Say what you will about The Motor Company™...

[1KPerDay]

... it's good to know they still know how to make a badass-looking bike.    

[sammyseaman]

I really like the Sportster line and will someday own one  

[1KPerDay]

Agreed.  

If you put a bubbletank on that I'll punch you in the throat.

[bomber]

Sporties are good fun, and far better motorcycles than most riders.

HD dealers also do things like:

A bunch of folks wee riding around the Great Lakes -- one of the bike's Voltage Regulator dies (and it wasn't a Honda! Gasp).

they got to a dealer, who slotted the traveler's bike into a service bay immdiately, and had em on the road within an hour.

I know not all HD dealers act like this, and that other brand's dealers sometimes do, but I hear way more stories like this from HD riders than others.

[ConPilot1]

Meh. Dime a dozen. I really don't DISLIKE Harleys, there's just too many of them in PA, and I'm just sick to death of looking at them and the typical schmuck owners, and the loud pipes and obnoxious corny lifestyles associated with them once said schmuck don's the doo-rag and goggles, studded leather accessories, and the Paul Sr. Grimace.

[sammyseaman]

Meh. Dime a dozen. I really don't DISLIKE Harleys, there's just too many of them in PA, and I'm just sick to death of looking at them and the typical schmuck owners, and the loud pipes and obnoxious corny lifestyles associated with them once said schmuck don's the doo-rag and goggles, studded leather accessories, and the Paul Sr. Grimace.

I feel the same way about Goldwing riders. Buncha wanna-be badasses  

[Rincewind]

That 2012 Iron 883 is looking very sharp, thanks.  Only $7,999.    

Too bad about the lean angle.

[CosmicCowboy]

If you put a bubbletank on that I'll punch you in the throat.

Funny, I was thinking "All that bike needs is a decent sized tank."

[1KPerDay]

Funny, I was thinking "All that bike needs is a decent sized tank."

[1KPerDay]

Meh. Dime a dozen. I really don't DISLIKE Harleys, there's just too many of them in PA, and I'm just sick to death of looking at them and the typical schmuck owners, and the loud pipes and obnoxious corny lifestyles associated with them once said schmuck don's the doo-rag and goggles, studded leather accessories, and the Paul Sr. Grimace.

That didn't take long...

[county]

They are so fucking slow.

[Mr.Black]

Fucking cops.

I mean, I am partial to this one.

[county]

 I hear way more stories like this from HD riders than others.

Ya think that might have something to do with the number of breakdowns...???

[SuperHans]

Fucking cops.

Now you're talking my language.

[ConPilot1]

I'm tellin' ya, 8 out of ten bikes on the road up here are weekend Black Leather Johnny 1%er wannabees with no gear, loud pipes and leather vests crusted with pins from places they've never been to on a bike.
They don't come out when the summer PA skies spat forth a 10 minute rainshower or the temps drop below 50 degrees because it's too cold to ride in a damn Harley T-shirt.

It's really refreshing to see an occasional Connie, Strom, Triumph, BMW or other ST bike with a sensible rider and ATTGATT. Very, very rare to see any STN stikkers up here, although I've heard that the source is drying up on those so....................

[county]

Well, them Electra Glides are heavier than an FJR....

[Testcase]

I like it! But then most anything with two wheels is on my plus side...

[Giaka]

Fucking cops.

I mean, I am partial to this one.

One just like this one parks at my work. I have checked it. HD build quality looks to be hard to beat based on this bike. Yeah its an HD but damn, everything on it is perfect.  If I were to buy and HD this one or one like it would be #1 on my list!  

[ConPilot1]

Fucking cops.

I mean, I am partial to this one.

A cop buddy (yes I have one) had a black/gunmetal grey one just like that. Took him on a ride, he was done after 50 miles. turned around + came home he was whining about
a his sore ass and his back for the rest of the day.

[Mr.Black]

A cop buddy (yes I have one) had a black/gunmetal grey one just like that. Took him on a ride, he was done after 50 miles. turned around + came home he was whining about
a his sore ass and his back for the rest of the day.

WHY DO YOU HATE AMERICA SO?

[Cablebandit]

What is that... a 1976 model?

[1KPerDay]

Fucking cops.

I mean, I am partial to this one.

Looks like someone put actually usable suspension on that one, though. *tsk tsk*

[County Tar]

Sportsters always look nice.  Then I sit on 'em and think again.  Ungainly riding positions on most of them.  The forward control ones are ridiculous.  

[J-Mac]

A guy I work with has a Sportie with forward controls. New to riding, and misinformed about bikes.

