Topic: Honest Harley Davidson Commercial

[Terry in Australia]

Ah yes, the fallacy that there are two kinds of motorcycles: Cruisers and sport bikes.

I'd be curious to know if there's any category (straight line speed, handling, range, long distance comfort, etc.) that any Harley could beat something like an ST1300 in.

I'm not saying that there are only two categories mate, there are tourers, commuters, dirt bikes, dirt capable tourers, and probably some more than those I've listed, but it was you who mentioned cruisers, so I (being a cruiser owner) replied to that post.

The ST1300 is a great bike, I've ridden several, and that V4 engine is a real gem. (I'd love to build a naked street racer around one, that V4 is too pretty to be hidden under all that plastic) Having said that, I didn't like it as much as my BMW K1100LT, but that's just a personal thing, there are thousands of happy ST owners out there just like there are thousands (millions?) of happy BMW riders, so to each, his own.

But to compare a Harley to an ST, or a BMW (or any big tourer for that matter) is kind of pointless, a Harley is a Harley, it has it's own niche market, there are millions of happy Harley owners out there, and as has been demonstrated in the previous 9 million posts, you either like them or you don't. I do, but I respect anyone who doesn't, I just don't think you should hate them.

While Harleys won't necessarily "beat" any big tourer in a back to back comparison, they're still capable of travelling long distances in supreme comfort, I've had the pleasure of riding a Harley Road King for 100 odd miles recently, and if the owner had let me, I'd have ridden it for the rest of the 300 mile ride, it was superbly comfortable, and great fun to ride at legal speeds. Cheers, Terry.

[Laminar]

But to compare a Harley to an ST, or a BMW (or any big tourer for that matter) is kind of pointless, a Harley is a Harley, it has it's own niche market, there are millions of happy Harley owners out there, and as has been demonstrated in the previous 9 million posts, you either like them or you don't.

Like I said, Special Olympics. They can't compare straight up, so they need their own little niche category where they can compete with each other and pretend a high 11-second quarter mile is awesome.

[edbikerii]

I rode a brand-new 2008 Road King for several hundred miles in and around Las Vegas.  As a rabidly proud American, I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE THAT BIKE.

It was honestly the most overpriced, under-braked, under-powered, rattly, #$%*tly-handling piece of crap I've ever ridden.  About the only time I really enjoyed that bike was riding out two-up on a straight desert road at top speed (~105mph).

I hit a rough patch of road in Valley of Fire, and the bike nearly flew off the road sideways.  I reduced my pace to sub-speed-limit levels, and I took it back to LVHD safely that very same day, where I happily turned it in, never to waste another valuable second of my life riding a Harley.  Well, OK, maybe I'll try my friend's V-rod...

On the other hand, every toothless redneck between LV and the Hoover Dam stopped to tell me how beautiful it was.  Also, many old men loved it -- usually old guys who "always wanted a Harley", but "never rode a motorcycle".  A couple of hot girls in LV commented on it, but I'm pretty sure they would have thought my GoldWing, or even my CB550, was a Harley, too, if I told them so.  They were really just excited about the guy on the motorcycle, and "what happens in Vegas" -- my date was not amused.

[sangyo soichiro]

On the other hand, every toothless redneck between LV and the Hoover Dam stopped to tell me how beautiful it was.  Also, many old men loved it -- usually old guys who "always wanted a Harley", but "never rode a motorcycle".  A couple of hot girls in LV commented on it, but I'm pretty sure they would have thought my GoldWing, or even my CB550, was a Harley, too, if I told them so.  They were really just excited about the guy on the motorcycle, and "what happens in Vegas" -- my date was not amused.

This is funny!   

[Terry in Australia]

But to compare a Harley to an ST, or a BMW (or any big tourer for that matter) is kind of pointless, a Harley is a Harley, it has it's own niche market, there are millions of happy Harley owners out there, and as has been demonstrated in the previous 9 million posts, you either like them or you don't.

Like I said, Special Olympics. They can't compare straight up, so they need their own little niche category where they can compete with each other and pretend a high 11-second quarter mile is awesome.

Yeah well, you're entitled to your opinion mate, but I love my 11 second "Special Olympian", and I'd be happy to take on any of the big tourers. I went for a ride with my GL1800 owning friend recently, and his "Land Barge" was positively frightening in the tighter sections. Sure, my footboards touched down fairly regularly, but at least I could get it around the corners and stay on my side of the white line, he was all over the road like a mad womans sh1t! Cheers, Terry.

