I used to think this, but since an experience last year on a very twisty highway, I dunno....Anyway, I try to never diss anyone else's ride. Actually, some of the guys I met in the Harley shop were real "characters," and worth listening to. Some of 'em...
No dissing meant on my part. Hey! I'm usually a Harley defender!
You gotta admit though. With the exception of a few models, H-D bikes are not really meant for big lean angles and high speeds. So their clientele normally are not the types that ride the way we do. Plus, you can be a great rider. But when you're touching down your floorboards or pegs at every sparks-flying corner, the bike will limit your progress. I frequently ride my Firebolt in tight twisty roads, I'm talking down to 10 mph decreasing radius. The bike excels on those types of roads, but it kills anything big, with long wheelbases and limited ground clearance.
I actually am a bit familiar with H-D bikes.
Their sportiest model is the Street Rod (based on the V-Rod but more sportbike). H-D claims a lean angle of up to 45 degrees on the Street Rod. Not bad. The Firebolt can lean up to 57 degrees.
H-D's other sportiest model is the XLR Sportster 1200. The "R" at the end of XL stands for "Roadster". It is actually more a standard motorcycle than cruiser, with a slightly forward lean to the seating position, and footpegs mounted parallel to the rider's knees. This is the bike that shares the same heart with the Buell 1203 motor. Don't mistake the XLR Sportster with the XLH Sportster, which has a more raked front fork, bigger front wheel, lowered rear end, forward controls, and is basically a cruiser version.
