Harley Dudes

[bwringer]

Heck, I wave enthusiastically at everyone on two wheels, traffic and conditions permitting.

If they wave back, great. I've got a new pal. If they don't, I figure maybe it will do a tiny, tiny little bit to penetrate that stupid Hardley "attitude". They sure as heck can't say they didn't see the waving goofball in the bright yellow helmet and bright blue jacket.

[Nerobro]

Two things to remember here:

1.) Being more technologically advanced does not automatically make something better. As a matter of fact, most of the time, it makes it even less reliable.

2.) If we want to compare a Harley at only 500cc, let's think about it the other way go ahead and give it 4 cylinders instead of two. Now that would be a monster. Roughly 150hp and 175 ft-lb of torque could lay a pretty good hurtin' on the new "technologically advanced" bikes making only 80 ft-lb. 8)

Well.. if you want to call a GS less reliable than a harley, I"ll let you have at it. Properly applied technology, even if it means it's more complex, is more reliable.

Now, if we made a harley four cylinder, we'd need to be just as fair to the competition. The cylinder count wasn't even the question though. Just horsepower/displacement. if you want a fair comparison look at that S&S motor in direct comparison to a triumph rocket three. The harleys torque curve looks PITTIFULL in comparison.

Also keep in mind, it's the drivability of the torque curve. The harley has some interesting spikes. and it's not terriably even. Look at the SV650 or the ducati monster. The torque curve is almost flat. That's what makes for an easily controled engine and bike. (that's the key to superbike engines, the detune them to produce that nice flat torque curve) If you want to ignore drivabilty, horsepower is horsepower. The bigger the number, the faster the bike. Torque isn't "really" a factor in acceleration or top speed if you have adequate gearing.

that's not to say I'm not friendly to all riders :-)

[Anonymous]

Heck, I wave enthusiastically at everyone on two wheels, traffic and conditions permitting.

If they wave back, great. I've got a new pal. If they don't, I figure maybe it will do a tiny, tiny little bit to penetrate that stupid Hardley "attitude". They sure as heck can't say they didn't see the waving goofball in the bright yellow helmet and bright blue jacket.

I get waves from HD riders 'cos they see the high bars and think I'm one of their gang.The looks I get when they realise it's an old Jap 4 are priceless. 8) Don't get many from race rep pilots,probably because they'd fall off if they took one hand off the bars!

[Nerobro]

Yaknow, I do think cruiser riders are friendlier as a rule. :-)

[Anonymous]

Yaknow, I do think cruiser riders are friendlier as a rule. :-)

Yep,them and tourers!We get a great deal of European riders in Edinburgh,you name it they ride it,and most of them seem friendlier than yer average Brit race-rep pilot!

[earlfor]

A 20 year old 85 GS 1150 in stock configuration, if upsized to 2376cc would output 271 hp.

Earl

[quote="FireRescueFL"]
Speaking of power, I found these specs on the S&S website.
145cid Evolution V-twin

- Displacement 144.7 CI (2376cc)

- Max Horsepower: 186 @ 5700 rpm

[scotty]

[quote="earlfor"]A 20 year old 85 GS 1150 in stock configuration, if upsized to 2376cc would output 271 hp.

Earl

Speaking of power, I found these specs on the S&S website.
145cid Evolution V-twin

- Displacement 144.7 CI (2376cc)

- Max Horsepower: 186 @ 5700 rpm

Earl that wouldnt be fair 8O 8O 8O

[fast eddie]

My disdain for Harleys in general is directed at the riders not the bikes. I have a few (several) years of riding under the belt and have met more than a few novices whose brand new Harley came with an unattractive accessory; superior attitude. That I can't stomach.

That being said, however, it's as regular as the seasons: the plaintive cry of "why won't he wave back, we're all bikers" etc etc. I'll give anybody on 2 wheels benefit of the doubt there, but how about this: I'll wave at a biker who is attired from head to toe in protective gear (or a reasonable facsimile thereof). Anybody driving a bike, be it a HD or rice-rocket, dressed in shorts, sandals and a tank-top, just doesn't take it as seriously as they ought to, and doesn't deserve my attention.

