finally

[OldBob]

I'm glad to see that H-D finally gets its own space here.  I have never owned a Harley, but my old-man knees are pushing me in that direction.  More than an hour on the BMW, and I start to hurt.

However, there's more to it than that.  After test-riding several Harleys over the past few years, I have to say that I really like their product; particularly the Dynas.  Although this might be a minor consideration, Harleys are "the real thing."  No, I don't mean that they are Coca-Cola.  They don't have chromed plastic covers over their cylinder heads to mimic OHV architecture.  Their parts do not pretend to be something they aren't.  Harleys don't wear falsies.

Even if I do buy an H-D, I'll probably keep the BMW and my old RD400.  They all pull different strings for me.

Bob

[Tar Snake]

I've only ridden a few H-D's but I'd like one "someday" meaning when/if I have the money and space for 3 bikes. Ideally I'd have a dirt or dualsport, a Sport Tourer, and a crusier in the garage.

Myself I admire H-D's paint and chrome work.   Not the so much the over the top custom bikes, just the basic monochrome or two-tone paint job, stock H-D's.

[blastoff99]

My Sportster oughta be here in late January...  I'm looking forward to it.  Yeah, I've finally gotten too old and inflexible for the CBR929RR.....  

[Moo_Vin]

I'm glad to see this section, too.  It speaks to the open-mindedness of Neal to create it and the other riders who aren't trashing it.

I've got a 1988 Sportster that I enjoy taking out and blasting around on.  It's not a lot of things in comparison to most modern motorcycles - comfortable, quick, smooth.  But day'um it's fun!  There's just something about blasting along and seeing little between you and the road.  No farings, no windshield, no console, just a speedo and a tach.

It was my first road bike and I appreciated being able to learn with 55hp on tap rather than 155hp.  It's got the most lean-angle of all the Harley's and I found and used all of it at one time or another.  In comparison to modern bikes, the brakes are wooden and well down on stopping power.  I appreciated the necessity being very traffic-aware and anticipating a stop rather than let technology get my a$$ out of trouble.  I appeciated it's lack of wind/weather protection and learned about dressing for the ride in January at 5 degrees F.   I appreciated it's lack of complexity when the time came to work on it.

It was my only motorcycle for the first 2 years I rode and I put 18k on in those two years.  On that bike, I met and befriended many great riders.  On that bike, I got hooked on motorcycling and the challenges and benefits of two wheel living.

Thank you, 1988 Harley Sportster!  

[st ryder]

I'm glad to see that H-D finally gets its own space here.  I have never owned a Harley, but my old-man knees are pushing me in that direction.  More than an hour on the BMW, and I start to hurt.

However, there's more to it than that.  After test-riding several Harleys over the past few years, I have to say that I really like their product; particularly the Dynas.  Although this might be a minor consideration, Harleys are "the real thing."  No, I don't mean that they are Coca-Cola.  They don't have chromed plastic covers over their cylinder heads to mimic OHV architecture.  Their parts do not pretend to be something they aren't.  Harleys don't wear falsies.

Even if I do buy an H-D, I'll probably keep the BMW and my old RD400.  They all pull different strings for me.

Bob

Those are great observations. I can vouch for the Dyna line up, the Low Rider is the best of them feature for feature IMO, and feel they're HD's best bike, if you don't want a bagger. They're without doubt the best handling of the BT bikes, with that big back bone and comfy ergos. You can get a lot of buffeting at highway speeds, so cruising around 50-55 is best without a screen. You can *really* customise them as well: bags, screens seats, and engine upgrades up the ying-yang. The fact that you understand the difference you will experience in the ownership of a HD means you "get it." It's sad that this can't be explained to so many people who ride metric cruisers. It's not about being better, which they are not in many instances, it's about being "real." HD = real good bikes.  

[1KPerDay]

Those are great observations. I can vouch for the Dyna line up, the Low Rider is the best of them feature for feature IMO, and feel they're HD's best bike, if you don't want a bagger.

I agree, but the superglide gives you better suspension and lean angle with all the other benefits (minus the bling). I've had both an FXD and an FXDB Daytona (basically a Dyna Low Rider). Both great bikes.

