| Author | Message | ||
     No_rice |
the new harley superlow... http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/s portster.html so unless there is another one they are working on this seems to be what they were talking about here... "Subject: Cycle World Reviews New 2011 Sportster Motorcycle Dear Harley-Davidson Dealer: Harley-Davidson recently gave Cycle World Magazine the opportunity to test a 2011 Sportster model, and the resulting feature article will appear in the September issue, which will hit mailboxes right around the time of the Summer Dealer Meeting. This new Sportster model is aimed squarely at new riders, for all of those dreamers who never thought they could handle a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the Summer Dealer Meeting, you’ll learn more about how the engineering team at the Product Development Center was able to create the best, most balanced riding model of any middleweight cruiser. And while it’s still an all-metal motorcycle, it’s lighter than it looks. But riding is believing, and here’s some of what Cycle World had to say: "The new [Sportster] is a much nicer machine to ride as a result of its new rubber and the changes that accompany it—which include longer-travel shocks out back wrapped in progressive springs, a restuffed seat, a new handlebar bend and even revised steering geometry…” and “…It all, not surprisingly, adds up to a Sportster that rides smoother and handles better…"and "…much less spinning mass really lightens and tightens the Sportster’s steering, not that it was ever all that heavy…” and “…the [Sportster] does provide really nice, neutral, precise steering…” and finally the quote that says it all “…this really is the sweetest-riding Sportster ever.” We think you’ll agree. In fact, you’ll have the chance to demo ride this new Sportster model yourself during the Expo in Las Vegas, so be sure to take advantage of that opportunity. We can’t wait to tell you more about our global marketing plans aimed at driving new customers into your dealership to see this bike, and to hear your impressions once you’ve ridden this new Sportster. See you in Las Vegas" i havent even looked at what else they have put new paint on... | ||
| No_rice |
damint that was supposed to say here's. grr | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Ha! No way that will fly. I know of dealers that bitch about relacement costs for the Blast's that tip over. These things will end up looking like a train wreck in short order. | ||
| Spank |
What is with that company... | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Unless something has changed that I don't know.... Its a 883 and thats wont fly for Riders Edge.. They gotta come up with something 500 cc's or smaller | ||
| No_rice |
but but but its an inch lower..... and it has an 18 on the front... 17 on the rear... and the forks and triples are lighter i am not SURE this is the new riders edge bike, but they sure seem to be trying to aim it at beginners. i still hope there is something else. this is way to heavy and expensive to be a training bike. | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
I don't care what little things here and there they change on the Sportster (yes, even the XR1200), but it is still a ~550lb Sportster. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
still looks like another ugly sportster to me. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
for that matter it looks to me like they have taken away the regular plain jane sportster out of the line up all together. | ||
| Jaimec |
Remember, until the Blast came along (with all of Harley's promised money) the largest bike you could use in the MRC:RSS was 250cc. Harley will just wave more money in front of the MSF (which is a WHOLLY owned subsidiary of the Motorcycle Industry Council) and the next thing you know, 883cc motorcycles will be "appropriate learning motorcycles." | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
I think it is A. to expensive of a motorcycle to use for such a course B. to heavy of a motorcycle and C. too much engine for the course that has people who have sometimes never even sat on a bike before. | ||
| Rainman |
The Blast is a tough training bike the first day and a great training bike for the second. A revised, redone, recalibrated Sportster may be a good bike, but unless it's 350 pounds and 500 cc or less, it's not going to fly. I would hesitate to teach on it. | ||
| Rainman |
Just looked at the specs. Won't make it in MSF. I'd buy it if it was $1,500 less and 3 inches taller in the seat. | ||
| Ratbuell |
536 dry, 563 in running order. Ya. That'll be light enough for a 95-lb minichick to start riding on. They're just trying too damned hard. The XL line has had problems for YEARS...(in the marketplace, that is - they're actually pretty solid bikes) but here they go expanding the line YET AGAIN. OH. Wait. I think I see....well...nah, none of those are superlows in the pictures: http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/G et_On_A_Bike/Learn_To_Ride/new_rider_course.jsp Schmucks. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I wouldn't be surprised if the Rider's Edge program diverts from MSF over the model approved. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Man, you know what really sucks about this? We can't click over to buell.com and spout off about the new 2011 models there...  | ||
| Spiderman |
I wouldn't be surprised if the Rider's Edge program diverts from MSF over the model approved. If they do they can't certify riders to get their endorsement, insurance discount, etc... | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Oh, they'll try. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Without an approved bike, they aren't going to certify anyone anyway. | ||
| Spiderman |
Yeah and they are missing a large demographic if their only pull is 'Learn to ride a Harley' I had many a different rider that came into my Riders Edge class just to take a long laid back class not the the state ones around my area that are compressed into 3 days.. | ||
| Pwnzor |
not that it was ever all that heavy…  | ||
| Reg_kittrelle |
