Into the New Year

One could certainly understand that a pervading sense of pessimism is bemoaned by others, as the calendar is about to change from 2017 to 2018.

Doomsayers, naysayers, conspiracy theorists, extremists (from both political parties), self appointed social activists, university and college professors, union leaders, male, female, public school teachers, journalists, media commentators, elected officials at all levels, non-elected government officials at all levels, red staters, blue staters, people of all races, people of all ethnicities, rich, poor, urban dwellers, farmers, straight, gay, questionable, and almost every other imaginable group are portrayed by the widely divided media as angry about something or everything.  Whipping their bases into a frenzy, the various factions and individuals claiming to represent one view or another seem to be working overtime to sow and fertilize  mistrust and division throughout the nation.

It is all too easy to answer their siren songs, regardless of an individual's core beliefs.

But as we move into the new year, let us urge resistance to the sirens of division.  Why?  Because far more examples of people coming together exist, in spite of what the naysayers and doomsayers preach, regardless of what we would have expected to believe.

Delving into the news, bypassing the sensationalism put out to inflame, and you will find stories of incredible kindness, generosity, and brotherhood.  Average citizens literally running into the flames of a burning house.  Individuals plucking an unknown person out of the way of certain death or serious injury.  Strangers standing up to defend someone being abused.  The stories are as endless as they are inspirational.

Look and you will see for yourself that the naysayers and doomsayers are way off base.  

Sure, there are challenges.  And hard work is needed to address them.

But the average guy and gal, just working day-by-day, is usually ready and willing to help out when the need arises.

Thankfully that is what the new year holds for us.        

Contrasts

Dictionary.com defines contrast, in part, as "to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc."

What took place a week ago in El Cajon and Del Mar, California displayed a strong contrast between what some people might believe or assume about those who ride motorcycles; bikers, if you will.   It is likely many average Americans think of bikers in the image of Marlon Brando in The Wild One,

   

or so called gangs of today.  Leather, chrome, Harleys, loud pipes, denim, patches, and on and on.  But that is where the contrast comes into play.

On November 19, bikers came together to give to the community.  Specifically, the San Diego community via the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.  

Beginning with registering and staging at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, they rode to the Del Mar Race Track, joining with track patrons to ultimately provide an estimated 2,300 toys and $8,600 in cash donations to the Marine Corps Reserves 4th Tank Battalion, so that some children in the San Diego region will have a piece of Christmas this year.

Hundreds turned out for this most worthy of causes.

If that isn't a contrast, I don't know what is.

San Diego's Largest Toys for Tots Event

Four days until the Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.  Help support the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program and make a difference this Christmas.  

You do not have to be a biker to join in.  Go to the Stretch Run Gate at the Del Mar Race Track, where each individual donating a new, unwrapped toy will receive free admission.  Gates open at 11:00 AM.  Join us in the Red Star Cafe and for $10 donation for Toys for Tots, come on in and buy some tickets for the opportunity drawing benefiting Toys for Tots.  The drawing starts at 11:30 and runs most of the day.  More than 80 prizes.  And check out the silent auction.

If you are a biker, register at El Cajon Harley-Davidson that morning and join the group Ride from El Cajon to the Del Mar Racetrack.  Or just head to the track, make your way to the Red Star Cafe, and register there (gates open at 11:00).

For more details, go the website.

Toys for Tots Ride

Gearing up for the largest Toys for Tots event in the San Diego region, the 4th Annual El Cajon Harley Owners Group Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.

El Cajon Harley-Davidson to the Del Mar racetrack.

Should be awesome.  Check it out here.

Marine Corps Birthday

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps birthday, a special day for all of us. As this picture shows, many deploy and are deployed around the world. What caught my attention in the picture, taken when the PGR welcomed home Marines from deployment, is the #10 in the lower right hand corner of the window. As we raise our glasses to celebrate the birth of our Corps, let us also remember fellow Marines are going in harm's way.

34 years ago

34 years ago, terrorists attacked the Marines in Beirut. 

Among those killed in the blast was Major William "Bill" Winter, USMC, with whom I had served at Marine Barracks United Kingdom. 

