Hogtastic: my amature review of my HD test ride:

This weekend the local HD Dealership Southern Thunder had their Demo Days. Demo Days is where the new HD models are transported down from Milwaukee for potential riders to take out and "demo" the rides. This was an awesome experience and I was like a kid in the candy store. I anxiously looked around and picked out what I was going to ride. I could've spent the entire day there riding all 11 models but I constrained myself to only two. The ride was about 20 minutes long with a combination of Interstate, Highway, and Local roads. This was a well planned route that gave the rider a sense of different riding environments.

The Rocker:

The first bike I took out was the Rocker, the new Softtail "Chopperistic" in style. The Rocker has the 96 cb in engine and six speed tranny that gets it done on the highway. I was excited about this bike as I like the look a lot, the fat rear tire and stretched front fork looks tasty. Upon sitting on the bike I realized that it is a stretch to reach the pedals for a vertically challenged guy like myself (5'8 with boots) Once out on the road the bike was very rough, the front end is so stretched and so light that it has a tendency to bounce around a bit more than normal. Cornering was nothing spectacular and the overall ride was a disappointment. This bike has plenty of power but the clumsiness of the control makes one hesitant to use. This bike bears a $20,000 price tag and unfortunately looks way smoother than it rides.

The Fat Bob:

Disappointed but not discouraged I decided to pick another. This time my pick came from the Dyna family, Fat Bob. As soon as my buttock hit the saddle I knew I was in trouble. From the comfortable seat to the sound of the 96 ci engine this bike was nice. I found myself more comfortable on this bike than any other I have ridden. This Fat Bob handled great, had excellent power and good ridding position. The only negatives that I can say about this bike is 1) the mid controls make it awkward to find your footing from a stop. This would not take long to get use to but I prefer more forward controls. 2) The ride was too short. I wanted to keep riding the same bike all day long, however, they wouldn't let me. This bike has a starting price tag of $15,000.

Well it was fun while it lasted, Someday I will own a Harley, however I have a feeling it will not be for another 20 years. My Honda is still in good condition and gets me to and fro. I like what Harley is about, i like the comrodery amongst the owners, the American Made muscle, and after riding I can see what the fuss is all about. Some day, but not until I have the ability to pay cash for the bike.