1931
Cover Bike
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by
Gordon Platto
Michigan USA
Like a great Blues
or Bluegrass singer feels when they sing that incredible song, my affinity
for motorcycles and the motorcycle culture is felt in my bones and soul.
As with many true "Old School" motorcycle enthusiasts, their love affair
of the machine started at a very young age. As you can see, I've had oil
running through my veins for over thirty years now, it's just evolved from
bicycle chain lube to 60w Harley Oil.
At the age of
9, I was building chopper bicycles, three wheel chopper dragon custom scale
models and engrossing myself in any and all motorcycle and chopper magazines
a 9 year old could get his hands on. The motorized two wheelers came about
a year later when my dad brought home a mini-bike with a 5hp Tecumseh...It
was all over from that point on with mini trails, dirt bikes, and finally
street bikes. My parents never let me own a street bike when I was under
their roof, |
but
as soon as I graduated from college and settled in with a real job, one
of the first things I did was purchase my first street bike. There was
never any question regarding the brand of motorcycle I wanted, as I was
convinced there was only one brand...Harley-Davidson. Fifteen years ago
my street bike endeavors began with a 1962 stroked Sportster (my leg gets
tired just thinking about kicking it over), followed by a 1969 Electra
Glide two years later. I restored both of these bikes myself to stunning
showpieces.
Currently, I own
the 1931 VL Harley-Davidson pictured on the cover and a 1948 Indian Chief.
I love to "drive" the bikes rather than letting a bike drive you, as it
requires a bit of work on the rider's end. Part of the joy of ownership
for me is to work all the "stuff" like the spark advance, tank shifter,
foot clutch, and throttle all of which are the exact opposite between the
Harley and the Indian.
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The picture on the cover was shot at the H-D 100th Anniversary in Milwaukee
on Lake Shore Dr. when Lorie and Preacher pulled me over for a closer look
at the bike and a quick conversation. I had planned on riding the VL to
Milwaukee for the event, but had to have the motor rebuilt two weeks before
and felt it would not be a good idea to break the bike in on the way there.
Fortunately, I had it trailered out there and I rode a 2003 Anniversary
Road Glide from Detroit, which was an absolute treat for me with a radio,
and real SUSPENSION! What a great memory and a great experience to participate
in Harley's history making event!! I will remember it for many, many years
to come. I hope you had a chance to enjoy the event too! |
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