986 I commented that I wanted a Harley. She replied with a "Yeah right! When you live in America." Well, as life would have it, an opportunity to move to the U. S. presented itself six years later. I brought up what she said whenever we were near motorcycles. With an infant son, it really wasn't an option then. But time moved forward, and now my infant son is a Marine, and I'm finally the proud owner of a brandnew Low Rider.® I'm truly living the American Dream.
ROBIN BAILES
Wasilla, Alaska

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EXHAUST

100 DOLLAR RIDES
Old School Escape. Revisited.
by JIM LYBBERT

Back in 2010 I read the HOG® magazine article "Old School Escape" by Josh Kurpius. Boy, did that article get me fired up! For four years I've been talking to my buddy about how I wanted to do something similar ­ pack up the bare necessities and see what kind of ride I can do for a hundred bucks.

I ride a 2007 Dyna® Wide Glide® that

I bought new (first Harley® motorcycle

I've owned, by the way), and it now has

72,896 miles on it and runs as strong as

the day I bought it.

So there I was on a Saturday morning

the weekend after Labor Day, with no

obligations for days, and I figured it's

now or never! I checked my wallet for a

Benjamin Franklin and

checked the fuel in my

bike. I walked to the cupboard and grabbed two cans of stew and some crackers. Then I

Camping FOOD Gas

threw a few tools in my bag, grabbed a tent, and

total

off I went. It was going

to be a one-man show.

My plan was to stay off the interstate,

and only take county roads or state

highways. I left my hometown of Moses

Lake, Washington and headed east

on County Road 3 to the small town

of Ritzville and then across dry land

wheat fields leading me to the farming

community of Washtucna.

After a short break, I continued

through the Palouse region along the

Snake River, and enjoyed the beautiful

scenery and fresh open air. Soon I

had to fill the tank and say goodbye to

Benjamin. I continued east on U.S. 12

over Lolo Pass to Missoula, Montana

and went through Clearwater National

Forest on the way. A spectacular 215-mile

ride, where I was in awe of the beauty

that surrounded me. After a while, traffic

disappeared, and it was just the river, the

road, my Harley, and me.

When I arrived in Missoula, I was

thinking food. Due to high fire danger,

campfires were prohibited. So much

for heating up the stew! With an hour

of daylight left, I got an instant cup of

soup and some hot

water to fill the void.

$26.00 $8.75
$65.00

By then it was time to bed down, so I asked around if there were any campgrounds nearby.

$99.75

A little while later, I was pitching a tent and

rolling out the bag at a

KOA to the tune of $26.

I woke at 5:30AM and was ready to continue the adventure, but all I could think about was coffee as I tried to rumble out of the park. So I stopped at a truck stop, downed a cup of joe, ate six mini-donuts, and filled the tank. I had $34 left roughly halfway through the trip. I rode up U.S. 93 to Montana Highway 200, where I headed west toward home. It was a cool Sunday morning, and once again there was little-to-no traffic. With the Bitterroot Mountains on my left and Clark Fork River on my right, I settled in and cruised through some of the most scenic areas of Montana, enjoying small mountain communities along the way and admiring buildings of days gone by.
With the needle in the red, I made it to Sandpoint, Idaho. I was down to $21, but I figured I could swing a bottle of water and bag of chips before heading toward Spokane, Washington. As I worked my way through the city into the small town of Davenport, Washington, I had less than 100 miles before home and about half a tank of gas. Ten bucks went to gas, and the rest went to an energy drink and candy bars. I continued on State Highway 28, and when I arrived home I had $1.25 and half a tank of gas left.
Two days, three states, and 768 miles on $99.75. It was a million-dollar ride for under a hundred bucks!
THE $100 CHALLENGE If you have a $100 Ride story to share, we want to see it. If it appears in HOG® magazine, we'll even foot the bill ­ in the form of a $100 Harley-DavidsonTM Gift Card. Keep your story to 750 words or less, including a list of your expenses. We also need photography from your adventure, including a photo of you. Email your submission with "$100 Rides" as the subject line to hogmagazine@harley-davidson.com.

