So the boss asked if I would like to travel to Milwaukee to ride some bikes at Black Hawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, Illinois. I was about to apply fresh knee sliders to my Astars suit when he informed me that I would be testing the all-new 2017 Harley-Davidson FL family touring models featuring an equally fresh powertrain. Hell yeah! I'm all about low-risk apex strafing and fine Wisconsin brew. So I arrived to find seven mixed models consisting of standard 107ci and 114ci Sreamin' Eagle powered CVO versions. A threat of rain resulted in rapid seat hoping with three-lap stints aboard each bike in turn, sorta like having a quick bite of everything at the buffet. But on a positive note I can tell you that each bike ridden handled the track with stedfast ease. And while I didn't wear a hole in the knee of my Astar riding jeans I enjoyed every moment.
VIDEO: 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycles
Due to its frame-mount fairing, handling and cornering stability aboard the 107 Road Glide Special was well…extra special.Brian J. Nelson
They say cops target red vehicles for speeding more than any other color. Here’s hoping orange buys a 5-10 mph reprieve and perhaps even a lower bail.Brian J. Nelson
Riding solo aboard the Ultra Limited seems a waste of cushy passenger pillion space. With the added torque of the new Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, I could pack heavy for two (no offence honey) and hit the road for a long weekend tour.Brian J. Nelson
So your lady packs a lot of shoes and who knows what else for a simple overnighter? Fear not with the 114ci CVO Ultra’s added pulling power. What better way to cover your bet on an uphill top-gear pass around a semi truck on a two-lane highway?Brian J. Nelson
Riding With the King…a personal favorite BB King/Clapton album that always comes to mind when I climb aboard a Road King. I recommend “Three O’Clock Blues” if you have killer subwoofer, or “Key to the Highway” if you wish to stay more on topic.Brian J. Nelson
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