Salt Lake insurance executive Robert Dodge knew his 1997 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was valuable. After all, people put their names on long waiting lists and then wait months and sometimes even years just for the "privilege" of buying one.

But when Dodge received his 1999 vehicle registration materials in the mail last week and learned what the state of Utah believes his bike is worth, he didn't know whether to scream or giggle.According to the state, Dodge's Dyna Low Rider has an assessed valuation of nearly $2.5 million ($2,467,250.00) and would he please send them a check for $37,011.75 in property taxes, plus $23.50 for the little sticker that goes on the license plate. After getting his emissions and safety checks, of course.

It seemed a little steep, seeing as how he'd only paid $17,000 for it two years ago.

Dodge, 55, had heard about people being dunned for huge tax bills in bureaucratic foul-ups but never expected he'd join the club. He hasn't yet contacted the authorities but says when he does, he'll keep it low key and simply ask them if they wouldn't like to prepare a new assessment, maybe a teensy weensy bit lower this time.

Before he does that, he'd like to know who in the government has such a high regard for his motorcycle but pinning that down will be difficult. The county assessor's office says it's the state's fault, and the state says it's the county's.

A county official, who asked not to be named, noted that the assessment of motor vehicles was turned over to the state in October. But Janice Gully, spokeswoman for the Utah Tax Commission, said that doesn't take effect until Jan. 1 when the new system of valuing vehicles on the basis of their age, rather than their value, goes into effect.

The county would be happy to just chalk it up to that old standby "computer error," but that won't fly either, said Gully

"It looks like human error, a data entry error. Basically, we didn't have a value for the motorcycle, so the paperwork was sent back to the county to be updated."

As a middle-aged insurance and securities agent for New York Life and a family man, Dodge seems an unlikely "Hawg" owner. He has nothing in common with the "Hells Angels" portrayed in films such as "The Wild One." Nor is he an outlaw rebel of "Easy Rider" ilk.

But Dodge says he's actually closer to the reality of the people who buy Harleys these days than are outlaw bikers. He's among thousands of men and women who keep their noses to the grindstone Monday through Friday and then go out cruisin' on Saturday afternoon -- weather permitting, of course.

He doesn't wear a jacket with a skull and crossbones or devil's head on the back, nor does he agree with the bikers who claim that real men don't wear helmets.

"I like to wear a bright-colored shirt so people can see me, a helmet, leather gloves and boots," said Dodge.

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Being billed $37,000 in taxes won't put him off Harleys, Dodge assures. Early one morning last October, he was eighth in a line of some 50 people who queued up at at Harley-Davidson of Salt Lake City to put down a $500 deposit on a new bike. First-come-first-served has replaced the waiting list system employed in the past for wannabe Harley buyers.

Dodge's choice: an $18,000 Dyna Wide Glide that is expected to arrive in February.

If he wanted, he could immediately turn it over to a Harley broker who would give him $500 to $1,000 more than he paid. Then the broker would turn around and sell the bike for $20,000 to someone who is willing to pay extra for instant gratification.

But he won't. Dodge may not be Marlon Brando or Peter Fonda, but he loves cruisin' on his Hawg too much to give it up for mere money. Look for him out on the road next Saturday. If it doesn't snow, that is.

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