Hotshots

HOTSHOTS

Harley at 100

Whatever you're paying Peter Egan, he deserves a raise. I just read his piece, "Resurrection and Glory," in the October issue, in which he describes the "inexplicable pleasure" that Harleys bring to their riders.

I ride my Honda Gold Wing for long trips and my BMW Roadster for short ones, and wouldn't trade them for a fleet of Harleys, but reading Egan's piece almost made me want to worship at the Harley altar. Harley riders like to say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand," But Egan explained, and I understand. Kudos. John Bollig Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

What I appreciated so much was that Peter wrote for those of us who love Harleys, but not to the exclusion of other makes. Like him, I ride an Elec tra Glide Standard (it's my car), but this bike is just one more pleasant memory in the making, rolling along easily be hind the Triumphs of my oil-stained youth and the durable disposables from Japan that got me through the next two decades, just in time for Harley's resurgence. Paul Kleinpoppen St. Augustine, Florida

Other magazines cover H-D in greater detail, but the quality of CW articles on the broad landscape of motorcy cling (and the writing of Peter Egan specifically) always puts a smile on my face or provokes thought. The "Harley at 100" issue was icing on the cake. Gordon Culver South Lyon, Michigan

Ijust got back from Milwaukee and the 100th Anniversary party. Aside from the fact that H-D had its entertainment screwed up (Elton John?!), it was a great time. Fortunately, the wife has an aunt and uncle in Muskego, and Wis consin folk are the friendliest I have ever met anywhere. Of course, Egan knows this already. I always thought Peter must have a great sense of hu mor, having to deal with living in Wis consin. . .and those winters. But I stand corrected. Wisconsin is beautiful, friendly and most importantly un crowded by California standards. I will trade Ortega Highway and its weekly fatality for a ride through the Wiscon sin Dells any day! Anyone want a house in Laguna Hills? I need to find a job near Egan! Craig Williams Laauna Hills, California

Egan's conclusion, which compared Harley-Davidson to a church, res onated with me. Harley continues to improve its product while still keep ing a balance between history and innovation. Bryan Edwards Wichita, Kansas

I agree with Peter Egan's dire assess ment of The Motor Company in the early `80s, but my reaction was some what different.

In 1986, I thought the company would go bankrupt so I bought 10 shares of Harley-Davidson stock. I planned on framing the certificates and hanging them on the wall. In Au gust of'86, my 10 shares of H-D stock cost $130, including brokerage fees. In February, 2002, after stock splits and dividend reinvestments, I sold 320 shares for just under $18,000 and pur chased a new Electra Glide Classic. I even had 12 shares left in the divi dend-reinvestment program. I'm very pleased with the bike-it doesn't get much better than a 2002 Electra Glide for $130! Don Kathke Lockport, New York

Sporting proposition

Thanks for the fabulous articles on the new rubber-mounted Sportster. I guess I'll have to hang on to all of those H-D shares in my retirement fund. It looks like The Motor Company has t1130O~ f hit another home run. Crystal Lake, Illinois

Nice write-ups on the new XLs. My predic tion: With the XL and the V-Rod now overlap ping the original intend ed market slot of the Dyna (as H-D intends, I believe), we will see the "cruiser" Dyna phased out, replaced on the lower end by the flex-mounted Sportsters and on the upper end by further V-Rod models. Chuck Luetkemeyer Norfolk, Virginia

It took H-D 47 years to produce a Sportster that you can actually ride. Should I say congratula tions? Joe Armato Independence, Louisiana Happy anniversary, Harley! In, as your ad says, "creating the first brand-new bike for our second century," you have man aged to get to within about 30 years of current technology. Well, at least you've finally gone to Nissin brakes! John McHan Dallas, Georgia

I remember well that the 883 Sportsters of the late `60s could break into the high 13s in the quarter-mile. Your 2004 test bike turned a 13.25. I am dumbfounded as to why in 30-plus years and with more cubes, Harley couldn't make it a little bit> faster! I think the Japanese carbs, electrics and brakes are slowing it down...

