Sportzilla, charlesb52 and the SON.

I’ve been riding motorcycles since 1978, and each bike has been a chapter in my story. My journey began with a Kawasaki Z400, followed by a Honda CX500, and in 1982, I found my love for classic machines with the Triumph Bonneville T140E. However, it was until 1991 that I found my true calling: the Harley-Davidson Sportster.

From 1991 to 2012, I nurtured and tuned my beloved XL883 > 1200, which I called Sportzilla1. Since 2012, my journey with the XR1200, known as Sportzilla2, has been equally thrilling. These bikes aren't just machines; they're a reflection of my passion and countless miles of joy.

In my travels, I’ve crossed Europe on my trusty Sportsters, with a heart full of excitement and a spirit of adventure. Along the way, I was introduced to the Japanese phrase “Tanoshii!”(楽しい), which perfectly encapsulates the joy and thrill that motorcycling brings. My dear friend Takayuki, aka Bon, shared this motto with me.

But my journey isn't just about the rides themselves; it's about sharing the experience. In 2006, I founded the Sportster Owners Netherlands (SON)forum and club, a community that has since grown to become a cornerstone of the Dutch Sportster scene. What started as a small group of enthusiasts has evolved into a network that’s putting the Dutch Sportster culture on the global motorcycle map.

Today, as I continue to live the dream, the motto "楽し!" resonates louder than ever – reminding me that the true spirit of motorcycling lies in the joy of the journey, the friendships formed, and the shared love for the open road.