We’ve just passed the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year, and we’re all stuck in the office catching up on stuff. Tomorrow’s a better day for a ride cos there’ll be more sunshine!

HEAVY DUTY 177 hits the newsagent next week with subscribers scoring their copies in the mail at about the same time.

What’s in it? Heaps. Starting with the Pan America that is the dawn of the next generation of mid-weight models from Harley-Davidson. Mick rode it and reckons the engine package is especially exciting. Other new models tested include the Fat Boy with 114 cubes and a return to the chrome overload that we love. After a fortnight, Dave struggled to return it.

The 2021 Sportster models mark the end of the end of an unbroken 64-year run. We managed to get our hands on an Iron 883 for one last hurrah. In between tears of sorrow, Mick strung words together about the 883, and Doc had a look back over the Sportster timeline.

Custom bikes kick off with The Fabulous Flexi Flyer and the 1928 Harley two-cam bolted to it. People forget that Harley riders have been building customs since 1903. There’s also an amazing Street Glide Special from the tropics with amazing artwork. In between those two extremes, you’ll find a three completely different Shovels and an out-there Evo from Frysian.

Paul fitted an S&S SuperStreet 2-into-1 to his Deluxe and we’ve got the before and after dyno figures to share facts not fiction.

Mick’s Project M8 Super Glide has finally made it back onto a dyno to get the mapping sorted and he claims that his S&S 124 smooth torquer is, ‘Smooth as a gravy sandwich!’

Rod spent A Day in the Saddle and shared another route to Tamworth. Doc took in RockyNats and the Qld State HOG Rally. As the Gold Coast re-opens, Dave made it out to Dust Hustle and the Two Wheel Heaven show.

All of this as well as the return of Punters’ Pics and all of the regulars you love like Tech Torq, Cybercycles and Exam Room.

HEAVY DUTY 177 on sale 1st July.