Any Harley's here?

[650cafe]

here's a pickup line you'll never hear in a bar "hey babe, wanna ride my suzuki?"

why do suzuki riders wear full face helmets? It's not to protect there head, it's to protect their identity

lmao!!!!!!

[UncleMike]

To me comparing a Harley to a UJM is like comparing a big-block Chevelle to a Porsche or something similar...maybe a Datsun Z. Guys assume that because Harleys are air-cooled, 2 valve per cylinder, pushrod engines that they are old, frail, and wimpy. Hell, Chevy's LS engine line still uses that same technology, with the advantage of liquid cooling. And they are one of the finest engine platforms around.

I'd say the big-block vs. Datsun Z is a spot-on comparison.

However, I don't think anyone has ever assumed a Harley V-twin is frail or wimpy.

[850 Combat]

I'd say the big-block vs. Datsun Z is a spot-on comparison.

However, I don't think anyone has ever assumed a Harley V-twin is frail or wimpy.

Big block in a dump truck, maybe. A Corvette or Camaro or a Holden Maloo, or a Vauxhall Monaro, or a Cadillac with an LS2 is a fast car. Even the V Rod is not a fast motorcycle by the standards of a 1980 GS1100, or a 2004 SV 650. Realistically, I see no parallel between the performance of the LS family and the big twin.

[UncleMike]

Big block in a dump truck, maybe. A Corvette or Camaro or a Holden Maloo, or a Vauxhall Monaro, or a Cadillac with an LS2 is a fast car. Even the V Rod is not a fast motorcycle by the standards of a 1980 GS1100, or a 2004 SV 650. Realistically, I see no parallel between the performance of the LS family and the big twin.

Yeah, but most of those old musclecars DID have truck suspensions!

[850 Combat]

I used to run the Lotus Club Track Day at Portland International Raceway. There were a couple Street Chevelle's that ran it too. It was fun to watch them run consistent laps and slowly reel in Porsche's and other cars you expect more from. Those Chevelle's ran some of the SCCA Solo events I used to run too. They were well set up cARS, and worked better than most people expected.

[650cafe]

Realistically, I see no parallel between the performance of the LS family and the big twin.

Same basic engine architecture perhaps? Hmm...2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-drive valves, cam in the case...none of that is similar? Hell, for a time small-blocks (which the LS is based on) and big twins even shared similar bore/stroke numbers. At one overbore size (can't remember which) guys would even run small-block pistons in their big twins. Small block valves will even interchange in some models.

The fact is that Harleys are not meant for pure performance like many foreign bikes are. They are designed for real-world riding, and their performance is tuned as such. Yes, they are stuck on style, but that doesnt mean they dont perform too. But you cant tell me that other manufacturer's dont have a symbolistic style too. Why are you drawn to Suzuki GS-series bikes rather than Honda CB's or Yamaha XS's? They all perform pretty much the same, feel the same, do the same things well...why Suzuki's? Be honest...is it cuz you "got a good deal on it"? Just happened to be a Suzuki rather than a Yamaha? Or a Harley for that matter? I like Suzuki's. Of the Japanese manufacturer's I prefer them. I cant really say why except that almost all my other motorcycles besides Harley's have been Suzuki's. I've owned 2 Honda's (junk) and 1 Husky, but still prefer Suzooks. It's because of their style, I gurantee you. Because of the stance of the bike, or the shape of the tank or the look of the engine. So don't bash on Harley's because they are style conscious. And if you dont think they can perform then you've never ridden a properly set-up one.

[650cafe]

And concerning the 1980 GS1100/v-rod comparison...they are actually about even. The GS was good for about an 11.20 ET (11.18, Cycle magazine) and the V-rod (02 model, first year) turned an 11.31 according to Motorcyclist. Yes, there are over 20 years seperating them, but for the sake of argument, the Rod is actually quite competative with the GS1100. Both bikes ran close to 120mph in the quarter.

[UncleMike]

It's all about riding position for me, nothing more. I'm 6'4" and my joints have never been very good. I need a standard position.

The silly-ass culture that comes along with Harley ownership is a whole other issue.

[650cafe]

It's all about riding position for me, nothing more. I'm 6'4" and my joints have never been very good. I need a standard position.

The silly-ass culture that comes along with Harley ownership is a whole other issue.

