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

[Raul CB750K1]

It is helpless, there is no way to talk about Harley without turning into a Harley bashing.... :-)


Regarding the pictures that Andy posted, and judging by the second one, it seems that the front wheel is the one that skidded, and the crash bar is touching the road. My guess is that he leaned the bike until the crash bar touched the road, that's when the front wheel lost contact. Another argument against crash bars.... :-) Alright, they protected the bike, but weren't they the ones who caused it in first place?


But this is not a thread about crash bars. I would not have most of Harleys, but it is just because they don't fit my riding preferences. Nevertheless, I would not mind to own a Nightster -I didn't say to "buy" a Nightster.

[andy750]

I agree with Magpies comments.

The only reason I posted the photos of the Harley crashing was to illustrate poor riding gear, and poor lean angle for a bike that wasnt designed to corner like a sports bike. Sure you can throw it around in a parking lot but if are going to be out on the road at speed then you had better be sure of your riding ability.

Any bike is good in my opinion and we all have our preferences but to say one is better than the other is missing the point. Any bike can tour around the world - proved time and time again. Any bike can last for ever given the right maintenance. It all depends on what you are looking for in a particular motorcycle, what you are willing to put up with and more importantly what you enjoy! No bashing here but at the same time we can point out or discuss failings in a particular design or style.  Vibrations are not for everyone the same way smooth running Hondas are thought to be "soulless" - thinking of the newer models such as the CB1100.

Enjoy the ride!
Andy

[Simpson]

Different strokes for different folks rule the world. 
HD has about 24% of the market from the last statistics in MCM.
They shake by design and the customers base prefers them that way.
As mentioned before that is a perception of soul.
Think it just comes down to preference and your riding type.
Lot's of HD riders just buzz around town and it works for their purpose.
To me the Harley has it's place like a big and tall clothing store.
They are made to fit the American extra large size crowd.
Like the extra big pair of pants that still looks fashionable.
I've demo'd them and decided, it just was not for me.
I can certainly see why people buy them as they are robust and pretty.
Hopefully in 5-10 years the girl and I will get a Goldwing.

[Simpson]

What is he holding in his hand in the first pic?

After zooming in on the picture, I think he is giving the camera the "Horns".
It's his way to say, "Watch me slide this bike in the ditch".

[Inigo Montoya]

Jerry, I am not bashing hd so to speak. I am trying to underscore why I do not think they are worth it.
As for a bike not making the rider, I guess we know different people. yes #$%*s are #$%*s but sometimes the bike brings it out more. I have known people who where mild jerks that turned into raging bastards once they started their harleys. It happens. As for getting touchy about us mildly bashing harleys, have you been to a harley board and witnessed the bashing they do? I have a couple times and I will safely say that THIS thread if VERY mild. I am sure others have seen that as well. I'm just saying. I am glad you like your hd. After all, why own a bike you do not like.
As for being reliable, I have yet to have anything besides a flat tire caused by a screw, happen to my 77. It does leak oil but that is because the PO cracked the threads on the drain plug, not really the bikes fault. Oh and my valve cover gasket sorta leaks. no drips just a grime build up but then after 32 years, I would not call that bad!
As I have said TWICE now, I do not consider HD junk. I just consider them overpriced for what I think you get.

[Deltarider]

http://vodpod.com/watch/1396466-greatest-ever-motorcycle-10-harley-davidson-knucklehead
Doesn't this say it all?

In 1985 I was in Bukitingi, Sumatra and an Indonesian offered me to take his beautifull red HD (built in the 40's) for a spin. Boy, that bike was odd, everything was in a different place than on my Honda and I had to change gears with a selector at the side of the tank. What I remember distinctively is that I had to lean in a quarter of a mile before the turn to be able to corner it. Nice for a try, but no fun for the long run. No fun at all.

Why do Harleys shake so much?
Because they rattle and roll.

[Nikkisixx]

I wonder if the constant shaking also stresses the engine and contributes to the breakdowns/oil leaks HD's are famous for...
[/quote]
thats what they say about triumphs
[/quote]

My Triumphs require a more rigorous pre-flight than my Hondas and plenty of locktight .  I have "skid marks" from the center stand all over the driveway, my arse and hands get numb quicker when I ride them, but there is a special joy to that sound and feel.  I can tell an older Triumph by sound, it is as unique as a Harley without all the hype    Like HD, newer model Triumphs have taken a lot of that rumble and roll out of the new Bonnieville engine. Kinda made for a boring test ride.   

[andy750]

http://vodpod.com/watch/1396466-greatest-ever-motorcycle-10-harley-davidson-knucklehead
Doesn't this say it all?

