Freedom Stories - Speedy Donahue | Harley-Davidson

[@DeBa1226]

Brother, this documentary is as good, well spoken as I have ever seen. You eloquently described everything that can’t be described about the journey, not the destination, the culture, the community, the family we are. I’ve often told others “if I have to describe it, you’ll never get it”. There is a special bond between you and that bike. I remember my first road trip, leaving at 5am with a buddy, 540 miles ahead of us for Day 1. 30 miles out of town, I caught myself watching that pavement fly by under my foot pegs, thinking... “wow, I’ve got 5 more days of this”. The weather, the elements, is part of the deal. You endure, and it makes for fun story telling later. No social media, no phones or laptops, no music or tv, no busy-ness; only a time to let your mind defrag. The people met, the tourist who want a picture with you at the gas pump, the guys next to you in a diner, asking “where ya from, where ya going”, living vicariously thru your adventure in their minds, who are as genuine as can be, are the salt of the earth. Nothing matters more than a smile and a handshake. And yet, our riding community, those that ride further than our nearest neighborhood sports bar, is at yet another level. You said it best, they have your back, they/we thrive for community. Your piece here has spurred on my thoughts, my excitement about our family on the blacktop. Keep riding brother, and ride often. You’re on to something, and you author up better than most.

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

3 years later, I still rewatch this with joy. Nowadays, it's rare to see non-baggers, but it makes my heart happy Speedy did it on a Fat Bob. Good for you. I've done 50k miles in trips on baggers... but my favorite memories were always camping off my Sportster after I got out of the Army. I just sold my giant M8 Limited and bought an older Evo Sportster and have it set up for camping. So far 5 hours in a day is as far as I've been able to get away for...but I can't wait to take off across the western states and then head up to the north eastern states...maybe even squeeze in Florida next year on my 1200. The joy of the trip seems better to me on the smaller bikes...and I'm 6'4" and 55 years old, lol. I drooled over the white sand pearl 2022 Fat Bob in the dealership... but I'm good for now. I hope this kind of trip and documentary will continue on this channel and others. My favorite vids.

[@SickBikeDude]

5:12 - This guy’s small story is the reason you need to do the things you wanna do when you have the time. You never know how life will turn out for ya.

[@hubbell627]

Love the photography and music, beautifully filmed.

[@imac19791]

The feelings of riding a Motorcycle... PRICELESS!! Great documentary

[@slyguyaction]

We were there!! What a great video. Long live Harley Davidson...

[@TheSmoaksVlogs]

This was awesome..! I’d love to see more of these feature length videos on this channel. This made me feel proud to be American, and an even more proud Harley owner! Even though I make a living working on just about every other make of motorcycle (at a large multi-line dealership), my heart and sole is in all the Harleys I own and love... Thanks for posting and sharing this awesome video!! - #ShawnSmoak

[@dawidos117]

Hey, Shawn! I know what you mean. I watch your moto vlogs on BMW and even you say it’s beautiful motorcycle, I can see your soul belongs to Harley Davidson 🙂 BTW, I love your moto vlogs 👍🏻

[@TheSmoaksVlogs]

@@dawidos117- Thank!!

[@dawidos117]

TheSmoaksVlogs you’re welcome 🙂

[@DeBa1226]

Shawn Smoaks is the real deal! I subscribe to his vlogs.

[@dawidos117]

De Ba yeah, I’m a subscriber too ✌🏻

[@americandualsportrvifeadve3153]

Now take a 3 week trip with no time schedule or place to be. That's when you really see what a motorcycle is all about. Try to camp as much as you can. It will be a trip you never forget. No plans no time schedule no reservations just take as it comes damn it's great that way.

[@ShineBright__]

You're f.... right !! No longer waiting for it i got 30 days to spend anywhere and for sure wil be on the coast in front of the ocean 😎

[@stevegustafson9414]

Abso-freakin-lutely, no better way than to just head off by yourself with just a general direction and complete freedom to do whatever. Camping all the way....there is nothing better 😼

[@TheTripleDubya]

Went for a quick 2,800 kilometre jaunt and ended up going down the east coast of Australia, around The Great Ocean Road, south into Robe and then across the Nullabor, nearly 8,000 kilometres later I was visiting old friends in Perth Western Australia. Awesome !!! I had the time and the money and well, I just got going and couldn't stop. If I could have turned those many weeks into the rest of my life, I literally would've ridden till I died. I still ride but yeah, life ! One thing I noticed, was that I would ride all day, do nearly five hundred miles in one day at times and be so totally stuffed, impatient to get off the bike even but then I'd shower relax for a bit and then want to go out jump on the bike and explore, crazy.