Fair-enough there Mike. That's one reason I prefer Harleys. I dont set up any of mine with radical ape-hangers or anything like that. I do like my feet kicked out, but the stock pegs are actually very "standard" as you put it.
I agree there is some goofy **** that can go along with owning a Harley, but it's the exception, not the rule. 90% of the Harley riders I know, you would never guess they own a bike, much less a Harley. For me alot of it has to do with owning an American-made product too. Yes, yes,....all the Japanese manufacturers employ American workers in factorys too, I know. But they didnt start out that way. Good on them for moving some production here, but too little, too late in my opinion.
I have nothing against Japanese bikes...they are excellent machines, and supremely good at what they do. Thing is, so is a Harley.

[UncleMike]

Fair-enough there Mike. That's one reason I prefer Harleys. I dont set up any of mine with radical ape-hangers or anything like that. I do like my feet kicked out, but the stock pegs are actually very "standard" as you put it.
I agree there is some goofy **** that can go along with owning a Harley, but it's the exception, not the rule. 90% of the Harley riders I know, you would never guess they own a bike, much less a Harley. For me alot of it has to do with owning an American-made product too. Yes, yes,....all the Japanese manufacturers employ American workers in factorys too, I know. But they didnt start out that way. Good on them for moving some production here, but too little, too late in my opinion.
I have nothing against Japanese bikes...they are excellent machines, and supremely good at what they do. Thing is, so is a Harley.

It's the feet-forward design that's the issue for me. My lower back can't take that for long.

I remember when I was restoring the gauges on my 1150 and needed some bulbs. The closest motorcycle shop to me in Boston was a Harley shop. When I walked in and asked about the bulbs, the guy behind the counter asked, "What bike are they for."

"Old Suzuki 1150."

"Yeah, we don't carry stuff for that jap crap."

"Oh? Where do you think the "Nippon-Denso" on your Harley gauges came from?"

They tried to pull the same sh*t when I came in the following spring for fork oil.

[tatu]

The silly-ass culture that comes along with Harley ownership is a whole other issue.

Exactly, its not the bike, its the daft up themselves tossers that ride them.

[derwood]

I have Harley shop bulbs in the tail/brake of the old suzuki, they have an extra support for the filament and stand up to vibration really well.

this entertaining video of Hildo's ratty harley vs Ricky's Yamazuki http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKqe0LdWwc

[ramrod400]

I remember when I was restoring the gauges on my 1150 and needed some bulbs. The closest motorcycle shop to me in Boston was a Harley shop. When I walked in and asked about the bulbs, the guy behind the counter asked, "What bike are they for."
.

I ran into almost same thing on my 1100e one time out on a road trip,I can't remember what happen think a wire came loose and blew out all my bulbs...

Only thing around was a harley shop, One of the parts guy acted nuts and said if it wasn't a harley they had no way of looking it up

Another guy came up and said the bulbs they had were same thing and he could hook me up..he said they would be twice as much as walmart or car parts store......So I just got headlight and taillight bulbs and headed out.

[Scout]

I need to check back in here more often! You guys really get after it holy smokes! I actually sold my 05' Softail this weekend and am now down to just one Harley which is halfway across the country in Florida. Been working my friends 79' GS1000 and finally got the tires on it and road worthy this weekend. Now I know what all the fuss is around here, this frickin' bike hauls azz and performs very well in the curves! The brakes are lacking but for a guy like me who is used the riding style of "old and slow" I found this old GS gave me a big old kick in the pants! Too be honest the lack of forward controls took me some getting use to but overall I am very impressed by these machines. My friend is a beginner and he has yet to ride her... it's honestly too much bike for him.

[UncleMike]

I need to check back in here more often! You guys really get after it holy smokes! I actually sold my 05' Softail this weekend and am now down to just one Harley which is halfway across the country in Florida. Been working my friends 79' GS1000 and finally got the tires on it and road worthy this weekend. Now I know what all the fuss is around here, this frickin' bike hauls azz and performs very well in the curves! The brakes are lacking but for a guy like me who is used the riding style of "old and slow" I found this old GS gave me a big old kick in the pants! Too be honest the lack of forward controls took me some getting use to but overall I am very impressed by these machines. My friend is a beginner and he has yet to ride her... it's honestly too much bike for him.

Lots of good options for brake upgrades. Glad to see you're having a good time with it!