Harley Davidson
Discussion
After 30+ years of Japanese bikes of all shapes and sizes I scratched the Harley itch in Oct 2022.
Instantly smitten with it, so much character and sense of occasion as soon as you thumb the starter. I’d never ridden this before buying it (from Sykes, what an amazing buying experience that was) and was expecting it to be slow as f—k etc, but no it’s got plenty of pull (I’ve seen 120 while managing to hang on) but you don’t ride it like that. I find myself cruising along enjoying the scenery (instead of trying to become a part of it) these days.
Even though it decks out early which it kind of a shame because it actually handles nicely and the brakes are next to useless I absolutely love my loud American
Instantly smitten with it, so much character and sense of occasion as soon as you thumb the starter. I’d never ridden this before buying it (from Sykes, what an amazing buying experience that was) and was expecting it to be slow as f—k etc, but no it’s got plenty of pull (I’ve seen 120 while managing to hang on) but you don’t ride it like that. I find myself cruising along enjoying the scenery (instead of trying to become a part of it) these days.
Even though it decks out early which it kind of a shame because it actually handles nicely and the brakes are next to useless I absolutely love my loud American
Rollin said:
I bought a Low Rider ST late last year after having a Ducati Monster 1200 for 8 years-ish previous.
I've done looong road trips in the US and hired the same Harley Fatboy there each year. The experience gradually grew on me and I'm very pleased with the ST, despite some suspension shortcomings.
Here's a crap photo
I’m adding either a Low Rider ST, Sport Glide or maybe even the Fat Bob to my stable. Got test rides booked (the fat Bob first next weekend) then will make my choice I've done looong road trips in the US and hired the same Harley Fatboy there each year. The experience gradually grew on me and I'm very pleased with the ST, despite some suspension shortcomings.
Here's a crap photo
Any worries with the M8 and the oil sumping issues? Or is that massively over played by the internet
y2blade said:
Even though it decks out early which it kind of a shame because it actually handles nicely and the brakes are next to useless I absolutely love my loud American
You need to use a lot more rear brake on a Harley than you would on a modern Jap or European, and then they are adequate for the task. I never felt they were a problem riding at Harley speeds, but I'd spent a lot of time riding old British bikes beforehand, so was comfortable using a lot more rear brake, which you had to do on old Brit stuff as well.I found it harder getting used to the couple of fingers needed to pull the front anchors when I started riding the Ducati, as years of riding vintage British bikes and HD's meant I kept grabbing a handful of front brake and doing stoppie's
aeropilot said:
y2blade said:
Even though it decks out early which it kind of a shame because it actually handles nicely and the brakes are next to useless I absolutely love my loud American
You need to use a lot more rear brake on a Harley than you would on a modern Jap or European, and then they are adequate for the task. I never felt they were a problem riding at Harley speeds, but I'd spent a lot of time riding old British bikes beforehand, so was comfortable using a lot more rear brake, which you had to do on old Brit stuff as well.I found it harder getting used to the couple of fingers needed to pull the front anchors when I started riding the Ducati, as years of riding vintage British bikes and HD's meant I kept grabbing a handful of front brake and doing stoppie's
I've been pillion on one, but never ridden. There's a main HD dealer 5 miles from here & there are loads of them about in the summer. More out of curiosity, as I'm unlikely to buy anytime soon, but how easy is it to get used to feet forward?
I've owned mostly naked & supermoto machines - not sure I could get used to wooden brakes & 300+ kg!
I've owned mostly naked & supermoto machines - not sure I could get used to wooden brakes & 300+ kg!
Biker 1 said:
but how easy is it to get used to feet forward?
It's only really the "custom" styled models that leave the factory with forward controls, so there's plenty of choice with near standard controls. though, in truth, Harley's standard controls are further forward than most manufacturers fit. The best riding Sportsters, Dynas and older FXRs all have "mid contols" and many of the tourers have footboards, like a touring Guzzi.That said, forwards are easy enough to get used to, after you've ridden off flailing your legs about a couple of times, you'll remember soon enough where the footrests are! Keep in mind, that unlike chop builders, Harley can't make anything extreme as it wouldn't appeal to a very large market, hence bars and footrests need to be somewhere handy for most folk.
y2blade said:
I’m adding either a Low Rider ST, Sport Glide or maybe even the Fat Bob to my stable. Got test rides booked (the fat Bob first next weekend) then will make my choice
Any worries with the M8 and the oil sumping issues? Or is that massively over played by the internet
I test rode a Sport Glide. Wasn't a fan of too much chrome and the ST was the newer bike with bigger motor, better brakes etc. Also got a good winter deal.Any worries with the M8 and the oil sumping issues? Or is that massively over played by the internet
I understand the M8 problems were with early engines, but I didn't give it much thought to be honest.
I had to swap to further forward controls as at over 6 foot tall, the mid ones were scrunching me up a bit on the bike and back issues were why I got rid of the Monster. No comfort issues now.
Photo below is with forwards (it's not me
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I'm still getting used to using the rear brake as I never used it on the Monster unless stopped.
I actually quite like the foot forwards thing, I'm just under 6'. It's an easy slowish cruiser for wafting around on. When I say slow, it rips your arms off with the torque if you give it some.
Reminds me of a AMG V8, just love the sound and ease of riding. Previously had an XSR900 which I managed to ride into a muddy ditch, fortunately only my pride injured but the bike was not so good. This is completely different.
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Reminds me of a AMG V8, just love the sound and ease of riding. Previously had an XSR900 which I managed to ride into a muddy ditch, fortunately only my pride injured but the bike was not so good. This is completely different.
