Topic: i know i know its a honda forum please dont blast me

[ev0lution7]

Ok here is the back round i'm sure i'm gunna get flamed... My wife started to see me work on my Cb750 and she was thinking i might be gone ALOT ridding this summer and her dad has a bagger (93 police special HD) and he goes on rides all the time (used to have a GL1000 77' but he hates "jap" bikes  ) anyways so our friend had this bike with 2400 miles on it it was an 04 garage kept and its decently fast... ( it will almost keep up with the 750) so i got it for 3g's below blue book and got it insured and registered ( somehow i got stuck with paying for it even though the wife doesnt know how to ride and she always has an excuse to NOT pay for her bike be always deplets my honda fund.. ) so i have ridden it a few times and it SUCKS really bad its Rough, sloppy, it idles like the motor is coming apart... its heavy (600lbs) and its NOT faster than a stock 750... YET every day i have to hear about how great that bike it and how horrible the "honda" is and how i should get rid of my SMOOOOOOTH fast clean bike for another! bike payment and buy a Harley sportster.. YUK

anyways here are the pics let me know what you think...

[chopstar500]

Much like music, when it comes to motorcycles, I respect all types. That's a clean lookin' bike (always liked the newer Sportster Custom) - Sounds like a good score too.

[PJ]

I don't think anyone here will flame you for wanting the opinion of this forum, just probably should have put it in the "other bikes" section. Harley makes a fine motorcycle, that said you know what your getting when you buy one. I had an 883 a long time ago and really liked it. It did all the "harley" stuff (shake, noise, rattle) but I rode it for 35K+ before selling it. It was easy to own and the only problem was the neighbors. I have other motorcycles than my CB and like them all. They just all do specific things well but nothing makes me smile more than riding the old CB down a fall country road all by myself..
peace

p.s. just wonder how you would do if you posted a pic of the SOHC on a Harley board??

[bill440cars]

so i have ridden it a few times and it SUCKS really bad its Rough, sloppy, it idles like the motor is coming apart... its heavy (600lbs) and its NOT faster than a stock 750... YET every day i have to hear about how great that bike it and how horrible the "honda" is and how i should get rid of my SMOOOOOOTH fast clean bike for another! bike payment and buy a Harley sportster.. YUK

anyways here are the pics let me know what you think...

          First I'd like it to be clear that I have absolutely nothing against what another person owns or rides.   I figure that, if you can get it (and want it), then you should. But, I quoted what you said about your impression of the ride and think that says alot. I always thought (even though I was raised to be anti Harley) that if I were to ever have one, it would be a Sportster. Well, a friend had a 2003 (I think) model 883 that was an 1100 conversion or something (again, I think)
and he asked me if I could help him with some parts for it (I ended up doing the work). After I worked on it (and I'll have to say that it was a pretty sharp looking bike), I was talking with him and he suggested that I take it for a ride. So, I did and that ride blew all evidence of me even Thinking of wanting a Sportster! The noise (a Honda Four, or even a Twin, with a decent exhaust sounds so much better, the ride felt "Clumsy" and by that I mean, when I ride a Honda or any Jap bike, it feels like it feels like we belong together. I don't know how to best describe it. It's just that most bikes that I've ridden, really felt good and that Sportster felt like it didn't even want me on there! Going straight was fine, but when I tried to turn, the bike didn't want to. It didn't feel well balanced or something. Nobody here should have any ill feelings for you, if you decidd to get on for yourself. It's entirely up to you.    

[Dunk]

Sloppy handling and poor performance... Not to mention overpriced (though it seems you got a more decent price). It's sad when my CB750 can take a 1445 cc Harley and keep pulling away (my buddy recently got a 88 cubic inch wideglide, a couple years used). Oh, and forget trying to have fun in the twisties with those bikes, lean much at all and it feels like the thing just wants to go down. Engine looks like it's about to fall out from vibration, yet they don't rev very high (so not a cam issue). Meh, just not my thing. I prefer a bike that performs. To each his own though. I don't knock Harleys unless someone asks my honest opinion.

[cleveland]

2 wheels are two wheels!  I have found that only people with "Little big man syndrome" will fault you for not riding the kind of bike they think makes you a man.

Your CB vs the Harley is simple.  Your trading the things you like (light bike, smooth idle, etc.) for what your wife likes (strong image, rough idle, etc.).  They both have their pro's and con's. 

Also, don't be too quick to pass judgment on the "cool factor" of the Harley.  I think we all suffer from it on one level or another.  There are things I have done to my CB550 just because it looks cool.  I know I am not alone, especially in this group.   

