An icon of the motorbike world for well over a century, the Harley-Davidson is certainly an ‘Emperor of the road’ with its recognisable roar and gleaming chrome. This revered model of mechanical engineering started as far back as 1903 when childhood friends from Milwaukee USA fulfilled their dream to build their own motorcycle. Bonded by a passion for bicycles, mechanics and engineering, the core of this group were William Harley and Arthur Davidson – so it is no surprise why the Harley-Davidson is so-named. Its renown was boosted by the United States Military ordering over 100,000 Harley-Davidson bikes for use during World War I and II. This exposed the company to the global market, making it the billion dollar ‘powerhouse’ that it is today – all based on its commitment to produce an innovative, high quality motorbike.
The Harley-Davidson has made its way to St Barts where a group of proud leather-clad owners regularly come together for the pleasure of sharing a common interest. This biking camaraderie has been formalised by the creation of the ‘Crows of Hell’ Association. This provocative name urged me to meet two of these ‘Crows’, the President and Vice President, to find out more about this Association and their ‘mean machines’.
Coccoloba: Why choose a Harley-Davidson – what distinguishes it from other motorbikes?
President: A Harley-Davidson, often called a Harley or simply H-D, is not just a bike, it is a whole concept representing a passion, freedom, power, individualism, camaraderie, benevolence, respect, a certain image and great craftmanship – it is like an important heritage. This concept has developed over time and was originally based on its unique ingenious design, notably the V-shaped engine formed by the angle between its twin cylinders, which also creates a distinctive sound likened to a heartbeat.
Vice President: What’s more, an H-D can be customized for each owner – the colour of its body, the shape of the saddle and handlebars, for example. And it is not just the bike that has an image, owners of a Harley-Davidson are recognised by their insignia-embossed leather clothes and boots, which are equally designed for safety. Many Harley riders have long beards (like myself) and tattoos – but most are renowned for being kind-hearted versus mean-spirited.
Coccoloba: Non-afficionados may consider Harley-Davidsons a nuisance on account of noise and air pollution – what do you think about this?
Pres.: A Harley does inevitably make a noise and produce exhaust, but both are relatively less than many motorbikes or vehicles. In general, owners of a Harley are respectful of others and highly regard the rules of the road. They are thus not in the habit of revving their engines unnecessarily and will rarely be found doing dangerous acrobatic stunts on the main highway!
VP: In my opinion, an electric Harley, not emitting sound or fumes, would totally change the whole concept of the vehicle. In our defence, on St Barts, the electricity used to charge electric motor vehicles is made by a generator turbine powered by steam from the burning of rubbish, including plastic. This process emits pollution into the atmosphere, notably toxic gases that pose a threat to the health of humans, animals and vegetation.
Coccoloba: Moving on to a more positive subject, can you tell me about the ‘Crows of Hell’ Association?
Pres.: Our Association was initially established in 2010 with the intention of uniting fellow Harley-Davidson owners living on St Barts. The name of the Association is an ironical twist on the French nickname, ‘Corbeau’/‘Crow’, for people moving to St Barts from mainland France. Instead of Hell’s Angels we are Crows from Hell. And it is indeed ironical as our intentions are nothing but good, not only to share the pleasure of owning an H-D but to help one another, particularly with any mechanical issues. We also try to show a good example of careful driving to other motorcycle owners, especially the young on St Barts.
VP: We meet every second Saturday of the month when we enjoy riding around the whole island together, stopping occasionally at special lookout points such as Colombier – standing there surrounded by our bikes truly feels like Harley Heaven!
What message would you like to convey to the readers of Coccoloba?
Pres.: We would like the readers to know that the Crows of Hell riders are a good-natured group of people welcoming anyone wishing to share the joy of living a Harley-Davidson dream.
