2005 Harley-Davidson Springer
While conducting this interview in his home, Rick Glenn could have kept my interest for hours. Surrounded by trophies, award plaques and commemorative photos, I realized there were probably stories with each and every one of the items. Unfortunately, I was there to cover just one story this time, Rick's very special '05 blue Springer.
This gentle giant of a man was like a kid in a candy store talking about his passion. Even though he divides his time between cars and bikes, there is still an undeniable thread that is common between the two... "chrome and speed!" Even after a horrific motorcycle accident in 1995 that nearly claimed his life where Rick was hit and dragged for over a quarter mile by a drunk driver, he lights up when he talks about it... his love for "chrome and speed!"
Rick's wife had gotten him back into riding and when he bought the Springer, he promised her he was not going to chrome it out as he had with past bikes but once he started, he said it was "like an addiction." As we all know, some can go a little nuts with their chrome. Not so in this case. Not only is it done tastefully but every piece adds to the nostalgic, old school look, without overdoing it. (Now, he talks about pushing it a little further with adding a chrome "cheese-grater" fender end, and I've got to say I'm a little worried but I have to trust it will be as awesome as the rest of accents he's attached: Vance and Hines pipes with fishtail slip-ons, old school toolbox, bumpers and fender decoration as well as plenty of finish caps and motor chrome.) Chrome isn't the only addition though, let's not forget speed!
When Rick bought this used Springer from the Harley shop, he quickly set about bumping up the cubes from an 88 to a 96. That along with a fuel pack and cams gives this plenty of get up and go even for its heavy size. Billy Townsend made sure of that, up at the H-D of Erie shop. "I drive Billy and a lot of folks nuts about work on my bikes. They know I'm picky but they always take good care of me. I won't go anywhere else," Glenn said.
Other accessories like authentic 1950 style handgrips, thick white wall tires, tombstone rear light and chrome fender flares, makes this bike turns heads as it motors by, and when it's sitting there, it's not much different. The unmistakable Springer front end is an attraction in itself! Those forks could be hung on the wall as artwork all by themselves, and according to Rick, they are just as functional if not more so than more conventional front ends.
"I've owned a lot of bikes, Shovelheads from the 80's, a Heritage Nostalgia, dressers and recently a Road King. I'll stack this Springer up to any of those bikes for road handling," Glenn said, "I've got my cruiser, if I want to play, I have the Big Dog." Rick was referring to another bike he currently owns, a 2006 Big Dog Ridgeback, which is actually listed in our classified section:
http://www.bike-erie.com/classifieds.htm
I asked Rick if he thought this bike was a keeper? Would he hold on to it or maybe do it all over again with another build or modification? He indicated that he's pretty happy with this one, although you can never turn your back on the right offer! He did volunteer that there was one other bike he owns that he might restore... one that hasn't been started for over 30 years. The bike of his Dad.
It took a little doing but awhile back Rick tracked down the current owner of a bike which was once his father's... a 1962 Panhead Dresser. He hasn't done a thing with it since he picked it up but there's no hurry, it's safely packed away for when Rick's ready. Maybe that's when I approach him about my offer on this beauty!
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