H-D Cruiser vs GSXR600

[Rogue]

 

Just wanted to share something I saw this morning.

Guy in what looked like a 2001 GSXR600, completely stock with stock pipe, was stopped at a red light.

A H-D (not sure what model but it had ape hangers, white wall tires, old fashioned fenders, but looked very new) with very loud pipes with fishtail tips was rolling up in the next lane right before the light went green.

The GSXR guy was looking the other way and probably didn't notice the H-D (or pretended not to).  Light went green as the H-D was still rolling and then the HD just nailed it.  That bike was simply deafening at WOT.  The GSXR600 just pulled away in a leisurely but firm manner, didn't look like it was at WOT, and its rider wasn't even looking in the direction of the H-D bike.  The H-D was just redlining and shifting furiously (it was obvious the rider was trying hard to catch the GSXR off guard) but nope.  The GSXR600 stayed ahead of him as they went down the road.  

Yes.  I know, it's obvious how it would end.  However, it was cool entertainment for a few seconds during my commute.

[FJRmgm]

just think how many lives were saved by those loud pipes when he got on it...

[Orson]

They still make inline fours?  

[bomber]

So, to be clear, a 140+ MPH race-bred, purpose built, go-fast machine beat a low-redline, torque-box powered bike whose design is probably useful for everything EXCEPT going fast. Just want to be clear, here...  

This is similar to the fact that each and every generation discovers drinking and sex -- over and over again.

;-}

[Rincewind]

At least the loud cruiser guy was able to tell everyone about his small penis.  Winning was secondary.

[Blunder]

Biker Bob to his brother biker buddies down at the bar.

"Dooooods, I just smoked a fuckin' 'busa. That squid was so embarrassed he wouldn't even look at me! Won't them fuckin' ricers never learn?"

And he believes every word of it.

[TBone]

I thought this was another "Which bike should I buy?" thread.  

[Tyrroneous]

So, to be clear, a 140+ MPH race-bred, purpose built, go-fast machine beat a low-redline, torque-box powered bike whose design is probably useful for everything EXCEPT going fast. Just want to be clear, here...  

That's not the issue or the point.  The fact that the fishtail loud pipe ape hanger guy THOUGHT his fringe and tassles were faster or even had a chance against an ageing sport bike is what is laughable about this whole scenario.  

[UFO]

No tassles?

[Justin]

No tassles?

I think the tassles caused too much drag, otherwise he'd probably had pulled ahead.

[Blunder]

Ultimately, I don't care. These things are generally funny, but the discussion around them is often far funnier than the event itself.  

And then there's the whole coffee cup lid conundrum.

[stevent]

Well I for one hope the son of a bitch gets all that aggression out of his system before he works on MY teeth.........

[Blunder]

Or your taxes.

[Rincewind]

Well I for one hope the son of a bitch gets all that aggression out of his system before he works on MY teeth.........

 

[atadaskew]

That Ninja rider was lucky he rolled up against a Harley, not a Vespa....

[Flyer]

I've smoked a few bullet bikes through intersections in the Big Red Truck myself...
(Well...ya...you need "lights n' sirens"...)
 

[Rogue]

I neglected to add that I've encountered that same H-D rider before while on my VFR800.

Same situation but I let him beat me.  What can i say?  My VFR's engine was still cold as I just pulled out of my office parking lot while he already had his oil up to temperature!  

I think that encouraged him to think the fishtail tipped pipes does make his bike fast.

His pipes were just beyond obnoxious though.  It sounded like open pipes...really deafening at WOT.

[CosmicCowboy]

So the GSXR600 is faster than the VFR800? Yeah, we knew that, too.

[TuffguyF4i]

I think the tassles caused too much drag, otherwise he'd probably had pulled ahead.

Butt cheeks flapping out the back of assless chaps have the same 'drag' effect.  