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BETWEEN THE LINES
Because It's There
Climbing mountains on motorcycles takes special skills.
For many riders, twisty mountain roads that rise and fall in elevation, surrounded by amazing scenery ­ and sometimes steep drop-offs ­ provide the most exciting riding in the world. To others, these roads can be borderline terrifying. No question, some special skills and knowledge are required to confidently take on challenging mountain roads. But they're skills anyone can learn. And with practice and experience, just about anyone can become a confident mountain rider.
by MIKE ZIMMERMAN

To get some expert tips on mountain riding, we talked to riding instructor Christian Preining, who constructs alpine riding classes for Edelweiss Bike Travel in Mieming, Austria.
On the Line
First and foremost, Preining says, finding and riding the right line on mountain turns is most important. That is, "to know what and where the line is that keeps you out of trouble with oncoming traffic through blind, narrow, and tight curves of all thinkable shapes or a combination of such curves," he says.
One key technique is what's called a "delayed apex turn," most useful when you can't quite see what's around the curve. Approach the turn a little more slowly than you normally might and ride a little "deeper" (stay to the outside of your lane) into the curve before you start your turn. This will give you more opportunity to turn your head and see what's coming, or what might be in your path, before you commit to a line.
Something else to be aware of when rounding mountain corners is the tendency of oncoming cars to hog the centerline. Never assume a fourwheeled vehicle is going to stay entirely in its prescribed lane.
For a more complete discussion of cornering techniques, see "Curves Ahead" in HOG® magazine issue 019.
Slow Your Roll
Another key skill is low-speed maneuvering, Preining says. Many mountain roads, particularly in Europe, feature tight switchback turns. Sometimes these turns involve an incline or descent, making them extra difficult. Preining identifies three key low-speed skills in handling these challenging turns:
1. LOOKING THROUGH THE TURN: This is a pretty basic idea but one that gains extra importance in the mountains. Remember that your bike tends to go where you look. Don't just drop your eyes to the pavement directly in front of you; turn your head and look where you want your bike to go.

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2. ACTIVE RIDING: Don't sit passively on your bike; move your body around to help decrease your turning radius. At low speeds, shift your weight to the outside of the turn. It usually doesn't take much, so even a little bit helps. To really tighten your turn, shift your butt off the seat and put more weight on the outside footpeg. But don't try this for the first time on a tight switchback; take some time to practice in an empty parking lot.
3. CLUTCH CONTROL: One key to slow-speed maneuvering is to slip or "feather" the clutch. This means keeping a steady hand on the throttle while gently and slowly slipping the clutch in and out. Again, this is a skill that's best developed through practice in a controlled environment.
S.E.E. the Sights
Another issue with mountain riding can be the distraction from the amazing scenery. But when the riding gets intense it's usually not difficult to stay focused.
"There are mountains, and there are mountains," Preining says. "Let's talk about alpine riding on back-country roads. Motorcycling is an intense activity there, so I dare say nobody's dreaming along. Without good mental awareness, it's simply impossible to make it even a few kilometers. Problems occur when people get mentally exhausted. So plan your daily distances carefully according to your experience and routine."
As far as the scenery goes, occasional glances are fine. Just don't fix your gaze, or you may find yourself in a "target fixation" situation, where your bike tries to go where you're looking. Also, if the scenery is competing for your attention, take frequent advantage of pull-offs and overlooks to soak it all in ­ from off the bike.
Occasionally, fear of heights can be a problem, especially on roads with steep drop-offs without a guardrail. In this case, it's up to the rider to understand his or her limitations, and plan the route accordingly. If you have a guide,

Preining says, tell them if you have these issues, and they can account for it. It's also wise to ask locals or hotel staff what the roads are like, and decide whether it's something you want to take on or not.
If you don't have a choice, it's best to adopt the classic "don't look down" approach. Concentrate on the road and your riding, and you may not even notice the elevation.
Going Down?
On steep roads, going down is usually more intimidating than going up. The key to a controlled descent is to use a combination of engine braking, and front and rear brakes.
"Use engine braking as long as it slows you down enough and add both brakes if necessary, but pay most attention to the front ­ that's the one wheel that has more weight on it when going downhill, plus it will get even more load due to dynamic load shift while braking," Preining says.
"In case you need to go slower than your motor can turn in first gear (a cobblestone street on a rainy day comes to mind), pull in the clutch and control speed with both brakes."
Group Riding
Short answer: Spread out (no staggered formation) and ride individually.
"On twisty roads, every rider needs to ride his line within his lane," Preining says. "Sensible distance to other vehicles and among the group members is important.
"Slower riders do not necessarily have to keep up with the group leader. That releases them from the pressure to feel observed all the time and the feeling of holding everybody up. That works as long as the leader reliably groups up before every critical turn where somebody could get lost."
For information on booking a Harley-Davidson mountain adventure through Edelweiss Bike Travel, visit edelweissbike.com/harley-davidson-tours.

