Any Harley owners on here?
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13-10-2015 7:02pm#1
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I'm not a typical H-D owner - I bought it as a change from everything else, and it was so good I've kept it. I itch for another bike now, and am going to NEC to try everything in December, but I'll keeping the H-D.
Finish and quality of paint etc is very good, and it also doesn't rust anything like a GS does (which is bloody awful btw), I got shot of my GS1200 in short order, a long time ago, as I could see what was coming....
Mine is here:
I've chosen that pic as it's clean in it:) Tbh, I use mine nearly everyday, winter/summer, and I use it for all manner of things, including marshalling at cycle races etc. My RoSPA tester had a raised eyebrow when I turned up on it...........probably more used to seeing Pan and ST1300/FJR/GS types turn up for the test. So, as befits the event, it is lit and signed up appropriately (all removable in 5 mins), and has a screen on it now too.
It is not fast - but I don't ride like that anymore - but it pulls like a train, and 70mph on the motorway without the screen is hard work, but with the screen cruising speed for me is 65-70. The limit isn't the bike -it's you. It will sail into 3 figures quite happily - but you're just hanging on at that stage........
I've had one repair in 7 years, which cost me €40, other than that a €180 service every year. I've just changed it's OE battery as it was still on it's original one (10 years). It hadn't actually failed, but it was a bit slow to turn over, and I didn't fancy getting stuck when the weather closes in and it gets colder.
Belt drive means no chains/sprockets/oil/adjusting, and makes it both quiet and smooth. I really, really couldn't go back to a chain drive bike nowadays....
I've also added some luggage and a riders' backrest and that alone has made it much more comfortable. The seat is awful for a pillion (for long runs), but it's ok for short ones. We did some of the WAW recently, 825kms in 2.5 days, and I can testify She Was Not Very Happy. I was grand though
It averages about 55mpg driven the way I do. I've heard people complain about the brakes and suspension, but tbh it performs better than I was lead to believe and are a match for the bike - I mean, why would you want USD forks on one ? It'd be pointless...
Now, I have tried a H-D Fat Boy, but the solidly-mounted engine put me off (mine's rubber mounted) - and no, I've never lost any part due to vibes etc.
An 883 would be hard work, so if a smaller Twin, I'd go for the 1200 as a starter one tbh.
So, to sum up, they're not perfect, have limitations, but they do what they do, well. And isn't that the point ?Ode To The Motorist
“And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road”
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I love that, it's beautiful. :cool:
Ta, much
I never even saw it before I bought it: just a thumbnail pic on Waterford H-D's website, and I was sold on it. I couldn't love the alternative, a H-D Heritage Softail - very nice, but I'm not a fan of all the chrome and tassles and fringes etc. I wouldn't have the patience to clean it if the truth be known.
Which reminds me: the chrome on mine has held up very well. Some has not, and I can single out the chrome that doesn't isn't OE. I effectively dumped the Screamin' Eagle pipes it came with (in the pic above) as the chrome could be peeled off like that on a 1970's Honda mudguard.............brutal. I got bog standard OE silencers for FREE ! Nobody want's them - so they're stacked up in the attics of H-D shops of the world. Chrome on them is good quality.
Fine by me !
Ode To The Motorist
“And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road”
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The entire Harley Sportster lineup is well…. Ehhh
I’d rather have one of the new Honda CB1100’s for a commuter or weekend sprinter
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/street/cb1100-ex-2014/overview.html
If you’re going for a Harley get a touring model, its great going down the motorway and the new Rushmore models handle fairly well considering their weight
I know it sounds crazy, but I wish it had a kick starter
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TeaBagMania wrote: »
The entire Harley Sportster lineup is well…. Ehhh
I’d rather have one of the new Honda CB1100’s for a commuter or weekend sprinter
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/street/cb1100-ex-2014/overview.html
If you’re going for a Harley get a touring model, its great going down the motorway and the new Rushmore models handle fairly well considering their weight
I know it sounds crazy, but I wish it had a kick starter
You're right - you are crazy - having a bike that needs a 400CCA battery to start it means you'd be mad, Ted 😀Ode To The Motorist
“And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road”
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