[CLAY]

I had this last summer.  Pull up next to dood on some type of HD with his skull-cap helmet.  He wants to race, so we do- now bear in mind, I'm not a racer.  When someone wants to, my usual technique is to acts as if we are going to race, then simply pull away at a more leisurely pace than usual, allowing kid to beat me in his car-truck-whatever.  For some reason this guy got me- I suppose the cocky look, the revving the bike, or something- I don't know.  Anyway  I smoke him up to about 50 (speed limit of 45), at which point he stays on it and passes me, giving me the "I kicked your ass" look as he does.  

Welp, I have to turn left to go home, and he's in the right lane probably going to get on the highway, so I pull in behind him at the light for the on ramp.  Light turns green, he takes the corner and hammers it.  I stay right behind him while he winds her out up till about 90 or so when I pulled along side him, then do the "sick snick boom", and simply blew past him.  I stayed on it until he was *way* back still on it, took an exit, and side roads back home.  Man, that felt good.  

In the end, no matter how fast, it's still a cruiser.  I'm not sure what these guys think.  The B12 isn't even that fast in the world of sport bikes.  

[ST for me!]

I think I met that same pirate, he pulled the same shit with me. He got me but I never lost sight of him.

[jfurf]

If I had a nickel for every time I heard something like this around here:

"It's so much fun running down sportbikers in the twisties/at the track on my [insert slow old-man bike here]."



Yes, it's so easy to trounce sportbikers WHEN THEY'RE NOT RACING YOU.

[Tpoppa]

I could really care less about who's bike is faster.   But, every once in a while I need to remind my brother that a 'fast' Harley is only fast compared to a stock Harley.

[swimmer]

I think I met that same pirate, he pulled the same shit with me. He got me but I never lost sight of him.

lol

[B(rice) Rocket]

Im pulling out of work one day on my '01 sv650 with my buddy on a suzuki c50(i think...some kinda 1500cc rice cruiser).  Road is a three lane going south, im in the left going to turn at the light, friend in the right turning at the light as well. Semi heavy traffic so we are sitting there waiting and this guy on a harley sportster 883(again i think. it WAS a sportster though) rolls up between up.  He looks at my buddy and asks him whats up and calls him "rice cake". Harley then turns to me and says "what is that a 250 Rice Jr.?" and starts cracking up.  

Now the road we are on turns into a highway after the light.  My friend turns to me, smiles, and gives me a thumbs up.  I do the same to him. We both turn off our turn signals....Harley knows whats up and starts revving his engine. East West lights go red......we get the green. I skip 1st all together and pop a little wheely on my way up with the needle. My buddy and i run off, him less so than i so i lay off to keep it close. After getting some pretty good distance on him wedrop back and start riding neck and neck with him. He slowed, so did we, gunned it, so did we. this got him mad and he slammed on the brakes and when we did too nearly ran my friend off the road switching lanes to exit the highway...we follow him, again sandwich him in at a light. "Damn fast bike ya got there" my friend yells. Harley gets MAD! haha starts in with the F you this and Jap bike that. Gives us both the finger shifts into first and takes off towards a well known biker bar a quarter mile away. We laugh then decide to bust out of there before Harley gets a posse and comes tryin to get us.  

[bljakkl]

My bike has 16hp.  I tour on it and use it for commuting.  I have had harleys and honda's try to race me.  Ummm, I get better gas mileage.  I've also met the coolest riders on honda's and harley's.  There's douchebags on every brand.  I'm not a fan of loud pipes but if you ride, it's good w/me.  Sorry, just had to be a buzzkill for the brand bashing.  

[county]

This is like comparing FJR's and sport tourers, it is just not even appropriate....

[Powder Addict]

Ultimately, I don't care.

If you didn't care why are you found early and often in every single one of these threads bitching about them?

[shil]

Twice in every thread and six times in those he thinks are beneath him.

[stevent]

This is like comparing FJR's and sport tourers, it is just not even appropriate....

FJR? who makes those??    

[Rogue]

Snobbish, narrow-minded people who can't appreciate anything but what they themselves ride tend to worry over such things.  

You just described many H-D owners!  

Those guys bash aircooled Buells!

[Mr.Black]

FJR? who makes those??    

Moto Guzzi.

[Cricket1]

I could really care less about who's bike is faster.   But, every once in a while I need to remind my brother that a 'fast' Harley is only fast compared to a stock Harley.

