Harley journey hot and heavenly
No better place to test a beloved hog than Metro Milwaukee, the bike’s original home
Significant “firsts” tend to linger at the forefront of my mind.
If it has been a while, I can easily draw up on them from archived data known as the catacomb card catalogue of the female brain.
Sometimes it needs to be dusted off. Sometimes I just want to forget!
But things like the first car I ever test drove, the first electric car I test drove, the first time trying snowmobiling, or the first time riding a motorcycle present themselves easily when asked.
The latter of the list reminds me of the initial time I took a HarleyDavidson out for a test ride. It was April of 2012. It was also my first time on something other than a sport bike.
After a favourable experience, when the Sportster Iron 883 and my path crossed again, needless to say more firsts were involved.
The backdrop to our recent rendezvous was in the lovely state of Wisconsin. The city: Milwaukee, also known as the birthplace of the American motorcycle manufacturer. Riding out of the gates of Juneau Avenue warmed my heart.
After all, it’s not every day I’m in the presence of the movers and shakers that shape the brand continually.
Catching the first bump on the road reminded me that its suspension is still unforgiving; jostling my body in the process.
Luckily, the foot pegs aren’t too far forward so I can lift my bum off the seat upon approach. Aside from that, it’s smooth sailing.
The “clunk” of shifting gears — one down, four up — and the ease at which the clutch lever moves in and out would come in handy. I’ll explain in a moment.
As I rode toward town, the weather started to turn.
Grey burbles of cloud cover left me with an unsettling feeling that I’d be caught in a rainstorm.
The lightning that electrified the city centre contributed to the anxiety. But I rode on.
In metropolitan Milwaukee, it’s not uncommon to hit red light after red light. That’s where the ease of working the clutch comes in.
It also came in handy as the Candy Orange Sportster and I rode through the 110th anniversary of the HarleyDavidson parade in front of thousands of spectators.
Luckily, it was overcast otherwise I might have roasted!
The 883 cc, fuel-injected, aircooled Evolution engine lets off a lot of heat when travelling at a snail’s pace. That, combined with my riding gear, left me toasty warm.
But it was worth it. What a fantastic experience we had together.
Again, another first. I’ll ride a Harley in a parade any day!
After the adrenalin started to simmer down, a ride north along Highway 32 — which borders the shores of Lake Michigan — was exactly the trick to settle the senses.
Quaint neighbourhoods, tree-laden streets and a serene ambience played into more memory making.
Tomyrightside(whensittingonthe bike) the chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers makes a growl, but nothing that would wake the neighbours. And when Candy and I veered off the gently winding highway, planting my feet firmly on the ground was no issue.
With a seat height of 735 mm (29 inches), it’s easier to feel confident for the vertically challenged.
Furthermore, you don’t need a chiselled set of biceps to get the Iron 883 upright. Tipping the scale at 260 kg (573 pounds), it’s a lightweight in comparison to its siblings; a perfect fit for riding in the city or in a parade. Just saying.
The MSRP for the Iron 883 with the Hard Candy Custom paint is $10,479. But what you won’t find listed in the specs and options sheet is the sense of camaraderie that comes with owning this kind of motorcycle.
It’s somewhat overwhelming and something I hadn’t experienced before. There is it again. Another first. Being a part of the celebratory festivities and riding with HD owners, it didn’t matter how small or how big, how modified or unmodified their machine was, compliments were handed out like, well, candy!
It also didn’t matter the model or year, even the smallest of Harleys are still part of a worldwide family.
Handing back the key to the Sportster did leave me with a sullen feeling. But I am confident our paths will cross again. And I’m looking forward to even more firsts.