Harley Davidson
Discussion
Raygun said:
cat with a hat said:
Its either a weak attempt at trolling or embarrassingly, you don't realise how foolish you sound right now.
You have your verdict on Harley's, I have mine on BMW's, get over it.You attempted to pass judgement based on the fact you think its a "BMW". Pistonheads don't have Husqvarna listed as a manufacturer, so I selected BMW as the engine is loosely based on a BMW f800R.
Its unfortunate that you aren't a very open minded individual and seem to be so brand orientated.
cat with a hat said:
Except the foundation for your opinion is baseless.
You attempted to pass judgement based on the fact you think its a "BMW". Pistonheads don't have Husqvarna listed as a manufacturer, so I selected BMW as the engine is loosely based on a BMW f800R.
Its unfortunate that you aren't a very open minded individual and seem to be so brand orientated
I'm not brand orientated, for years BMW made motorbikes that were boring and ugly and sounded sYou attempted to pass judgement based on the fact you think its a "BMW". Pistonheads don't have Husqvarna listed as a manufacturer, so I selected BMW as the engine is loosely based on a BMW f800R.
Its unfortunate that you aren't a very open minded individual and seem to be so brand orientated
t hence the comment made at a National Chopper Club show.You enjoy your bike there must be plenty of other straitlaced people with their BMW or Husqvarna who think along the same lines as you.
Rode a Fatboy while my bike was being serviced just for a giggle and christ I couldn't wait to give it back. Each to their own but it was a big pile of wibbly, wobbly, vibey, slow, noisy cack.
They gave me an Indian Scout to have a go on and although it still wasn't my bag it was miles better than the Harley.
Not for me thanks.
They gave me an Indian Scout to have a go on and although it still wasn't my bag it was miles better than the Harley.
Not for me thanks.
I've never been a fan of fashion. ( My kids will vouch for that! 
) For me, any bike should be good at what it does, be that performance, handling, economy, quality, comfort, touring etc. Every time I've looked, there has ALWAYS been other makes of bikes that have done any and all of these better than HD. That means the only thing HD are good at (and credit where due, they are very good at) is selling on image.
By selling on image, HD set themselves and the owners of their bikes up for a lot of "image negativity" from those that don't "get it".
) For me, any bike should be good at what it does, be that performance, handling, economy, quality, comfort, touring etc. Every time I've looked, there has ALWAYS been other makes of bikes that have done any and all of these better than HD. That means the only thing HD are good at (and credit where due, they are very good at) is selling on image. By selling on image, HD set themselves and the owners of their bikes up for a lot of "image negativity" from those that don't "get it".
Took a fatboy out 2/3 weeks ago as HD were doing a "win a paid riding trip around the usa" and all you had to do was take a test ride. Was interesting to say the least but I was very happy to get back on my KTM. That said I wouldn't mind trying a few others (1200 sportster/vrod) before completely writing the tractors off.
obscene said:
Took a fatboy out 2/3 weeks ago as HD were doing a "win a paid riding trip around the usa" and all you had to do was take a test ride. Was interesting to say the least but I was very happy to get back on my KTM. That said I wouldn't mind trying a few others (1200 sportster/vrod) before completely writing the tractors off.
I did something similar, tested a 1200 sportster off the back of one of their offers, then a fat bob a few months later. Liked the sportster as a second bike but I found it too small, enjoyed the fat bob as long as I didn't want to go fast, but getting back on my bike highlighted how bad the controls are and how hard it is to turn in, how bad it handles, etc... Bit weird really, I still want a cruiser, I don't think a harley is it though. Need to try a v-rod before I make my mind up, these bikes look awesome.Genuine question: does anyone buy or ride a Harley and expect them to handle? I like them because they don't handle! I like the fact that they're pig lazy and wont be rushed. The challenge of will it/won't it grind out on a roundabout is all part of the appeal to me.
Having said that however, they can be reluctantly hustled, which I find uniquely rewarding.
I do want to try a Victory or an Indian, though.
Having said that however, they can be reluctantly hustled, which I find uniquely rewarding.
I do want to try a Victory or an Indian, though.
Yes, I did buy an HD for its handling.
Long story short, I wanted a 1200 Sportster based on its looks, but was advised of its shortcoming by a VERY experienced motorcyclist. I heeded said advice and found, after a long search, an FXRS SP Low Rider. Go on, google it!