Last spoke with him at Camp Lejeune a few weeks before the MAU shipped out. 

RIP brother and Semper Fidelis.

California wild fires

The tragedy of this year's California's wild fires compels  comment.

Periodically writing about the benefits of being a biker living in California, what with the normally good-to-super riding weather, I am heartsick at the loss of life and property destruction.  Airborne drone based videos showing the devastation, like that in Santa Rosa, are compelling in displaying the tragic impact on our fellow citizens.

Having ridden through the area multiple times, on Routes 1 and 101, memories of the natural beauty abound.

These latest fires have wrecked havoc.  So, it will be hard to even imagine riding through the region in the future.

Our earnest prayers go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, particularly for the families who lost loved ones.

Riding year 'round

For much of the country, the riding season is coming to an end, much as the sun starts setting at the end of a day of riding.

But for those of us in SoCal, riding is year 'round.

Yeah, we have the lousy traffic in large mega-urban areas with which to contend.  And we definitely have a higher price for gasoline, poised to become even more expensive by a rushed-through-the-legislature new tax in this land of endless taxation.  But there relatively few days when I can't crank up the Harley and hit the roads.

So, brother riders in less hospitable areas, prep your bikes well for the winter storage.  Wash and wax, polish, protect the rubber and leather.  Consider a gas stabilizer.  Make sure the battery tender is plugged in.  And maybe cover the bike to keep the dirt off.

Out here we will be washing, waxing, polishing, shining, and riding!

Save the date

Mark your calendars now for the El Cajon Harley Owners Group 4th Annual Toys for Tots Ride.  It is open to all motorcycles and classic cars.

On 19 November, the ride begins at El Cajon Harley-Davidson and heads to the Del Mar Racetrack, where registered participants get parking, entry to the track, exclusive use of the Red Star Cafe and Patio, and grandstand access in order to enjoy the horse racing. 

Check out the website for more detailed information. 

There is also an opportunity drawing, with many terrific prizes, for example:

• Nuviz motorcycle Heads Up Display (HUD)
• Art from the Official Daytona Bike Week Artist, Mathew Hintz
• Gift certificate from 7Eye by Panoptx
• Gift Certificate from 94th Aero Squadron restaurant
• Legoland tickets from American Tire Depot
• T-shirts, patches, and decals from Bikers Against Drunk Drivers
• Gift certificate for buffet for two from Barona Resort
• Buffalo Wings gift car
• Gift basket from Cafe Moto
• Gift certificates from Cali Comfort BBQ
• GoPro camera
• Custom knife from Columbia River Knife and Tool
• Art from renowned artist David Uhl
• Teddy Bears in USMC Dress Blues from eMarine PX
• Tickets and t-shirts from Good Guys Rod and Custom
• Autographed book from Greg Gutfeld
• Helmets from HJC
• Autographed CD from Jason Aldean
• Four tickets to Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Race from Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Hats and t-shirts from Martin Brothers Customs
• Art from renowned artist Rick TImmons
• Gift certificates from Road ID
• Gift packs from RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring and Travel
• Tickets to San Diego Automotive Museum
• Discount certificates from Rude Dog Leathers
• Motorcycle Bag from Saddleman Leather
• Tickets to San Diego State University home football game
• Shirts and special gifts from Sgt Grit
• Round of golf and lunch for two from Sycuan Golf Resort
• Tickets to USS Midway Museum
• Gift package from Wizard Products
• Gift certificates from Wrangler Family BBQ

Saturday morning breakfast

Saturday morning in San Diego County, under overcast skies, with cool temperatures.  With my bride at an all day event, it was a perfect opportunity to head out for an early breakfast.

Can't say enough about the cooler weather, after fairly recent triple digit days.  This was near perfect riding weather.

Thinking about where to head, a favorite -- Descanso Junction -- came to mind.

As can be guessed, it is a place with a decidedly western theme.  But that's only one of the many reasons to head there.  More on that later.

