Topic: SOHC'S ARE SMOOTH, BUT WHY DO THE HARLEYS SHAKE SO MUCH?

[Gordon]

Last time I stepped on the scale (yesterday) it said 156 lb. The extra torque does come in handy for hauling those "large" loads we often see.  But it comes in more handy for hauling my light ass QUICKLY. 

You've got me beat by 1 pound.....



Fatty!

[754]

When I ran into scotty this tear at Bonneville, he had 420,000 miles on his 94 FLH. it was on its second motor..

 Is that so crappy for an air-cooled motor ?

 We got a HD single  cylinder bike in town here that has run 160+ mph..... not so bad for a pushrod motor..

 I was going to mention, if, you dont like being around HDs, guess that cuts out a few bike rallies...

[Magpie]

No argument here 754, I like em. I have the best of both worlds. I ride a Goldwing and my riding partner has a Road King. I get to hear that nice exhaust, enjoy the beauty of his bike and enjoy my Goldwing. Plus, he knows what my CB750's are all about. What could be better than that?
Cliff.

[jcarthel]

Hi, all!  I started the Harley thread with my question and wow it has taken on a life of its own!  May I suggest turning this thread a new direction.  New direction:  What do all you SOHC four owners love and enjoy about your bike?  I'll start it off short and sweet:
1.  Great Performance-power to weight ratio is excellent
2.  Fantastic looks and style
3.  Those four HM 341 pipes sure sing sweet at 70mph
4.  dependability, reliability are great
5.  Bike is a simple machine and easy to maintain, repair, or troubleshoot
6.  100k before I need a rebuild sounds good to me
7.  Bike is a looker and a classic, it stands out instead of blending in with the crowd
8.  I could ramble all day about why I love my k2!
9.  They just don't make them like that anymore........


Justin

[Magpie]

Why do I like my 750? I'm older than most here so I have older impressions. I bought a candy red brand new in 1969 750 in July of 1969 and it was a show stopper. I would have people ask me to pull over just to look at it. In the middle of August 1969 a young lady in a Cortina ran a stop sign and I T-boned her. I survived, the bike did not. Flash forward 2 years and I managed to get the last red 1971 CB750K1 sold in Vancouver. I held on to that bike for years and in a moment of stupidity sold it to a friend on the understanding that when he was ready to sell it I could have a chance at it. He did a year or so later and I did. I still have it (look at my avatar), another I built from a several basket cases and am working on a '69. That bike represents a time in my life when I could do no wrong. It was a work of art that blew people away. Justin asks what do I enjoy about the 750 - simply having one is my answer. It changed the world of motorcycling for ever. I wonder if some of the younger owners that have discovered this bike know how much it really means.
And Justin, you really have to hear a set of HM300's at 70 mph.
Cliff.

[Grnrngr]

I'm still waiting for someone to dispute my thoery that Harley Davidson key to success hinges on the fact that it accomodates the fashionably concerned extra large crowd. I challenged my girl friend while riding 2up Saturday to find one skinny guy. Don't recall her finding even one and there are tons of Harley's in my town. Next time you guys go riding pay watch for them. Pound for pound there is definitely a overwheleming majority HD riders in the US. Notice I'm not bashing the bike, just remarking on observations of the riders.  Also note, I added a smiley face which means it's in good nature.

Bunch of fat belts

Interesting theory, but considering the ever expanding size of the American individual, I think you'd be hard pressed to find ANY company that isn't making a marketing effort to accomodate plus sized people. Fwiw, my friend who's selling me his Fatty is a plus size guy, 6'3" probably 350-375# Started riding a Magna way back when, but after a friend let him ride a Heritage softtail, he threw a tarp over the Magna and never rode it again, bought the Fatty 2 weeks later. Quit riding it a few years back because it hurts his back to ride it 30 miles to work. His girl is a BBW as well, and he's decided if he does get another bike it'll be a GoldWing, because they're incredibly reliable and he can buy one the way he wants it instead of spending a bunch on changing the Fatty. Neither of them are into the fashion scene, he's a welder, she's a nurse, and neither are my sister and brother in law, who started with a V-Star but sold it and bought a Road King. He drives a tow truck and she drives a school bus. They are also plus size, but I'm not, I'm 6'4" down to 215 from 240 but I wasn't chubby at 240 either. In my experience, most single riders (no matter what kinda bike) are guys, and single guys tend to be skinny. I have yet to see an overweight single female rider. (I have seen a couple on scooters tho...) Once you get a girl on the back, it's a whole nuther story but really, most young to middle aged couples I see tend to be on the thinner side and it's older crowd that seems to be a little thicker. I'm only 55 now, I may fatten up a bit when I get middle aged.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

What I love about my 750..............

Just take a look at the avatar.

It was THE bike back in '75 as far as I was concerned. Must be some reason I still have it. Multiple reasons actually. Some have to do with the Honda quality, it was the excitement about a NEW fresh faster updated model CB750, I didn't want a K or a Kaw Z, the 750 mystique, and some reasons have to do with my life over those 34 years.

