Destination “everywhere”

Being on my Road Glide gives me the freedom to leave home, feel the wind in my face and ride without destination.

I’m Alberto, an Italian expatriate since 2007 living in Lugano, Switzerland, who rides my H-D Road Glide Special 2020 as often as possible. I’m Officer of the Lugano Chapter, serving as the Webmaster and Safety Officer, and H.O.G. Life Member. In 2020, I attempted bringing together other “Road Gliders” by creating the Instagram page @roadglide.switzerland to allow “perfect strangers” to join us on our rides across Switzerland and Europe. The aim of the group is pretty simple: joy, friendship and to ride together many kilometers year-round across the Continent and to the famous (or maybe infamous) H.O.G. events. Our mantra in this:  “let’s ride into the sunset” and make camp until morning! Not easy during the pandemic.

I started my Harley-Davidson journey not too long ago; but, since the moment I first got on my first H-D I’ve never stopped, now riding over 20’000km (12’500miles) per year. After work, on weekends, over holidays means always being on the road, either alone or with the awesome riders I’ve met over the years from all over Europe.

I’ve visited 76 countries in my life and I’ve never been the type of person who likes to camp if I had other options.  So what has changed my mindset since getting my first H-D? Quite a lot. Living on the road, riding Alpine passes and open roads, listening to good music and camping overnight is an experience, the experience, to be lived from A to Z without interruption.

Important is understanding what is really needed and what can be packed in my side bags and luggage rack.  One must carefully decide between the priority of safety items, clothes, tent, tools, stoves, etc.

What’s on my essential list? Let’s check it together!

Tent: Whenever you didn’t book a fancy hotel, you still need to sleep. In many countries nowadays, staying in hotels is restricted by law, but camping sites can be awesome places just a few meters from amazing scenery, such as a lake or mountain.

Sleeping bag and inflatable pillow: In any season the chance to sleep (quite) well and warm gives you the strength for the next day.

Head led light: I bring the same one from my party days back at Arizona State University.  It’s no fun not knowing where you’re stepping or pitching the tent in the dark.

Kitchenware, stove and cutlery: No one wants to go to sleep hungry, but it can be hard to cook an awesome “Spaghetti alla carbonara” in the middle of nowhere. So, I prefer not to cook and avoid bringing the gas cooker (which can be dangerous on the bike).

Food: What does an Italian need to eat well? Block of parmesan, prosciutto, Italian cheeses and some bread are my best options, eaten off a metal plate for easy washing.   Dried foods and meats could also be easy alternatives.

Coffee: What’s the item that I absolutely need most in the morning? Coffee. No gas? No problem!  Why not stop at the first bar to drink an Italian espresso? Or maybe a good compromise could be the instant-hot packed coffee.

Water: If you don’t have defined stops planned, you need to have your full day’s water with you. I always bring with me at least 1.5l of water.

Cash in local currencies: Credit cards are widely accepted, but what happens when you stop in a small village in the middle of the Balkans to grab a beer after a long day of riding? Be smart, you wouldn’t like to miss that beer.

Clothes: I’ve learned over years that clothes are the least needed item in the bag. Couple of t-shirts, socks, underwear and a warm sweater (in any season) is more than enough for few days on the road, if you did not plan to have dinner at a fancy 3-star Michelin restaurant.

Rain clothes: My riding gear is already rainproof, but I still bring with me a spare pack of jacket, pants and gloves for heavy rain days.

Neck tubulars: I love riding with a jet-helmet, so I bring with me 2-3 spare tubulars to be used in case of rain.

Gloves and sunglasses: Nothing is worse than riding with broken or wet gloves or without sunglasses. I always have a spare pair with me.

Personal hygiene products: I never forget my toothbrush, toothpaste and shower gel. A small soap bar is indeed all that’s required to wash your (few) clothes!

Swiss army knife: Who doesn’t have one? One simple and small item that can solve so many problems.

Bike tools: I always bring with me a set of selected basic tools like screwdrivers, Allen screws, wrenches and scissors. You never know after many km if a bolt could come loose or if you need to lock a screw.

Tire repair kit: In some countries it’s even illegal to not have these with you.  But even if not, what if you are in the middle of nowhere and your mobile has no signal? This kit is something no one ever wants to use, but what happens when you don’t have it?