[Laminar]

But to compare a Harley to an ST, or a BMW (or any big tourer for that matter) is kind of pointless, a Harley is a Harley, it has it's own niche market, there are millions of happy Harley owners out there, and as has been demonstrated in the previous 9 million posts, you either like them or you don't.

Like I said, Special Olympics. They can't compare straight up, so they need their own little niche category where they can compete with each other and pretend a high 11-second quarter mile is awesome.

Yeah well, you're entitled to your opinion mate, but I love my 11 second "Special Olympian"

You have the V-Rod? Because anything else is going to be significantly slower than that.

but at least I could get it around the corners and stay on my side of the white line, he was all over the road like a mad womans sh1t!

Which is more a result of rider skill than motorcycle capability. Surely you're aware of the guys that tear apart sport bikes on the Dragon using stock Goldwings, right?

[Terry in Australia]

You have the V-Rod? Because anything else is going to be significantly slower than that.

No mate, I've got a Triumph Rocket III, the V Rod is a nice little bike, but if I bought another Harley it'd be a sportster or a Fatboy, as I prefer the more traditional Harley styling.

but at least I could get it around the corners and stay on my side of the white line, he was all over the road like a mad womans sh1t!

Which is more a result of rider skill than motorcycle capability. Surely you're aware of the guys that tear apart sport bikes on the Dragon using stock Goldwings, right?
[/quote]

Well I'm sure there are talented riders who could whoop "average" sports bike riders, but a talented sports bike rider would eat a talented rider on anything else but a sports bike, of course. It would be fun seeing a Goldwing entered in a superbike race though, I think the panniers would scrape before the rider got his knee down, ha ha! Cheers, Terry. 

[paulages]

[quote author=Terry in Australia link=topic=71418.msg816843#msg816843
It would be fun seeing a Goldwing entered in a superbike race though, I think the panniers would scrape before the rider got his knee down, ha ha! Cheers, Terry. 
[/quote]

[Zaipai]

Wow, I said it before and I will say it again. That is crazy to take such an expensive bike and drag it around corners.. I guess if you have the money then its not a big deal.. Cool video tho paulages..

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

Ever notice how easy it is for guys to rip on a bike they can't afford?

Rag on H/D....okay....fine....how many of you have ever OWNED one much less RIDDEN ONE?

Much easier than working you butt off to save and buy one.

Class warfare is a tired hand guys....you gotta come up with a new strategy, or start working some overtime, and get over your insecurity from not having achieved $hit in your life......

~Joe

[the technological J]

some one posted on this forum a harley laying out on a bend at deals gap.... you would have to really know your bike not to lose traction by lifting one of the tires scraping a peg

[Zaipai]

Ever notice how easy it is for guys to rip on a bike they can't afford?

Rag on H/D....okay....fine....how many of you have ever OWNED one much less RIDDEN ONE?

Much easier than working you butt off to save and buy one.

Class warfare is a tired hand guys....you gotta come up with a new strategy, or start working some overtime, and get over your insecurity from not having achieved $hit in your life......

~Joe

Not true, I could afford one.. I choose not too. I have been on a couple. Just not my cup of tea is all. I also have neighbors that own them and believe me they can have them. Again its not my thing and I am not the target audience HD is shooting for and for what you get, its just too much money. Also, don't forget what attracts members to this forum Joe, don't expect to see many here wanting one even if they can afford it.

Also not wanting or not affording a HD does not mean you have not achieved $hit in your life..That is giving HD's way too much credit.

.: Scott :.

[Retro Rocket]

Ever notice how easy it is for guys to rip on a bike they can't afford?

I've ridden them Joe and i wouldn't buy one new ever, not because i can't afford one but because they are not worth the money IMO. I have said this before, i looked into buying one a while back but wanted something unique, thats when i realised that i could build one without one part actually coming from Harley Davidson at all, makes you kinda wonder just how good they are when they leave the factory, well it made me wonder. Has nothing to do with money for me and i definitely don't get into the hype, so i was making my decisions based on what i had learned myself. Its like owning a big old V8, looks great sounds great but not very practical.