So I slurped down a cup of coffee for the road, then geared up.  Having washed and polished the bike earlier in the week, it was fully fueled and ready for some fresh air on the open roads of San Diego's east county.  After getting on Route 94, turned on to Honey Springs Road, then Lyon Valley Road, and finally connected with Japatul Valley Road.  Once crossing under Interstate 8, it was a short distance on Route 79 to the restaurant.  It can definitely be described as off the beaten path, at least for those not in the know.

Seeking a restaurant on road trips has taught me to look for pick-up trucks or motorcycles.  Seeing a parking lot filled with either virtually guarantees finding good food at decent prices.  To clarify, this rule of thumb applies to looking for a restaurant, not a biker bar or hang out.  (If you need to ask the difference, you won't understand.)  At the Descanso Junction, the rule of thumb applies.  

Early this Saturday morning, motorcycles of various makes and types shared available parking with a good number of pick-ups.  Candidly, it was a bit of a surprise to see such a number of bikes early on Saturday morning.  After entering, I noted the gray beard bikers, like yours truly, were in the majority from the two wheel set.  Maybe it is because "more experienced" folks tend to rise earlier than the younger crowd.

          

Riding solo this morning, I opted for a chair at the diner style bar.  (Check out the horse shoes hanging under the bar.)  Just the right amount of chatter, laughter, and bantering with the waitstaff mixed in with subtle country and oldies music.  Near immediately I was told, "You look like you need a cup of coffee and a menu."  No argument, as I accepted both from the server Mary.

On the ride up, I knew it was going to be a choice between hotcakes and French toast.  This morning I decided on the French toast, with scrambled eggs and hash browns, for $7.  With coffee and tax, it was just over $10.  Can't beat it.

If wanting to dash in, choke down a meal, and dash out, don't go to places like Descanso Junction.  If wanting to enjoy well cooked and plentiful food, friendly conversation, and relaxation, mark this as a place to put your kick stand down.  To say it is biker friendly would be an understatement.  Good folks.  Good food.  Good service.  Good value.  Exactly right on this Saturday morning.

With a full belly a comfortable time later, I paid the bill, left a generous tip, and headed to the bike.  As I and another couple of older bikers were preparing to pull out, four riders of the younger persuasion were pulling in.  Brought to mind a changing of the guard, so to speak.  The early risers, mostly solo riders, were heading out as younger riders, many two up, were arriving.

Regardless of age or bike ridden, they all had one thing in common.  Breakfast at Descanso Junction this Saturday morning.      

American values on two wheels

OK, you might wonder about the lead, "American values on two wheels."  It isn't that mystical, however.

The MoCo, the Motor Company, aka Harley-Davidson, introduced its 2018 softail line of bikes.  Gone are the Dynas, sort of.  Actually, the Dynas have more or less been incorporated into the new softails.

As the MoCo seeks new generations of riders, while remaining loyal to the usual Harley touring bike riders, it made a bold statement with the Fat Bob 114.

And the Fat Boy 114.

Muscular.  Aggressive.  Powerful.  Unique.  Independent.

Those adjectives can also be used to describe traditional American values.  

With these two (and other) updated models, the MoCo stakes a claim in the biker market, dramatically declaring to the world that it represents American values.  And by representing American values, it speaks to the ultimate freedom offered by riding a motorcycle.

Not a 50cc little around-town-putter, but a pavement tearing ride appearing to be in motion even while resting on its kickstand.

Appealing to the X-Games crowd and, as one Harley-Davidson dealership co-owner described it, seeking out the younger dirt bike rider, older dirt bike rider who realizes he doesn't bounce as well as he once did, and BMX rider looking to hop on a motor, MoCo is laying a bold, indisputably American value based claim on the market.

The single word dominating their advertising -- freedom -- captures that statement of American value.  

At the invite of a local Harley-Davidson dealer, I will be taking the Fat Bob 114 for a test ride this week.  Can't wait to explore more freedom, American style.

On the open, road, drop into a corner, point my chin where I want to go, and grab some throttle.  That captures the American definition of the American value of freedom.   

