When asked to write a foreward for a book about philosophy, I wondered what I might have to say. I am not a philosopher. I am just a man who loves what he does. I am a father of seven, a grandfather of twelve, and a great-grandfather of two. I am not an MBA, but I am a graduate of life, a self-made man, and a born salesman. I am not a suit; I am an ex-racer, a motorcycle rider and a lover of the open road. After reading several of the essays I felt intimidated. For the last thirty-six years my family and I have printed, merchandised, and sold Harley-Davidson t-shirts at the races, HD dealerships, rallies, and events. What can I offer about the philosophy of Harley-Davidson?
As a young teen, I became determined to have a motorcycle. My first ride was in the parking lot of my high school on a friend’s bike. As soon as I felt the wind on my face I knew I had to have one. When I finally earned enough money for a motorcycle, I entered my first race. At the time I had a growing family of four, and soon my son started to race as well. We turned it into a family affair, my wife and girls selling iron-on patches and decals at the races to support our racing habits. That weekend venture has now grown to a company of two-hundred-plus employees, operating out of three buildings in two cities, and is still fully owned and operated by family. My daughter, Tammy, always said we were in the t-shirt business; I always felt my job was in the Harley business.
In 1978 I started a motorcycle collection consisting of the firsts and lasts of engine models, and later added the infamous Buffalo Bike. My teenage obsession of fun and freedom has become a lifelong adventure. Whether Harleys become a part of your profession or just a weekend escape, the ride consumes you. Perhaps the allure is the freedom of the open road, or the escape from conformity. Maybe it is the immediate bond and brotherhood shared with fellow riders. It could be the pride and reliability in the American-made machine. Whatever it is, over the years, the biker’s image has been altered into a stereotype and a pop-culture phenomenon. The only way to know the difference is to ride. It is not an attraction that can be put into words. The real rider in the “biker bar” knows “why.”
So, what can I offer about the philosophy of Harley-Davidson? All that comes to mind is a phrase that has sold in our t-shirt line for over twenty years. “IF I have to Explain, you wouldn’t Understand.”
R.K. Stratman on his Buffalo Bike.