Name: SueAnn Niland

Age: 56

Hometown: Stevens Point, Wis.

Occupation: Early Childhood Education

What type of powersports unit did you buy? I bought a Harley-Davidson Custom Sportster 1200

How did you get into riding?  When I was 12 and living in Wisconsin, my uncle taught me how to drive his Honda road bike. In my late teens, I was living in Phoenix, Ariz. Motorcycle driver courses were not in existence, so I borrowed a 750cc Suzuki and taught myself how to handle big city traffic and the mountain roads of northern and eastern Arizona.

What other powersports units have you owned in the past? Four Hondas and one other Harley Sportster 883.

Why did you select this model? Last September, I was waiting at a stoplight in Green Bay, Wis., and  I was rear-ended by a Ford Taurus. I lived through it, but “Big Dawg” (my Sporty) was DOA at the scene. Two weeks later, I bought my new ride, “Sparky.” Even though I can ride any tanker bike out there, I like the agility of a smaller bike. It fits my style of riding more than the other, larger models.

Where did you buy your new toy? Wausau Harley-Davidson in Wausau, Wis.

How did you choose the dealership? Although I did not buy Big Dawg from Wausau H-D, I always had the annual servicing done there. They did an excellent job. The guys were even helpful to me when I phoned long-distance from New Mexico looking for a part for another rider’s broken bike.

What salesperson did you work with? Mike Allemang — he is the best!  He’s the kind of salesperson who will continue to be a valuable resource/advocate for me even after I’ve had Sparky for years.

Did you buy parts, accessories or pre-paid maintenance? I set up the bike just like the Sporty before it. Crash bars, straight pipe exhaust, smaller windshield and  heated hand-grips.

What do you think of the service department? They have always been very helpful and consistent in quality work. I have never had to return either bike for a duplicate repair.

Would you recommend the dealership to a friend? I already have — Four friends and four bikes purchased, so far!