Glenn Whitsett

Hamilton City, California

Project 100

Guys, Cycle World's Project 100 Harley is great! However, painting it, and chrome? It’s period-correct and very Harley just as it is, in bare metal and primer! I really like the cobby, industrial look and feel of the bike as is. I’m not a Harley rider, but I would be tempted to buy this bike! Rob Hoobler Toledo, Ohio

I’m not a Harley guy, but I really like the one you built. It’s more a descendent of the Knucklehead than the current overblown cruiser models. Harley could build this as a partsbin special. That • might actually get me into a dealership.

Mark Laisy

Olmsted, Ohio Finally, somebody is building a Harley the right way! Skinny tires handle better than those big balloons. With the kicker, you get rid of all the weight of starter and big battery. I ride Japanese bikes, but that Harley I would buy. James Lawler Sackets Harbor, New YorkZ

Please withhold upcoming issues. I can’t bare the thought of seeing the alreadyperfect Project 100 bike join the legions of overly chromed, overly flamed ^ Wednesday-night-at-Hooters bikes. I fear I’ll flash back to my highschool crush, who had her charismatic nose surgically “fixed” and was thereafter just another interchangeable face in any sorority lineup.

Ryan Cocklin Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Just remember, Ryan, not all cosmetic surgery is bad-witness Cher and the finished Project 100 Harley (full story in an upcoming issue.)

Missing link

David Edwards’ Up Front column, “The Last Harley,” was both interesting and sad. I can’t believe that the company that makes a bike known worldwide as Harley no longer employees one of its own ancestors’ family members. Phillip Meier Jamesburg, New Jersey

We don’t ride Davidsons, we ride Harleys. What the heck, Milwaukee, maybe it’s time to bring John Harley Jr. back into the company? Larry Rose Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada

Something really stinks at The Motor Company besides the engine exhaust! Just remember, Motor Company, Harley is-and always will be-your first name. L. Mangini Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

Ronnie's revenge

In Peter Egan’s recent history of Harley-Davidson, he forgot to pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan. In 1982, H-D petitioned the U.S. International Trade Commission for relief from the importers of heavyweight motorcycles. The ITC recommended a tariff and Reagan approved it. Gil Moreno

Dana Point, California > Happy birthday, Harley-Davidson! I’m glad I could do my part to help you make 100 years. You see, in 1983 I bought a brand-new Yamaha XV920MK Midnight Virago, paying a $400 tariff fee (bumping my purchase price to $4000) that was mandated by your friend (not mine) Ronald Reagan. Wow, sweet deal there.

Since H-D seems to be doing so well these days, I shall be waiting with bated breath at the mailbox for my refund check, plus any interest I may have accrued. Deek Emmons Livingston, Texas

Rocket Men

I’ve been riding my Honda Valkyrie since ’98, but the Rocket III (CW, October) makes me think I need a test ride.

More horsepower and torque is always appreciated.

Jason Greenfield Austin, Minnesota

Much applause to the people at Triumph for building a power-cruiser that really is! This kind of fresh thinking you gotta love. It seems every bike-maker thinks they have to build a bike with a huge V-Twin and make it look like a Harley. Damn, that is getting so old! I hope the big, bad Rocket III turns the power-cruiser segment upside-down. Hey, Yamaha, how about a new V-Max with a 2500cc V-Six mounted longways! Oh, the possibilities!

Scott Nye Evansville, Wyoming

As styling killed the original BSA Rocket Three and Triumph Trident, so it will with Mr. Bloor’s new Rocket III. Build it, and they will not come. Grog Butler Big Spring, Texas

I just saw the first photos of Triumph’s new Rocket III and it is now apparent that “Wild Bill” Gelbke was merely ahead of his time. With the announcement of each new cruiser, his “Roadog” begins to look more and more like the next logical step.

RJ. FitzGerald

Chicago, Illinois

Was wondering what movies could be watched on the Rocket Ill’s radiator...

Phillip Meier Jamesburg, New Jersey □