+1

The funny thing to me is when someone spends HUGE$$ on performance "upgrades" to a cruiser. Usually a Hardley, but sometimes not. I guess compared to outher cruisers it maybe fast. But up against a $2,000, 10 year old CBR600? Ummmm... no.

Awhile back two of the sales guys here who are both riders were having a "debate". One guy has a Gen1 FZ1, while the other a Road King with about $8k in engine upgrades. Road King rider claims he can run high 10's in the quarter!  Guy with the FZ1 call BS, as there is no way the Road King was that fast. It didn't have a turbo etc, just the typical Choking Chicken upgrades. Unfortunately the two never got to race for pinks, cause someone would have picked up a nice Road King.

[Rabon1]

If someone is going to pickup a RK, he better be a strong SOB.

[pcrdude]

If someone is going to pickup an FJR, he better be King Kong.

FTFC

(Fixed that for County)

 

[919]

as long as my bike gets me up to speed before the turny part of the road; I don't really care that much how long it takes or how much noise it makes to get there.  It'll be faster then my Nissan Versa.

I do enjoy acceleration, but to me it's not more fun if it's compared to something else.  It's just fun on it's own.

[cbsnbiker]

Choking Chicken upgrades.

Okay, maybe that one's been around for a while, but it's new to me.


 

You owe me a new keyboard.  

 

[cbsnbiker]

I don't street race, so I don't have stories like that.

I do remember once being at the local BMW dealership. A Harley guy came in to take a test ride of a used mid-2000s K1200RS.

He got back from the test ride, and commented that the bike was slower than his Sportster.

 

I struck up a conversation with him. At an appropriate moment I asked a few exploratory questions about the test ride. The one where I hit pay dirt:

"Where in the rev band did you shift?"

"Oh, I was in 6th gear at about 55 MPH."

He was short shifting.

 

I recommended that he take a test ride again, this time redlining the bike.

I never did find out the result of that test ride, but I saw the bike on the showroom floor on a subsequent visit, so he didn't buy it, but neither did he wreck it.

[birdrunner]

This is like comparing FJR's and sport tourers, it is just not even appropriate....

 

[sprocket]

This is like comparing FJR's and sport tourers, it is just not even appropriate....

Well it could be, but coming from you...you being someone who rides very little and knows nothing about sport-riding or sport touring for that matter. If I'm not totally correct here please feel free to provide credentials to your Sport-Touring expertise!

County you continue to have delusions of adequacy!

[Rogue]

You're taking County too seriously.  Are you new?  

[birdrunner]

Well it could be, but coming from you...you being someone who rides very little and knows nothing about sport-riding or sport touring for that matter. If I'm not totally correct here please feel free to provide credentials to your Sport-Touring expertise!

County you continue to have delusions of adequacy!

I can't understand how it is FJR riders still think they're riding a SPORT touring bike,   I mean, aren't they as heavy as the origional Gold Wing?  

[pcrdude]

I can't understand how it is FJR riders still think they're riding a SPORT touring bike,   I mean, aren't they as heavy as the origional Gold Wing?  

Because it isn't just about weight.

Have you actually ridden an FJR?

[birdrunner]

Because it isn't just about weight.

I was trying to explain that to my doctor the other day,   He didn't buy it either.  

Because it isn't just about weight.

BTW,  isn't that what the Goldwing riders say too.    "The C.O.G is real low so you don't feel the weight".

Also,  this thread isn't supposed to be about FJR bashing,   it's Harley bashing time.
You want some prime "This FJR pulled up to me at the lights and I smoked him" stuff,  go find a Vespa forum.  

[mugwump58]

High 30's and rain in the morning, mid 40's, fog and rain this afternoon. I didn't have any of the problems the OP had.

I ride a sport-Touring bike, in a sporting fashion

[atadaskew]

You want some prime "This FJR pulled up to me at the lights and I smoked him" stuff,  go find a Vespa forum.  

 

[pcrdude]

How much does that xx weigh again?
 
 

So, have you ridden an FJR?

Your silence suggests the answer is no.

County much?
 

