" Harley Envy " 

Posted By: Timbrwolf  on the VRCC's Message Board
Date: 3/5/2001 at 09:04:32 


. ..Yep. ..I had an 89 Goldwing for 5 years, it was my fathers bike and I hadnt ridden in over 10 years after having a rather nasty head on with a Pinto stationwagon. I was quite content not to ride for a while, but then a funny thing happened. I started hereing these crotch rockets winding out down the road, and all of a sudden I started getting the " itch "...BAD !! Well..my father passed away right about the same time and he had an 89 Gold Wing. My mom and I were talkin one day, and she said that she wanted to give me his bike. I had very mixed feelings, my father and I didnt get along, and hadnt spoken for years.

But how could I say no to an offer like that. So all of a sudden I not only found myself riding again, but riding this huge behemoth of a bike. I have to confess I didnt really care for her at first, I don't know if it was the fact that it was my fathers bike, or just the fact I felt I was cruisin around on this land yacht, with everything on it but the kitchen sink ! I also have to admit I was definitely intimidated by her at first, she was huge, and going around corners was a trip, as the fairing is stationary and it gave you the affect of watching the road on TV. I wore out the brakes in one summer, cuz I kept thinkn, the light just changed and DAMN I gotta STOP this thing !!..lol. 

But a funny thing happened, the following season I began to actually enjoy riding this brama bull of a bike. And I truly believe she started to accept me riding her. My father was 74 when he passed, and his style of riding was to cruise down the road at the speed limit to his favorite coffee stop. I on the other hand was used to sport bikes, and I proceeded to make that Wing do things no self respecting Wing rider would consider * grin *. We had five great years together, and I have to say that one of my favorite rides was taking her into an on ramp of the interstate, seeing if I couldn't make her lean just a lil bit...lower, then whippin through those gears and takin her up to 90 in a heart beat, she was whisper quiet and quick as hell !

Well...she definitely spoiled me, and caused me to take a look at being in the wind in a way I hadn't realized existed. I loved the stereo and swore that my next bike would definitely have one. Like any good relationship, whether it be with machine or female, ours ran our course, and it was time to part ways. I just traded her for a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate, and I have to say I am in total awe of this monster. She is the best of BOTH worlds to me. Being an acceleration junkie, I had the need for two things. A bike that was pure  power, and a set of LOUD pipes. I was so tired of cruising down the Interstate , doing 85, and not really appreciating how I got there. The problem was solved with a set of Two Brothers 6 into 6 straight pipes. Believe me when I tell you...this Valk...SCREAMS ! 

I always had " Harley envy " in the past, Id shine that Wing till she reflected like a mirror in the sun, people were always payin me compliments on her , even though she was 10 years old. But then I'd pull up behind or next to some Harley boy, and he'd sit there rumblin on that big twin V, and Id hafta let out a collective * sigh *. But...not anymore, I can say without hesitation that the Valkyrie IS one of THE BADDIST machines on the road today.

 Hell..when I ride by Harley boys now, they always acknowledge me, and I can see even that glint of " envy " in their beady lil eyes. And isn't that something that would make any " Rice Burners " day ?? 

..Yeh. ..I ride a Valk.. And if you cant deal with it ..well...maybe speed just AINT yer...thang 

~ Dave