The sunny side of the classic world, with the VJMC’S Steve Cooper

I’ve confession to make: I have more than a sneaking regard for Harley-davidson motorcycles. There, I’ve said it and I don’t care editor Bertie, I’m glad it’s out in the open! Amateur dramatics aside there’s something about the styling of certain Harleys that just does strike a chord. For no discernible reason the 1970s peanut-tanked Sportsters really do it for me and the ones made under AMF’S questionable patronage have an almost magnetic pull. Quite why such a notoriously badly made V-twin with a mid-brown paint scheme should appeal I’ve no idea but to me they just look cool. I know the reality of riding, maintaining and owning such a beast will emphatically be at odds with the image but as a lad of the 1970s Harleys were the ultimate expression of freedom, rebellion, hedonism, decadence, profligacy (delete as applicable). Even if you positively hate the Milwaukee brand it’d be hard to argue the XLCR Café Racer was anything other than sex on two wheels. The HD brand had stylists on board that understood the brand and, more importantly, the customer. Japan’s first attempts at producing anything close to the kicked back, high barred, cruising-cosi-can, super-cool Harleys instantly split opinion. According to whom you ask and their own brand loyalties it was either Kawasaki’s Z650 SR or Yamaha XS650 Custom that broke ranks and started the Japanese factory custom trend. These first tentative steps saw revised seats and tanks, high bars and a chunky rear tyre installed within existing models. The Yanks (bless ‘em) lapped it all up while the more conservative Brits kept a stiff upper lip and questioned what all the fuss was about. Four decades on we now have the cult of Metric Cruisers and these in turn have fostered their specific owners clubs. Marauders, Intruders, Viragos, Vulcans et al now have very serious followings and a significant number fall into the heading of Japanese classics. Modern HDS are infinitely more reliable than the 1970s’ offerings but they are still an acquired taste. At a recent dealer open day a devout Harley owner was finally persuaded to take a test ride on a Metric Cruiser. Upon his return he was heard to say: “Take the bloody keys out of my hand, now!” The dealer was obviously worried and asked what was wrong; the reply came back: “That damn bike: it goes like stink, stops on a sixpence, handles and doesn’t vibrate. If I ride it any more I’ll end up part exchanging my Harley for it.” Funny old world sometimes ain’t it?