[county]

Well it could be, but coming from you...you being someone who rides very little and knows nothing about sport-riding or sport touring for that matter. If I'm not totally correct here please feel free to provide credentials to your Sport-Touring expertise!

County you continue to have delusions of adequacy!

I got a IBA number, will that help?

But, I cannot produce a birth certificate.  You will just have to trust me when I say I was born here.

[county]

I was trying to explain that to my doctor the other day,   He didn't buy it either.  

 

[falconati]

#notwinning

[Rogue]

Anyone thinking the FJR can't sport dance 1) hasn't ridden one, or 2) is a shitty rider. Period.

Compared to a H-D an FJR and other bikes in its class are sublime GP machines.

Compared to a sportbike or any other sporting bike that weigh 100+ lbs. lighter, it is a P-I-G with not enough ground clearance.  Of course it's a comfortable pig with a barn door fairing.  So it's all about compromise.  You can't have it all!  

[Orson]

wow  

FJR riders seem to be leading this month's "panties in a bunch" sweepstakes  

 

[sprocket]

Well I guess I'm just looking for someone to 'SHOW" me what a sport-tour bike is and isnt.  We've had the talking part over for quite some time now. Cant seem to find any one willing to provide a demonstration, County lives the closest, but lacks the skills necessary to back his talk.

And no County an IBA on the slab means nothing, remember you were trying to define sport-touring.

It doesnt have to be County anyone can step up to the plate. Who's it gonna be?

[county]

Well I guess I'm just looking for someone to 'SHOW" me what a sport-tour bike is and isnt.  We've had the talking part over for quite some time now. Cant seem to find any one willing to provide a demonstration, County lives the closest, but lacks the skills necessary to back his talk.

And no County an IBA on the slab means nothing, remember you were trying to define sport-touring.

It doesnt have to be County anyone can step up to the plate. Who's it gonna be?

Some people will just not let go of that birth certificate thing  I guess it is just an FJR thing.

[birdrunner]

How much does that xx weigh again?
 
 

So, have you ridden an FJR?

Your silence suggests the answer is no.

County much?
 

FJR =More weight,  less HP  That means I don't don't need to bother riding one.  

[birdrunner]

Anyone thinking the FJR can't sport dance 1) hasn't ridden one, or 2) is a shitty rider. Period.

(and yes, they can benefit quite nicely - like EVERY other bike - from suspension upgrades)

My obese friend can dance, but that doen't mean anyone wants to with him.  

[birdrunner]

wow  

FJR riders seem to be leading this month's "panties in a bunch" sweepstakes  

 

don't FJRs come with a vibrating/massaging seat that helps with that?

[pcrdude]

OK birdrunner, sprocket is asking you to dance (on the track).

Care to step out from behind the keyboard?

I didn't think so.

County much?

 

[pcrdude]

wow  

FJR riders seem to be leading this month's "panties in a bunch" sweepstakes  

 

We FJR riders don't have to worry since we don't wear panties.

XX riders, on the other hand.........

(I understand Guzzi riders go commando, so we don't even want to go there)

 

[Orson]

we go farther on less  

[Rogue]

Well I guess I'm just looking for someone to 'SHOW" me what a sport-tour bike is and isnt.  

An ST bike is ANY bike that is sporty which you use to go places that are far and away.  It's something you do and does not define a motorcycle.

The so-called "ST" bikes are just bikes made with performance and lots of comfort built in.  All that adds weight and is ultimately a compromise of comfort versus performance.  You can't have it all.  So the rider has to choose which is more important to him/her:  Comfort or sport?  Then prepare to make the necessary compromise.

I strongly believe the closest thing to an ideal ST machine that gives the best balance of sport AND comfort are the VFR800, Sprint ST, and the BMW F800ST.

[Geoff]

I saw this thread for the first time today. The topic starting post describes a Harley racing a Gixxer. The last one is about the definition of a sport tourer. Talk about non sequitur!

[Justin]

I saw this thread for the first time today. The topic starting post describes a Harley racing a Gixxer. The last one is about the definition of a sport tourer. Talk about non sequitur!

strange things happen sometimes when county or shah enter a thread

[ScottysB12]

but is a HD using synthetic oil superior to a 600 gsxr on dino oil?

