Perfect weather, high 70’s with a nice ocean breeze.
The first bike was a Harley 114ci Fatboy. Very nice ride, smooth. This year Indian lets folks ride unsupervised! Well a guy on a 116ci Indian Darkhorse pulls up at a red light and wants to give it a go. The Fatboy blew him away!
Next bike was a 114ci Fat Bob. Maybe a little faster then the Fatboy. It vribriated the hell out on my hands, feet and butt.
I wandered over to the Indian Tent to find a 116ci dark horse Stage III. I was on my way after a quick sign in. The bike has three modes, touring, standard, and sport. There was a difference in performance. In sport mode the thing launched burning rubber with great acceleration. I do not know what mode the guy I raced was in, but the Darkhorse should have beaten the stock Fatboy 114 with ease.
Next over to Yamaha for an escorted spin on a XSR. Man it was a little wheelie machine. I could not really test it out because of the “safety” riders, but an aggressive up shift into second lifted the front wheel with easy. Nice ride, but a little buzzy. I am sure it is a handful of fun.
While Bike Week is dominated by Harley’s the other manufacturers are trying to impress.
Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, are all offering demo bike rides. I am not sure about Honda. I need to stop by their booth at the speedway.
I rode a couple other Harley’s and called it a day. As I rode north, back to St Augustine, on I95 with the sun setting on my left shoulder I thought how lucky we are.
For you guys who think Bike Week is just for over 60 Harley riders think again.
There is lots more to Bike Week then the main drag in Daytona Beach.
I have plans to take the ride down Main Street, go to a couple of swap meets, custom bike shows, vintage bikes shows, the flat track races, a ride from St. Augustine to Daytona on A1A, and then back to the raceway for more demo rides.
I am taking Sunday off from Daytona for the Celtic Festival and Games in St Augustine. Bagpipes, beer, and men in kilts. My wife can’t wait.
