1973 Harley Sportster Motorcycle
Gregory, Alias “Pete” Sickler, rides a 1973 Harley Sportster that
is mostly stock. Its history is much more than just stock. Pete bought the bike in the mid
70’s took it apart, chromed it and has painted it several times. Currently it is
Candy Apple Aztec Gold. He has also installed an oil cooler and custom seat on it. The
bike was stolen and amongst the missing for 2¸ years. Once he located its’
whereabouts, he had to buy it back. It was in pieces, but all the pieces were there, so
Pete went about restoring it again.
Pete enjoys riding alone though he does ride with groups on charity runs. He finds riding
therapeutic. For him, it relieves tension. Pete became really interested in motorcycles
while he was living in Daytona. At 11 years old he watched the motorcycle races on the
beach and at age 15 his Uncle gave him a Honda scooter. It was like a mini-motorcycle. So
goes the story. When Pete was 18, his Grandfather lent him the money to buy his first
Harley, the ultimate cycle. He made it into a chopper, a style popular in the 60’s,
and rode it until he blew the engine. His next bike was a Norton. He also did some
customizing on that bike.
Harleys are one of Pete’s many interests. He is married to Linda, has a son and
daughter and 2 stepdaughters. By profession, Pete is a Construction Project Supervisor for
Daniel O’Connell Sons. He enjoys Nascar Racing, playing chess with his son and is an
avid collector of railroad history books and other train paraphernalia.
What is the dream motorcycle for Pete Sickler? He would like to have a custom bike, a
one-of-a-kind bike. Being that, that is very costly, his second choice would be a Harley
Duce. He likes the styling with the bigger motor. |
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1964 Harley D
XLCH 900 CC
Bob Patri rides a standard 1964 Harley
D XLCH 900 CC bike. He bought the bike as a basket case and built it himself. The bike has
a magneto ignition and 6 volt electronic system. It also sports extra chrome, saddlebags
and is painted red and white; true Harley colors strait from the Harley Encyclopedia.
Harley’s have considerable history in Bobby’ life. While still in high school,
Bobby bought a Harley Sporster from LA Harley in California for $2000. Plus $68. Shipping
costs. His love for bikes developed even before that when at age 15 he used his paper
route money to purchase a BSA Motorcycle.
Everyone should have a backup bike or bikes! Bobby has 5 at the present time. He rides his
Harley Road King at cycle events in Daytona, Florida and Laconia New Hampshire. Poker runs
are fun too. The fun progresses as you ride your bike from one spot to another, picking a
card at each spot. The best hand wins. He rides mostly with friends, though Bobby has been
involved in the New England Hill Climbing Association. Says Bobby “It feels great to
just ride in the country on a 70 degree day.”
Bob Patri is a carpenter by trade. He also enjoys restoring and showing street rods and
snowmobiling with his wife Judy and son, Bobby Jr. |
