Revved Up, But Not For Harleys

For motorcyclists, especially Harley fans, the Harley-Davidson Festival in Milwaukee this past weekend was a big draw.

Organizers reported selling more than 120,000 tickets to the Harley riders and guests, who descended on their city to celebrate the company’s 105th birthday. Fans rode in from across North America; and some came from as far away as New Zealand. For four days, the festival hosted comedians, bike stunts, a lot of beer, and rock 'n' roll. Bruce Springsteen played a three-hour set, and other performers included ZZ Top, Foo Fighters, and Kid Rock.

In the middle of all this Harley love, two radio producers and natives of Milwaukee, David Maxon and Paul Hancock, decided to find cyclists who are not big Harley fans. They spoke with members of a unique subculture - Milwaukee riders who prefer vintage Japanese and European motorcycles. They asked them what it's like loving motorcycles that are not Harley Davidson's, even while living in the capitol of hog nation. They produced this piece, “Hardly Davidson,” for Milwaukee Public Radio.

(Photo by Adamos Maximus)