If you want less grief about wrenching on and modifying your Honda, simply pick up a Harley after market parts catalog.  Pick out the most expensive parts and go you your wife with a list and the prices.  Once she sees the cost she will be happy to indulge your Honda project. 

[jmckinne]

so i have ridden it a few times and it SUCKS really bad its Rough, sloppy, it idles like the motor is coming apart... its heavy (600lbs) and its NOT faster than a stock 750...

You should be happy about all that Ev0. That's how you know you got a genuine Harley and not a cheap imitation. Congratulations! You've got the real deal.

[750K2]

i know a guy who raves about the Evo engine, saying it's the best that harley has produced.  being new to bikes in general i asked him to explain what it was about harley's that make them have such a loyal following and he said if i had to ask...i wouldn't understand. i may not be the most mechanically savvy person on the block but i know it certainly isn't the techically advanced, smooth running engine.  so perhaps it's the harley culture that he enjoys.   i'm not one to judge that but i'm quite happy with what i have.  my brother had an 883 and loved it until it unexpectedly and somewhat inexplicably went out from under him on a turn, trashing the bike and his ankle.   perhaps you could wait a respectful period of time and then sell it for a profit?

[medic09]

Let me get this straight - it's for the wife, right?  So roll your eyes  and say 'yes, dear'.  Practice that.  'Yes, dear'.

She has to be happy with it, not you. (Aside, of course, the embarrassment of being seen with it, and having it in your driveway.)

My wife insisted on buying the bike she wanted.  She's been happy since, even though the bike she rode before it (my old Yamaha) was a much finer machine in many ways.  But now, SHE is happy.  She likes to ride her bike.  Of course, she did buy a HONDA. 

At least your wife got the first letter of the name - H - right. 

[Gordon]

i asked him to explain what it was about harley's that make them have such a loyal following and he said if i had to ask...i wouldn't understand.

Pshh!  That's just code for "I don't understand either, I just bought into the culture."  There's nothing wrong with any bike company having a loyal following, but that kind of response just screams POSER!!

[750K2]

nah gordon, i've known him for years and he's a damned good man.  this guy has more than paid his dues to get out of 'poser' classification.  it was the end of a long, long, weekend and maybe he just didn't want to explain it all to a newbie like me.  but i'm pretty sure it is the culture that he enjoys and he happily went on to describe a great group ride across and around central america last fall, 120 bikers strong.   whatever one says about the mechanical aspects of a harley, it seems that owning one - even if you're not a mean-assed biker - means that there's some ground for comraderie among fellow riders.   i gotta admit that i'm more of a 'whatever floats your boat dude' sort than he may be but there's an awful lot of loyal harley riders out there. and of course, posers as well.

[333]

i know a guy who raves about the Evo engine, saying it's the best that harley has produced.  being new to bikes in general i asked him to explain what it was about harley's that make them have such a loyal following and he said if i had to ask...i wouldn't understand.

That is the standard answer from people who really don't understand.  People who have been fooled into the hype of Harley being so cool.  People who suffer lack of power and smoothness, and an ability to keep oil in the engine.  People who trust the technology of 40 or 50 years ago.  And people who choose a brand of bike that can only compete on a racetrack against themselves.  Can you tell that that phrase gets my goat?

And I never even mentioned I had a goat.

[PJ]

I had a Harley and I never did "understand". I liked the bike, just never really fit in with the huge group ride/bar hopping stuff. I don't really drink, like BBQ or country music that much. I thought the greatest harley was always the XR750, people are starting to make replica XRs now.

[medic09]

People who trust the technology of 40 or 50 years ago. 

You mean like me, on my 30 year old Honda or 32 year old Triumph (when I get it running)?   

[750K2]

And I never even mentioned I had a goat.

now we need a picture of a pissed off goat, preferably in a side car

[medic09]

Well, this one looks dead, so I guess he's ticked off...

[750K2]

that's what i love about this forum....ask and ye shall receive. 

[333]

People who trust the technology of 40 or 50 years ago. 

You mean like me, on my 30 year old Honda or 32 year old Triumph (when I get it running)?   

I'm not referring to us, people who can't find what we want in today's bikes.  I'm talking about guys that buy new Harleys that use 40 or 50 year old technology.

[gene03079]

I don't think your gona get flamed. { Though Harleys should have a flame paint job.}

I was going to tell you Sportsters are for girls but that's kind of a Harley thing.

