HOG

I went riding with a Harley Group on Sunday and tried my hand at the Harley Davidson Street 750 and the Iron 883. Riding a Harley is completely different experience vis-a-vis riding a street-sport and it is nothing if not memorable.

First, there is that THUMP-THUMP when you thumb the starter. Each spark fired ignition of the air-fuel mixture in each of its twin cylinders makes itself known - both to your auditory sense and to your butt, and your palms, and your feet, wherever in fact, any part of your anatomy is in contact with the machine. The next is noise the gearshift makes when you prod the shifter: 'THUNK'. Third, as you rev the engine, the vibrations make themselves felt on the insides of your thighs where you grab the fuel tank. That can be fun for a while, I suppose. And all this is before you have even set off.

The real experience begins when you twist the throttle and the bike leaps forward leaving you hanging on for dear life from the handle bars as the savage acceleration throws the rest of your body back. Then there is that macho feeling when you try to manhandle the bike to get it to turn, all while your left foot is stomping the shifter trying to shift down and your right foot is frantically prodding the rear brake pedal which was probably designed in 1903 and last revised in 1943. In desperation you yank at the front brake lever and this produces a result that is completely unexpected; for the bike comes to a complete halt without drama and your blood reaches your brain again leaving you wondering why your heart rate had gone up at all. It is the one component on the 20th century machine that was designed in the 21st century and made by people who know what brakes are for and what they are supposed to do and how. I would not be surprised one bit if the front brakes have been sourced from Akebono. These are the folks who make the brakes for the Shinkansen Bullet Train of Japan, and - let me see if this might be a good place to slide this in here - for some Yamahas.

Interesting experience then, all-in-all. One thing is for certain, the Harley Davidson Iron 883 and the Yamaha R3 are as alike as chalk and cheese. Which is which depends on who you ask. Let me just say that I am very very happy with my acquisition.

But for that odd day when I wake up with a devil-may-care attitude and feeling more than a little adventurous, I wonder...