  

   

Poignant

In addition to this blog, I do a little free lance writing, mainly about veterans and motorcycling.  Doing so brings me into contact with some truly amazing people, including Marine Corps veteran Ana Sanchez.

A veteran of our most recent wars, it was my honor to interview her, which produced this article.  It tells her story, including being a member of the Marine Corps Female Engagement Teams in ground combat, thus earning the unique recognition of being a Lioness.

Most sadly, Ana passed away recently, succumbing to cancer and leaving behind her husband, a daughter, and a son.

Her passing underscores that there are fantastic people who come into our lives, if only for a short period.  They are extraordinary, simply because they are average, patriotic folks like most of us, working hard to live happy and productive lives day-to-day.

They are not individuals written about by the main stream media.  They are not people about who various pundits and self-appointed experts speak.  They are not the rich and famous.  They don't travel in limousines or chartered aircraft.  They don't appear on talk shows.    

They are our fellow Americans, pure and simple, who have served their country.  They do not seek handouts.  They stand when our National Anthem is played.  Their families are the centers of their lives.

They are male, female, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American.  They come from every part of the country.  They like all kinds of music.  They live in blue states and red states.

Remember, I suggest, these folks when tempted to complain about this or that.  The paths of our lives cross for a bit, adding richness to each.  This is the human experience and deserves recognition.

Just as Marine Corps combat veteran Ana Sanchez deserves our respect for her service.  Her life mattered, not just to her family and friends, but to our nation as well.

Semper Fidelis 

  

California dreamin'

Spinning off from the 1960s song that spoke of dreaming of California weather when the "leaves are brown," this California dreamin' is about that next ride.  The next motorcycle.

Dreamin' about the next road trip, riding along with my buddy of more than 50 years, as we roll on to new adventures.  Riding Harley-Davidson soft tails for the past ten years, it is now time to move up to a touring bike.  The challenge is making it happen.

As another riding buddy said, buying the next ride can be afforded, but can it be justified?

But once justified and the new ride parked in the garage, then the fun really begins.  Planning for the next road trip.  There are so many options here on the west coast, event and non-event centered: Hollister Rally, Lighthouse Run, Why We Ride Quail Run, and Routes 1/101 up the California and Oregon coast lines.  Or maybe it's time to head back to Sturgis?

Dreamin' again.  Open roads.  The harmonic sounds coming from the exhausts of two bikes rolling along together.  Small towns.  Mom and Pop eateries.  Sights previously unseen.  New acquaintances we haven't yet met.  The ultimate expression of American freedom.  Encountering the unexpected, from the quaint to the sublime.  That first cold beer after a long day in the saddle.  Dreamin' again.

The Open Road

I've taken to avoiding the news, or what passes for it these days.  To be more accurate, after scanning headlines, I very rarely read full articles, unless they deal with military or veteran matters.  And I have ceased watching televised so-called news programs all together.  Why?  Fake is confused by some with truth.  Opinion masquerades as legitimate reporting.  Screamers and zealots dominate virtually every possible format.  Inflammatory rhetoric meant to incite, incivil commentary, and preposterous allegations and assertions abound.  So taking all into consideration, it's best just to essentially ignore it.    

Instead, I think of two main elements in my life.  Family first and then the open road.  Love and freedom respectively.  In this post, the open road is the topic.

In thinking of the open road, I envision some of the most beautiful parts of the country it has been my privilege and pleasure to see from the saddle of a motorcycle.  Back roads and highways have taken me over majestic mountains.  I have rolled along through narrow valleys and across rolling hills.  Through deserts and forests.  Under blue skies and in rain.  In triple digit heat and frigid temperatures.

I have traveled highways on the Oregon coast and the plains in the Dakotas.

Cruising along on a motorcycle in these open spaces, accompanied by the sounds of the bike and rush of the wind, is nirvana, defined as "a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world." 

Should I encounter a fellow motorcyclist heading in the opposite direction, we acknowledge each other with a salute of sorts.

    
We are, at that moment, sharing this form of nirvana.  
In this "state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world," the fools who falsely present themselves as journalists and their opinions, incessant negativity, haranguing, misrepresentation, blatant lies, pandering, craven commentary, unreasonable dictums, and selfcenteredness do not exist.    