I love asking him "where's the rest of your bike?"

[Playinthestreet]

Thanks for starting a new H-D thread, 1K.  Our brethren who've never had a tractor haven't had something new to b**ch about for some time.

[Giaka]

A guy I work with has a Sportie with forward controls. New to riding, and misinformed about bikes.

The one here has mid controls. Feels good, I am sure I could figure out how to ride it to my liking.  

[1KPerDay]

Sportsters always look nice.  Then I sit on 'em and think again.  Ungainly riding positions on most of them.  The forward control ones are ridiculous.  

I agree. The demise of the "standard" sportster is to be lamented. Even the "mid" controls are uncomfortable for me... they all need rearsets to get the pegs closer to below your butt where they belong. The XR1200X has good ones. But it's sort of "committed" looking.

The previous generation (pre-flubbermount) sportster sport was a great bike IMO... just needed counterbalancers and better boingers, IMO.

[Croak]

... it's good to know they still know how to make a badass-looking bike.    

Where?  All I see is a Sportster and a warehouse.   Warehouse is pretty badass looking though.

[1KPerDay]

Where?  All I see is a Sportster and a warehouse.  

When you see Elisabeth Shue all you see is "a woman," right?  

[Croak]

U

When you see Elisabeth Shue all you see is "a woman," right?  

No, but when I see a Sportster, all I see is a Sportster and can't see anything that is distinctive and matters.  

I can point to Elisabeth Shue and say "Look, above average breast size"  or "Nice melancholy smile" or "She won the Oscar for Nicolas Cage" or "I'd wax off to that, Miyagi-san".  

[Orson]

Putting that fire alarm bell out of reach is a good idea because some people stuff them with paper towels to deaden the sound  

[scottzilla]

... it's good to know they still know how to make a badass-looking bike.    

Powerful machine, compared to my 33HP KLR.

[sammyseaman]

Powerful machine, compared to my 33HP KLR.

And I hear they tip over a lot less  

[scottzilla]

And I hear they tip over a lot less  

Well, sure.  you have 700 pounds of dead weight siting 3.5 inches off the ground on that thing.

[scottzilla]

When you see Elisabeth Shue all you see is "a woman," right?  

Nope.  "Old woman".

[919]

A cop buddy (yes I have one) had a black/gunmetal grey one just like that. Took him on a ride, he was done after 50 miles. turned around + came home he was whining about a his sore ass and his back for the rest of the day.

Yay! Anectdotal evidence thus proving Harleys suck!!  

I think it's purdy  

As for my own anectdotal evidence, this friend of mine with his custom classic sporty (can't remember the year, think it is 70's) and a metal sheet pan seat will go for days, and has on several occasions.  I have also seen him get a knee down on some mountain passes.



He did all the customization himself, I machined the clip-ons for him as he wanted to make it more similar to the GSXR750 he had before it.  He rides it in the rain, sleet, snow, hail, whatever and is NOT a 1%er wannabe.  How's that for some more anecdotal evidence.

[1KPerDay]

Holy crap... a sheet metal seat and solid shock struts... dude must be a massochist.  

[DogBoy]

Good looking bike. I really that one and the 883 Iron.  

[Cricket1]

I agree. The demise of the "standard" sportster is to be lamented. Even the "mid" controls are uncomfortable for me... they all need rearsets to get the pegs closer to below your butt where they belong. The XR1200X has good ones. But it's sort of "committed" looking.

That is a nice looking Sporty, but I wonder why Harley quit making the standard sportster with useable ergos?

[1KPerDay]

That is a nice looking Sporty, but I wonder why Harley quit making the standard sportster with useable ergos?

Sales, I imagine. Sporties have always suffered the "girl's bike" reputation (among Harley circles), so it seems they went whole hog (pun intended) and basically caved. It is certain that the majority of H-D owners are concerned primarily with:
1. looks
2. 'cruising'/parade riding/rally type stuff

and the "custom"/low/iron/night sportsters certainly fill that role. They are low, easy to ride, look fantastic, and are fun to ride slowly. For those of use who actually ride motorcycles, they offer the XR1200x, which I suspect will prove to be a poor seller by comparison. Not many people look to H-D for a "standard" bike. Which is a pity because their standard bikes make great, er.... standard bikes. Dyna Superglide, older sporty, even the road king and electra glide standard (and some softails) make very functional, beautiful daily riders.

And as has been noted, some better boingers can turn the "low" sporties into real usable bikes again.

[1KPerDay]

Good looking bike. I really that one and the 883 Iron.  

that is the Iron 883.  