[@mr.b3168]

Too bad we aint all retired boomers. We gotta work.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@TheTripleDubya I use to do this but, on a smaller scale. Go fo a ride on Saturday morning(never without an over night bag) , call out of work on Mon & Tue. Vacation = 2 weeks. Load the 1981 FLH( AMF, still the most comfortable motorcycle I have ever ridden) & go. No schedule. Just pick a direction with some guesstimated good riding roads & what ever happens, happens.

[@nobodyshero200]

Wow! That guy. We all have new bikes....Then the lad next to him in tears over his dead friends old bike he bought off his widow.

[@robertahunter8017]

Poetry in motion Well done Speedy Donahue. Thank you for sharing.....P.S. Harley-Davidson don't forget your core supporters!

[@ronaldcoleman3119]

Great job Speedy. I live in Buffalo, New York and ride about 12,000 miles a year. I have watched this video about a dozen times I love the content and music. Most of my riding is commuting to work and to my cabin both about 50 miles from my home in the opposite direction. Longest ride has been to Americade in lake George about 315 miles from Buffalo. I love Harley's but I ride a Yamaha V-Start 950 Tourer. Update 6/15/24 . I bought a 2023 HD Heritage Classic and it’s amazing. Unbelievable torque, power, handling and comfort.

[@MichaelH416]

This was excellent. It really expressed what that kind of trip does to the soul.

[@cjsmith]

I ride 50,000+ miles annually on my Harley-Davidson motorcycle (3rd Generation Harley-Davidson Rider) An American Classic 🇺🇸😎

[@MarkR973]

God bless you man.. ride safe... May I ask what you ride? Thanks

[@cjsmith]

Thanks 🙏 I’m on a 2018 Road Glide Special as of now 🤙😎

[@randymarks4011]

been riding since 1965, I ried the 1,200 miles to sturgis in a day and a half with my wife on the back, and that's on a shovelhead of which I own 3, when it wears out I rebuild it and start over hahahaha

[@cjsmith]

Great 👍 story Randy 🇺🇸😎

[@CarleAldrete]

CJ that explains to me how you manage 50k miles a year. What a Cush ride. I hope to own a road glide special someday.

[@billymcfuggin7549]

This went beyond a video, this is a film. Excellent production and music, great job!

[@flush_entity]

so well made.. more of these, please!!!! The length of this cinematography is perfect

[@Romit277]

I love the making of film it’s so beautiful and true to be with Harley community. I LOVE HARLEY DAVIDSON

[@ashudhar]

Finally a long documentary styled video every HOG wishes for ! Thank you 🙏🏼, looking forward for more similar stuff

[@dadmadforgot4050]

America is awesome, from an Englishman I love it, wish I lived there.

[@Cheddar223]

As long as you come legally, you're always welcome brother. Even if it's just for a visit!

[@dadmadforgot4050]

@@Cheddar223 Well, in 4 weeks I will be there! Just for a visit (2 weeks) but love going to the USA. Best country EVER. I think it would be easy to get complacent about just how amazing America is if you are from there. The people, the scenery, the variety, the oppurtiniuty, the massive wide open spaces, the freedom.... Im a big fan! : )

[@Cheddar223]

@@dadmadforgot4050 if you ever get the chance, visit Michigan. Most beautiful state in my opinion(grew up there) and we have the great lakes. Hope you have an awesome visit!

[@markprine6531]

It was amazing to be on one short leg of this trip from Scottsdale AZ into the mountains and the rain. Everyone has a unique story but the bottom line, it is therapy!

[@angrymotorman1237]

What a great video I really enjoyed watching this I wish it was longer matter fact. I learned a lot watching this video I always been about enjoying life and people. Doing what makes you happy, we must not take life for granted. We must make every moment count. Peace and blessing bro,as a rider to another be safe and continue to enjoy that awesome fat bob!