What does exist is the freedom for which this nation was created.  Freedom for which I served in the Marine Corps.  Freedom that we all seek.  Freedom, pure and simple.  Most importantly, freedom from the crud taking the place of journalism.  

What does exist is one big smile.

Avoiding what passes for news today and focusing on family first, then the open road, isn't such a bad approach. 

Care to join in?   

Yet another mission

As the local news stations reported, there was yet another mission.

Patriot Guard Riders and others rolled out on their bikes this morning to honor Sergeant Chad Jenson, U. S. Marine Corps.

Sergeant Jenson died, along with other Marines and a sailor, when a KC-130 Marine Corps aircraft crashed last month.  On this cool, overcast San Diego morning bikers of the Patriot Guard Riders staged near the San Diego International Airport, awaiting Sergeant Jenson's arrival.  After the mission briefing, they rolled out to escort the procession of the hearse, Jenson's family, and friends to the mortuary.  Superbly led by motor officers from the California Highway Patrol, the procession made its way north from the airport.

In the staging area prior to the mission, two retired senior officers who were to ride in the missing man formation (Navy Captain aviator and Marine Corps Colonel air command and control) spoke in clear, unambiguous terms about the state of Naval aviation, which includes the Marine Corps.  Incensed by the loss of life, including Sergeant Jenson, the two officers are highly critical of the leadership (civilian and military) that made decisions leading directly to the situation in which we now find ourselves.

It is reported that 70% of Marine Corps F/A-18s can not fly.  Also reported have been the grounding of a Navy F/A-18 squadron that is forward deployed on a carrier.  These reports join those of maintenance personnel visiting aircraft "boneyards" to scavenge parts.  And another of a mid-air collision between an instructor pilot and "nugget" aviator.  Neither aircrew had anywhere near the required minimum flight hours needed to maintain proficiency.

Not enough money to maintain the aircraft.  Not enough money for flight hours to train aircrews in perishable skills.

Though both senior officers have been retired for some time, their anger is no less intense as they recount other PGR missions for active duty personnel killed in aircraft mishaps that just should not have occurred.  Like the Marine aviator who died when his aircraft fell apart during a training flight. 

"Who the hell made these decisions?" one was heard to say.  Condemning leadership failures at multiple levels, these gray beards are aghast at the needless loss of life.  And they are equally angry at the totally unacceptable lack of readiness.  The word angry does not adequately describe the intensity of their comments.  With careers built upon training and leading our nation's finest as they prepare for combat, these war horses roundly castigated the civilian leadership, read Obama and successive SecDefs, as well as the flag and general officers in the Navy and Marine Corps who took the force to where it is today.

Who will hold those responsible for these failures?

I have no answer.  So, on this Tuesday morning, it was yet another mission to honor a serviceman who died on active duty.  In this case, a young Marine Sergeant and newlywed who died (with others) in an aircraft mishap on what should have been a routine flight.

How many more missions like this will these two warriors ride in?

Damn it.       

Where is the outrage?

In an absolutely senseless act of cowardly violence, the driver of an automobile drove into a crowd, killing one and injuring a score of others.

The Twittersphere, other social media, bloggers, and main stream media rightfully decried this heinous act, characterizing it as racist violence.

But where is the outrage at other senseless and heinous acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by others?  What about recent reports of roving gangs attacking people in Philadelphia?  What about the now infamous knock out attacks?  What about riots in Baltimore and other cities?

It seems the metrics used when deciding to explode a topic on Twitter or lead with a story in the main stream media are quite different, depending on the identities of the alleged perpetrator(s) and victim(s).

Should we want to move forward as a society, then all senseless and heinous acts of violence must be roundly and uniformly condemned by all, regardless of the identities of the alleged perpetrator(s) and victim(s).  

Otherwise, those tweeting, posting, blogging, writing, commenting, broadcasting, etc. severely diminish and delegitimatize their observations and arguments.

Outrage at any senseless and heinous act of violence should be universal, regardless.