[Cricket1]

Sales, I imagine. Sporties have always suffered the "girl's bike" reputation (among Harley circles), so it seems they went whole hog (pun intended) and basically caved. It is certain that the majority of H-D owners are concerned primarily with:
1. looks
2. 'cruising'/parade riding/rally type stuff

and the "custom"/low/iron/night sportsters certainly fill that role. They are low, easy to ride, look fantastic, and are fun to ride slowly. For those of use who actually ride motorcycles, they offer the XR1200x, which I suspect will prove to be a poor seller by comparison. Not many people look to H-D for a "standard" bike. Which is a pity because their standard bikes make great, er.... standard bikes. Dyna Superglide, older sporty, even the road king and electra glide standard (and some softails) make very functional, beautiful daily riders.

And as has been noted, some better boingers can turn the "low" sporties into real usable bikes again.

Yeah, I suspect that's why as well. It's also why many people who do ride their bikes more than in parades and bar to bar, will continure to make fun of Harley. I can't blame Harley, they are in the business to make what sells, so from a $ standpoint it makes perfect sense.  But to stop making one of their best handling bikes..... speaks volumes about their customers- (90% posers).

[DogBoy]

that is the Iron 883.  

Well no wonder I like it.  

[ConPilot1]

Now fer a Hardley, I'd hit this.  

[Mr.Black]

Now fer a Hardley, I'd hit this.  

[atadaskew]

Yeah, I suspect that's why as well. It's also why many people who do ride their bikes more than in parades and bar to bar, will continure to make fun of Harley.

And yet on any kind of long trip I take, the majority of bikes I see out there puttin' on the miles, covered with bugs are Harleys.

[st2sam]

... it's good to know they still know how to make a baddass-looking bike.

Yes I gotta agree about that, looks great, to bad that's all it does.
If someone gave me one I'd have to give it back.
 OK, maybe I'd keep it when I figured out what it's good for. (Bike nights?)

[falconati]

sexy

[1KPerDay]

I didn't realize the Iron came in colors. I thought it was only in a few of the metal-tone colors - black, silver, matted finish, etc. I like it with some color on it.  

Me too... particularly that blue flake with that particular decal.    

[Cricket1]

And yet on any kind of long trip I take, the majority of bikes I see out there puttin' on the miles, covered with bugs are Harleys.

Sure, not surprising at all. Considering the TOTAL sales volume that Harley has. But of their total sales what % of them are ridden more than bar to bar, in parades, poker runs etc? 10- 15%?  And some here will say, BFD! Who cares, its their money, etc. My point was to explain why people will poke fun at Harley owners.  Buell made great handling bikes, and we can see how that ended up.  

I'd put more than "poser" riding something like this:

Harely- 10-15%
BMW- ?? I dunno but probably a much higher percentage- say 40-50% (plenty of GS' on latte runs to Charbucks)
Triumph, Ducati and the Japanese bikes? Maybe 20-30%?

No actual stats to back any of this up, just based on how many Harleys I've seen at the above, vs other makes.  When was the last time you saw a bunch of BMW's or Goldwings all lined up at a bar? Or at the gigantic parade known as Rolling Thunder?

Are there plenty of metric cruisers that try and imitate the Harley lifestyle?  Sure.  Are there lots of squids on 600SS that just ride  around town, bar to bar and have huge chicken strips? Sure.

But the fact remains,  Harley discontinued one of their best handling models because they were not selling. Their customers are not really interested in a bike that handles well.  And that's ok, to each their own, do what you want with it, yada, yada, yada. Just don't be surprised when people poke fun.

[bomber]

No actual stats to back any of this up, just based on how many Harleys I've seen at the above, vs other makes.  When was the last time you saw a bunch of BMW's or Goldwings all lined up at a bar? Or at the gigantic parade known as Rolling Thunder?

just last weekend, as a matter of fact -- and most nice weekends, for that matter


But the fact remains,  Harley discontinued one of their best handling models because they were not selling. Their customers are not really interested in a bike that handles well.  

Buell riders and HD riders ovelapped very, very little. The reasons HD axed Buell are manifold, and not completely understood by anyone who was not part of the decision making -- but they did not ax Buell becuase Dyna customers were not interested in them

And that's ok, to each their own, do what you want with it, yada, yada, yada. Just don't be surprised when people poke fun.

People poke fun because it makes em feel better about themselves.

[black hills]

I just can't understand why they can't get better performance out of them. A friend of mine has a new Street Glide with a 103cid engine, aftermarket exhaust, new cams, and a dyno tune. My KTM smokes him in top gear roll ons, top speed, and pretty much everything else?

