3.1
H.O.G.® LOVE STORIES
H.O.G.® Benelux
Kelly Kimman
Kelly Kimman is 22 and a member of the H.O.G. Bridge Chapter.
My current H-D model is a…
"Sportster Iron 883"
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When did you buy this Harley?
"Three years ago."
I discovered Harley-Davidson when I was…
“About fourteen, via my father. He rode BMW for a long time and wanted something different at some point. He ended up at H-D. My dad now rides a CVO Ultra Limited and a Pan America."
I love my Harley because…
"My Harley is so beautiful, when I look at it I simply melt! It looks great, rides well, and I was so happy that it could be modified so I can ride it with my A2 license, so super cool!”
I chose this model because…
"This was always my favorite model, I had seen it once in the catalog and immediately thought, 'This is it'!".
I'm a fan of my Harley because…
"I can get anywhere with it, I get to travel with it, take someone on the back, enjoy the freedom, it’s all wonderful!"
Becoming a member of the H.O.G. enabled me to…
"My dad signed me up as a support member at the time. But when I was able to become a member of the H.O.G. myself, after I got my driver's license, much more became possible. I can go on rides, to events, and get a discount at the Hard Rock Cafe."
How long have you been a H.O.G. member?
"Since I got my A2 license, so about three years."
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My best H.O.G. experience was...
"When I joined the whole group to Prague for the 115th H-D anniversary. That was very impressive, we had a great ride. It was 40 degrees when we were in traffic on the way back, but it was such a good experience, really awesome!"
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H.O.G. is for me..
"Just great. Great community, great people, and great bikes."
How do you like H.O.G. as a younger person?
"I actually really like it, it's nice to chat with people who have a lot of experience. We’ve done some weekend trips with the Ladies of Harley, also with a few older people. It was just good fun. You do other things than you would do with your peers, but it is always nice, it is always fun. At the Bridge Chapter, we, fortunately, have more young people lately."
What do you do yourself to encourage young people to ride?
"I'm still studying, and last year at induction week I had my motorcycle parked by the entrance. Afterward, I was standing by my bike, and a lot of people were enthusiastic and came to check it out. I invited them on the back. I really enjoy taking people on the back. My partner now sometimes rides along too, I hope he'll take lessons too."
What is your role in the H.O.G. Chapter?
"I simply enjoy being a member."
How long have you been riding a Harley?
"Three years."
Why H-D?
"I really like the community, but also the bikes, they're beautiful, they're such nice machines!"
What is your best experience with your H-D?
"Those weekends away with the Ladies of Harley were really good fun. During that weekend my partner and I took some time out together as well. It was somewhere in Germany, we went to the supermarket to get some sandwiches, and we had a picnic together in the field. It wasn't planned, but it was great, with beautiful weather.”
What is the best trip or route you have ridden?
"Along the Luxembourg - Germany border with the Ladies of Harley, that was fantastic. But also a ride around the Nurburgring, near Koblenz."
What trip or route do you still want to experience someday? "That very long winding road, the road of so many turns.... I can't remember the name, oh yes, at Hotel Caluna in Luxemburg! But I would also like to ride through the Alps one day, that looks super cool. I think mountain roads are really cool to ride."
Do you wrench?
"No, not with this bike. I used to work on mopeds with my dad a lot, though."
What have you customized on your bike?
"I got a phone holder, usb jack, panniers, drop bar, sissy bar with luggage rack, and a windshield."
What would you still like to do?
"A leather cover on the tank, another seat, and I would really like to have speakers because I like to listen to music. I'm also saving up for a headset, so I can communicate with my partner."
What model is on your wish list?
"This one! I love it so much; I don't want anything else!"
Which past model do you like best and why?
"I like café racers, so the H-D XLCR 1000 Café Racer."
H-D is a true cult icon, do you carry that out?
"Definitely! I have a lot of T-shirts and I also have an H-D jacket and vest."
What do you hope for in the future for yourself, Harley, and H.O.G.?
"I hope to enjoy this for a long time to come. The bike I have now is so great to ride! I hope for a lot of riding together with my partner and my dad. I would also love to travel a lot; I look forward to going to Scandinavia and Italy!”
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(Interview by Onno Wieringa – madnessphotography.nl)
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