| Author | Message | ||
     Bigdaddy |
The "you'll be working on them myth" should've died once the EVO was released and the fathead has taken it a step further. Anyone that trots them tired old lines out are totally out of of the information loop. Has it been painless? No. The first gen TC88 had some issues that were resolved with the expansion of the line in 2000. So IMO (and many others) the myth should've been allowed to die in 1984. All that being said there's still plenty of shovels racking up mileage too (yes, you can make a very reliable shovel with good parts, proper installation, and maintenance. Panheads can be a bit more troublesome.) | ||
| Smoke |
ride what you want, buy what you want, live with your choices. the only one i need to justify my preferences to is me. i am happy with every motorcycle i ever had, they all brought me somewhere i had never been before. now i just buy and keep, haven't sold a bike in 27 years. 66 sport, 70 SL100, 70 R5, 71 R5, 81 500SL, 92 RS, 94 monster 900, 2 95 S2, 97 S1, 98 S1W, 2000 road king classic, 9? suzuki 50, 2 quads, 08 1125R ordered and looking for another good deal. my road king has been the most reliable bike i ever had. gas, oil, tires and brakes so far with 40,000. currently awaiting me to do the 40,000 mile maintenance. keep on smilin' tim | ||
| Chasespeed |
Not mine. 78,000 miles so far Your unreliable american bike, has more miles than my reliable jap SUV... at 52k....  Been trying to find an older RK myself... Chase} | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I must admit I never did understand the Harley thing. I tried one in around 1957, and decided I liked the handling of my Norton 99 much better. Well a funny thing happened last week. I bought a Silver 2000 Dyna Superglide, sort of on a whim. A neighbor had one he hadn't used in years. Sold it for a song. I must admit that I took quite a bit of ribbing from my sport bike pals. I thought I would just get it running, and sell it. Make a few bucks. Then another funny thing happened. I fell in love with cruising around on my Hog.  Now that it is running ok, I was just thinking about making one or two modifications.............. Anyone messed around with the suspension on their dyna? (Message edited by gentleman_jon on September 04, 2007) | ||
| Rkutzner |
If you're smart enough to ride an air cooled sport bike, then your cruiser of choice should be water cooled. Can't believe no one has mentioned the VRod. Short of the baggers, it is a very comfortable and stupid fast bike for single touring. With only a Sundowner seat, I can ride all day long. The pre 07's are very light feeling with all the weight down low, and significantly lighter than all but the sportster and any of the import cruisers that have even half the power of the VRod. I will admit to a slight bias...but have ridden many others and the V just feels so light compared to other bikes like the M109R (what a PIG) and Victory (love their style, too). | ||
| Jedipunk |
I keep asking myself... should I sell the dyna and buy an 1125r? No way! I just have to figure out another way to get the 1125r in my garage with my dyna and firebolt. 40k miles on the dyna and no issues. 100hp /100ft.lbs of torque and when I crack the throttle, it feels like it'll yank my arms off. I beat the heck out of it and it never complains. | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>Your unreliable american bike, has more miles than my reliable jap SUV... at 52k.... << My best endorsement. I've been associated with Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports since it's inception 6 years ago. They are Auckland's only Authorised Harley and Buell dealer. I built them the Harley Rentals Web site and have kept in touch since. They generally run a rotating fleet of 4 or 6 late model hogs that cop an absolute rental vehicle flogging - in conditions they were not really designed for - a lot of bikes over a a hell of a lot of hard kilometers. Discounting belt breakages and 'operator error' (crashes) - mechanical failures/trailer jobs = Nil. (last time I checked) They are well serviced and maintained - but I reckon that's impressive. I know I give 'em a hiding. (Message edited by danger_dave on September 04, 2007) | ||
| Regkittrelle |
"... easy to work on (thank God, because you WILL be working on it often)" ND: Why do you think this? I really am curious as, actually, I believe the TC motors & the V-Rod are some of the most reliable on the road. I ask you this because reliability or rather, lack of it, is a recurring theme among those who don't own Harleys. There was certainly a time when you didn't mention Harley and reliability in the same breath, but that was decades ago. Personally, of the motorcycles I've owned and the one's I've tested, I have never had any sort of a problem with a Harley-Davidson. I can't say that about most other brands. Of those others, I've had transmissions that refuse to shift, plastic "beauty" pieces fall off, lights fail, etc. | ||
