BikeTest/Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide: If there is one machine above all others instantly recognised both by motorcyclists and the general public, it has to be Harley-Davidson's Ultra Classic Electra Glide.
For many years this iconic iron horse was a unique machine and the first of a whole new generation. It provoked other manufacturers to produce their own version of "the Glide".
Both Suzuki and Yamaha, for a short while, had their "full dresser" machines. Now just Honda's Gold Wing and BMW's K 1200 LT are the remaining choices in this luxury tourer market.
Glide is its name and glide is its nature. This is a High Plains Drifter type of machine designed to shake off endless miles across the Big Sky Country. It is unashamedly big, it is macho, bling, Americana.
It makes a huge statement, is not for the reticent and, if you are into that sort of thing, and you probably would not buy one if you were not, it comes complete with a "lifestyle".
Those who have never experienced the Harley lifestyle should be in Killarney between June 22nd and 25th, when the more than 3,000 Harleys and their riders will converge - some from as far away as Saudi Arabia and the US, for this year's European HOG Rally. (HOG stands for Harley Owners Group).
Now this is one big machine, and a heavy one. It is loaded with just about everything: a massive bat-wing fairing, masses of instruments, a four-speaker 80 watt Harmon/Kardon(r) AM/FM/ WB/CD-MP3 Advanced Audio system. It's so powerful it almost requires a broadcasting licence.
The pillion seat is more of a throne complete with armrests, but the crash bars around the panniers gouge into your passenger's knees. The panniers are cavernous and there is a genuine two full-face helmets topbox.
Add chunky, meaty grips, a rocker-style gearchange, footboards for both rider and pillion, a CB system to maintain contact with the outside world, all rolled into a weight of 391kg (that's a hefty 820 lbs) and you begin to get some of the picture.
I felt that for the test ride I really should have brought my dark glasses, some chewing gum and worn denims to fit in with the ethos. It really is like nothing else, and it's easy to see the attraction and the immense loyalty it engenders.
It is not a machine for getting your knee down, for trying to scrape the footboards, that would be like expecting a monarch to become a pop star.
It just likes to waft along, ironing out the road in an unhurried fashion whilst nonchalantly passing much of the other traffic.
It belies its North American ancestry when it comes to braking. With this machine you need to keep your observations sharp, the brakes are not up to the best European standards.
Once used to that, you can begin to relax and enjoy the journey. Beneath the tank rumbles that massively-built long-stroke V-2 engine pounding out 117Nm of torque at a mere 3,400rpm.
There is a 5-speed gearbox but, in reality, it could do pretty much whatever was asked of it with just three gears.
Now one thing to remember about Harley-Davidsons is that they were designed to be re-built. That does not mean that they need constant re-building. Simply that if you can succeed in wearing one out, and that takes some doing, it is not a case of scrapping it. In practice there are precious few other machines where it is economical or practical to attempt major engine rebuilds.
Customising is part and parcel of the Harley lifestyle, sometimes taken to extremes with the Ultra Classic Electra Glide.
So keen are owners to turn their machine into something truly unique that there seems to be no limit to the accessories, widgets and gadgets available.
As a luxury touring machine this is as laid back as you can find. Although it can cover the ground with deceptive speed, the experience begins to border on the soporific if one is used to more aggressive machines.
The thing is "the Glide" no more needs to be aggressive than an elephant. It knows it is an icon, it knows it is glitteringly impressive and, in the realms of road locomotives, it just doesn't come any better.
Riding it reminded me of long ago student days when our consortium briefly owned a pre-war 4 ½ Bentley which was used for a tour of the rapidly vanishing local breweries.
It has that same unapologetic presence, long-legged gait and pride in being an anachronism.
Techspec:
ENGINE: Air-cooled, twin-cam, fuel-injected 1,450cc 4-stroke, V-twin, 8.9:1 compression. 117Nm @3,500rpm. 5-speed gearbox, belt drive.
CHASSIS: Steel frame with twin downtubes. 41.3mm triple-damped telescopic forks. Air-adjustable rear shocks. Mild steel swinging arm. 16" wheels front and rear.
BRAKES: Front: dual 292mm discs. Rear: single 292 disc.
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 693 to 779mm. Wheelbase: 1,613mm. Fuel 18.9 L Weight: 373kg.
Consumption: 5.1 to 6.0 L/100km.
PRICE: €20,450 to €20,650