From left to right are the Indian, the Harley-Davidson and the Moto Guzzi, each looking elegant yet menacing in various shades of black. These baggers are long on style and long between the axles, perfect for cruising down the boulevard or chasing the sunset. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
Harley-Davidson, Indian and Moto Guzzi are three of the most storied brands in motorcycling. Each has origins dating to the early part of the 20th century and a rich history filled with racing victories, engineering and styling innovations and iconic motorcycles. Harley and Indian built motorcycles in the 1930s that defined what a cruiser should be, with a big V-twin, a low seat, a wide handlebar and a laidback, feet-forward riding position. Despite being Italy?s oldest motorcycle company, Moto Guzzi is no stranger to American-style cruisers. It?s been making bikes such as the California, Ambassador, Eldorado and Nevada for the U.S. market since the 1970s, and Guzzi?s current lineup includes five cruiser models. Read our Road Test Review of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.
All three baggers have handlebar-mounted hard fairings with short windscreens, but only the Indian?s is electrically adjustable. With no fairing lowers, the rider enjoys wind protection only from the waist to the shoulders.
These three baggers are not run-of-the-mill cruisers. Each offers a different spin on the idea of a factory custom. This particular Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special is bedazzled with a Hard Candy B...