Blue Anniversary Model Harley-Davidson Tri Glide

“…I picked the Zombie baffles, and with upgraded air-filter and auto tuner, it now sounds like a real Harley-Davidson,” said Dex.

WITH MY 50th birthday coming up and an old Volusia 800 in the garage which the missus hated getting on because we leaned around the corners, I suggested we should buy a the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide. “Okay, if you want it, let’s get one,” she said.

Not knowing for sure if she would still feel safe on it, we made the $51k plunge and ordered one. Disappointed at colour choice, wanting blue which was on the list last year but not on this year’s, we settled for metallic black.

We missed the first batch but were happy to wait since the big day wasn’t until February, then after a few weeks of looking at pics and reading about them on-line, I saw the release of the blue Anniversary Model — 6 am my text went to the local dealer who had just seen the colour and was already to change my order.

October arrived with a big blue shiny crate, and a couple of days later, I rode out of the dealer very happy — number 133 of 1900.

Now for the big test, to see, if after spending $51k, if she still wasn’t happy. We headed off on a short ride about 10 km and returned home where she very happily said she felt so safe she could nearly go to sleep. Happy wife means lots of ride time.

Next was the issue of being an Anniversary Model. I didn’t want to do anything to it keeping it totally stock. That lasted about two minutes — rear rack for more luggage, saddlebags for the little bits, arm rests, new Windsplitter screen, engine cooling fan, wireless headset module, personalised plate (HD-133), and a set of chrome grips to come.

I thought it was a bit quiet, and when the wife said it didn’t sound like a real Harley-Davidson (you don’t have to tell a man twice his bike’s not loud enough), the search was on to get new pipes. After lots of YouTube, I picked the Zombie baffles, and with upgraded air-filter and auto tuner, it now sounds like a real Harley-Davidson.

As soon as she is over her operation we are heading south for a week of cruising. Happy birthday to me.