[Blunder]

So the GSXR600 is faster than the VFR800? Yeah, we knew that, too.

I'm likin' this reply.  

[919]

but is a HD using synthetic oil superior to a 600 gsxr on dino oil?

That all depends if the H-D changed to synthetic oil at the correct mileage / season / phase of the moon / planet alignment.

If not, it's anyone's guess.

[Dan K]

Cycleworld's latest issue had a letter from an uptight guy who defined sport-touring bikes fairly well, with Harleys and Supersports in opposite corners, and defining where sport touring and cruisers came into play....I thought it was good.  Maybel I'll track it down and enter it in.  

As for the FJR, yes, it can dance.  Takes a little more effort due to the weight, but it can dance.  I enjoyed the heck out of it. Great bike.  WOuld I rather have my Daytona with upgraded suspension on the track?  Duh. Doesn't mean the FJR isn't sporty compared to Touring bikes, making them sport-tourers.

- Dan

[DogBoy]

I saw this thread for the first time today. The topic starting post describes a Harley racing a Gixxer. The last one is about the definition of a sport tourer. Talk about non sequitur!

ST.N Rule #5:  HD reference in thread title guarantees six pages no matter the actual thread content.

[Jet Jock]

ST.N Rule #5:  HD reference in thread title guarantees six pages no matter the actual thread content.

So far stuck on 4 pages and the last two weren't even about trashing Hardly's.

[mugwump58]

I'll help. I just stopped at an HD dealer to look at a used XR1200. I overheard the sales man talking to someone before they moved away to look at a real bike, what a douche.... I think it was the same moron that didn't know anything about the Buells. It took the parts department 15 minutes to come up with anything on the upgraded suspension.

I went and found an XR1200 forum, you wanna hear digs against the "lifestylers..."  

How'd I do?

ps. I'm thinking of throwing them a low ball price and see what happens.

[Powder Addict]

I'll help. I just stopped at an HD dealer to look at a used XR1200. I overheard the sales man talking to someone before they moved away to look at a real bike, what a douche.... I think it was the same moron that didn't know anything about the Buells. It took the parts department 15 minutes to come up with anything on the upgraded suspension.

I went and found an XR1200 forum, you wanna hear digs against the "lifestylers..."  

How'd I do?

ps. I'm thinking of throwing them a low ball price and see what happens.

Years ago I went into a HD/Buell dealership as I was curious about Buells.  The salesman wouldn't even look up at me when I asked about the price (It was about 10 years ago, don't remember the model) and said "$14k.  Take it or leave it."

I left.  I did test ride a XB9R a few years later.  Seemed like a decent bike, shame about the engine though.

[mugwump58]

We're still on page 4

[Blunder]

We're still on page 4

People have been busy. I mean, c'mon, we've had a new shah pity thread, somebody asking for FJR buying advice, the Civil War is still being fought, a new VFR thread and who knows what else.....SQUIRREL!..... to distract us.

[reppans]

I wouldn't make too much fun of Harleys.  

While their motors aren't very good in straight line, they sure are entertaining in the corners.  22k and six sets of tires (OEM Qualifier,  two Z6s and three PR2s), all worn out on the sides before the centers - never had that before

Here's my last PR2 changed out yesterday at 2.9k:



Reliability and oil leaks....... that's another story  

[ninjaridaz]

I wouldn't make too much fun of Harleys.  

While their motors aren't very good in straight line, they sure are entertaining in the corners.  22k and six sets of tires (OEM Qualifier,  two Z6s and three PR2s), all worn out on the sides before the centers - never had that before

Here's my last PR2 changed out yesterday at 2.9k:



Reliability and oil leaks....... that's another story  

What kind of hd are you riding.

[cbsnbiker]

People have been busy. I mean, c'mon, we've had a new shah pity thread, somebody asking for FJR buying advice, the Civil War is still being fought, a new VFR thread and who knows what else.....SQUIRREL!..... to distract us.

Wow--she had actual squirrels in her pants!

We just got served.