| Percyco |
easy to work on (thank God, because you WILL be working on it often Now that's funny  Out of the two dozen H-D riding friends that I have and including my own 17 year old Evo powered H-D. I don't know of anyone that has turned a wrench on one other that typical maintenance or hot rodding mods. Could this be a left over myth from the bowling ball days ? | ||
| Nondual |
The people I know who have Harleys - they always seem to be in the shop....or they're overheating in gridlock (I used to live in the desert, and now I live in Los Angeles). Maybe I'm just babied by my SV650. It could be just a very reliable bike and therefore not fair to compare to the Harleys. Sports bikes are expensive to repair. Something that really appeals to me about the 11225R is that parts will probably be cheaper and crashes will also be cheaper if they're just 'drop and slide' crashes because of that '$50 spring/radiator cover'. One more reason I love the 1125R. All that love for the Buells and I STILL can't appreciate the Harleys. I hate the attitude of the people I've met who ride them (anti-helmet, drunk driving is okay if it's 'only a few beers', trailer-queens, etc). | ||
| Smoke |
nd, don't stop when you see large groups of people dressed in nouveau biker chic outfits. hopefully some of those will graduate to motorcycle enthusiast eventually. i usually ride alone except in certain conditions-track/3% events. you get to do a lot more riding/ no waiting that way. have fun, tim | ||
| Spike |
Just an aside, but have you read your profile lately? It gives one the impression that you don't have any love for the Buells. | ||
| Hishers |
quote by Nondual Something that really appeals to me about the 11225R is that parts will probably be cheaper and you're basing this theory on what exactly? This Rotax is not off-the-shelf. Go ahead and buy the first year of 1125R then don't come crying to this board when it's less than perfect. Don't get me wrong, I love my lightning and I love what they've done with the 1125R but no one can say how reliable or how cheap parts are going to be for it yet. Owning the first model year of any car or bike has never worked well for me so I'll wait a few years so I can have the 1125R in my garage along side the Lightning instead of in place of. Spike is right, you don't love Buells. I would add that you "love" a bike that you have never ridden, sat on, or even touched. | ||
| Xl1200r |
because you WILL be working on it often) See above. My Sporster only gave me issues because I messed with it. Other than that, the front master cylinder needed to be replaced at about 5000 miles, and my dealer covered it under warranty. Eventually it was recalled. As for cruisers I think are better than Harley: Suzuki M109 R Yamaha V-Max Triumph Rocket III For starters, a V Max is not a cruiser. Secondly, the Triumph is a $16,000+, 700 lbs motorcycle. Impressive it may be, but they're still ugly to look at. Finally, the M109R is "okay" at best. I rode one. Dragging my heels and the pegs on the ground was cool at first, but it got old quick, to the point of feeling unsafe. The engine was passable. It hustled pretty good and had a good note to it, but there was NOTHING below 3000rpm or so. And again, I could have done without all the cheap materials. Anyone messed around with the suspension on their dyna? There was a model called a Dyna Sport that was made for a few years. They came with adjustable nitrogen-charged shocks and adjustable forks, all from the factory. I woudln't be suprised if you could still buy these items new (the suspension components for a Sporster Sport are still availible). The 2000 Dynas still used the smaller forks so they should bolt right in for you. | ||
| Smadd |
"It's 'nostalgia', easy to work on (thank God, because you WILL be working on it often), and some indefinable 'soul' attribute. Sorry guys, I think you just drank the kool-aid." Hmmmmmm.... about 40 posts total from Nondual... ignoring most of what people are saying about HD... already speaking of "kool aid"... I say someone is being entertained here... and it's not the majority. Let the thread die. For what we have here, folks, is definitely a *****.} | ||
| Chasespeed |