I hope to buy an XR1200 if/when they bring them here.

[sfarson]

I'm glad to see that H-D finally gets its own space here.  I have never owned a Harley, but my old-man knees are pushing me in that direction.  More than an hour on the BMW, and I start to hurt.

However, there's more to it than that.  After test-riding several Harleys over the past few years, I have to say that I really like their product; particularly the Dynas.  Although this might be a minor consideration, Harleys are "the real thing."  No, I don't mean that they are Coca-Cola.  They don't have chromed plastic covers over their cylinder heads to mimic OHV architecture.  Their parts do not pretend to be something they aren't.  Harleys don't wear falsies.

Even if I do buy an H-D, I'll probably keep the BMW and my old RD400.  They all pull different strings for me.

Bob

Agree.  Good to see a forum for H-D.

Agree.  It is a great product.

A good and quick read: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061216/news_lz1dd16bold.html

[st ryder]

I agree, but the superglide gives you better suspension and lean angle with all the other benefits (minus the bling). I've had both an FXD and an FXDB Daytona (basically a Dyna Low Rider). Both great bikes.

I hope to buy an XR1200 if/when they bring them here.

Actually, there's more to a FXDL than the bling even though I *really* liked all that extra chrome bling as it seemed most FXD riders were always fretting over the polish on aluminum covers or the price of chrome covers, plus the DL had the crinkled black painted engine/gear box; but bling aside, it also is the only Dyna that comes with a tach, features both mid and forward pegs, pull back risers for comfort, and though the lowered look of the FXDL is certainly not conducive to cornering, cruising was my priority at that time, and that slammed/raked look is what many cruiser riders want. But like you said, both cool bikes.  

I hope you get that XR. It looks cool, and I'm sure will sound way cool, plus will have the suspenders and brakes for some spirited, grunt-oriented riding for sure.  

[Bodhi]

Uh, is "lean angle" a serious consideration when deciding to acquire a Harley?

[ray6576]

Uh, is "lean angle" a serious consideration when deciding to acquire a Harley?

It can be, depending on how you plan to ride it.

[Bodhi]

I'm just thinking, if your intent is to blast the backroad twisties at serious lean angles, tossing the bike from turn to turn - you're probably not gonna get a Harley for that. The newest Sportster may change that assertion a bit. But I've been under the impression that for the rest of the product line, the only serious consideration is do you plan to really travel on the thing and is longer-term comfort essential. Or is your longest intended trip going to be heading down to the boulevard to cruise a bit.

[ray6576]

Even the Sportster does not have a good lean angle. I think is is no more that 30 degrees. I was a little to hot on a curve on a ramp in DC one afternoon and dragged my mufflers on my Sportster. The Harley line is more for either cruising or long distance touring. Let's not forget those that just like to stick chrome on it and call themselves bikers (it'sthe lifestyle they want to be). If I could afford more than one bike I would look and some of the sport touring bikes for some serious hard charging riding the the twisties.

[s boy]

I'm just thinking, if your intent is to blast the backroad twisties at serious lean angles, tossing the bike from turn to turn - you're probably not gonna get a Harley for that. The newest Sportster may change that assertion a bit. But I've been under the impression that for the rest of the product line, the only serious consideration is do you plan to really travel on the thing and is longer-term comfort essential. Or is your longest intended trip going to be heading down to the boulevard to cruise a bit.

you have to ride it like its designed... certainly no knee dragg'n or quick tossing allowed on an HD, but even the stock FLs are fun in the corners if you know their limits. its all relative to what you have your mind wrapped around. but most HD guys i ride with would love to have a 2nd bike for the work outs... ST or DS looks like good garage company.

but like the others above... HD deserves a spot in S.TN and i'm glad neal made it happen.

al

[s boy]

yea february 'rider' mag has a short piece on the euro sporty... pretty lines (classic XR with a dash of sporty rear end lift), appx 90hp, male slider fork, showa tuned, nisson quad calipers, down-draft fi... all this and still lovingly cooled by air... and HD always rates their hp at the rear wheel.