By: Dirk Bennet

"I like smoke and lightening….heavy metal thunder! Racing with the wind…and the feeling that I’m under" sang the 1970’s rock group Steppenwolf in "Born to be Wild." This was one of the first rock songs to glorify the freedom and power of motorcycles. Followed by movies like "The Wild Ones" starring Marlon Brando and later the fabulous "Easy Rider," motorcycles have become a symbol of freedom on the open road.

Each year the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, holds the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Thousands of cruising bikes, dirt bikes, and choppers descend upon this otherwise quiet town in the Black Hills were motorcycle devotees of all ages can party, attend rock concerts and simply enjoy talking about their favorite subject with other motorcycle riders. They come from all walks of life; doctors, lawyers, blue-collar working folks and an increasing number of women motorcycle riders. Decades ago motorcycle riders were considered as outlaws, mostly criminals. But today, all has changed and riders are viewed as true fans of the vehicles who are completely lawful, with only one two exceptions.

Indian. Suzuki. Yamaha. Honda. Harley-Davidson. These are the finest motorcycles in the world, reviewers say. For example, the Honda Gold Wing is a prized motorcycle because of its fully-equipped components such as an automatic starter, a back "sissy bar" (also known as a "bitch bar") for women passengers, a CB radio in its helmets and outstanding safety features and gas mileage. Additional accessories and parts for the Gold Wing and other bikes are readily available at dealerships and on-line at very reasonable prices. Keep in mind that some states require that helmets be worn by all motorcycle riders and passengers; your helmet, and "leathers" could save your life in an accident.

For many riders, there is only one King of the Road – the Harley-Davidson. The world-wide Harley-Davidson Group club not only vehemently defends the engineering genius of this motorcycle, but also encourages its members to hold rallies for charitable causes like Bikers Against Child Abuse. Off-road dirt bikes made by HD, Yamaha and Suzuki are very popular in racing. Whether cruising or competing, the joy of the open road (or track) continues to hold an allure for motorcycle enthusiasts.