When it comes to motorcycles...just what is character?
George Fischer a.k.a. Momz

I hear that HD’s have character. I’d like someone to explain to me just what that means.
I don’t understand why a motorcycle needs to be loud, crude, or just slow to have character. I’ve owned a 900cc Sportster in the seventies that seemed reliable but was not much of a real road burner. Yes, it was cool looking but it had a marginally tolerable suspension, weak brakes, terrible seat and it vibrated like crazy. And the gas tank (as shapely as it was) had a very limited (tolerable) range.

I’ve owned several Brit bikes (Triumphs, BSAs, and Norton’s) that had a few endearing qualities. They also had many frustrating design problems and not much in the way of real technical merits. Yes, they were lightweight and handled fairly well. The exhaust sounds were almost hypnotic and they all seemed to have a nice power to weight ratio giving them an entertaining acceleration. But they all suffered from vibration induced fatigue and a general lack of robustness.

I’ve also worked at several motorcycle dealerships that sold the Japanese brands as well as German and Italian motorcycles. I’ve also owned older Italian bikes, and I will say that those bikes were suited for my wants in my younger and less sophisticated days. But in reality the Japanese bikes better suited my personal needs.

I also owned Hondas for many years; and I still had several today. And I will attest is what has prompted this essay on the true assessment of mechanical character. There are those that insist that a certain sound or vibration induced feel are a sign of character. Some may say that the finish on the motor or the sound of the valve-train, clutch, or intake roar contribute to the intrinsic value called character. Some may say that light weight and balance are reflective of this elusive value. Others may argue for rarity, just the fact that the many may not be able to obtain certain machines. Of course there are those that place a higher value on (perceived) performance and/or the ability to win in competitive events. Still there are others that insist on mechanical complexity as a measure of this elusive character. Well to that I will say…Bovine Excrement!

Does a loud staccato or a high pitched wail have more character than a fine exhaust hum after a full day of riding? Does hand and butt numbing vibration give more satisfaction than smoothness and daylong comfort? Do ergonomics that create cramping and general discomfort mean that it is manlier? Does spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to increase engine output equate to greater overall character? Do engine performance modifications and less reliability mean that the machine is then worth more to the true enthusiast?

Now I may have got the attention of some and angered others. I will attest that my current object of my desire is a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate. This beast is almost like docking a cruise ship when trying to park it (call the harbormaster when backing up). The day I bought it, I could not make room in my garage. My brother said that I could keep it in his garage until I could make room in mine. My brother takes pride in his FLHS and it is the biggest bike he has ever ridden, however he was not ready to believe that some Honda was so much bigger and heavier than his bike. He used to say that my GoldWing 1100 was a nice little bike compared to his; but he would never ride it to make any type of true comparison. With my Valkyrie parked next to his own, he could not ignore the sheer mass of the Interstate. He needed to move my bike to get to some tools and he couldn’t conceive that it weighed enough to almost give him a hernia. I did convince him to ride my Valk and he was very impressed with its torque and smoothness but he said it was a bit too big for him. HOG riders are fun bunch to tease (what comes around…), so I like to perform the infamous “nickel trick” by balancing a nickel on end on the right valve cover. I then start the engine and rev it to about 4500 RPM and back down to idle. I love to see the slack-jawed look of the onlookers. I’ve even been accused of using a trick nickel or some type of magnetic device. Rear tire wear has been a real issue, but it may not be problem now that I’ve gone to the “Darkside” (just another way to get strange looks from HOG riders). Fuel mileage is going to be an ongoing issue as it is a heavy bike with six carburetors and an operator with a “Need for Speed”.

I enjoy the smooth acceleration (as most Valk riders do) and the comfort of that Interstate saddle. The powerful braking and the ability to travel two-up in sheer confidence is what a makes this bike outstanding. Considering the considerable heft of the Valk, the handling is virtually unbelievable. Do I sound like I’m impressed with my Interstate? You better believe it! I guess character for me, is finding a bike with the features and the ability to impress me. My idea of character has evolved in the past 30+ years. My wants have changed as well as what I once thought my needs were. But, I believe that however long I live, that I will always be impressed with the Interstate.


And yes,…I am a character myself.

George Fischer a.k.a. Momz
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