[@wacky85]

Riding a motorcycle + nothing can and will ever beat it + the feeling of freedom.....through sunny days, rainy days, stormy days, gloomy days + keep riding.....

[@1320Exotic]

Outstanding Video, If it was boring, it wouldn't be memorable, Thank You for taking us along on your adventure.

[@abhijeetgyal]

that was pretty intense!!beautifully made story, but then i could watch harleys standing or rideen all day long!!!live to ride -ride to live!!!thanks for sharing!!

[@martyportersr7008]

That was a great video of the 115th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. It was the year I bought my very first Harley 2018 Fatboy 114. This spring I travel 375 miles to the museum. Milan Indiana to Milwaukee, WI. See you guys soon! 👍

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

It's a human experience, it's all a human experience. Thank you for sharing, Ride Free

[@motomhi]

this is awesome, i love films like these! I'm going to own that fatbob one day!!!!

[@greymort8783]

I own one.... I love it man.

[@Paul20661]

And I loved every second of this film,this is what is all about

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Great story telling! It’s all about the HD Life. Thank you.

[@harleydavidson]

😎🤘

[@EdwardRoche]

Stunned at his final words - Any Monk - Asian - North American - anywhere - will tell you the same words about what he discovered in the Monastic experience. Pretty Amazing - Not a coincidence. Thanks....

[@CarleAldrete]

Outstanding film. Loved the pan from silo to you and drone over corn fields and canyons. Absolutely beautiful. I’m in Austin and would love to get coffee sometime

[@gottas33]

Harley I want to do this, I’ve never ridden, sign me up!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

You can do it solo, find a group of fellow riders or join the HOG Chapter at most of the Harley Dealerships. You never ridden? Most Harley dealerships offer a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation course) to teach the fundamentals of riding. The good thing about it is they supply the motorcycle to train on (if you don't own one), no commitment to buy and you can take the MSF certification to the DMV where 'most' states will endorse your license without having to take a test course ride. Then go out and find a new or used motorcycle and start riding. Most buy a smaller bike to start out with and learn; then decide where to go from there. There are no rules on the bike you have to ride, it is left up to you on how you want to ride, what type of riding you want to do and being your own individual when riding. No one is an expert at first so never be intimated. It is a process of where the more you ride, the more experience you gain & always ride your own ride (meaning within your abilities). Hope to see you on the road.

[@DeBa1226]

It’s life changing no matter how good life is or isn’t. This riding community becomes your DNA and it takes you to a place in life you didn’t know exists. You’ll never regret, learning to ride, buying the bike, and taking your first road trip.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

@@DeBa1226 Amen! Absolutely

[@fawain]

Outstanding video and story, thank you for sharing your journey. "Trucker Who" my sentiments exactly.

[@bavarikus4103]

Cool video. Authentic. Greetz from a Bavarian Night Train biker.

[@petterin1]

Beautifully filmed story! 🙌

[@hfd83]

great video one of the best you’ve done let’s see more like that

[@WalterCruz-USA]

Harley - Davidson Number 1.🌎🏍🇺🇸🦅 #Freedom.🗽 #Lifestile.😍

[@grounded7362]

The open road on two wheels is where I go to heal from emotional trauma. As a survivor of CEN and narcissistic emotional abuse, the open road on my Road King is the only place I can escape the memories and emotional pain. When rolling down the highway it is as though the memories and the emotional pain never even existed. I am set free from it all.

[@Wooley689]

Very well done, the explanations, the scenery, the camaraderie, the ability to put aside petty politics. Motorcycles bring folks together, like nothing else. Only thing missing was how that seat feels on the old tailbone after many miles.

[@jerryu6850]

Great job. I did the ride from Portland, ME to Milwaukee for the ride home and it was so awesome I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[@roberth.1965]

Jerry, I rode with you until York. Have any stories to tell from the rest of the trip?

[@jerryu6850]

@@roberth.1965 Nothing serious, just a really epic ride and fun stops at each dealership. Along the way we met riders from China who were really a group of fun riders. Met and made some great guys who I am still in contact with, which is pretty cool. What was really exhilarating was the last part of the Ride Home riding through Chicago on the expressway with probably 70 bikes and all staying together in heavy traffic.