Mick

[Terry in Australia]

You're right Mick, there is a huge aftermarket industry for not just bolt on Harley performance parts, but for complete alternative engines, gearboxes, you name it, you can buy it. S&S make some fantastic engines, 124 cu inch (2000cc) and really good BHP and torque. I'd love to build a bike around something like that, with a 5 or 6 speed box and strong frame, suspension and brakes, I reckon it'd be an absolute blast!

Sadly, to build a bike of that quality and level of performance for the price of a new Harley would be impossible, (the big S&S engine prices start at over $8000.00 US alone) so they'd probably have to send the company "off shore" (China?) to make a bike like that viable. Victory Cycles aren't bad bikes from what I've heard, (I might take one for a test ride on Saturday, just for fun) but I don't know how they compare with Harleys and other cruisers.

I don't think not wanting to own a Harley equates to not being able to afford one either, used Harleys (in the US, at least) are cheap, (I'll import my next one, even with air freight it'll be cheaper than here in Oz) although I don't think they'll ever be as cheap as used Japanese bikes, as their styling seems to remain "timeless", compared to older Japanese bikes that seem to date very quickly, which of course, affects their resale value. (except for the mighty CB750, of course!) Cheers, Terry.  

[Retro Rocket]

They seem to hold their resale value way better here than in the US. I think it would definitely be cheaper to import than to buy here..I still think i could build a pretty good Harley for under 20 grand Terry, i may not use Harley suspension but i think i could build a pretty cool bike for that kind of money...

Mick

[traveler]

I'm talking about these silly little videos that come out whereby they try to belittle something, that they obviously can't afford or have no experience on.

Do you have any idea how many guys still think modern harleys are the same oil leakers as the old shovelheads of 35+ years ago?

~Joe

[Inigo Montoya]

Well actually the oil leaking continued till the evo engine really. It came out in 84 but you can say 35+ years if you have bad math skills. otherwise, it would be 26 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson_Evolution_engine

[Zaipai]

I'm talking about these silly little videos that come out whereby they try to belittle something, that they obviously can't afford or have no experience on.

Do you have any idea how many guys still think modern harleys are the same oil leakers as the old shovelheads of 35+ years ago?

~Joe

Sorry Joe, I miss understood what you were saying.. My bad..

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

It's okay....I'm getting a kick out of Senior Montoya's liberal condecention, when he knows darn good and well what I'm talking about.

~Joe

[Inigo Montoya]

I think you mean this word: conscientious. Anyways, if you get a kick out of being wrong, then good for you!

[edbikerii]

Haha!  Ol' Eldar and I go way back, Joe.  I'm staying away from liberal Eldar and his pseudo-condescention this time!

Fact is, after nearly 100 years, Harley may have finally figured out how to make a simple push-rod twin stop leaking oil, but they still haven't figured out how to make their bikes handle well, stop well, or accelerate well.

Not a "class war" for me.  Class wars are for poor people -- let them eat cake!  I can afford to buy a Harley, but I know better.  Truth be told, I am a bit of a cheapskate, though.  Come to think of it, that's really why I can afford to buy a Harley.

More truth:  I'd rather have a leaky old pan-head or shovel-head than any "retro" modern Harley.  At least they were genuine, from a time when Harleys were truly one of the better bikes on the road.  Not a new bike deliberately hampered by 40 year old engineering in the name of "styling".  I can't stand the thought of paying >$20,000 for a decked-out Road King, and then constantly having to make mental excuses for it.  Again, that's why I'd test my buddy's V-Rod, but won't waste another second on any other Harley, unless they start modernizing.

Of course, in my opinion, Harleys have been WAY behind the curve since about 1975, when Honda introduced the GoldWing.  The GoldWing is a better bike all around, and looks better too.  The GL1800 seems a bit bloated and plastic for my tastes, but all accounts from experienced riders (including Nicky Hayden) indicate that it is a wonderful machine.  I prefer my GL1200 or a Valkyrie.

For your amusement, here's a GL1800 that you won't soon catch on your CB750, let alone any Harley:

It's okay....I'm getting a kick out of Senior Montoya's liberal condecention, when he knows darn good and well what I'm talking about.

~Joe

[Inigo Montoya]

Oh you found me out again ed! Tell me, why are you not on the nypd with your psychic powers?
At least you are actually right about harleys!

[Nikkisixx]

The rider laughs maniacally to himself at the new Harley with "40 year old technology", secretly hoping his 40 year old bike doesn't break down...

[Laminar]

[Industrial Cafe]

who's that d-bag and why is he eying me pensively?