The opportunity presented itself, and although with hesitation, I ended up acting on it. It's not at all like I needed another motorcycle, but the first motorcycle that I really bonded with was my 2003 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. I've had a few H.D.'s since then, but when this pristine 2016 Ultra Classic with 2,500 miles on the odometer became available and was offered up, by a friend and co-worker, for an incredibly attractive price, I couldn't resist; it was still a lot of cash, but a fraction of a new one.
Two-Tone - "Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo"
This bike had never even seen rain; that didn't last long once the keys were handed to me. I rode it home from his house at night, in a thunderstorm, while Rush's Tom Sawyer belted out over the Infotainment system. The two-toned red beauty is "Christened" now. The most harrowing part of the ride was the lack of visibility due to the driving rain - while attempting to navigate around the most devastatingly pot-hole strewn section of the country, known as Metro Detroit.
The Project Rushmore factory upgrades were introduced in 2014. The 103" motor received a bigger and better cam, the front forks became bigger and revalved, the body work was slightly changed (I'm still a fan of the older styling), the saddlebags and trunk received a new latch system with one-handed operation (really nice) and there is more, but those are the prominent features that come to mind.
The Infotainment system with built in navigation is trick. While I've yet to spend much time with it, the map screen is impressive and resembles the navigation that you'll find in the modern cars - which I've found to have a much better perspective than the Garmin GPS units that I have experience with. Compared to the other Harley's that I've spent time with - this appears to be a high-tech Hog.
In the short time my friend has owned the bike, he has performed a few tasteful modifications: Most importantly is the wonderful Mustang seat ! The trunk has received the quick-detachable bracket and hardware kit and the antenna has been relocated to under the front fairing for convenience and functionality - whether you're rockin' the trunk - or not. Some nifty and bright (official HD accessories) light strips have been added to the back of the saddlebags to match the one on the back of the trunk; they are really sharp and distinctly stand out.
This machine also has ABS ! Told you it was a high-tech Hog (if that is even possible). Just go with it.
Oh ... and it even has a little gremlin bell dangling a few inches from the pavement - from the bottom of the frame - to ward off the evil spirits. That very well may turn out to be the most useful mod.
So far, I've done a little wrenching myself, getting things dialed in. Took the coil-over shocks off my old Evolution Road King and installed them on the Project Rushmore FLHTCU; never could get the ride I wanted on the King with those shocks. Always was on the stiff side (even with lighter springs). They feel really good on the new bike though, but the new pig is probably 200 pounds heavier, lending more to the modern design and stiffer valving of the JRI shocks.
Also installed some mild 1 & 3/4" baffled slip-on mufflers that I had up in the rafters.
My friend had installed the tallest Klockwerks windshield available. Great windshield, but about an inch too tall for me. After re-installing the factory 9 & 3/4" windshield, it was determined that it was not quite effective enough. So, I ordered up an 11" Freedom shield with a flare at the top. Will report more on it when I receive, install, and ride with it; I'm confident it will suffice though.
Another one of the multitude of reasons for purchasing this bike is the fact that now that our daughters are getting older (and starting to disconnect from mom) my wife has expressed some interest in riding with me - at least in a limited capacity. She went on a few rides with me on my 2003 ultra, and felt that this new high-tech Hog would most likely be adequate, as she likes the passenger throne - and the red is a similar shade as to what she is accustomed to doing her nails in.
Before I absolutely committed to Dave about buying his bike, I'd decided to take my wife over to his house to see it in person and sit on it. We had planned a night out with Dave and Tamera for dinner and drinks, while combining the bike viewing.
Dave was really torn about selling it. The only reason he did is because his wife had developed debilitating back issues from work and could no longer ride. This bike was also in their wedding. Life does not always go as planned. Enjoy it while you can.
Forgot to mention that he also added extension brackets to bring the floorboards out away from the bike a little bit, giving us big-footed people more room and comfort; another nice touch.
Anyway, while my wife and I were sitting on the bike, Dave snapped off a picture. He took awhile to send it to me, so I was starting to think that he had changed his mind on selling the bike to me; as it was, I could feel his apprehension.
Turned out he was buying time on sending me the picture because Tamera spent hours with the picture in Photoshop. She cropped out the garage we were sitting in and put us in an amazing western environment with the sun shining. We were pretty impressed when he surprised us with the creative picture.
Huron River Drive - (Ann Arbor)
One of the few smooth (and scenic) stretches of road - which lies in somewhat close proximity to my home.
Out getting familiar with the new Ultra's attributes and shortcomings (which will be addressed systematically).
"Shiny chrome parts can afford a narcissist the opportunity for creative selfies."
A modern day zen master once mentioned in a discussion how many people today mistakenly think that the current generation is the "Me" generation - when in fact, the Me generation started in the late 60's and 70's. This common misconception is easily understandable though, when you consider the fact that the Me generation is overshadowed by the current generation in terms of narcissism. He went on to state that the data shows - that although narcissism became prevalent in the 70's - the current generation is 4-times more narcissistic. Interesting.
Here is a screenshot sample of the HD navigation system while traversing Huron River Drive and simultaneously rocking FM 106.7 on the radio.
Note the part of the river that opens up to the extreme right of the screen; that is Barton Pond. Many years ago I was looking for that fishing hole, but everything was so grown up (and concealing it) around it that I had no idea how to access it. Now the brush and foliage has been cut back exposing it with a shoulder to pull off and park. There are signs saying no trespassing, but I suspect they are only there for liability reasons, as there was a multitude of people walking down and across the railroad tracks to access the small trails that run along the waters edge.
After killing spark on the monstrous big twin, I took a stroll through the cozy wooded area myself. There were three late twenty-somethings hanging out at an overlook - openly smoking a joint (marijuana is legal here in Michigan now), another couple sitting on a large rock while peering out over the water, and yet another couple snuggled up in an enclosed hammock that was hanging at the trails edge.
Holly's First Ride - (Memorial Day 2019)
Finally, opportunity and perfect weather coincided, allowing me to get Holly out and enjoying her first ride - on the Mysterious Red Rushmore bike. Nothing too demanding; the plan is to slowly build miles and to keep things interesting and engaging for her. We took a relaxing country ride of probably 80-miles or so, through some wooded areas, we meandered along the Huron River, and even experienced a brief hike along some trails through the Barton Pond area which brought us to waters-edge and also some flower-sniffin' opportunities. Literally.
On the way home, I did briefly run a section of Interstate in order for her to become accustomed to those conditions, as she has always been apprehensive of the Interstate; with this rock-solid Rushmore bike and her high quality Shoei Qwest helmet, she did exceptional. We cruised effortlessly at 75 mph. Not that my intent is to make an Iron Butt rider out of Holly, but I do want her to be able to stay long enough in the saddle - that I can share some fantastic destinations with her.
The coil over shocks that I installed exceeded my expectations, and ride even better two-up, than solo. There was plenty of room ergonomically; I never felt crowded with her behind me. Still waiting for the 11" recurve Freedom windshield; that should put the airflow right where I want it. Hopefully in the next few weeks, we can get her out on an overnighter - and seek out a new style of adventure.
To be continued ...
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