Maybe some of you ought to read what you write now and then. You don't like the Sportster. Nothing wrong with that opinion. Just know that I lot of riders do like it. I wonder what your problem is with H-D offering a bike for "new riders?" Heavy? You bet. But you also know that weight, per se, is not the issue. Now, your vaunted XBs are certainly lighter, but they are much less a "new rider's" bike that is the XL. Try and see my point here. Now, the dearly departed Blast. Along with being one of the least attractive motorcycles ever to see the light of day (I know... IMO), it was also limited in how you might use it comfortably (I know, rider's tour on them). I write this only because this on-going pity party really gets pathetic at times (I know, no one's forcing me to read it). | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I don't have any problem with the new Sportster. It is, however, incompatible with the regulations administered by MSF. My understanding was that HD got special exception with MSF to use the Blast since it was 2X the displacement of the rest of the MSF approved bikes. Now maybe MSF will make another exception for this bike. Maybe there is NO INTENT to use this bike for MSF. I don't know. I didn't see anything in the article posted above that indicated that it would be. I believe that jump of assumption was made by others. I was merely answering that supposition with some of my own. (Message edited by ft_bstrd on July 27, 2010) | ||
| Babired |
Hey Reg I went to to a HD dealer last week to pick up a friend and the sales lady told me I have to ride the new 1200X model they have on the floor. Then gave me a copy of a write up on it. So I was reading it and in the article the writer states the damping characteristics work with the new D209 dunlops. In the other thread I was asking how could tires be related to damping when damping is the speed of fluid from one tube to another depending on smooth or sharp bumps. I was hoping you would catch it but it went dead. I'm going to ride the new 1200X and the 48 just for the experience. I can't believe that HD would put out a bike like the 883 for a trainer it will be very interesting to see what they do come out with. K | ||
| Buellkowski |
To Reg's comment, a lot of people here have first-hand experience with the wonderful motorcyclery H-D could manufacture if they chose to. That they repeatedly choose not to (or are unable to) simply makes them look cartoonish in these enthusiasts' minds, worthy of snark. Deep down, as Americans, I think we all want an H-D Inc. we can believe in. The BadWeB simply is not seeing it. Field a Sporty that could truly run (looks, price, performance) with the likes of a Sport 1000 or a Thruxton (not the XR1200), and I'll bet you'll hear many compliments here. Likewise, engineer a new bike that's solid, inspirational, and truly easy for newb riders and I think few people here would complain. (Message edited by buellkowski on July 27, 2010) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I think a better question is why the hell did they bother keeping the Rocker in the line up? | ||
| Blake |
RK >>> Maybe some of you ought to read what you write now and then. Ditto. >>> You don't like the Sportster. Nothing wrong with that opinion. Just know that a lot of riders do like it. I like it. Won't ever purchase one or any other H-D machine while current crop of liars and jerks are running HDI. >>> I wonder what your problem is with H-D offering a bike for "new riders?" That if it is to be a Sportster variant, it would be a very poor bike for new riders, & they already have one in the Blast. >>> Heavy? You bet. But you also know that weight, per se, is not the issue. It is certainly a major issue. Part of the MSF class includes picking up a fallen bike. Weight matters. >>> Now, your vaunted XBs are certainly lighter, but they are much less a "new rider's" bike that is the XL. Try and see my point here. Your point is a straw man as no one is suggesting that an XB should fill the role of a beginner bike. "Your vaunted XBs"? Trying a bit too earnestly for confrontational tone considering that this is a Buell enthusiasts' forum? LOL. >>> Now, the dearly departed Blast. Along with being one of the least attractive motorcycles ever to see the light of day (I know... IMO), So do the work, revise the design, make it pretty. Lots of Blast owners have HDI is too stupid and arrogant? >>> it was also limited in how you might use it comfortably (I know, rider's tour on them). You are suggesting that an excellent beginner bike should also be an excellent touring bike? An 883 Sportster is such a bike? Huh? >>> I write this only because this on-going pity party really gets pathetic at times (I know, no one's forcing me to read it). Don't mistake anger for pity, and stop trying so hard to appear authoritative. | ||
| Rainman |
Never did like the Rocker. The Sportster, on the other hand, I've always liked. Had a 4-speed, chain drive, solid mount for 15 years and drove the hell out of it. I'd own another one too, if they put out a 29-inch seat height, again, with tubeless tires and mid-mount controls. 26.5 inches hurt my hips. I like the XR1200. Sure, it ain't a Buell XB, but it's a fun ride. I still have a love/hate relationship with HD, currently in my hate phase. I'm hoping they develop a new bike (don't think they ever started until after Buell died) and that they figure out how to market it. They've got the engine. | ||
| Ourdee |
Sportster could be used in a beginners course. If the course taught riding in a straight line, it would be good for that. In Illinois the Rider's Edge Course was not acceptable for your endorsement on the drivers license. Illinois' 3 day MSF course is free for residents. | ||
| Keef |
HD liked the Blast even though it cost way over budget to build and Buell lost money on every one of them,Erik built them at his factory in East Troy because he had to not because he wanted to,but it is,was a buell and I have ridden several and I have to admit they were fun in their own way,I do not own one,but I do own 4 Buells S-3,M-2,xb12Ss,and my sweet heart my red 1125CR, BUT if I find one of those one lungers in decent shape,at I price I want to spend,I will add a Blast to my gaggle of Buells LONG LIVE BUELL and all who love the machine..  |