}Maybe I'm just babied by my SV650. It could be just a very reliable bike and therefore not fair to compare to the Harleys. Sports bikes are expensive to repair. Something that really appeals to me about the 11225R is that parts will probably be cheaper and crashes will also be cheaper if they're just 'drop and slide' crashes because of that '$50 spring/radiator cover'. First off, SV650 is a fairly reliable "sport Bike".. NOW, I have done my fair share of work on them, and, the big brother, SV1000/TL1000(engine is the same).. Calling it not fair to the Harley? Ha, think you have it the other way around sir, I have a few big Hogs that are maintained by me, as well as more than a few rice toys.. The hogs all have MUCH more mileage, usually 4-5 times the mileage... and all they get is regular maintance... 2005 GSXR 1000, un modded bike, ridden by middle aged guy, fire in the wiring harness.. Honda VTX, nice bike.. Shaft "let-go" I dont touch this bike, its still under warranty, friends bike.. not even 1 year old.. SV/TLs that damn timing chain tensioner.. These are all low mileage bikes... Oh, a 95 Rolling living room(one of thoe HUGE hogs).... 175,000(+/-)! That is the second highest mileage I have personally seen on a bike.. BUT, that is just a mechs point of view.. How about, no valve train problems??? You know, I love my Ducati's But, on the same token, as much as I ride, I dont miss checking the valves every 6-9 months... Or, any other import for that matter.. The hyraulic lifters make long maintance intervals SOOOO nice.... For the record.. the only metric cruiser I like.. the Warrior... Chase} (Message edited by chasespeed on September 05, 2007) | ||
| Jackbequick |
"..Anyone messed around with the suspension on their dyna?..." Not much, but I need to get started soon on my '97 FXD (50,000+ miles on the clock). I'm thinking a pair of better and slightly longer rear shocks would help and a set of springs and pair of after market damping units for the 39mm Showa front end would make a difference for sure. I did upgrade the braking already. I went from the single piston caliper to a Hawg Halter four piston unit and the braking is now good enough that I feel much better about riding it briskly. I think a dual disk setup would not be out of line for future consideration. All of that is fairly simple do it yourself kind of work. Another option to consider is retrofitting the front end off of a later Dyna. There are lots of good parts available and pretty cheap on the market from the guys that are making choppers and stuff. I wonder if Blake is reading this. If so, I wonder if having a BadWeb Topic for H-D Cruisers is out of the question? And a small niche in the Knowledge Vault maybe? Can I donate something to help with that? A hard drive for storage maybe? Jack | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Thanks Jack, lots of good ideas. I like the idea of a HD Topic on Bad Web, because Buelligans have an enthusiastic and knowledgeable mindset not often seen on other boards. In addition, we all have a more or less similar frame of reference as Buell riders. It seems to me that most Harley riders are interested in the appearance of their bikes more than improving its handling. Either that, or they are interested in massive horse power increases accompanied by stylistic changes that render the bike less capable in the corners than when it was new. As far as my bike goes, I was thinking along the lines of the Dyna Sport which had fully adjustable front forks, and longer fully adjustable shocks. For starters, I will put ScreamEagle heavy oil in the forks. I ordered some Metzler tires, and I working my way through the deferred maintenance list: oil, tires, rebuild carb, and misc. small repairs. Next I am thinking of a Mikuni carb - I already have pipes and I put on a K+N air filters. As far as aesthetics go, I am not planning any major changes, just neaten it up a bit. Any other Dyna sports riders out there? | ||
| Jackbequick |
I think the mindset of the H-D riders here is a lot different that any other forum for H-D riders. I have looked at a lot of places but I keep coming back here. This is a *very* pleasant place to visit and to get and exchange info. It is for the *riders*, not posers. What Metzlers did you get? I just went to ME-880's and they are very nice. There are not a lot of choices out there if you are happy with the stock wheel sizes. And I am now. I like the 19" front wheel and the ME-880s put just a little more and much better rubber on it. Jack | ||
| Nondual |
I'm not a troll, I just don't like Harleys. I am VERY into the Buells, I just haven't bought one yet. I fully admit I'm on the sidelines. | ||
| Chasespeed |
I'm not a troll, I just don't like Harleys. No one is asking you to... This forum is, actually one of the more.. open minded forums... Base your arguments on fact, or personal experience, not heresay... Other than that, find the bike you like best, and ride it.. Chase } | ||
| Choptop |
