There’s brand loyalty, and then there’s Harry Adler.
Give Harry Adler credit: he’s a man who knows what he likes. The 84-year-old resident of Salisbury, Maryland is now into his 55th Honda since 1963, when he began riding motorcycles. That’s slightly better than one new Honda per year on average, if you’re doing the math—including the eight he currently owns and the brand new 2015 CB300F gifted to him in March by American Honda in recognition of his long history of brand loyalty.
“Over the years, my number one form of recreation has been motorcycle riding, and based on my experience, Honda is the best,” said Adler, who has owned offerings from practically every category Honda sells including scooters (Helix, Grom), dualsport bikes (CRF230M, CBR250R) and cruisers both big and small (VT600CD, VTX1300 and VTX1800C).
“The CB300F was sort of the one bike that I was missing in my portfolio, and this gift was quite a surprise,” said Harry following a key exchange ceremony at his hometown Horner Honda dealer where he purchased the majority (48) of his bikes, as well as two Honda generators.
Good on American Honda for making a fuss over their long-time customer and bravo Mr. Adler for your decades of commitment to the sport in general and to the brand in particular.
But, Harry, for crying out loud, would you please TRY another brand? You can jump back on the CB300 and revel in your garage stuffed with Hondas when you’re done, but at give least one of the others a fair kick for pity’s sake.
Calgary’s own Dale Yamada of Mad Jap Kustoms is on the list of 35 world-renown custom builders invited to display their craft at a unique exhibit in Sturgis this summer. The exhibit titled The Naked Truth: Motorcycles Exposed will feature 35 custom motorcycles unadorned by paint or graphics, and set atop elevated pedestals to give guests an open view from every angle.
“Unlike any other exhibition before, nothing will come between the viewer and the bikes’ most basic elements of shape, form and design,” said Naked Truth’s curator Michael Lichter. “Each builder’s passion and talent will be revealed through the fine details of craftsmanship evident in every aspect of their work. The builders are exposing themselves, as well as their work, in this show. Without the cloak of paint or graphics, the bikes’ most basic form right down to its smallest details are naked and open to examination. There is no hiding behind a slick paint job, enhancing a line or curve with a brilliant graphic; the beauty comes strictly from the hand of the man who fashioned it.”
In addition to Yamada (the lone Canadian in the bunch) the list of exhibitors will include custom industry heavyweights such as Brian Klock, Dave Perewitz, Paul Yaffe, Roland Sands, and Shinya Kimura. Naked Truth is free to the public and will be open Aug. 1-8 at the Russ Brown Events Center in the Buffalo Chip Campground.
The local scene will miss Steve Drane, who has announced his retirement from the business after decades of selling motorcycles to west coast riders. Barnes Harley-Davidson of Langley, BC, has acquired his Victoria, BC-based Steve Drane Harley-Davidson it was announced in early March.
Adios Steve! It’s been swell.
Related Stories and Pages:
CANADIAN CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES
THE RECENT ISSUES
VINTAGE BIKES & MOTORCYCLE HISTORY
Steve Drane – Called to the Hall
Meet MotoChild – A Traditional Harley-Davidson Spirit
Requiem for a Cruiser : A Brief History of Honda Cruisers
The Loyalist Parkway – Ride Through History (and Rock)
The Group of Seven : Picking the Great Motorcycle Engines