Journey Back to Motorcycles

It had been more than 30 years since I had even sat on a motorcycle, much less ridden one. I rode some in my late teens and early 20s then owned a bike in my late twenties that was stolen. After that, life events bounced me around the country from South Florida to Los Angeles to Houston and finally back to Florida. Motorcycles just didn’t seem to be in the cards.

Then in 2020, with all the Covid craziness, I got the bug again. With my wife and daughter's full support, I started contemplating purchasing another bike. I knew it would be a Harley and either a Fat Boy, Heritage, or Road King. Because it had been so long, I decided to take the MSF Basic Rider Course offered by the local Harley dealership. This was a great decision because riding is a perishable skill, and my riding skills had diminished significantly. This also allowed me to acclimate in a friendly, safe environment with others going through the same thing.

First Test Ride
After finishing the class, I continued my research including a test ride on a 2021 Softail Slim. After my test ride, I knew I was buying a bike soon, but still had a choice to make. I always swore I would never spend plus twenty-thousand dollars on a motorcycle, but it is tough once you start looking. The bikes I looked at included a 2016 Fat Boy in mint condition, a 2019 Fat Boy, a 2021 Heritage Softail, and a 2020 Road King, all between sixteen and twenty-thousand dollars.

Buying the Bike
Ultimately, I chose the 2020 Road King, with 1450 original miles for the dresser look with classic styling.  I weigh over 200 lbs and also liked that it was 100 LBs heavier than the others with the touring frame and the 2020 Milwaukee 8 motor. Harley changed the design of the oil pump in 2020 to adjust for flow issues that were present in the first couple of years of M8 manufacturing.

Buying the bike was a process, and was not without a haggle. My fit specialist was great, and we had quite a few conversations about my size on the bike and what the different bikes were good for. However, when I finally made the decision and tried to buy the bike with cash, I couldn’t believe the reluctance, with the dealer saying the prices were based on financing the purchase, and they preferred not to deal in cash or would need to increase the price. Something to be ready for when you go to buy. 

Outside of the financing ordeal, the people have been very helpful. The delivery was made to my house while I was at work the Monday after Father’s Day 2021. Coming home and seeing the freshly-detailed bike in my garage was awesome.

First Rides
My first rides after 30 years were short and simple, starting with circles through my neighborhood that quickly grew. I also went to parking lots to practice slow-speed maneuvering. The Road King weighs about 840 LBs, about 250 LBs more than my previous Yamaha thirty years prior. I enjoyed how it rode, but the weight at slower speeds humbled me. Following instructor tips below 10 MPH, such as making sure you turn your head to the turn and slight back brake with a pre-loaded throttle, was really helpful.

If anyone were to ask me for advice, I would say, "Take it slow and only ride to your ability." Your ability will grow, like anything else, based on the amount of time you ride, and how much time you spend trying to really learn.” I spent time watching videos from Jerry Palladino and Robert Simmons, both retired highway patrolmen leading and training motorcycle units. I highly recommend watching both of them. The information you get is extremely helpful when you put it into practice.

Changes – An Endless but Fun Money Pit
First, it was the look. While I loved the Road King as I purchased it, customization to the bike seems limitless. Some for very little money, and others might need to be negotiated with the wife. First, it was chrome. The bike came with quite a bit of chrome, but more never hurts. The Harley quick-release and detachable systems make it difficult to decide what you want the bike to look like. 

First, I added a sissy bar and luggage rack to go with the CVO seat the bike came with. I also added Ciro turn signal lights between the bags and the frame of the bike. Then I decided a tour pack would be nice for long rides. I did get a rigid mount system for the tour pack on long trips that can be installed to replace the detachable system in about twenty minutes. 

The point is that I can completely change the look of the bike in less than thirty minutes.

As your riding improves and you get used to the bike, you’ll notice other things you would like to change. I noticed I was sitting low and sliding around on the CVO seat. And during longer rides, the lack of lumbar support was bothering my back. Seat choice makes a huge difference in your riding comfort and stability. After lots of research and trying several seats, I have ditched the CVO seat for the couch look with a tour pack for long rides and revert to the CVO seat with the fanged chrome luggage rack for around-town commutes. The new touring seat cradles my butt and supports my back better on the highway.

I have also switched out the grips, the floor boards, and highway pegs, and at some point, I will do a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque Kit. 

Final Assessment
Overall, I love the bike and thoroughly enjoy riding it whenever I can. I said I would never spend $20k on a motorcycle, but I’m glad I went with the Harley and my next bike may be more $$$. With my size, I would stay with the touring models, but I could also see a Fat Boy for around-town fun.

Update
In April of 2023 I bought a 2019 Street Glide. Most parts and attachments fit seamlessly on both bikes; having a second bike has been great.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have tips or thoughts related to this story.

*Video shoot footage shot with Insta360 X3, GoPro Hero, Canon 90D