H.O.G.® LOVE STORIES

H.O.G.® Benelux

Laurens Neyens

Laurens Neyens is 27 years old. He is a member of the H.O.G. Chapter in Ghent, Belgium or Ghent Chapter Belgium.

What H-D model do you have?

"A black 2021 Sport Glide"

When did you buy your Harley?

"Bought new at Harley-Davidson Ghent."

I discovered Harley-Davidson when I…

"It must have been very early on, probably without even knowing at the time that it was Harley-Davidson. I could safely say I was about five or so at the time. I heard the growl of an exhaust, such a beautiful sound that I turned my head and shouted Daddy, Mommy, a motorcycle! Of course, I didn't know then that it was a Harley, but looking back I think, it must have been a Harley anyway. That unique sound is unmistakable."

I love my Harley because…

"For me, it means ultimate freedom. I can leave whenever I want, without restrictions. It's the only moment I can escape the world of today."

I chose this model because…

"I initially went to H-D Ghent for the Breakout. I had fallen in love with that model because of the fat rear tire, but it was a bit out of budget. I then looked at the Sport Glide with the dealer, and bango! The modularity of this model, along with the forward controls and sporty upside-down front fork: I thought it was the ideal match. A smooth and sporty riding experience. I immediately thought this is it!"

I'm a fan of my Harley because…

"Especially because this model is modular. So I have these panniers, and I can take them off easily. I have to say I like the bike better without the cases, so I usually take them off. For the smaller trips I ride with a stylish little leather swingarm bag, easy for riding to events and from bar to bar. For a big trip, I use the side panniers. Everything I need fits easily in there, so I don't have to strap other luggage onto my bike.”

Becoming a member of the H.O.G. enabled me to…

"I bought the bike in July and already rode with the Ghent Chapter in August. I wanted to discover new routes for myself, to get to places where I would never go otherwise. Especially riding in a group is very special and valuable to me. There is nothing as nice as leaving together with friends from Ghent, experiencing a lot and then coming back and thinking, 'Wow! This was great!'”

How long have you been a H.O.G. member?

"I've had the bike for one year in July, so I've been a member for a year now. When you buy a new bike, you are automatically offered a H.O.G. membership. That's a nice gesture from H-D and even if you just pay your membership fee the year after, you really get value for money. Especially if you try to make the most of it and attend many events.”

What was my best H.O.G. experience?

"That is a difficult choice, but I choose the weekend in Vielsalm, the H.O.G. Benelux Rally.”

H.O.G. is for me...

"It’s about getting the most out of my Harley, with friends who share the passion and pleasure of riding. Pushing the limits and riding a lot of kilometers. An H-D shouldn’t just sit in the garage! It may not be good for my wallet, but I ride it all the way!"

How do you like the H.O.G. as a younger person?

"I’ve been asking myself why there aren't more young H-D riders. I think the entry-level price is often problematic. Especially now that entry-level models like the Sportster 883 are no longer around, it becomes impossible for many from a budget perspective. Let's face it, only second hand is then left as an option."

What do you personally do to encourage young people to ride?

"It may sound a little narcissistic, but I already radiate a lot of Harley. Everyone in the neighborhood and all my friends know me as that guy with the Harley. I also have an Instagram account and YouTube channel on which I regularly post videos and photos of my adventures at the Open House and other H.O.G. events. That ensures that my circle of friends and everyone who knows me can experience my passion for H-D with me."

What is your role in the H.O.G. Chapter?

"I am currently a member and do not carry a board position. However, I am always ready to roll up my sleeves at our own events."

Your best experience with your H-D?

"I was riding a short ride one fine summer day, I don't even remember exactly where. I had put the bike on cruise control, feet stretched out forward on the footpegs, and then I threw my arms open. For a moment I was completely one with the bike. I had the ultimate feeling of freedom, with the wind in my face. That feeling just can't be put into words, for me it was the ultimate motorcycle moment."

What is the best trip or route you have ridden?

"In May I rode my own 'Tour of the Netherlands' through all the provinces. I started in Zeeland and rode along the coast to the North, via the Afsluitdijk to Leeuwarden and then to Groningen. Actually, I wanted to go to the North Cape, but it became the 'Dutch North Cape' first. The nature, the good roads, the view over sea and land, the Netherlands really is a pearl close to home."

What is the trip or route you want to experience someday?

"Now that I've had the 'Dutch stopover', of course, I have to go to the real North Cape! It seems to be even more breathtaking and expansive there. I really want to experience that!"

Do you ever wrench yourself?

"In general, no. The bike is still under warranty, so it's better not to fiddle around with it. I did assemble the crash-bar myself because you can't get into problems with that as far as the warranty is concerned. Of course, these are only three screws, so you can't really call this wrenching.

What has been customized on your bike?

"Not a whole lot yet. First I added the drop bracket and a leather swingarm bag. Meanwhile, I also had a full Stage 1 done, with an open air filter, a new exhaust, and the tuning. How that engine comes to life now is really a world of difference."

What would you still like to do?

"A few more cosmetic things mainly. New grips, mini running boards. A single seat and maybe eventually ape hangers."

What model is on your wish list?

"Definitely the CVO Street Glide or the ST. Maybe there will also be a nice new one from the Icons Collection, who knows.

Anyway, I am also a huge fan of the old-school chopper. Should I ever be able to build one myself, complete with Springer front fork and hardtail, that would b a dream come true."

Do you ever delve into the history of H-D?

"Sure. On YouTube you can find a lot about the history of H-D, for example about Willie G. I also have several books about H-D and the lifestyle. I love seeing the old photos with the original logos and lettering, which I think the new H-D clothing line is inspired by. Nice that all this legacy now comes back in a new form!”

Which model from the past do you like best and why?

"Those old choppers, naturally with those Springer front forks."

There are many movies starring an H-D, which one is your favorite?

"Of the older movies, I think Terminator. I don't really like that movie that much, but of course, the bike is a good choice. I'm also really looking forward to the new Fast and Furious movie with a fully customized Pan America in it."

What plans and dreams do you still have?

"If I could drop everything, I would just ride. Document everything and share my story with the world. To simply live with that freedom on my bike and make a living out of it! What a dream!"

In closing, Laurens says:

"I want to thank you very much for your interest in the young Harley-Davidson rider, I feel proud and honored!"

(Interview by Onno Wieringa – madnessphotography.nl)