But do you really know all there is to know about the fine art of riding a motorcycle and, for that matter, a Harley-Davidson touring machine? Well, Darryl Kinkle does. He has been infatuated with motorcycles since he was 14-years-old, about half his lifetime. That was about the time he straddled his cousin’s GXR 750 and fell in love with his new found hobby. However, he knew that if he was ever going to operate one of these machines, he would need to get professional instruction on how to properly operate a motorcycle. After all, he’s heard too many stories about inexperienced riders getting themselves in trouble with a machine above their skill level. Upon completion of the course, he purchased his first motorcycle, a Suzuki, one similar to his cousin’s and rode that until he completed Diesel Mechanics’ school and entered his profession to earn an honest living. He never gave much thought to buying a Harley until one day when he was on a break at his job and flipping through a few custom bike motorcycle magazines. That’s when he saw the custom Harleys and decided he would move up to world-class status and purchase himself a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He visited Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson of Horn Lake, Mississippi, and came out the doors with a brand new Street Glide.

Using his experience as a diesel mechanic with a little assistance from Aubrey Gunn of Gunn Art Studios, they developed the custom theme which boasts cobalt blue paint, RC Component wheels, alligator skin seat, and many Harley-Davidson extras in the design. The paint scheme and color design was very important to Darryl, because he feels this is the part of a custom motorcycle that personalizes the bike to the owner. “Blue is one of my favorite colors, and Aubrey Gunn laid out the design and created a totally new machine. Some bikes are over customized, while others are bone stock, which is okay, but I feel that my bike is just right. I began entering local custom bike shows and always placed in the top five percent,” said Darryl.

I asked Darryl if his bike was just a show bike or does he get out on the road and rack up some miles. “I enjoy riding my motorcycle because it’s a way to download my stress from the daily grind as a mechanic. When I’m on my bike, I’m in a world that is relaxing and carefree. I’m a rider who averages about 8,000 miles per year, just depending on my work schedule,” he said.

Since Darryl has owned his Street Glide, he’s traveled to Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and recently to Columbia, Missouri, where he attended the National Bikers Roundup. Like many working class Americans, annual vacation days are limited, and balancing your off days between family and riding your bike can be challenging. He towed his bike to the National Bikers Roundup, and managed to rack up approximately 500 miles in and around the event during his stay.

Unlike many motorcycle riders living in the northern part of America, he has the advantage of riding his bike almost every day, because Darryl lives in Mississippi, a part of the country where weather conditions are favorable to year round motorcycle riding. He tries not to ride in weather that is less than 50 degrees but on occasions he finds himself warmly dressed and out cruising the streets and highways in the middle of winter.

Darryl’s a hands-on kind of guy and uses his profession as a diesel mechanic in the daily care and maintenance on his Street Glide. “Both diesels and Harleys are temperamental and require acute attention with daily care as well as preventive maintenance, and if not performed as scheduled, your Harley can sometimes make a rider dial those HOG Roadside Assistance numbers,” said Darryl.

Darryl’s next long-haul road trip is the 2011 National Bikers Roundup event, which is held in Nevada. We’ll see you there!

SPECIFICATIONS
Name of bike: Street Glide Owner: Darryl Kinkle Year/Make: 2010 H-D Fabrication: Gunn Art Studios Assembly: H-D Build time: 6-months Engine: 96″ H-D Cases: H-D Rods: H-D Pistons: H-D Cylinders: H-D Heads: H-D Cam: H-D Ignition: H-D Carb: H-D Pipes: H-D Air Cleaner: K&N Transmission: H-D 6-speed Primary: H-D Clutch: H-D Frame: H-D		Forks: H-D Chrome Stock Front wheel: RC Component Rear wheel: RC Component Front Tire: 21″ Metzeler Rear Tire: 18″ Metzeler Rear suspension: H-D Front Brake: Performance Machine Rear Brake: Performance Machine Fuel Tank: H-D Fenders: Custom Chrome Headlight: H-D Taillight: FBI Hand Controls: H-D Grips: H-D Foot Controls: H-D Pegs: H-D Electrical: H-D Painter: Aubry Gunn of Gunn Art Studios Color: Cobalt Blue Electrical: H-D Seat: Alligator skin