Not really but this might...women def prefer Harley ;-)....must be the vibrations 

http://vodpod.com/watch/2053443-harley-girls?mp=1&pod=bikersplayground

[Grnrngr]

Haven't tried it myself yet, but my friend with the Fattie says there's a vibration that happens at the rear pegs just before you shift into third that is guaranteed to get you laid every time. I've heard similar reports from other HD owners but have yet to hear that about any other bike.

[Raul CB750K1]

http://vodpod.com/watch/1396466-greatest-ever-motorcycle-10-harley-davidson-knucklehead
Doesn't this say it all?

Not really but this might...women def prefer Harley ;-)....must be the vibrations 

http://vodpod.com/watch/2053443-harley-girls?mp=1&pod=bikersplayground

Bullcrap. If you have the dough, you can have any model pose with any bike you want.

Haven't tried it myself yet, but my friend with the Fattie says there's a vibration that happens at the rear pegs just before you shift into third that is guaranteed to get you laid every time. I've heard similar reports from other HD owners but have yet to hear that about any other bike.

That would explain why Fatboys are never shifted beyond third...... :-)


I can't talk by experience, but I have the feeling that if a woman agrees to ride with you, she is 50% in your bed before you shift into first. I mean, no woman would ever want to get so close to somebody, if she doesn't feel at least some attraction.


It is like saying "the Ferrari Enzo have a vibe before you shift into third, that guarantees to get you laid". C'mon, when the chick gets into your Ferrari, you are already guaranteed to get laid :-)

[andy750]

I think you are just jealous Raul   

[BobbyR]

http://vodpod.com/watch/1396466-greatest-ever-motorcycle-10-harley-davidson-knucklehead
Doesn't this say it all?

Not really but this might...women def prefer Harley ;-)....must be the vibrations 

http://vodpod.com/watch/2053443-harley-girls?mp=1&pod=bikersplayground

Bullcrap. If you have the dough, you can have any model pose with any bike you want.

Haven't tried it myself yet, but my friend with the Fattie says there's a vibration that happens at the rear pegs just before you shift into third that is guaranteed to get you laid every time. I've heard similar reports from other HD owners but have yet to hear that about any other bike.

That would explain why Fatboys are never shifted beyond third...... :-)


I can't talk by experience, but I have the feeling that if a woman agrees to ride with you, she is 50% in your bed before you shift into first. I mean, no woman would ever want to get so close to somebody, if she doesn't feel at least some attraction.


It is like saying "the Ferrari Enzo have a vibe before you shift into third, that guarantees to get you laid". C'mon, when the chick gets into your Ferrari, you are already guaranteed to get laid :-)

Never needed a Bike or car to let laid. I would just sit there and lick my eyebrows.   

[Grnrngr]

I can tie knots in cherry stems with my tongue...

[Raul CB750K1]

I think you are just jealous Raul   

 

I'm afraid that I would not get laid even with a Ferrari

Never needed a Bike or car to let laid. I would just sit there and lick my eyebrows.

That's a good one!!

[Duke McDukiedook]

So... has the question been answered well enough before the thread devolved into another Harley bashing thread?

I guess so.

[nobody]

We're long passed Harley bashing and have moved onto erotic tongue feats... talk about a derailed thread.

lol

[Inigo Montoya]

Dukie, have you seen some of the other threads? Hell we bash each other worse than hd got it here! I still say this was mild compared to other forums.

[Magpie]

Very civilized! 
Cliff.

[Duke McDukiedook]

I have, maybe I was foolish to think we could discuss a subject when someone asks a serious question without bashing the Hardleys to hell.

Like I said, foolish me. 

[BobbyR]

We're long passed Harley bashing and have moved onto erotic tongue feats... talk about a derailed thread.

lol

Yes it was derailed. It was becoming a circular argument with no consensus possible. At some point it may have have become personal which I have witnessed too many times.

[nobody]

Oh, I know all too well the hatred that can ensue between people of opposing beliefs and opinions. My family is extremely religious, I am not. I've learned that it's rare for opposing parties to discuss opposing beliefs in a civil manner.

[the technological J]

as long as u say with all do respect u can say whatever u want ... in this forum u just ad a winking emoticon... and then tell them they're an idiot see makes everything better..dummies

[Inigo Montoya]

Did I miss something? When where they bashed to hell?

[333]

Jerry, One more correction from me.  Porsche never helped design anything that has Harley's name on it.  Total urban legend.  I might think the exact response would be something like "We don't need any help from no Nazi's.  We can beat the Nipps on our own".

[new2novas]

i don't know why anyone would want to bash ANY bike....i would love a harley right next to my CB, but can't afford it...i would prefer to own every different style of bike ever produced, why pigeonhole yourself
I have a 63 Nova custom to the T, previously had a civic hatch all worked, if its fun i don't care who or where it was made