K-12 Public Education in California

While perusing the news online, I came upon a local editorial concerning public education. Here’s an astounding bit. “ In the fall 2016 term, 23 percent of CSU [California State University] freshmen had to take remedial English and 28 percent had to take remedial math, with some students needing both such classes, which don’t provide credit toward college graduation.” Also astonishing was information the average high school 3.2 GPA for these students.

So, if understanding correctly, roughly one-fourth of the students admitted as freshmen to the CSU system did not meet basic math and English proficiency.  And this is for the admitted students, perhaps implying an even higher rate for those not provided entry in the competitive admissions process.  This, after years of increased education budget demands by the teacher unions, which claim to be doing a much better job educating California K-12 students, as reflected in higher graduation rates and higher GPAs. Yeah, right!

Reading what came next produced a shaking head. “CSU officials see the remedial classes as frustrating students, prompting some to drop out and slowing the progress to graduation for many.”  Of course students requiring remediation in English and math are going to be frustrated. After being socially promoted and given "good" grades by the members of the California Teachers Association, the harsh reality of undergraduate university education causes tremendous angst.  For years these students were coddled, only to find themselves ill prepared for college studies. So it is no surprise many drop out. And I would guess the majority of the impacted students are minority and low income.

Yet their plight has nothing to do with their race, ethnicity, or economic levels. These has been proved by the demanding coursework and approach by the Preuss School UCSD.  Admitting solely low income, first generation (neither parent attended college) students, then teaching only a demanding college prep curriculum, Preuss provides an education leading to highly qualified students ready for college.  Far too many California general public schools do not.

Per the editorial, the CSU’s answer, “No longer willing to wait for K-12 schools to improve, CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White last week announced that beginning in fall 2018, CSU will drop the English and math placement tests and end noncredit remedial classes.  CSU officials see the remedial classes as frustrating students, prompting some to drop out and slowing the progress to graduation for many.  They believe new ways can be adopted to help students improve English and math skills while taking regular college coursework.” 

What an abysmal and short sighted approach, particularly in the face of the all too common results from typical public schools.  Ignoring the lack of academic preparedness will not solve the problem.  How does one boost a college freshman’s inadequate math and English proficiency to levels required for university studies without remediation?  How can a college freshman begin successful studies without the minimum English and math proficiency, when the K-12 system does not educate to it??

If the CSU feels students are currently frustrated with remediation, what do they believe will happen as more and more students fail classes due to lack of English and math proficiency?  Perhaps they will reduce the number of students admitted from California public schools, in order to reduce the number of struggling freshmen.  Or maybe they will simply adopt the K-12 public school strategy of social promotion and grade/graduation inflation, providing employers a grossly under-educated employee pool.

Simply disgusting.

Putting all of this in perspective, let it be kept in mind that the admissions criteria for the CSU system is not as rigorous as the majority of the top universities and colleges in the nation.  Thus graduates of the conventional Californian public K-12 systems are unable to compete for spots in the most prestigious schools in the country.

Why do the people not see that lowering the standards, as the CSU appears to be doing, is not the answer?  For too many years the all too politically powerful California teacher unions have wasted taxpayer provided resources.  K-12 education is the foundation, one that needs immediate attention.  Attention, not dollars.  Effective policies, not apologies.  Teacher accountability, not raises for union officials.  Upheld standards, not social promotion.  Rigorous academics, not expensive sports programs.  Longer school days and school years, not fewer.

Until the people of California fully appreciate the seriousness of the failing public K-12 system, their sons and daughters will be less and less prepared for higher education.    

Motorcycling

After a morning ride on Sunday, I was perusing motorcycle sites on line and came across this article about Harley-Davidson.  More specifically, about the future of the MoCo.

While by no means an economics expert, I found the points (some of which were commented upon by readers) about demographics interesting.  I came away with the main question being why someone buys a H-D instead of another brand?  

Image surely plays a significant role.  From Hollister in 1947 to today, the image of a Harley-Davidson rider is both unique and iconic in my view.  It would be hard to envision all the patch clubs riding anything but Harleys, which definitely points to image and all it conveys.