[Cablebandit]

  When was the last time you saw a bunch of BMW's or Goldwings all lined up at a bar?

The BMW's are at Starbucks.  The Goldwings are down the street at the Cracker Barrel catching the early bird dinner.

[Cricket1]

People poke fun because it makes em feel better about themselves.

Nah- they poke fun cause it's soo easy to get the Harley defenders riled up.

[bomber]

Nah- they poke fun cause it's soo easy to get the Harley defenders riled up.

which makes em feel better about themselves.

;-}

seriously -- I ride pretty regularly with the high-milage bagger riders . . . . I can guarentee you that those folks spend no time wondering what non-HD riders don't "get" it.

Posers in all demongrafix are silly (the gixer that never corners, the GS that never goes off-road, the Wing rider that never crosses the state line) . . . .

[black hills]

the HD guys I ride with pick on themsleves, so I don't have too
my favorite one is "jeez Mike, ya got to remember we're riding farm equipment here"

[Cricket1]

I just can't understand why they can't get better performance out of them. A friend of mine has a new Street Glide with a 103cid engine, aftermarket exhaust, new cams, and a dyno tune. My KTM smokes him in top gear roll ons, top speed, and pretty much everything else?

-tisk, tisk,  "If I have to explain it..."   

[black hills]

LOL... yea, he wasn't too impressed
"Damn Mike, I expect that from your crotch rocket, but getting my ass handed to me by a big ugly dirtbike just ain't right"
I couldn't help but laugh.

[McHack]

BTW,  whats the deal w/ the "Dark Custom" bit,  that HD's pushing... is that a trim they're doing,  or just considering some of their bikes as "Dark Customs" or what?

[black hills]

Because they're 800lb luxo-barges. The KTM sure as hell can't carry 2-people in mass comfort, 2-3 weeks worth of provisions in the factory locking saddle bags that are huge, and have the engine STILL be under-stressed hauling ~1200lbs gross weight with 50mpg out of a low-revving torque pump.

I can't understand why people don't get that they build a task-oriented bike based on a certain vision; arguably better than all challengers.

good point, but then why does everyone that buys one stick $$$ into the engine trying to make it soemthing it isn't??? If they want a fast bike why not just buy one in the first place?

[Cablebandit]

Because they're dumb and have tiny penises.  

the ones out there doing 30k miles a year being actually ridden still have the stock engines and run fine.

...and they are quiet and actually sound good.

[County Tar]

Check out this new one:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/07/harley-announces-2012-dyna-switchback/

to me, its an example of a practical HD.  Decent size tank, detachable bags.

From the press release:  "The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling."  

718 lb. wet is enough, though.  

[black hills]

A couple freinds have street glides and I have to admit for straight line touring I wouldn't mind riding one. Unfortunately that's not hte kind of touring I do

[sammyseaman]

Check out this new one:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/07/harley-announces-2012-dyna-switchback/

to me, its an example of a practical HD.  Decent size tank, detachable bags.

The wheels are weird and I don't like floorboards but I really like this bike  

[1KPerDay]

I just can't understand why they can't get better performance out of them. A friend of mine has a new Street Glide with a 103cid engine, aftermarket exhaust, new cams, and a dyno tune. My KTM smokes him in top gear roll ons, top speed, and pretty much everything else?

You really can't understand?

The street glide weighs like 300 lbs more than your KTM. And it's an air-cooled, low-compression pushrod engine designed to run for a very long time and have lots of torque at legal speeds.

[black hills]

You really can't understand?

The street glide weighs like 300 lbs more than your KTM. And it's an air-cooled, low-compression pushrod engine designed to run for a very long time and have lots of torque at legal speeds.

OK on all but the "designd to run for a very long time" part? A friend has one with 100k on it and is always bragging about it, he fails to metion it has been rebuilt 3 times

[1KPerDay]

What has he done to the engine? Hot cams/compression/tune/etc.?

see above 

I know personally (family members) of 3 big twins that haven't been screwed with, that have gone well over 100K miles with zero issues. Know any KTMs that have done that?

My brother has 300,000 documented miles on his bikes, for example.

[black hills]

What has he done to the engine? Hot cams/compression/tune/etc.?

see above 

I know personally (family members) of 3 big twins that haven't been screwed with, that have gone well over 100K miles with zero issues. Know any KTMs that have done that?

My brother has 300,000 documented miles on his bikes, for example.

bored to a 103 (?) with all HD factory parts

[atadaskew]

Because they're 800lb luxo-barges. The KTM sure as hell can't carry 2-people in mass comfort, 2-3 weeks worth of provisions in the factory locking saddle bags that are huge, and have the engine STILL be under-stressed hauling ~1200lbs gross weight with 50mpg out of a low-revving torque pump.

