Here is Martin Bell with his 1982 Harley Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He bought the bike brand new from the original Harley importers, Burling and Simmons in Sydney in March 1983 after checking it out at the Parramatta Road dealership with the proprietor Norm Burling.
Pat Kinsela Motorcycles in Parkes helped arrange transporting the bike back to Parkes and pre-delivering it for Martin.
“When I first got it, it was quite unusual to see a Harley on the streets of Parkes,” Martin said.
“I would often be approached by older fella's who would ask about the bike and reminisce about riding a Harley during the war.
"It's a different story today with Harley Davidson being one of the top selling bikes worldwide.”
Martin told me that the Roadster has been an integral part of the family ever since then.
His son Vincent grew up on the back of the bike.
He has fond memories of one of his first rides when Vincent was only five or six and it involved a camping trip with a round trip ride of over 900 km.
Apparently Vinnie slept the last 100km propped up between the sissy bar, the panniers and the swags only to wake up when they arrived home in the garage.
By 1997 the Harley was showing signs of wear and when a ride to Cairns was suggested in 1998, Martin consigned the venerable old bike to the back of the shed replacing it at the time with a 1000cc Kawasaki and subsequently with his current everyday bike, a Yamaha FJR1300.
Before being hidden away, the Harley was thoroughly cleaned, given a dose of new oil throughout and the fuel tank was drained and sprayed with WD-40 to prevent rust.
Martin even tipped oil down the barrels to keep things from seizing up.
The Harley sat for 17 years before Martin decided on a rebuild.
He had Steve Brooks from Canowindra do the major overhaul and Dave Smith sorted the electrics.
The paintwork is still original ex-factory with hand painted gold leaf pin striping and the 25th anniversary gold badging.
Martin now has his Harley on historic registration and uses the bike for club runs and rallies.
As well as being a member of the Central West Car Club, Martin is a long standing public officer of the Midstate Motorcycle Club which has organised a Charity Dice Run on Saturday, May 19.
For those interested, the ride will depart Bushman's Dam in Parkes at 10am with registration at 9am and you can contact Martin on 0429 346 586 for more details.