That's my 0.02$, I'll step off the soap box now... ; )

[scotty]

My disdain for Harleys in general is directed at the riders not the bikes. I have a few (several) years of riding under the belt and have met more than a few novices whose brand new Harley came with an unattractive accessory; superior attitude. That I can't stomach.

That being said, however, it's as regular as the seasons: the plaintive cry of "why won't he wave back, we're all bikers" etc etc. I'll give anybody on 2 wheels benefit of the doubt there, but how about this: I'll wave at a biker who is attired from head to toe in protective gear (or a reasonable facsimile thereof). Anybody driving a bike, be it a HD or rice-rocket, dressed in shorts, sandals and a tank-top, just doesn't take it as seriously as they ought to, and doesn't deserve my attention.

That's my 0.02$, I'll step off the soap box now... ; )

Move your half frozen butt to south florida and maybe you will change your mind. just maybe.
There are some of us who have had road rash many times and full gear didnt stop it.
Ok off my soap box

[fast eddie]

Scotty;

I'll be honest, not a lot of t-shirt and shorts-wearing bikers when November comes around up here... hehehe.

On the other hand, in this medicared country of ours, every time some chump goes down and needs multi-skin grafts, burn treatments etc, that's my tax money paying for his rehab. I guess I'm just lucky enough that the times I went down, the worst injuries were to my full-face, leather, gloves and ego.

[nayasoldman]

I always wave because I figure folks on two wheels are having as good a time as I am

[scotty]

Scotty;

I'll be honest, not a lot of t-shirt and shorts-wearing bikers when November comes around up here... hehehe.

On the other hand, in this medicared country of ours, every time some chump goes down and needs multi-skin grafts, burn treatments etc, that's my tax money paying for his rehab. I guess I'm just lucky enough that the times I went down, the worst injuries were to my full-face, leather, gloves and ego.

i was in Quebec once in a January. I thought i was tough. HA HA i think i am still thawing out. 8O 8O I was in my car also

[fast eddie]

Ha! If you've ever wondered why all the Quebeckers head to Florida in the winter...

Weather can be a little funny sometimes though; a little perseverance will take you well into the fall. I remember riding on a warm sunny Dec 23rd, +15 deg C. The next day was -10C, and that was it for the season.

[lhanscom]

Ha! If you've ever wondered why all the Quebeckers head to Florida in the winter...

Weather can be a little funny sometimes though; a little perseverance will take you well into the fall. I remember riding on a warm sunny Dec 23rd, +15 deg C. The next day was -10C, and that was it for the season.

Yep, I usually get out at least once a month year round. It may not be a long trip, but it's something.

[Anonymous]

used to trash HD myself

After years of riding GS's (GS650L, GS450G, GS1100Gl, GS1100GK) I decided to look for something new and different. I looked at Suzuki V-strom, motoguzzi, honda, triumph, bmw, and yes, Harley. For various reasons I discounted most bikes I looked at.. though came close to getting a new Triumph Bonnie. I read some great reviews on the new rubber mounted Sporties, and decided to take a look. Well something happened to my brain and before I knew it I had bought a 2004 XL1200 Custom Sportster. I put on 1,000 miles in one week of break in.. Then I took a 1400 mile four day trip. I love this bike. I don't care what is said about technical inferiority etc., it is just plain fun to ride. I have heard that the older Sportsers would rattle so much as to shake your teeth out.. but I find nothing wrong with this 2004 rubber mounted ride. But, I also miss the joy? of tuning, maintaining these old GS's., and will look for one again.. but will definitely be keeping the Sporty.

The key if to get out there and ride. I like the upright position where I can enjoy the view of the countryside as I tool around; some people like to scream down highways oblivous to their surroundings.. speed is their game. To each their own. I find joy in riding both the GS's and the Sportster. Anybody who rides is all right wth me, I don't care what their choice of two wheels is.. they are riding.