Most of the motorcycles I’ve owned have been sport bikes, or bikes that handle quickly and are easy to maneuver. Lightweight bikes that served as fun and affordable transportation. Harley Davidson’s didn’t have the reputation for economical or even reliable machines. I bought into this idea and never wanted a Harley. My attitude was forever changed the night I hit a bull elk at 70 mph while riding a new Harley Lowrider. I wouldn’t be typing this story if I had been on my Honda or Kawasaki. I love riding motorcycles and never got caught up with the stereotypes of brand loyalty. That accident left me covered with whatever goes inside an elk and a broken arm. The 666 pound Harley and the 900 pound animal both perished quickly upon impact. I had a cigarette and contemplated buying a Harley.
When I started looking for my Harley I narrowed down the search to models that not only packed a punch but could handle twisty mountain roads. Harley has made so many different models over the years the research was fun. Light, fast and quick handling are not synonymous with motorcycles known as “hogs”. Any bike I looked at had tassels, skulls or eagles decorating it as if it were heading to a parade. Like any “hog” these things could lose some weight, and it was usually 100 pounds of shiny chrome doohickeys.
I’m not a Harley historian by any means and did most of my research talking to other Harley owners. Harley riders are as diverse as the bikes. I wasn’t interested in what the topless little old lady wearing chaps thought was comfortable riding. I wanted performance and handling. I’m not putting goggles on my Yorkie so we have to talk at every traffic stop about how cute he is.
Around 1994 till 2000ish Harley made the FXDS. Not sure, but those letters mean… big motor, Dynaglide, sport and maybe something else? The rake of the front forks meant it could handle the turns and the 1340cc gave it plenty of power. On paper this seemed like the model, now to find one.
I was so locked into the idea of an FXDS as my weapon of choice, I scoured ads and searched with blinders on. The second hand Harley market can be a little shady. Word got out I guess and I was given a number, to call by a guy who knows a guy. Well that guy gave my info about guy, and that guy called me. You know too much already. I met somebody in a parking lot somewhere high in the mountains. The meeting was as clandestine as the motorcycle on the trailer. In order to not feel guilty or corrupt we will call this motorcycle “a rescue”. If you ever want to talk somebody down on price it’s much easier if they don’t know anything about the vehicle. Not knowing the bikes history makes sense, especially when there’s no keys or title. Hotwiring and wondering if you can register a vehicle will keep the price down.
After promising to never speak to the seller again, I was the new rider of a 2000 FXDS. I won’t say the proud new owner, yet. A title was in the mail. Like any rescue she needed a bath, some love and a new identity. It didn’t take long for my new girl to let the neighbors know she was home. The first car alarm she set off belonged to a longtime friend. When he asked me what her name was it didn’t take long to come up with “Trigger”.
Like most things that have been ridden hard she was dirty, loose and smelled. She needed some love. One of my best friends, who I have skated with for years, has created artwork for international action sport companies. I was hoping I could pull him away from his paid gigs to paint my bike. Leaning on our long running friendship and my love for his artwork must have been persuasive. He was excited to take on the project. I now have a one of a kind motorcycle that reminds me how lucky I am to have people like Skip in my life. Trigger stands out in the line up now and I still haven’t grown custom to the accolades She gets. TURNCO
Trigger doesn’t get involved in shady activities anymore. We’ve been through a lot together. She has a title now and no interest in revisiting her convoluted past. She gets plenty of love and like most Harleys, she gets better care than the owner. She’s triggered a different lifestyle reminding me to recognize the triggers in life. Sure it checks off all the other stereotypes. It’s also part of my medicine. My wind therapy.
Triggers can rise out of both good and bad situations. Triggers in life can bring about change. Habits can be changed when you recognize the trigger. It doesn’t take much. A name, smell, seeing and old friend, smelling an old friend. Even that cigarette. Especially that smoke when I stop for gas. Every time you get off the bike. That’s a hard habit to break and she triggered the motivation to quit.
I’m learning to control my triggers. The hot jackhammer between my legs has a name and a purpose. “Trigger” is my wind therapy and keeps me focused when life becomes clouded with distractions. People have asked “what’s your bikes name?” and I’m quick with the trigger.
**disclaimer** Trigger is truly a rescue and not stolen. She sat for a long time collecting dust. Not warrants.