Peak Efficiency
Consider these final few tips to help make your next mountain ride a successful one.
GEAR UP: Carry something really waterproof, not just water-resistant, on every ride in the mountains, including gloves and boots. Have an additional layer to put on or take off if temperature changes, which can happen quickly in the mountains.
ELEVATION: "In the Alps, the highest passes are just over 2,800 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level, which rarely causes problems," Preining says. "Passes and mountain roads in the Western United States and other parts of the world are higher, but usually do not cause altitude sickness because of the limited time we spend there. For tours in areas where you stay at high altitude for days ­ such as Peru, Bolivia, or the Himalayas ­ have your medical condition checked by a doctor and learn everything about what to do in case you get affected."
PACKING: Any bike handles best when ridden solo without luggage. The farther away from the empty bike's center of gravity your gear is packed, the more it will negatively affect handling. With that in mind, don't over-pack ­ and keep the heavier items lower and toward the center of the bike.
TIRES: Make sure your tires are in good shape for better grip on cold, wet asphalt, with no flat sections from riding long distances in a straight line.
By taking the time to prepare and practice a few basic skills, anyone can turn a potentially intimidating mountain ride into a thrilling adventure that won't soon be forgotten.

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H-D MUSEUM®
Before the Beginning
Early documents shed light on the Motor Company's earliest "pre-history."
Many histories have a Rosetta Stone, a document or artifact that fills in gaps between other known sources. Two new additions to the Harley-Davidson Museum® Archives collection shed some light on the earliest history of the company, and show how four young men took risks and made decisions that helped them avoid the fate of the more than 170 other companies that failed to survive the tumultuous early days of the American motorcycle industry. Both were widely known to exist but have found a permanent home at the Harley-Davidson Archives.

Recently acquired by the HarleyDavidson Archives after decades of private ownership, a 1901 engineering drawing for a "bicycle motor" drawn by William Harley is the earliest known document in Harley-Davidson history that relates to motorcycles.
The drawing specifies the engine's displacement at a mere 7 cubic inches, suggesting it wasn't capable of powering much more than a bicycle. Bicycle frames were never meant to handle a rider plus an engine, and the founders later recounted having abandoned the motorized bicycle early on, moving toward the more robust loop frame featured in the company's earliest motorcycle.
The new loop frame allowed for a bigger engine, and the one that did make it into the first production Harley-Davidson® motorcycles was very different from the design in the early drawing. With help from friend and fellow Milwaukee engine pioneer Ole Evinrude (of outboard motor fame), and influence from emerging internal combustion engine developments that originated in Europe, the founders created a motor that got the emerging Harley-Davidson operation off on a strong footing. The new powerplant was 25 cubic inches with a larger flywheel.
In 1903, Walter Davidson joined his brothers Arthur and William in the

Above: This drawing of an early bicycle engine designed by William Harley is labeled "Sheet 2," but the whereabouts of the other sheets remain unknown. Right: The first production Harley-Davidson motorcycles employed a 25-cubic-inch single-cylinder engine with a "loop frame" designed around it. The new design proved superior to a motorized bicycle.

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company, bringing with him machining skills learned in the railroad industry. By the end of that seminal first year in operation they had sold no more than three bikes, but the solid design of HarleyDavidson's frame and engine launched the company into the forefront of the young but crowded motorcycle marketplace.
By this time, the founders had moved out of the basement of the Davidson family home and into a new 10x15-foot wooden shed in the backyard, later adding on to that building as production expanded. But their plans were big, and they outgrew that "factory" quickly.
With expansion in mind, the men had their eyes on a prime location for a new factory about a block away, but they needed money to acquire the land. Another recently acquired document details what's undoubtedly the first loan made to Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Dated July 6, 1904, a promissory note signed by Arthur and Walter Davidson commits the brothers to repay $170 to their uncle James McLay, an 80-year-old beekeeper from Madison, Wisconsin.
Harley-Davidson's new address was on Chestnut Street, later renamed Juneau Avenue (after Solomon Juneau, a co-founder of the city of Milwaukee), where the founders built a 2,240-squarefoot wooden building. Within two years they expanded again, and between 1910 and 1913 erected an even larger red brick factory. Over roughly the next 13 years, the site blossomed to almost 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and by 1926 the company produced more than 22,000 bikes in one year out of the Juneau Avenue factory.
In its six decades of motorcycle manufacturing service until production moved to York, Pennsylvania in 1973, the Juneau Avenue factory cranked out more than 1,000,000 motorcycles, and countless other parts and accessories. Today, it serves as the international headquarters of Harley-Davidson Incorporated.
Harley-Davidson has never left the neighborhood where it was born, and it all began with a seed planted by four young men and their Honey Uncle.

Above: Uncle James McLay loaned his nephews Arthur and Walter $170, believed to be used toward buying the Chestnut Street property on which the H-D headquarters stands today. Left: The founders moved out of the basement of the Davidson home into a 10x15-foot wooden shed in the backyard, which they expanded and then rapidly outgrew. Below Left: A second factory building on Chestnut Street was in use by 1907. It served as a bridge between the original shed and the brick factory site in use by 1913. Below: In 1913, the brick factory building on Chestnut Street was reaching completion. Today, the site serves as the international headquarters of Harley-Davidson Incorporated.
Photography courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.®

EXHAUST

LAST STOP
The Wave
by KEVIN KOHLER

On a recent ride from Pennsylvania down to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, I was reminded of a long-forgotten article I read nearly seven years ago when I bought my first road bike: a brandnew 2008 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Classic.