Following an amount of rectification and set up, I found an utterly charming and surprising motorcycle. Yep, it handles, doesn't wobble, will lean as much as you want and stops. I have to admit to the latter being courtesy of Billet Six front calipers
So, an open mind is good - and blind bigotry isn't.
Live and let live.
Long story short, I wanted a 1200 Sportster based on its looks, but was advised of its shortcoming by a VERY experienced motorcyclist. I heeded said advice and found, after a long search, an FXRS SP Low Rider. Go on, google it!
Following an amount of rectification and set up, I found an utterly charming and surprising motorcycle. Yep, it handles, doesn't wobble, will lean as much as you want and stops. I have to admit to the latter being courtesy of Billet Six front calipers
So, an open mind is good - and blind bigotry isn't.
Live and let live.
You guys moaning about how little power they have have never experience an HD 883 on a restricted A1 license, now THAT is slow.
However, I had two bikes in succession a 883C Harley and a Triumph Street triple R yet the one I miss the most is the harley. It was pretty slow, it didn't really stop that well (but was ok with liberal use of the rear brake) and while vibrations as the rider weren't terrible it did manage to snap its own engine ground wire it was immense fun and had bags of the illusive subjective term character, that the triumph somewhat lacked.
The thing that annoyed me with it though was the general harley demographic is very old. At least in the UK.
However, I had two bikes in succession a 883C Harley and a Triumph Street triple R yet the one I miss the most is the harley. It was pretty slow, it didn't really stop that well (but was ok with liberal use of the rear brake) and while vibrations as the rider weren't terrible it did manage to snap its own engine ground wire it was immense fun and had bags of the illusive subjective term character, that the triumph somewhat lacked.
The thing that annoyed me with it though was the general harley demographic is very old. At least in the UK.
Edited by GrumpyTwig on Saturday 19th March 23:01
sjwb said:
Yes, I did buy an HD for its handling.
Long story short, I wanted a 1200 Sportster based on its looks, but was advised of its shortcoming by a VERY experienced motorcyclist. I heeded said advice and found, after a long search, an FXRS SP Low Rider. Go on, google it!
Following an amount of rectification and set up, I found an utterly charming and surprising motorcycle. Yep, it handles, doesn't wobble, will lean as much as you want and stops. I have to admit to the latter being courtesy of Billet Six front calipers
So, an open mind is good - and blind bigotry isn't.
Live and let live.
I have the same , but with billet 6's all round .i've owned it since 1989!Long story short, I wanted a 1200 Sportster based on its looks, but was advised of its shortcoming by a VERY experienced motorcyclist. I heeded said advice and found, after a long search, an FXRS SP Low Rider. Go on, google it!
Following an amount of rectification and set up, I found an utterly charming and surprising motorcycle. Yep, it handles, doesn't wobble, will lean as much as you want and stops. I have to admit to the latter being courtesy of Billet Six front calipers
So, an open mind is good - and blind bigotry isn't.
Live and let live.
Edited by bimsb6 on Sunday 20th March 00:34
I've ridden Harleys for probably 50% of my riding miles, and they have substantial appeal for the 'sensation' of riding, but I have to agree with a few posters who say that the other American brands are now way ahead in ability, particularly when price is taken into account. This is my current ride and I would tend to think I'll have it for a long while - handling, power etc is way ahead of anything air cooled from HD, although clearly a s&s with some expensive suspension work would put the HD back ahead. Still:
From my experience -in general ( and dont get all shouty as this obviously doesnt mean everyone! just the majority) most of the people making really negative comments have never done so much as thrown their legs over a Harley.
Someone I know ( not naming any names) lusted after a big tourer for his retirement and at the time there were no dealers local to him that sold Harleys, but there was a Honda dealership.
So he then rode a goldwing and bought one without really trying anything else, then joined the goldwing owners club. Now speak to him and he would never even consider a Harley as they are "tractors" and "break down all the time".......still with him never having actually even sat on one. The only trouble is that I have had harleys (modern and classic and japs stuff too!) for the last 20 years and can you guess how many times I have broken down on a Harley?
the answer is not once....... the only breakdowns that I have ever suffered have been on British classics from the 50s and 60s. And the truth that people dont like to admit is that since around the very late 90s Harleys dont leak oil or break down any more than jap bikes do.
They are also very good at what they are - big lazy cruisers, with a wonderful exhaust note (with aftermarket pipes admittedly or they sound the same as any jap cruiser with factory pipes...personal preferrence!) that is afterall the real market that they come from with long straight roads ,wide open spaces and few corners.
