Former Superbike Champ Plans Coast to Coast US Motorcycle Trip On A Harley

This might seem a little strange for a man who made his most excellent living riding the fastest, most technologically advance motorcycles in the world, but James Toseland says it’s time to chill when he rides his latest bike.

Toseland, twice the World Superbike Champion, retired from racing last year following a wrist injury he suffered during a track test in Aragon, just bought himself a Harley-Davidson.

Now 31 years old and hailing from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, Toseland justmoved to London. Once he arrived in the Big City, he started looking for a bike with looks, utility, and most importantly, a comfortable seat on which to ensconce his girlfriend for rides about town.

Toseland went for a brand new Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. He’s also planning to shake down this latest vehicle in his stable by making a coast-to-coast trip across the US, and he plans to make sure part of that route follows the venerable and historically famed Route 66.

“Racing has been my life for a very long time,” Toseland said. “I’m lucky to have enjoyed success at the level I did. It opened up opportunities to travel the world and meet a variety of inspirational people. So, when I retired, it seemed strange to not be on two wheels, but I think I’d find it difficult to get on to a sports bike on the road and relax. Getting on a Harley was a totally new experience, but just riding it put a smile on my face and gave me a new perspective on riding.

The Harley is a head turner as well as having the convenience factor, plus it‘s comfortable enough to convince my girlfriend – singer Katie Melua – to get on the back.”