She was beautiful ­ bright red with gorgeous lines. Being a new street rider, I couldn't wait to ride the open road, and I was reading everything I could get my hands on about Harley-Davidson and motorcycle riding in general.
One article I came across was in the New Rider Package from the H-D dealership. It was entitled "Don't Neglect the Wave." I remember reading the article, thinking this is the coolest thing ever. I couldn't wait to get out there and wave at other bikers on the pass! I was reminded of the article on the ride down south on Memorial Day Weekend, passing thousands of bikers on their way to the Rolling Thunder® event in Washington, D.C. I was getting tired of the wave!

Recalling the article, I did my best to wave at each and every rider. As bike after bike after bike went by, I began to ponder the different types of waves riders used.
First, there were the general armsextended, palm-open waves ­ sort of sideways high-fives. Second, there were a few who extended one index finger to the passing rider. There were also a few that I'll call "Gomer Pyle" waves ­ offered with a goofy smile, waving like a beauty queen on the back of a convertible parading through the town square.
It reminded me of the time I caught my 25-year-old daughter doing a "Gomer Pyle" on the back of my bike on her first America's 9-11 Ride in 2011. She had never ridden before and out of the

blue decided to do the four-day ride with me. I told her that her job was to wave at the other bikes as we passed. After explaining how it works, she was thrilled to participate in this riding tradition. But shortly into the ride I caught a hand in my rearview mirror as she waved wildly to a passing bike. Not cool! I quickly corrected her and explained that though she would always be my beauty queen, we weren't in a convertible and this wasn't a town parade. With a little instruction, I had her doing a proper Harley wave: two fingers down, pointing at the road as you pass other riders.
This may be my own interpretation, but I remember the article talking about the "brotherhood of the road." Only bikers share that common bond, traveling the open road, with the wind in your face, and the thrill of the ride in your soul. The wave is a salute to that spirit, a salute to our common bond, the road.
The end of the movie "Wild Hogs" tried to capture that spirit when Damien Blade, the old biker played by Peter Fonda, chastised the biker gang for not understanding the spirit of the ride. The wave is a salute to that brotherhood that only bikers share. Even though it may get tiresome, that brotherhood is too important to neglect.
And for goodness sake let's keep it cool! Arm down, two fingers extended pointing to the road, a proper salute to our brothers and sisters on two wheels. For the record, I try to wave at all bikers, regardless of what brand they ride. If they're out there on two (or three) wheels, they deserve the salute.
I do have my limits, however. I once remarked to Bill Tull, owner of Susquehanna Valley H-D, that I don't wave at scooters. But Bill, a man who has earned his colors as a true biker, having logged many thousands of miles leading H.O.G.® rides in the 20 years he has owned the dealership, schooled me on the brotherhood of two wheels. Even if it is a scooter, he said, you wave.
Really? Even a scooter!? I'll try. But I make no guarantees!
KEVIN "REVKEV" KOHLER is Chaplain for the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) H.O.G. Chapter.

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Ryan Winget Service Technician Harley-Davidson MMI Graduate
ROARING SUCCESS
As a Harley-Davidson certified technician, Ryan Winget has built a successful career. Like many others, he knew he needed professional training, so he turned to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) to help turn his passion into a successful career. MMI partners with leaders like Harley-Davidson to deliver high-tech, hands-on training so our graduates can create careers they love in America's booming transportation industry.*
I learned the terminology and was exposed to tearing down and putting bikes back together, which helped prepare me for the dealership.
WE'RE FOR SUCCESS. YOUR SUCCESS. For more information, call 800-334-6156 or visit MMISuccess.com
*MMI cannot guarantee employment or salary. For information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, visit our website at www.uti.edu/disclosure. ©2015 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, and the Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

HARLEY OWNERS GROUP®
P.O. BOX 453, MILWAUKEE, WI 53201 1-800-CLUBHOG (1-800-258-2464) 414-343-4896 (OUTSIDE U.S. AND CANADA) 414-343-4515 (FAX) hog.com www.harley-davidson.com
GET ALL THE LATEST H.O.G.® NEWS AND INFORMATION with the exclusive members-only H.O.G. Insider e-newsletter. Go to hog.com/insider to make sure you get yours each month!
M OV I NG ? HOG is mailed Third Class and will not be forwarded. Please notify H.O.G.at 1-800-CLUBHOG with any address changes as soon as possible.
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member the best way to get the most out of your Harley. LEARN MORE TODAY AT HOG.COM/RALLIES.
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