I think still having a bike I bought 34.5 years ago says it all. I hang on to the good things in my life. Just wait until I complete the restoration and chronicle the process. I've been wanting to do it properly since I blew it up in 3/76.

[greasy j]

it's pretty obvious why Harleys are popular. a lot of men have a strong need to conform to the uber masculine biker stereotype they see around them so much. movies and whatnot. you can't be a 'real biker' unless you have a Harley according to the popular mythos. engineering, mpg, practical things don't enter the equation. so what sells the most has nothing to do with what's 'better'. and better is subjective anyways.

just like women buying make up or clothing. not because of the quality of the material but because of the celebrity that they see wearing it. our culture has decided that things like your mode of transportation and style of jacket indicate who you are as a person. instead of the fact that you need transportation or warmth.

overweight people are symptoms of the same condition. a kind of universal social excess (in the developed world). decadent self indulgence. it's nice being an American. I'm not complaining. just thinking critically.

and I do enjoy my comparatively luxurious lifestyle. it wouldn't bother me at all except for the fact that while I'm thinking about which bike to buy, others are dying of something a $5 vaccine would fix. makes the whole buying an image thing seem ridiculous.

and I don't know why harleys are so shakey but I'd take one of those new xr1200's anyday. shoulda been an 880 though. 1200's too big.

[Inigo Montoya]

754, you seem to have something stuck there. No one here has really said they hate hd. Those that do not care for them do not like the engine vibration or some other aspect. I was not aware we all had to like every motorcycle made.
We all can have an opinion and yes, it can be based off the looks. I can appreciate HD, that does not mean I care for them personally. I will probably never ride one as if I am going to ride a bike, I want to like the form AND function. It also does not mean I can't handle being around them. If someone else rides one, I don't care. It is their bike, not mine.
If someone is broken down on the road, I will help if at all possible, even if it is a harley, all because I do not care what someone rides. I just do not care for hd and there is nothing wrong with that. I know people do not like my bike, I do not care, I do not expect everyone to like my bike. I ride it because I like it, not because people think it is pretty.

[Laminar]

I'm still waiting for someone to dispute my thoery that Harley Davidson key to success hinges on the fact that it accomodates the fashionably concerned extra large crowd. I challenged my girl friend while riding 2up Saturday to find one skinny guy. Don't recall her finding even one and there are tons of Harley's in my town. Next time you guys go riding pay watch for them. Pound for pound there is definitely a overwheleming majority HD riders in the US. Notice I'm not bashing the bike, just remarking on observations of the riders.  Also note, I added a smiley face which means it's in good nature.

Bunch of fat belts

A buddy and I at work watch the local CraigsList and we're pretty sure we've never seen any Harley leather gear for sale that was less than an XL, unless it was a women's piece. After we saw so many listings for "XXL Harley Chaps" or "XXXL HD Vest" (not kidding, three 'X's) it has become a running joke.

[andy750]

Just to add some humour to this thread....

South Parks take on Harleys....

http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/11/02/south-park-takes-on-biker-festivals/

[MJL]

"I used to have one of those back in...." 

I've heard that several times.  People remember these bikes fondly.

[ksbrenn]

I love my Harley, I love the noise, I love feel of cruising through a big sweeper faster than the speed limit, and the seat is so comfy I can reach for the mini-apes all day long.  It doesn't shake because of the twin balance shafts in the 1584 cc fuel injected motor.  It runs out of torque way too soon, but then I get to kick another gear in and twist the grip all over again!  At 5'8" and 130 lbs. I do have to plan my parking spot, but hey its a small price to pay.  My full-face helmet hides the grin that makes my cheeks hurt every time I ride.  ('08 softail custom)
On the other hand, it's hard to beat the thrill of my K8 with super-bike bars and a 4 into 1 exhaust.  I like to wind it out and hang on. Had it up to 103 one day just so I could know it could be done. Also makes a great noise, takes me back to my youth and makes me say yee-hah at the end of a ride.  Please don't make me choose...I love 'em both.

[BobbyR]

I really do not dislike Harleys, I do dislike many people who ride them somewhat. When I ride to a place where bikes congregate I get dirty looks and snide comments. I need to park with the "metric" bikes. Other times I have been invited to ride along, so it is a mixed bag.
I went to a very hard core Harley dealer in NYC to buy some point grease a few years ago. The dudes in there are hard, outlaw hard. The guy asked what bike I was using the grease for and I said CB750. He gave me a look, I said does this mean I don't get the grease. They all started laugh and said "Fuk no, those are good bikes" A couple had owned one at one time and we bullshidded for a bit and bought T shirt since they did not wimp and kept the Twin Towers on the shirt. SO SOME PEOPLE SUCK AND SOME DON'T.