[@michaelsweeney6596]

Welcome to the club and things will never be the same. Enjoy the ride stay safe. A friend

[@mickkae3704]

Great commentary , people and lessons ... good stuff .. love the video !! thanks

[@Liveharley1]

This was excellent video. It really expressed what that kind of trip does to the body and soul. I ride every weekend it gives me Joy and happiness after a hard work week! Forget all your troubles, I say screw the economy lets ride! My first bike 1980 hooked!

[@larrys.3992]

Large garbage bags make good rain gear in a emergency. Newspapers for insulation on cold snaps. This is my 50th year on two wheels! Great video!

[@04harley]

Planning a trip in June. Riding from San Diego, circumnavigate the Great Lakes, stop in at Harley on the way home. Why? Because I'm going to be a long time dead. I'm 70 and have a very supportive wife. Going solo, because when your on your bike you are solo. A riding buddy is to call 911 if needed, and have meals with. I'll be riding to BC Canada with a buddy, probably August.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Absolutely fantastic video.

[@ecpato]

I attended the 115th anniversary of HD, along with 15 friends, we traveled 2,200 miles from Monterrey, Mex to Milwaukee. A few weeks before the trip I changed the tires of my Road King, the day after our arrival we discovered that the front tire had a strange wear, we took it to be reviewed in Suburban Motors HD and the conclusion was that I had to buy a new tire, since it was very risky to circulate with that damage, they checked the whole motorcycle but they did not find the reason for the wear, their recommendation was to take the tire to Mexico so that the local distributor could verify what happened, so we did, we went with Coyote HD, the sad thing was that for them, together with the offices in Mexico of Harley Davidson, their only concern was to make it clear that they do not recognize any guarantee, they never gave us an explanation of what happened, they did not care about the danger of driving with a tire in poor condition, the one that could have had a fatal accident, the important thing for them was to make it clear that there was no guarantee. What a disappointment Harley Davidson is concerned over 400 dollars. than the life of those who use their motorcycles.

[@TheKat00m]

lol ...... what r u like

[@MarkR973]

It’s a tire.. just Change it

[@grumpyjay215]

Patricio Beltran What the actual hell does that have to do with the video?. You do realize this isn’t some direct link to HD CORP? So your just wasn’t your time. Like I just did typing this.

[@dustoffmedic71]

That’s a dealer man. Not H-D Corp and totally irrelevant to this video

[@lapinobel]

Fantastic movie!!

[@bbushwacker]

Brilliant, made me cry just watching people getting this experience. Beautifully shot, this is so worth watching. Two comments, and I do the same, after getting soaked and everything, one still avoids the puddles! Second, how did you get the bikes home? Guess no-one turned around and said "oh ok, ticked off, let's go back." That would be cool for people thinking about following your footsteps. Thanks!

[@taps_1021]

Once he got home he understood why wiser men ride baggers.

[@nithinraj7351]

"great presentation,and it's feels like a movie.truely life on two wheels.its not about riding or travelling so much distance ..But it's like, feel the life, knowing everything thinking what would be on that next corner of every road............"

[@tonyzee9931]

Fantastic story and video ! Get out and ride!

[@lvoutour]

so great! Awesome.

[@Chechrisdouv]

this is why we ride those herley horses .Freedom . For me when i'm crusing here in Greece on the mountains of Pindos i feel that time is changing .something is different and i don't know how to express that . I really don't .Please if anyone read this just get a Harley it's not a fast ride it is what it should be . There is no human expresson to describe what it feels like cruizing on about 30 to 50 km on the country roads of Greece .

[@n00bie96]

The quality of the film making of this

[@RowdyMornings]

Love this story!

[@victoraponte7046]

Cool video,but the truth is I never being able to afford one,that is why is a dream bike for me, until then I'll ride other bikes,and hopefully someday I'll be part of the Harley Davidson family.

[@hotelpapa6]

Very good video! Make more of these!

[@baddriver3580]

I ride a metric bike but i'd never trade one day of my past riding , 50K miles "in the wind"......wish I was there now!

[@hog370]

Great video , superbly done.

[@BusterKitten]

There's only one spirit of Harley Davidson, and only a Harley Davidson rider can experience and live that spirit.