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BishBosh said:
I actually quite like the foot forwards thing, I'm just under 6'. It's an easy slowish cruiser for wafting around on. When I say slow, it rips your arms off with the torque if you give it some.
Reminds me of a AMG V8, just love the sound and ease of riding. Previously had an XSR900 which I managed to ride into a muddy ditch, fortunately only my pride injured but the bike was not so good. This is completely different.
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That's about bang on with relationship of seat height to the forward pegs....to avoid lower back pain, you want the knees to be level or just below hip joint.Reminds me of a AMG V8, just love the sound and ease of riding. Previously had an XSR900 which I managed to ride into a muddy ditch, fortunately only my pride injured but the bike was not so good. This is completely different.
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The photo in the previous post to your shows knees slightly above hip joint and that's when lower back pain will occur. That rider really needs a raised seat. This is why many people get back pain on Harley's with mid controls, as the seat heights are generally low, and the knees come right up with mids.
Because of my leg length, I had forwards fitted from new on my Dyna, but after the first couple of months I had to swap to a higher seat to raise hip joint to knee joint, and then they were very comfortable.
Are you all members of HOG?
When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
Never wanted or liked Harleys... until I did a few tours in the US and hired a Street and Road Glide. Did about 6000 miles over both trips and still think they are not suited to UK roads but love them. A few years until I reach 50 but may treat myself.
yes lighter HD bikes out there but having the stereo and the Road Glide I just fell for it.
Expensive, Yes, not quick yup, But still really fond of them now
yes lighter HD bikes out there but having the stereo and the Road Glide I just fell for it.
Expensive, Yes, not quick yup, But still really fond of them now
aeropilot said:
That's about bang on with relationship of seat height to the forward pegs....to avoid lower back pain, you want the knees to be level or just below hip joint.
The photo in the previous post to your shows knees slightly above hip joint and that's when lower back pain will occur. That rider really needs a raised seat. This is why many people get back pain on Harley's with mid controls, as the seat heights are generally low, and the knees come right up with mids.
Because of my leg length, I had forwards fitted from new on my Dyna, but after the first couple of months I had to swap to a higher seat to raise hip joint to knee joint, and then they were very comfortable.
Interesting... Probably why I like it then. The photo in the previous post to your shows knees slightly above hip joint and that's when lower back pain will occur. That rider really needs a raised seat. This is why many people get back pain on Harley's with mid controls, as the seat heights are generally low, and the knees come right up with mids.
Because of my leg length, I had forwards fitted from new on my Dyna, but after the first couple of months I had to swap to a higher seat to raise hip joint to knee joint, and then they were very comfortable.
aeropilot said:
That's about bang on with relationship of seat height to the forward pegs....to avoid lower back pain, you want the knees to be level or just below hip joint.
The photo in the previous post to your shows knees slightly above hip joint and that's when lower back pain will occur. That rider really needs a raised seat. This is why many people get back pain on Harley's with mid controls, as the seat heights are generally low, and the knees come right up with mids.
Because of my leg length, I had forwards fitted from new on my Dyna, but after the first couple of months I had to swap to a higher seat to raise hip joint to knee joint, and then they were very comfortable.
That’s good info to know. I’ve yet to experience back pain on mine (I have forward controls) even when I’ve taken it for runs of over 2hrs each way. The photo in the previous post to your shows knees slightly above hip joint and that's when lower back pain will occur. That rider really needs a raised seat. This is why many people get back pain on Harley's with mid controls, as the seat heights are generally low, and the knees come right up with mids.
Because of my leg length, I had forwards fitted from new on my Dyna, but after the first couple of months I had to swap to a higher seat to raise hip joint to knee joint, and then they were very comfortable.
I find mine very comfy and would even describe it as a relaxed riding position.
y2blade said:
Are you all members of HOG?
When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
Nope.When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
To be fair, this was a wet evening late in the year. Went to a local(ish) Harley Riders Club meet and it was all cars in the car park and we (me and the mrs) were the only folk not wearing H.D. branded kit. Most of the guys present were involved in making plans for a ride to Italy or Spain, or some similar warm destination. After a while a chap turned up on a custom Ironhead, looked around the pub, made a bee-line for us and said, "You must be the owner of the FXR". A pleasant enough evening, and everyone was friendly enough, but we didn't bother going back.
spoodler said:
y2blade said:
Are you all members of HOG?
When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
Nope.When I first got mine I joined HOG and also joined my local chapter (these are two separate memberships) . I Went to three meetings and everyone was very friendly etc. I was super keen for the social stuff however I just couldn’t get onboard with the cosplay pirate side of things.
I never renewed my membership to HOG or the local chapter.
To be fair, this was a wet evening late in the year. Went to a local(ish) Harley Riders Club meet and it was all cars in the car park and we (me and the mrs) were the only folk not wearing H.D. branded kit. Most of the guys present were involved in making plans for a ride to Italy or Spain, or some similar warm destination. After a while a chap turned up on a custom Ironhead, looked around the pub, made a bee-line for us and said, "You must be the owner of the FXR". A pleasant enough evening, and everyone was friendly enough, but we didn't bother going back.
The HOG and those types of group are really lame, and along with branded clothing, give Harley’s a bad image.
currently have an XR1200 sportster and at some point will make the switch to a sport glide.
I'd say consider a sport glide, the street bob has a little sharper steering geometry but the luggage system and removeable batwing fairing make the sport glide a much better all round option in my opinion.
I'd say consider a sport glide, the street bob has a little sharper steering geometry but the luggage system and removeable batwing fairing make the sport glide a much better all round option in my opinion.
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