[Magpie]

It's the motorheads I like. They like and appreciate most bikes. It's the ones new to the brand that have bought into the marketing that give the others a bad name. Ride into a parking lot party on a Goldwing sometime. The local HD dealer here is a true motorhead. Along with his classic collection is a restored CBX, his CBX hillclimber, a collection of Suzuki 500's, Kawasaki 500 triple and a bunch of others. Want to see some classics in Vegas? Go to the new Harley shop. Vincent, Triton, Commandos, Honda racers - in unbelievable condition

[greasy j]

It's the motorheads I like. They like and appreciate most bikes. It's the ones new to the brand that have bought into the marketing that give the others a bad name. Ride into a parking lot party on a Goldwing sometime. The local HD dealer here is a true motorhead. Along with his classic collection is a restored CBX, his CBX hillclimber, a collection of Suzuki 500's, Kawasaki 500 triple and a bunch of others. Want to see some classics in Vegas? Go to the new Harley shop. Vincent, Triton, Commandos, Honda racers - in unbelievable condition

I agree completely. it's motorcycles I like. could care less about the image related stuff. and I usually get along with anyone else truly into motorcycles, regardless of what kind.

[ofreen]

Jerry, I don't want to argue this Porsche point too much, but none of those links were HD.  And while I don't have any links to back up what I have said on this, I do believe HD over your links.

Well, would you believe Porsche?

Start at page 16.

http://www.porscheengineering.com/filestore.aspx/default.pdf?pool=peg&type=download&id=press-magazine-2003-01-pdf&lang=en&filetype=default

[Laminar]

Just to add some humour to this thread....

South Parks take on Harleys....

http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/11/02/south-park-takes-on-biker-festivals/

After watching the episode, I have to say they were fairly scathing. And fairly spot-on (about certain groups of riders, of course).

[Retro Rocket]

Jerry, I don't want to argue this Porsche point too much, but none of those links were HD.  And while I don't have any links to back up what I have said on this, I do believe HD over your links.

Well, would you believe Porsche?

Start at page 16.

http://www.porscheengineering.com/filestore.aspx/default.pdf?pool=peg&type=download&id=press-magazine-2003-01-pdf&lang=en&filetype=default

The V-rod was a fascination for our motorcycle magazines at the time it was being developed and the fact that Porsche was designing this engine has never been a secret, i would say that there is a lot of purists that would hate to admit this but it is common knowledge as far as i know... Look at link Ofreen posted, there is no way in the world Porsche would get away with their claims if it were false.

Mick

[moham]

I really do not dislike Harleys, I do dislike many people who ride them somewhat. When I ride to a place where bikes congregate I get dirty looks and snide comments. I need to park with the "metric" bikes. Other times I have been invited to ride along, so it is a mixed bag.
I went to a very hard core Harley dealer in NYC to buy some point grease a few years ago. The dudes in there are hard, outlaw hard. The guy asked what bike I was using the grease for and I said CB750. He gave me a look, I said does this mean I don't get the grease. They all started laugh and said "Fuk no, those are good bikes" A couple had owned one at one time and we bullshidded for a bit and bought T shirt since they did not wimp and kept the Twin Towers on the shirt. SO SOME PEOPLE SUCK AND SOME DON'T.

Right on, that's an awesome story...

[754]

Magpie, you must mean Steve Drane.. Who unfortunatly I have not yet met..

 Cant have too many sealwers like Drane, Trev Deeley, Carmen Brown, Al Klatt,  Walt Healy, etc.. oh yeah, Reg Shanks..

 Alnost all of those guys  were Harley dealers, and also other brands, and just loved motorcycles..

 Trev, who was the first dealer for Honda in an English speaking country... and also happened to be the Harley dist for Canada later on...Only non American ever on the Board of Directors.. for the Motor Co...

 So many cool people  that happened to be HD dealers that also made a big difference in motorcycling..

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Hey JCarthel,

Next time in Colorado please stop by. We can take out the Honda and Harley. Both are nice bikes. Beers are on me.

Jerry

[Magpie]

Yes, Steve Drane. I've known him since he was 15 years old. He just opened his new store - quite a place! He's one of the real, good guys!
Cliff.

[mystic_1]

The V-rod was a fascination for our motorcycle magazines at the time it was being developed and the fact that Porsche was designing this engine has never been a secret, i would say that there is a lot of purists that would hate to admit this but it is common knowledge as far as i know... Look at link Ofreen posted, there is no way in the world Porsche would get away with their claims if it were false.

Mick

Wait, are you suggesting that The Motor Company would outsource work overseas, but then not admit it so as to try to maintain their "American Made" marketing image???!?!?!  Shocking! 

 

mystic_1

[754]

 As far as I can gather, the  Motor Co, never denied or hid involvement with Porsche at the time the Vrod came out.. I think they also did one earlier, not used.. the Nova..
 as for individuals or dealers not mentioning the fact, or owners of the vrod, that is a different matter..