Separate from demographics and image is the cost issue, with which I can’t argue.  When lusting for a new ride, the hankering is for a touring bike like the H-D Streetglide.  

That means lots of money.  And similar to automobiles, the depreciation in the first two years is significant.  For grins and giggles, I checked out local shops and Cycletrader for "pre-owned" 2017s and they are out there at a decently discounted rate (compared to new).  According to one of the PGR bubbas with whom I ride missions, there are guys who buy a new H-D, make the Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder, return, and then sell the bike.  Not a lot different from those who buy a bike and leave it parked in the garage, all clean and shiny.  

But looking at it from almost any angle, a new H-D is still an expensive ride.  (Made vastly more expensive in California by the significant sales tax.)

What the article does not fully cover is the type of riding one does.  If just looking for a street bike or cruiser for running around town, there are certainly multiple brands and bikes from which to choose.  But if interested in multiple day road trips, the number of viable options shrinks rather rapidly.  The knowledgeable and experienced rider will look to a touring bike.  I’d argue that means one of these primary choices: H-D, Indian, Honda, or BMW.  And all have high price points, in part because of the comforts (fairings, radios, etc.).  Long distance riders might also look at these adventure touring secondary choices: KTM, Ducati, and BMW.  

In my musings and research, I admit to looking at the Ducati Multistrada S, particularly after encountering one at a PGR mission.  

Its rider told me he switched from a H-D and hasn’t looked back.  More power (152 hp), lighter weight (wet weight 518 lbs), liquid cooled, and decent gear hauling capability.  However, it’s MSRP ($20,295) is comparable to the H-D Streetglide ($20,999) and beats the H-D Road King ($18,999).  

In the same Adventure Touring category is the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with a MSRP of $18,895:  125 hp, 580 lbs, and air/liquid cooled.  

So, the costs of adventure touring bikes are comparable to a Road King or Streetglide, while lighter and providing more power.  

Then there is the new, soon-to-appear BMW K1600 B (for bagger).  

At a basic MSRP of $19,995, it puts out 160 hp and weighs 741 lbs: more powerful and lighter than both the Road King and Streetglide.

But looking back at the adventure touring options, with bikes making more power and weighing less, if interested in multi-day road trips, why choose a Harley-Davidson?

One important aspect for me is seat height, which needs to be low enough to enable standing flat footed when stopped, particularly when riding two up.  The Road King and Streetglide have seat heights just over 26 inches, while the Ducati Multistrada comes in over 32 inches and the BMW R 1200 GS at over 33 inches, though an option brings it down to 31.5 inches, still about five inches higher than the Harleys.  Next is the riding position, with the more comfortable feet forward controls on the H-D, compared to the bent knee positions on the Ducati and BMW.  Another critical factor is whether the rider plans on riding two up, taking into consideration passenger position and comfort, plus center of balance factors.  Though not having test ridden an adventure touring bike, a quick look reveals that with a rider and passenger, the combination will produce a much higher center of gravity and be far more top heavy than the aforementioned H-D bikes.

Of course, there is no doubt engine sound certainly plays into the decision as well.  Nothing quite matches the muscularity of the distinctive V-twin rumble emanating from a well tuned Harley with an aftermarket exhaust.  

And least we forget the importance of image, with its implied life style and visual statement of an American V-twin, and Harley-Davidson in particular.  The H-D iconic visual statement speaks loudly of our uniquely American freedoms, punctuated by the rumble of its exhaust.  And the freedom of association with like minded folks, which is perhaps best illustrated by the various rallies and rides, of which the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally, aka Sturgis, is king and at which H-D dominates.  

That is the tilting point for me.  The adventure touring bikes are certainly fine machines, performing excellently in their segment of motorcycling, just as do the BMW and Honda touring bikes.  But nothing says American freedom and conveys its image like a Harley-Davidson.  Sure, they are heavier and do not put out as much stock horsepower.  But they have lower seat heights and sound so much more muscular, and are better for two up riding.  At comparable costs, the choice is easy.   

Anyway, Sunday morning musings about motorcycles.