[@Arwennthis]

Lovely movie My turn to go there it will be soon. I hope to go there soon. I dream about it.I can't wait to be part of you, on your roads, riding a piece of American History. What a hell of a journey, a great adventure that will be. Lot's and lot's of hours riding, Going against Mother Nature on it's own. Cold, rain. Hot, sunny days. Sometimes with others by my side, And some other times, completely alone. It will be a hell of an adventure to live, to feel, to really reencounter myself. It will be a pleasure to discover new landscapes. To became part of it. The never ending romantic vision wich is: Ride yourself into the endless road to sunset. Live free, live wild, live strong, live by, your own free will. Hope to see you all, soon... Best regards from Portugal, Paulo Serra

[@MacksMoto]

Yes... thank you!

[@7452]

Good video but you averaged about 244 miles a day which isn't much. How often and how long were your stops? I typically do 800 mile days or more depending on whether I am riding through states like Wyoming or Idaho

[@randymarks4011]

yep, you travel like I do, gas stops and food, keep on moving.

[@tpsp7100]

same i typically knock down at the minimum 400- 600 a day

[@lmafo4utube]

600 a day here 800 is pushing it. Also he is a on a fat Bob not exactly touring friendly for a new rider

[@anoopko]

Loved it!

[@MrDAN854]

AWESOME!!!!!

[@LofiHopix]

Inspiring video!!! Anyone knows what type of helmet?

[@alistairpage9028]

This is awesome, makes me want to make a film like this 🎥

[@louismunoz2535]

Thank you or living my dream I am new to your channel beautiful video

[@tonybutt5932]

Great video, what was your #1 take away from the trip?

[@sumyonguy]

give the photographer a raise...nice story.

[@philipallmond2157]

I don't care what you ride as long as you ride.

[@michaelbrogan6412]

Beautiful

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

Well that was beautiful.

[@langloisjb]

Great video 🔥

[@sambam007]

no neckwarmer? guys a sadist

[@MAGVIC7]

Great Video! I liked the music!

[@TJRohyans]

I need to kick up my amateur videography skills and try incorporate more of a documentary style to my vlog. Two-wheel wind therapy is so much more beneficial than a therapists couch!

[@TheDrwhomever]

Excellent video

[@samrotolo7303]

I enjoyed watching this and I get it Harley wants new riders. But some of his comments are making me laugh out loud.

[@steelhorsecountry5245]

Good video!

[@Projektpat151]

Did you get any wind buffeting on the fat Bob with that windshield?

[@gghostrrider]

Good story, how did you get home? 🧐

[@thomastuorto9929]

I have done rides like this on a FLH & a Springer & am here to tell you that it would of been much less of a beating up on a FLH. Even with the rain. Full Face helmets make a difference on long rides like this also as oppose to open face=3/4 & 1/2 helmets.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Same here. Have owned a FLH & a Springer. Nothing like an FLH with a full fairing. And yes, FF helmets do make a big diff on long rides.

[@godfatherNYC]

No rain gear on a ride this long? I bet you won't make that mistake again. Even cheap rain gear will really help. But those lessons are a big part of motorcycling and most of us learn a few of those hard ones near the beginning of our motorcycling days.

[@Hossunit110]

Great video

[@e32amgfinatic]

Anyone know what gloves and jacket speedy was wearing?

[@dawidos117]

More please 🙏🏻

[@tonyjones8360]

Amen

[@flathead1930]

welcome to the world of harley and motorcycling. no shut up and ride, if we cross path, i will buy you a beer

[@LatinoRider]

Nice video!

[@jevan962]

Harley Davidson thanks for the video screaming eagle o yeah

[@MOTTEBIKER]

What is inspired for riding ?

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

I Miss My Bike! And Riding It More! _

[@meandkg]

What model harley is he riding?

[@Peter-976]

What mods were done to the bike? Handle bar risers? Windscreen make?

[@argylecowboy]

everything looks like HD parts. Stock risers

[@mjbucheeri]

WoooooW

[@CustomVStar05]

Epic GOLD!

[@timmurphy2825]

Cool. Just can't explain it unless you experience it.

[@pskrconstructions4387]

Fat bob is my dream bike, I have to do long ride on this bike, before I leave my breath

[@TheBlindamerica]

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