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With Remembrance Sunday fresh in our minds, this week’s blog has somewhat of a military flavour about it.

There are many things that evoke images in the minds-eye when it comes to the U S of A, Elvis for example, or maybe violent contact sports such as ice hockey or American football. But one iconic American export that has been the personification of the country’s open road spirit for over 100 years, is Harley Davison. Couple that with the US Navy and it would be hard to find something more American, even if you flew a Bald Eagle with an American flag tied to its leg, holding a Big Mac in its talons.

To mark the delivery of America latest battleship the USS Milwaukee, Harley Davidson have supplied them with a beautiful custom motorcycle, an interesting twist on the usual bottle of champagne broken against the bow. Fitting given the ship takes its name from the birthplace of Harley Davidson itself.

This is the fifth ship in US naval history to operate under the name Milwaukee. It’s also the fifth vessel in the new Freedom class of Littoral Combat Ships built by Lockheed Martin. This new era of warships stands some 378 feet from bow to stern and is operated by between 50-65 service men, powered by two hefty Rolls-Royce gas turbines in unification with two Colt-Pielstick diesel engines. When opened up it can reach an impressive 47 knots, or 54 mph for the more car orientated amongst us.

But anyway, back to the bike. It’s based on Harley’s Softail Slim S but chief designer Ray Drea (cool name) drew inspiration from historic WWII choppers, mixed with a few strolls around naval shipyards. The grey paintjob is complimented with USN decals along the fuel tank and the bike will be displayed as part of the warship’s launch celebrations. It will then do the rounds at a number of events across the country for a year or so, before being auctioned off to support the National Military Family Association.
Very cool indeed!

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