First aid kit: Same as above, in some European countries it is required. There are many quite cheap kits which can help you (or your fellows) in cases of emergency. I also have mine stocked with small vials of coagulants that can help to immediately stop some bleeding.

Mosquito spray: Summer means mosquitoes and you would love to sleep without trying to kill mosquitos all night long!

Fast battery charger: During freezing winters, batteries can run out quite fast and it could be a problem the next morning. It’s a pretty small, but very useful kit. I charge it at home regularly and I perform a yearly test to remind myself the procedure needed to crank my Road Glide with it.

It looks quite a lot of items and someone might say “Where do I put everything if I don’t have side bags?” My kit was exactly the same when I rode my first Fat Bob across Europe.  I only needed a bigger bag on my luggage rack. After that, you’ll easily become quite the Tetris expert!

Riding is a lifetime experience and you have to be prepared for everything that could happen on the road. Destinations don’t have to be planned, but you’ll never regret being a smart planner of useful items for your bike trips before leaving home.

I’ve learned that nothing is essential until you really need it and you’re alone in the middle of nowhere. Trust me, you don’t want to find out that you’ve missed something!

Want to join my rides? Follow me on Instagram on @roadglide.switzerland and join this awesome group of riding enthusiasts!

Alby

Which is the best setup for Vance & Hines FP3 with Red Thunder 2:2 touring exhausts?

Let’s say… you have at least Stage 1 (air intake + exhaust) on your Road Glide, then the next step is to remap the factory mapping.

You can use many alternatives, some of which might be done by your dealer, while this article covers probably the most famous unit available in the market for almost all models of Harley-Davidson with a comprehensive and dedicated list of exhausts from all brands. You don’t find your brand? Well, V&H will tell you which map to use!

My performance accessories are:

• • Air intake: V&H VO2 naked
  • Exhaust: Red thunder 2:2 with slip ons
  • Spark plugs: NGK iridium IX
  • Spark cables: Sumax 10.8mm
  • Battery cables: Sumax extreme duty

Which is the best map available? This one: Vance & Hines Monster Round slip ons w/Power Duals standard baffle

Then, what about “Decel pop“? Leave it OFF to have the max Pop from exhaust!

What about throttle progressivity? For the 2020 model, does not apply as the bikes ship from the factory with 1:1 settings already (equivalent to our Race 1:1).

Next step? Start and perform autotune! Follow these steps

**Be advised that while Autotune is active the bike will not perform optimally. The AFR table is not optimized, and the cranking fuel/accel enrichment are turned off. This may translate into poor cold start performance, erratic idle, poor throttle response, and general ride quality issues. These will resolve once you ‘Finish’ the Autotune. Letting the bike fully warmup before riding while Autotune is active will help to slightly diminish some of these symptoms.

1) Go to the Autotune tab in the main menu of the app.

2) Select a  base map from which to start (select whichever slot your correct map is in, most likely slot 1 if this is a brand new FP3.

3)Select ‘Quick Setup’

4) It will have you flash the bike to run Autotune, follow the in app instructions (i.e. bike off for 30 seconds, etc.)

5) Once Autotune is active, you’ll want to break it down into 3 sessions, approx. 20-60 minutes each.

6) After your first 20-60 minute session, open the app and go into the Autotune section. Select ‘Apply Values’ and ‘Apply’. This will take the data learned and store it, allowing for more data to be collected.

7) After the second 20-60 minute session do the same thing – ‘Apply Values’ and then ‘Apply’.

8) After the 3rd total session, select ‘Apply Values’ and then select ‘Finish’. This will complete the Autotune, taking everything learned from each ‘Apply’ and will build the map/put it into a new slot.

NOW, enjoy your bike!

Alby

Brand product description

Klock Werks Flare™ is the ORIGINAL windshield of its kind, and has surprised riders everywhere with not only how great it looks, but also with how well it performs.

The innovative design features “hips” at the outer edge of the shield that re-route the air to add downforce to the front of the bike, improving stability vs riding with a stock shield. The “flip” at the top of the Flare™ is designed to kick the air up and back as “clean”, less turbulent air for the rider and passenger.

Made from hard-coated polycarbonate material for added durability.

The Sport Flare™ for 2015-2020 FLTR is more streamlined and offers radical curves and a sportier stance. It compliments the lines of the new fairing with a more aggressive profile, and aids stability and handling with improved air management. Still awesome for the long haul, definitely kool for showing off your ride!