If they were so bad they wouldnt have survived for so long or had the Japs trying so hard to emulate their cruiser bikes in so many ways....
The main threat to Harley currently as I see it is the Polaris group with their Indian and Victory marques and Triumph with their retro styled range. I think they have stolen a large chunk of harleys market and I think there are a number of Harley dealerships through even this country that are struggling or have even given up and shut up shop.
a lot of that I think is due to overpricing by Harley, I went into the local dealers before they went bust 2 years ago and started back up as a triumph dealer and couldnt fkn believe the list price of a brand new Tourer....... its mental..... but it does mean that the resale prices are very good even 10 years down the line.
by the way....
I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer.
Sure some people wont like them , but isnt that the same as everything in life?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion......... but that opinion should be based on actual experience not peer pressure..
Someone I know ( not naming any names) lusted after a big tourer for his retirement and at the time there were no dealers local to him that sold Harleys, but there was a Honda dealership.
So he then rode a goldwing and bought one without really trying anything else, then joined the goldwing owners club. Now speak to him and he would never even consider a Harley as they are "tractors" and "break down all the time".......still with him never having actually even sat on one. The only trouble is that I have had harleys (modern and classic and japs stuff too!) for the last 20 years and can you guess how many times I have broken down on a Harley?
the answer is not once....... the only breakdowns that I have ever suffered have been on British classics from the 50s and 60s. And the truth that people dont like to admit is that since around the very late 90s Harleys dont leak oil or break down any more than jap bikes do.
They are also very good at what they are - big lazy cruisers, with a wonderful exhaust note (with aftermarket pipes admittedly or they sound the same as any jap cruiser with factory pipes...personal preferrence!) that is afterall the real market that they come from with long straight roads ,wide open spaces and few corners.
If they were so bad they wouldnt have survived for so long or had the Japs trying so hard to emulate their cruiser bikes in so many ways....
The main threat to Harley currently as I see it is the Polaris group with their Indian and Victory marques and Triumph with their retro styled range. I think they have stolen a large chunk of harleys market and I think there are a number of Harley dealerships through even this country that are struggling or have even given up and shut up shop.
a lot of that I think is due to overpricing by Harley, I went into the local dealers before they went bust 2 years ago and started back up as a triumph dealer and couldnt fkn believe the list price of a brand new Tourer....... its mental..... but it does mean that the resale prices are very good even 10 years down the line.
by the way....
I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer.
Sure some people wont like them , but isnt that the same as everything in life?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion......... but that opinion should be based on actual experience not peer pressure..
Edited by hedgefinder on Sunday 20th March 12:19
Yay for me.
On my second Street Glide. (first one was in Singapore, now I have a 2014 special in the UK).
In Singapore it was my only means of transport - rain or shine. I did 25,000 km in 2 years on it, mostly in Malaysia/Thailand.
I love these bikes.
(just in case you're wondering about arse-less chaps, my other bike is a ktm 450 sxf).
Have a go on one and you might be surprised.
Mind you, that Guzzi Flying Fortess is tempting.
On my second Street Glide. (first one was in Singapore, now I have a 2014 special in the UK).
In Singapore it was my only means of transport - rain or shine. I did 25,000 km in 2 years on it, mostly in Malaysia/Thailand.
I love these bikes.
(just in case you're wondering about arse-less chaps, my other bike is a ktm 450 sxf).
Have a go on one and you might be surprised.
Mind you, that Guzzi Flying Fortess is tempting.
hedgefinder said:
by the way....
I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer.
It's hardly just a stereotype, plenty of HD riders do wear this kind of stuff.I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer.
Edited by Mr2Mike on Tuesday 22 March 09:52
Mr2Mike]edgefinder said:
by the way....
I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer./quote]
It's hardly just a stereotype, plenty of HD riders do wear this kind of stuff.
as do plenty of other bikers, hence my Goldwing owners club comment ( and that not a diss on the goldwing or its owners club by the way, just an observation) ... yet its widely seen as a Harley thing.I have never worn leather chaps with my arse hanging out ( what I do in the privacy of my own home is my own business, but not on a bike..)
or a bandana around my head or a leather waistcoat ( although most of the goldwing owners seem to wear them.... lol )
so I guess this is a stereo type from the 70s that still exists due to the small minded - usually the same people that have never ridden a big modern harley tourer./quote]
It's hardly just a stereotype, plenty of HD riders do wear this kind of stuff.
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