But at least the KTM has hydraulic valves and a really quick an' easy oil change.  That helps when you're out travelling putting up the miles.

Oh wait...

[falconati]

MY BIKE IS BETTER THAN YOUR BIKE

[Mr.Black]

I just picked up a ZX-14 SuperGlide.

Nuthin beats that yo!

[mike in oregon]

MY BIKE IS BETTER THAN YOUR BIKE.....Hilarious Falconati, and I would have to guess 70% of the discussions on most motorcycle forums. 
I've been lusting after a Storz modified street tracker kit for a 1200 Sportster myself.  And when/if this happens....MY BIKE WILL BE BETTER THAN YOUR BIKE!!:)

[Mr.Black]

MY BIKE IS BETTER THAN YOUR BIKE.....Hilarious Falconati, and I would have to guess 70% of the discussions on most motorcycle forums.

Mike no longer has a bike he cries, I don't want a pickle...........

[mike in oregon]

YEAH MAN....I just want a motorsickle....

[black hills]

But at least the KTM has hydraulic valves and a really quick an' easy oil change.  That helps when you're out travelling putting up the miles.

Oh wait...
[/quotfe]

I don't get to take 10,000 mile trips so the valve adjustments are not an issue "on the road".the oil change doesn't take any longer than my CBR. If you like hd's that's fine with me? They are good at a lot of things, performance just isn't one of them.

[atadaskew]

I don't get to take 10,000 mile trips so the valve adjustments are not an issue "on the road".the oil change doesn't take any longer than my CBR. If you like hd's that's fine with me? They are good at a lot of things, performance just isn't one of them.

KTMs are good at a lot of things.  Cruising long distances w/o worrying about parts or maintenance isn't one of them.

[black hills]

KTMs are good at a lot of things.  Cruising long distances w/o worrying about parts or maintenance isn't one of them.

never worried about either  anyway, On my last ride (1000mi.) the KTM and the FJR worked perfectly, the passenger peg fell off the 2010 street glide and the horn fell off the 2009 street glide could happen to anyon ei guess

I don't care what anyone rides, but why can't they just say they ride HD's becasue they like them? seems simple enough to me? " I ride a Harley because I like it!" should be easy to say yet you never hear it? always soem BS about "american", "patriotic" "mature", or the classic "you wouldn't understand. Hell, I'd understand if you simply told me you like to ride it?

[atadaskew]

I liked my Dyna which is why I rode it.

Butt not enough to not make me want to sell it after a year or so...

[ST for me!]

What I don't get is why there is even an hd section on this site, isn't it called SPORT touring.net?  

[atadaskew]

What I don't get is why there is even an hd section on this site, isn't it called SPORT touring.net?  

What does sport touring mean?

[Mr.Black]

What does sport touring mean?

Riding like an idiot on a bike with a top case and being a sport about it.

[1KPerDay]

What I don't get is why there is even an hd section on this site, isn't it called SPORT touring.net?  

No, it's called sport TOURING.net.  

[Cablebandit]

Maybe instead of sport-touring.net we should go with sport/touring.net.

[DogBoy]

This place would be a lot more fun if we could make easy judgements about the riders instead of the bikes.

[black hills]

so, if you are riding a "proper" ST bike and get passed by a Harley do you get kicked out of this little club??

[McHack]

so, if you are riding a "proper" ST bike and get passed by a Harley do you get kicked out of this little club??

That'll only happen when they're headed to the next bar...  

[1KPerDay]

Maybe instead of sport-touring.net we should go with sport/touring.net.

sport-touring.NET!!!!!

[sammyseaman]

Mike no longer has a bike he cries, I don't want a pickle...........

YEAH MAN....I just want a motorsickle....

Hippies!

[DogBoy]

.NYET!

[nferr]

Yeah, I suspect that's why as well. It's also why many people who do ride their bikes more than in parades and bar to bar, will continure to make fun of Harley. I can't blame Harley, they are in the business to make what sells, so from a $ standpoint it makes perfect sense.  But to stop making one of their best handling bikes..... speaks volumes about their customers- (90% posers).

6000 miles on my Rocker since April. Not great but certainly not parade and bar to bar miles (specially since i don't drink).  

[Cricket1]

6000 miles on my Rocker since April. Not great but certainly not parade and bar to bar miles (specially since i don't drink).  

It's great you ride that much.    It does put you in a large minority within motorcycling in general, and especially compared to the poser crowd.