The Sportster

The Sportster is Harley-Davidson's longest running model.
Since 1957, customers have enjoyed it's compact performance, no frills styling, and it has stood the test of time well.

It was designed to meet the needs of a younger, more hip crowd as well as give riders of that time, an alternative to the cumbersome beasts available.

The XL model designation was a reference to experimental light weight.
Harley customers responded well and sales reflected that the Motor Company had hit a home run with the design.

The race inspired look and unit construction motor gave the bike an aggressive look with a performance to match.
The shorter wheelbase and lighter weight proved to be a nimble combination making it a contender in the marketplace for the past 54 years!

Today's Sportster is rubber mounted, fuel injected, and comes in seven different styles, colors and designs.
It's available in both an 883cc and 1200cc version.

Come in and test ride a Sportster today and find out what excitement is about!
Feel the thunder that started in '57!

Sonny Farmer



A Glimpse of "Hope"

Have you ever felt as if you were a part of something much bigger than yourself?
That some events in your life were being orchestrated by more than chance or even cause and effect? This story is a perfect example of that and I feel fortunate to have played a small part in something beautiful but rarely seen.....

This Saturday was a gorgeous day and the parking lot at our dealership was full like many Spring Saturdays.  
All types of people on their 2 wheeled and 3 wheeled machines decorated our lot in a show of diversity, enjoying the day and exercising the right to ride.
A lady pulled into the parking lot on an old Honda, from the mid 80's, that had seen many miles of adventure, festooned with an assortment of gear.
It brought to mind images of nomadic tribes long ago.

Riding in a pouch she had strapped to her, and resting on the bike's tank, was a tiny wired haired dog.  It was clear he had been loving every mile!

She began to socialize and stretch her legs as folks passing looked at her rig.  It was something you don't see everyday!
This gal was a biker, a REAL biker, that lives on the road.

We saw her Kansas license plate.
One of our salesmen, "Brumy", said her name was Michelle.
I walked up to her, introduced myself, and she introduced me to her dog, appropriately named "2 Lane Blacktop"!

As we talked, she said she had come from California and was out on the road.  I learned she had no permanent address and camped nightly.  She said she and 2 Lane just pull off on a dirt road and look for a spot for the evening, rarely using a campground.
She was independent and a gypsy.  She kept everything she owned in this world on her bike, including her little dog.

The bike was tired, leaked oil and the road had not been kind to it.  But, she was proud and thankful to "own it outright."

I introduced her to John, one of our regular HDC customers and they hit it off!
You see, Michelle represents freedom and courage as well as independence, the core values that formed our country years ago.
She does what many of us would do, if we could.  She is happy and asks nothing from anyone along the way.
We've all thought about it at one time or another but don't take the plunge.  Responsibilities, finances, loved ones and other ties may bind us.
Maybe we don't hit the road because we like the comfort of our own bed at night, a home cooked meal, or a hot shower.
It's not until you venture out of you comfort zone that you are truly free!

Her oil leaking mount could give up the ghost and break down on her any day.  The quart of oil strapped to the crash bars was a grim reminder.  Her love of this lifestyle may soon be cut short by mechanical imperfection and the effects of many miles on the road.

John was so moved by her life story that he bought her an 800CC Suzuki trade in we had here at HDC.  He forever changed the life of this weary traveler!  John wanted nothing in return except to know that a part of him would be out on the road with Michelle, riding every mile!

She got emotional and felt blessed as her new friend helped her move all of her worldly possessions onto her new bike.  John even offered to store her old Honda in his garage until she wants it and he'll ship it to her....anywhere!

John's generosity is a reminder that there are still good people in this world, doing good things.  I was glad I had introduced them to each other.

In the whole scheme of life, I know, in my heart, this was not a chance meeting.
When Michelle signed her paperwork, we learned her last name was Hope...unbelievable, but true!

A prayer circle formed around her new bike.  A prayer of thanks and blessings of safety prepared her for her ride.
I heard another lady tell John that he would be blessed.
"No ma'am", John said.  "I already have been."

Sonny Farmer

Harley-Davidson of Cartersville's JUMPSTART Motorcycle Simulator

Have you ever been on anything as fun as this???
Come to Harley-Davidson of Cartersville for a free ride on our Jumpstart motorcycle simulator.  Feel what it's like to ride a Harley without leaving the parking lot!!!!

Georgia On My Mind

As riders in Georgia, we have a huge advantage.
We have some of the best riding spots right here at home.
A few of my favorite areas are Savannah, Suches, Dahlonega, Helen, and Hiawassee.
In our state, we can see the coast, mountains, forests, and long winding roads.

There are many old state routes, some popular and some forgotten.

Highway 278 is a beautiful road for a westward jaunt that goes the scenic route all the way to Alabama.
Highway 411 is another long road that feels like it was made for motorcycles.
Others are Highway 60, 53, 27, 5, 78, and many, many more.

Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend excursion, Georgia has a lot of roads that are ready to take you to your next adventure!
I've lived in other states but will always view Georgia as home....a motorcyclist's paradise!

Sonny Farmer