My personal product review

The windshield from @klockwerks has been the first purchase I’ve done upon the purchase of the new bike and, to be honest, it truly awesome.

Riding: difference between the original HD one and the Flare can be felt in any type of riding, in highway at high speeds, under the rain and also riding up in the mountains. It avoids the odd air disturbance with the helmet and the visibility of the street in front of you it’s great. I’ve bought the smoked one, but to be honest the black one would have been “too much” dark. 

Esthetics: it a huge huge improvement of the factory one, it makes the front of the bike much more sporty while giving a touch of class with the curves that follow the bike. 

Installation: a screwdriver and 5 min are enough! Easy for everyone!

It’s a great solution and not so expensive to cover all your needs at any time.

Good work @klockwerks ! Wanna try in future the bigger ones! 

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product

Brand product description

Driver Floorboards
• 3″ of adjustability of the mounting position, forward and back. Allowing you to adjust the floorboard for your preferred riding style.
• Complete knurl board for ultimate grip and control
• Shaped like your foot for maximum usable space
• 14″ L x 5″ W
• Made in Los Angeles, CA
• Pair with our TSC Shifter Tips and Brake Pedal (Sold Separately)
• Fits All Bagger Models, Switchback Dyna’s, Softail Models(except 2018 Softail models).

Passenger Floorboards
• Billet 6061 Aircraft grade Aluminum
• Completely knurl board for ultimate grip and control
• Made in Los Angeles, CA
• Match our THRASHIN Bagger Floorboards
• Requires Mounts found on Ultra Glides HD Part # 52719-10 SUPPORT KIT, FOOTBOARD

Brake pedal
• Constructed of Aerospace 6061 Aluminum
• Full Knurl Design for maximum traction
• 4.5″ W x 2.75″ T
• Designed to mount to stock brake pedal arm
• ARP Hardware included
• Made in Los Angeles, CA
• Pairs well with our Bagger Floorboards and TSC Shifter Tips. (Sold Separately)

Shifter Pegs
• Made in Los Angeles, CA
• Billet 6061 Aircraft grade Aluminum
• Hard Anodized Black
• Laser Etched
• Includes ARP® Fastener made to THRASHIN® Exact Specifications
• Fits all Harley-Davidson® models

My personal product review

The quality of the material can be understood immediately when you take them off the box, heavy and massive.

The grip on the floorboards and brake pedal is perfect even under heavy rain, same for the shifter pegs which have no rubber inserts.

They look awesome with the black engine and bike parts and they truly make the difference from other bikes. No one will walk away from your bike not noticing those awesome pieces or art.

Other Pics

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product

Route:

• From Lugano – Switzerland
• Via Carona and Vico Morcote
• To Lugano – Switzerland

Expertise needed:

The road is big enough all time, it is a main road that connects villages in the valley –> Easy

Run info:

• Km 33
• Length (without stops): around 1h
• Open all year long

What is Morcote:

Morcote is first mentioned historically in 926 as Murcau, which comes from the Latin Morae caput, meaning head of the hill.

In 1353 it was mentioned as Murchoe and again in 1453 as Murchote Starting around 1100, Morcote was home to a castle that was built to guard and control commerce on the lake. Until the dam was built in Melide in 1847, Morcote was the largest port on Lake Lugano. Goods from northern Italy were shipped across the lake to the rest of Ticino. In 1422 the town was granted privileges by the Duke of Milan, which included the rights to impose taxes, self-government, independent fishing and the right to hold markets. After the plague year of 1432, only seven families survived in the town. The town was often caught between the rival powers of Milan and Como as they fought for control in Lombardy. In 1517 the region came under the control of the Old Swiss Confederation, and was added to the Vogtei of Lugano.

However Morcote retained extensive rights, including judicial and tax autonomy as well as fishing rights over the entire lake. During the Late Middle Ages the major industries of Morcote included fishing, farming and shipping. During the end of the Middle Ages, artists began to move into the town as well. In 1583 the town had a self-supporting parish established in the parish church Santa Maria del Sasso, which dated from the 13th century.

