Getting to know our members: Interview with Ivan Ghio

The Road According to Ghio

Interviewer: Oliver Cassar

Oliver: What made you join the La Valette Malta HOG group, and how has your experience been?

Ivan: I joined the La Valette Malta HOG group because I wanted to experience Harley-Davidson the way it’s meant to be enjoyed – with people who share the same passion, the same spirit, and the same love for the open road.  From day one, the group felt like a family.  The friendship, the support, the laughs, the rides….it all adds up to something special.  Every ride with the group reminds me why I fell in love with motorcycling in the first place.

Oliver: Your first Harley was a V-Rod, and now you ride a CVO Street Glide.  How do they compare?  What do you love most about the Street Glide?

Ivan: The V-Rod was my introduction to the Harley world – raw, muscular, and unlike anything else on the road.  It had that aggressive stance and a unique character that made it unforgettable.  But the Street Glide is on a completely different level.  It’s the perfect blend of power and comfort.  While the V-Rod was thrilling, it wasn’t comfortable for travelling long distances.  The Street Glide, on the other hand, is built for the road – it’s smooth, spacious, and ideal for touring.  It turns every journey into a pleasure.

Oliver: You own a Honda CBR, a Suzuki Hayabusa, a Moto Guzzi cruiser, and Vespa scooter.  What draws you to such diverse range of bikes?

Ivan: Every bike gives me a different experience.  I enjoy switching between them because I feel that each one reflects a different mood and purpose.  I love the diversity in bikes – their styles, their personalities, and in a way, even the manufacturers themselves.  Each brand brings its own philosophy and flavour to the ride, and that variety keeps motorcycling exciting and fresh.

Oliver: How does riding a Harley with the group compare to riding solo on your other bikes?  What makes group rides special?

Ivan: Riding solo is freedom.  Riding with the HOG group is energy.  There is something powerful about seeing a line of Harley moving as on – the sound, the formation, the shared rhythm.  Group rides create memories you simply cannot get on your own.  It is the sense of belonging that make these rides so special.

Oliver: Every Harley has its own character.  What makes your Harley different, and do you have a preferred riding style?

Ivan: Harley offers a wide range of bikes, each with its own unique character and riding style – from aggressive cruisers to laid back tourer.  That diversity is part of what makes the brand so special.  Because I travel often with the HOG group, I opted for the touring style - it is built for comfort and long distances.  However, I also have a soft spot for the cruiser style.

Oliver: Do you have any exciting travel plans with your Harley?  Any dream destinations?

Ivan: I’m always thinking about the next ride – whether it’s a short trip in Sicily or a longer adventure through mainland Europe.  One trip I really wish to do at the moment is the Faaker See Bike Week held every September.  It is one of the biggest Harley gatherings in Europe, and the atmosphere, the scenery, and the sheer scale of it make it a bucket-list experience.

Oliver: Any motorcycle projects you’re working on or hoping to start?

Ivan: I am not much into full-blown motorcycle projects like building a bike from scratch or major overhauls.  What I enjoy most are upgrades that enhance performance and character – things like exhaust system, air filters, and engine mapping.  These tweaks keep the bike fresh and exciting without diving into complex builds.  It is all about refining the ride to suit my style.

Oliver: You’ve built a nice motorcycle collection.  Do you see yourself expanding it further?

Ivan: Like most bikers, I always dream about the next bike.  There is always that one model that catches your eye or sparks your imagination.  So, no – I cannot say my collection is complete.  I do have a bike or two in my thoughts, and if the timing and opportunity line up, I will definitely consider adding one more bike.

Oliver: What are your favourite rides?  Any unforgettable routes?

Ivan: Honestly, every ride holds something special.  But the ones abroad with the HOG group stand out – they are truly unforgettable.  The brotherhood, the shared passion, and the thrill of exploring new roads together make those experiences priceless.  Whether it is winding through scenic landscapes or cruising through foreign towns, those group adventures leave lasting memories.

Oliver: If you had to keep only one bike forever, which one would it be?  Would your Harley win?

Ivan: That is a tough one, because every bike in my garage has its own story.  But if I had to choose just one, the Harley will stay.  It represents everything.