One thing I do know is a bit about old Hondas and newer Harleys. I own some of both and ride them all. You can not beet a Honda for the fun factor and ease of repair. I regularly ride around on a restored SL175. Just an all out fun bike and a copy of my very first motorcycle. The 350's and 550 fours are just a blast to ride and the sound is sweet. My Harley is an 08 Ultra Classic. Absolutely 40 year old technology. I can fix this thing fast on the side of the road if needed. Just an over grown lawn mower engine. You load up all the bags and put the wife on the back, pop in a CD and cruise for 275 miles non stop with out a problem. The Harley Ultra is made to tour a Sportster not so much.

Every one has a brand preference. But if I had to chose between a Sportser and a nice running 750 the 750 would win hands down. Last weekend I had a chance to see an old 750 in action. I was motoring along up the highway on my HD fully loaded to have lunch about 150 miles north of my house. I was moving at a very good clip to make up some time when I spotted an old 750 running up ahead of me. As I got a bit closer I could see the guy was running 2 up and well loaded with luggage. I followed him for a few miles and must say I was very impressed to see the pace he was easily moving at.[ The guy is a member her so the speed will be kept confidential.] That old 750 had no problems moving past quite a few new bikes of all brands. As we neared an intersecting high way I could see the 750 moving right to take another road. I moved along side him and we exchanged waves. If your wife wants to know if a 750 can cruise all day long in comfort with a Harley please have her call me.

[edbikerii]

So, let me rephrase the question as I understand it:

Should you cave into the "peer" pressure, and buy an overpirced, poor running, poor handling bike that you don't even like, and will have to make payments on, simply because everybody ELSE says you should?

If you have to ask........

[kpier883]

I have taken several fairly long trips with a good friend who rides an 07 ultra something or other.  Although I am not a racer wannabe, I do enjoy some spirited riding in the twisties.  I can assure you that someone with the intention of riding his or her Harley at a spirited pace through a twisty section will not be embarrassed by its performance.  I snow ski with this guy from time to time as well and it is the same  when it comes to getting down a ski slope.  Skill and risk acceptance will mostly determine the speed at which one skis.

My opinion is that given two people with roughly the same abilities and amount of comfort with risk can ride a twisty section of road at about the same speed whether on the Harley or the CB750.  Each bike will excel in different areas of the curve, and may use different braking and accelerating techniques, but in the end, can wind up at the destination at about the same time.

I have ridden his bike a fair amount and have actually been fairly impressed with the cornering ability, even though I am not in my comfort zone with the  w a y  it corners.

I say that if you got a good bike well below blue book value, then WAY TO GO!  The Harley will hold its value fairly well, so you should always be able to get a good return on your money down the road!

Additionally, when you stop for a fill up, a meal, a drink or to shoot the breeze, it doesn't matter what you are riding.  It matters that you had a good time on your bike and had a good time with your friends.  Maybe enjoyed some scenery, faced a storm or a careless driver and lived to tell about it; took some curves too fast and some too slow, broke some speed limits and got lost.  The guys you don't want to spend time with are those on either side that can't relax and have a good time because what someone else is riding.

Peace.

Kirk P.

[333]

So, let me rephrase the question as I understand it:

Should you cave into the "peer" pressure, and buy an overpirced, poor running, poor handling bike that you don't even like, and will have to make payments on, simply because everybody ELSE says you should?

If you have to ask........

DON'T DO IT!!!!  DO NOT FINISH THAT PHRASE!!!!

[gregimotis]

You could arrange a ride to a vintage bike rally/show.  See how that works out for your '08 Harley friends.

[masonryman]

I ,personally, don't like the sound of a twin and had never given a thought to owning a Harley but I once took a ride on a 02 Pearl white custom fat boy on a collage campus in Indiana. I must say I could not stop smiling, I mean a stupid ear to ear grin, it was embarrassing I had a ball on that bike that day.

 Don't under estimate the different experiences to be had on different bikes. I mostly ride a zx10, I like my cb 550, I want a KLR, KDX or CR 650R. Bikes don't get jealous when take out one of their stable mates, I would have one of each if I could afford it

[bzr]

Harleys racing CBs...yeah, a 1968 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham won't turn sub-8 minute lap times at the Nurburgring, but it's still one of my favorite cars in the world. That's basically Harleys in a nutshell to me. I'm not a big fan of the FTHLSEHST Night Train dressers with their massive windshields and buckets o' chrome, but I would get a Sportster in a heartbeat. I think they're pretty #$%*in' looking, and handling be damned.

Then again, my favorite car in the world is a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six-Pak with a pistol-grip shifter, so what do I know?