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As some of our North American customers do ride with pride what is world wide known as THE bikers bike we had to test at least one Harley Davidson one day! Lucky us! We could test two of them: the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic and the FLHRC Road King Classic, both 2007 models with the Twin Cam 96 (B for the Heritage) engine.

Feelings: shiny chrome everywhere, the sun reflecting itself in the huge front light, a large leather saddle, a noise allowing to count each piston move…and the whole beast shaking and vibrating on its side stand. Wow! One has to admit that getting close to a HD to ride it for the first time is a special event in a bike's life. The position of the Heritage feels more fluffy than the one on the Road King, as you are a bit higher and the handle bar is straighter on the second one. Feet are on the large feet rests, first gear in! And here we go! For such heavy pieces of metal they feel surprisingly light, thanks to the low center of gravity. Time for some throttle opening and the very first huge smile thanks to the noise of that HD engine! No idea how those pipes passed the European noise test but well, who cares? That is a noise you like! And enjoy playing with!

Vibrations: when you talk HD and Twin Cam you have to talk about vibrations. Some call them "good vibrations" and some…lose their teeth and bolts. On the Heritage, thanks to a softer engine mount, you will feel less vibrations, but the Road King is there to help you lose what was left to shake away!

Fun: riding a HD is definitely fun! The massive torque gets you and all that US iron flying above the asphalt in a twist of the wrist, but you will mainly stick to the speed limit thanks to the wind in your face and the good vibes. For someone used to the German handling efficiency or the Japanese slim bikes taking the first sharp curve with a HD is a …special moment.

What is that sound? As if the foot was on the road! Well in fact your foot IS on the ground only protected from the rude contact by the thickness of the foot rest. Now it becomes all clear why they are that thick! After the first surprise you can't stop playing with the torque and the foot rest scratching! Unfortunately only the people behind you enjoy the sparkles!

Dating: for the first time in the Unicorn Adventures Ltd newsletter we have to talk about the "Dating effect" of a bike (well in fact of two bikes). The style of a HD as well as the exhaust noise are a package that you have to account for! You cannot just jump in your "Honda" (or any other brand) leathers or your latest BMW world touring gear when you want to look like a HD biker! Well you could but then talking about dating doesn't make anymore sense. No! a HD deserves the proper style and look from its biker. Enhancing the beauty of the bike is a must and will point all the lights, fingers and glances at you! With a HD, especially with the Heritage or the Road King Classics with their leather side bags, huge fairing and chromes, people can see you are a serious rider, they see the Route 66 (what is left of it) and see you are a real tough one! Even though you will never make more than 100 km before your rear and back and hands and arms and legs hurt like hell. You will just look like "the right stuff".