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Route:

• From Lugano – Switzerland
• Via Alto Malcantone
• To Lugano – Switzerland

Expertise needed:

The road is big enough all time, it is a main road that connects villages in the valley –> Easy

Run info:

• Km 42
• Length (without stops): around 1:50h
• Open all year long

What is Malcantone:

Malcantone (Malcanton in Ticino) is a geographical region of the Canton of Ticino, bordered to the north and west by the Tamaro, Gradiccioli, Magno, Poncione di Breno and Lema mountains; to the east from the Vedeggio valley, and to the south from Lake Lugano and the Tresa river. Malcantone is divided into low, medium and high. It includes the 19 political municipalities of Agno, Alto Malcantone, Aranno, Astano, Bedigliora, Bioggio, Cademario, Caslano, Croglio, Curio, Magliaso, Miglieglia, Monteggio, Neggio, Novaggio, Ponte Tresa, Pura, Sessa and Vernate.

Pics:

Route:

• From Lugano – Switzerland
• Via
  • Gothard pass
  • Furka pass
  • Rhone Glacier
• To Lugano – Switzerland

Expertise needed:

Few tight switchbacks, the road is big enough all time, there are 2 main Swiss Alps pass –> Medium

Run info:

• Km 267
• Length (without stops): around 4:00h
• Both Alp passes are closed during winter

What is Gotthard pass:

The Gotthard Pass or St. Gotthard Pass (Italian: Passo del San Gottardo, German: Gotthardpass) at 2,106 m (6,909 ft) is a mountain pass in the Alps traversing the Saint-Gotthard Massif and connecting northern and southern Switzerland. The pass lies between Airolo in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, and Andermatt in the German-speaking canton of Uri, and connects further Bellinzona to Lucerne, Basel, and Zurich. The Gotthard Pass lies at the hearth of the Gotthard, an important north-south axis in Europe, and it is crossed by three major traffic tunnels, each being the world’s longest at the time of their construction: the Gotthard Rail Tunnel (1882), the Gotthard Road Tunnel (1980) and the Gotthard Base Tunnel (2016). With the Lötschberg to the west, the Gotthard is one of the two main north-south routes through the Swiss Alps. Since the Middle Ages, transit across the Gotthard played an important role in Swiss history, the region north of Gotthard becoming the nucleus of the Swiss Confederacy in the early 14th century.

What is Furka pass:

Furka Pass (French: Le Col de la Furka), with an elevation of 2,429 metres (7,969 ft), is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connecting Gletsch, Valais with Realp, Uri. The Furka Oberalp Bahn line through the Furka Tunnel bypasses the pass. The base tunnel opened in 1982 and replaced a tunnel at 2100 m.

The Furka Pass was used as a location in the James Bond film Goldfinger. One curve on the east side of the pass is even named “James Bond Strasse”. At the sign, there is a lookout point with a small parking area. Visitors can also park next to Hotel Belvédère, close to the top of the pass on the west side, and take the short walk to the Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto. The glacier moves 30-40 meters a year and the 100 m long tunnel and ice chamber can be visited from June when the road opens.

What is Rhone glacier:

The Rhône Glacier (German: Rhonegletscher, Walliser German: Rottengletscher, French: glacier du Rhône, Italian: ghiacciaio del Rodano) is a glacier in the Swiss Alps and the source of the river Rhône and one of the primary contributors to Lake Geneva in the far eastern end of the Swiss canton of Valais. Because the glacier is located close to the Furka Pass road it is easily accessible.

Pics:

Route:

• From Lugano – Switzerland
• Via
  • Como lake – Italy
  • Valtellina – Italy
  • Passo San Marco – Italy
  • Bergamo – Italy
• To Lugano – Switzerland

Expertise needed:

Few tight switchbacks, the road is big enough all time. There is one Alp pass between Switzerland and Italy –> Medium

Run info:

• Km 440
• Lenght (without stops): around 5:30h
• San Marco pass is closed during winter

What is Passo San Marco:

The San Marco pass, 1,992 m high above sea level, is an alpine pass that connects the Bergamo Val Brembana to the Valtellina.

At the pass it is possible to admire the insignia of the then Republic of Venice which built this road for the economic development of trade with the Swiss valleys. (from 1512 to 1797 the Valtellina belonged to the Grisons).

On the Orobic side of the pass is the Cà San Marco refuge, for years the roadman’s house of the pass and one of the oldest refuges in the Alps, built in 1593. On its façade a plaque commemorates “For two centuries this roadman watched over the Brembane Alps. traffic and safety of the Republic of San Marco “.

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