H.O.G.® LOVE STORIES

H.O.G.® Benelux

Lionel Strape

Lionel Strape, also known as 'Knacki', is 34 years old, lives in Belgium and is a member of the H.O.G. OCCB - Orval Country Chapter Belgium.

How did you get your nickname?

"My nickname is 'Knacki'. First, let me clarify that I'm 1.70 m and weigh 70 kilos. I sat at the table with other Orval County Chapter Bikers (OCCB'ers) and I have to say that I was among a lot of big guys that day: the lightest weighed 90 kg and the heaviest 130 kg. But that didn't stop me. We were teasing each other when one of them said to me 'Keep it down a bit ...just a sausage between the frikadells ...and they unanimously chose my nickname Knacki. But that nickname took on a whole new dimension when a German friend asked me if I knew what 'der Knacki' means in German, LOL!"

What is your current H-D?

"In May 2020 I bought my first Harley, a Street 750. My first Harley, but also my first motorcycle. On April 9, 2021, I bought my current motorcycle, a Sport Glide."

I love my Harley because…

"She is a perfect compromise between my hobby, a vehicle for commuting and for traveling. Knowing that if I want a little more power, I just twist the throttle. I know my bike will respond immediately! And after a hard day at work, the ride home is the best way to de-stress."

Why did you choose this model?

"After 6,000 kms on my little first bike, I knew what I wanted, and what I didn’t want anymore! Bye-bye centrally mounted footrests, hello forward controls! Hello saddlebags. They make it a lot easier to travel and get to work every day. And the engine, that's pure fun. By the way, when I look at my evolution according to my age, I think I'm not doing badly: when I was 16, I rode 50 cc, and occasionally a 125 cc, at 32 a 750 cc, and now, at 33, a 1750 cc. A factor of 35 between the beginning and today!"

I like riding my Harley because…

"It's much more than just motorcycling. It’s everything around it. Riding in a group and doing activities as a group, that's a huge plus. These things you don't easily find with other brands."

My H.O.G. membership allows me to…

"To meet people, be part of a Chapter. It gives me the opportunity to get to know people from all walks of life. And always very congenial even though we don't know each other well. With a nod to the Nene Valley Chapter, Ghent Chapter, and the Lemanic Coast Chapter!"

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

"Since I bought my first motorcycle."

My best H.O.G. experience so far?

"I got my motorcycle license during the pandemic, so I'm only now discovering the big events. But I must say the most recent events have been extraordinary, both in terms of activities, and the people I've met. The Great Relay, Vielsalm and recently Morzine. But the various ride-outs we've done amongst ourselves with OCCB and friends of the Chapter have also been great fun, and we've had a really good laugh."

As a younger person, how do you feel about the H.O.G.?

"The age difference is no problem at all. It's all about helping each other, respecting and sharing with each other. Age doesn't play any role at the end of the day. When it comes down to it, we're a bunch of young fellows! On the other hand, I don't hold back on teasing them about our age difference... and they can't resist doing the same to me. In short, teasing is asking for love. And you get used to the mothball smell..."

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

"Not much, to be honest. A picture says more than a thousand words: the simple fact that my friends see me riding motorcycles says enough. Some have already asked for my theory book for the motorcycle test. "

What role do you have in the H.O.G. Chapter?

"I don't really have a specific role; I prefer to lend a hand and stay in the background. Also, remember that I've only been with the Chapter for two years. But I do like to tinker and contribute by making games for our annual Rally. As for the organization within the OCCB Chapter, I have taken the Road Captain training offered by the H.O.G. My godfather made me want to take that course, he is our Head Road Captain and Safety Officer. Shortly explained: new members, young or not so young, have a person they can turn to, so that the integration of new people in the club goes smoothly. They are called godfathers. By the way: I take this opportunity to thank our three instructors.”

Why H-D?

"To be honest, my first thought was a Japanese bike. What an idea when I think about it now! Then one of my colleagues said: look at Harley, they have a 750 that you will like as a first bike and then you can discover the Harley philosophy and spirit. I hadn’t even considered that a Harley doesn't lose value when you sell it again. Out of curiosity, I stopped by a ride organized by the Orval County Chapter. I was immediately sold by the sound and the sense of camaraderie; my decision was made! Ha! And the colleague in question? That's Eric, our Head Road Captain and Safety Officer. It went without saying that I asked him to be my godfather. I haven't regretted that choice for a second. Just goes to show that chance encounters can lead to many wonderful things! "

What have you customized on your bike? "I give myself a small budget every year to customize. I started with something very simple: different turn signals and fuel cap. I also bought a Tour-Pack, and replaced the seat with a 'comfort' seat so my wife is comfortable. But I'm happy with that seat too, and recently I bought a sissy bar with a personalized inlay."

What would you still like to do?

"Next year I want to replace my original handlebars with a Fused Lo handlebar with different grips, and some other matching elements on top. "

What model is on your wish list?

"The Road Glide CVO. But that will remain a wish, given my stature."

Have you ever looked into the history of H-D?

"Yes, but not until recently. First, thanks to conversations with the other passionate people in my Chapter, and second, thanks to a very good series in three episodes: Harley and the Davidsons, and then through various features on the Internet and in magazines."

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

"An H-D 'Liberator' WLA 750 side valve. Because of the region I come from (Houffalize and Bastogne) I have always been interested in the history of the Second World War. Especially because my grandparents lived through it, more specifically in the region of Bastogne. So every time I see a Harley-Davidson WLA on commemorations, in museums and such, I find them simply beautiful. "

There are many movies starring an H-D, what is your favorite movie?

"The slightly older people will say Easy Rider, the slightly younger people will say Harley Davidson & the Marlboro man. I know those movies, but it's the motorcycle from Wolverine and Terminator that stuck with me when I was a kid. And then you also have Wild Hogs, but that's a different genre."

What do you hope for in the future for yourself / Harley / H.O.G.? "Hahaaaaa, if the H.O.G. wants to invite the entire chapter OCCB to ride Route 66, why not?"

What projects and dreams do you still have?

"In terms of dreams, Route 66 wouldn't be bad at all. There are members of the OCCB chapter who rode it a few years ago, in 2013. But more concretely, I'd like to ride the Freedom Road. And in a near future, in late September, we're going to Ride To The Wall (RTTW). A ceremony in tribute to British soldiers killed in battle, founded by Martin Dickinson, director of the Nene Valley chapter. "

Finally, Lionel:

"I would like to end this interview with a quote from a famous doctor, which I have adapted slightly: 'In life, you must see things big, even traveling in the saddle of a motorbike. Make sure you choose one that has the looks!”

(Interview by Onno Wieringa – madnessphotography.nl)