I'll stick with the best motor HD ever made, the 45 Flatty. Seen them run with lunched bottom ends, loose wrist pins that gouged large dents in the cylinder wall and with little to no oil pressure, but still got ya home. Keep the rest of them the motor line up, report back in 50 years when they have proven themselves. | ||
| Nondual |
I don't have to dislike Harleys based on fact, except for the fact that I've met too many posers riding this expensive garage jewelry. To anyone who really loves bikes, kudos to you for riding what you like. | ||
| Danger_dave |
>> I STILL can't appreciate the Harleys. I hate the attitude of the people I've met who ride them<< You CAN'T judge a bike by who is riding it. I've met more knob jockeys on jap bikes or BMW's than Hawgs. Most of my favourite people ride Harleys. EG this is my bruddah Rusty,  He won the 250 Production Bike World Championship in 1988. Plus Several 6 Hour Races and Bathurst. Iconic aussie events. Ya know... | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Jack - I just ordered a pair of the ME 880's too. By all reports they are the way to go. I have the cast wheels. I like the look of the wires better, but I have heard that the bike handles better with the cast - what do you think? Right now I still have the original Dunlops on it, so I am taking it pretty easy. I expect the new tires to arrive this week. All I have left on my maintenance list is changing the tires and replacing the brake fluid. Then its modification time. One hopes that I will be able to show a bit more self control with the Dyna than I did with my Buell. Don't bet on it! | ||
| Chasespeed |
I don't have to dislike Harleys based on fact, See, now, I am going call you a troll... AS, the is a clear perversion of what I said.. Your opinion, is YOUR opinion... I dont care what it is, and I dont care what your basis is... BUT, to try to spread that opinion, based on misinformation.... is petty, and childish. I said, "Base your arguments on fact" Your opinion is YOUR opinion.. BUT, when you start a debat/discussion on it.. You wanna make comments, that "sound" like fact, but, are, in actuality 30 year old facts, or, even myths/legends... Now, for MY opinion, Yes, when I was in virginia beach, most every one on a bike, was a tool... not just hogs.. THAT is MY opinion... Chase} | ||
| Mikej |
I'd post up the popcorn emoticon but I hear it gives you cancer. Not sure if that's a fact or conjecture.
Define "better", define "cheaper", I think there's a whole lot of subjectivity in the definition of a descriptive word. I recently picked up a 1991 FLTCU, aka: a big-ass dresser for those not up on the H-D alphabet. I got it for two-up riding, for passenger comfort and perceived safer feeling while passengering, for general casual meandering around, and just because I wanted it. It corners okay for a 700+Lb bike, will do better once I get the swingarm slop taken care of. It has fair cornering clearance for how I ride it. It gets decent gas mileage. It has enough baggage to carry enough gear for short or long trips, and if I need to carry more I can strap stuff to the top of the box on back. The power band is sufficient for my needs while riding it. I can reach the ground with both my feet while sitting at a stop light and can push it around while sitting on the seat if I need to back into or out of a parking spot. I like the looks of it. I looked at some newer non-H-D bikes, and while they would have met my needs this is the one I bought. A bike is a bike, I bought what I liked, facts be damned, I bought it for me and don't feel the need to "justify" why. The previous comments are not "justifications", they are just statements of opinion and perception on a personal level. YMMV. As to clones and such, a few years ago there was a local dude I kept seeing at places and events walking around. I swear he was a look-a-like to some actor on a TV show at the time. My opinion of him each time I saw him was that it was too bad that he didn't have a self-image he was comfortable with and had to emulate someone else who was themself acting out a character's role in a fictional show. Some people are bikers and look like bikers simply because that's who they are and how they are, no imagining nor photoshopping required. Other people are just empty shells wearing a false persona, but to each their own. If you want to dress up like Atilla the Hun and ride a Honda Rune off into the sunset then the freedom to do so is a choice you individually are free to choose. I am what I am and am who I am, nothing more, nothing less, and I ride what I got to ride because that's what I've got to ride, nothing more, nothing less. The original question is more philosophical than factual, hence this response had my mind meandering all over the place. Which all reminds me that I was going to do a little research on a patch club a member was wearing up north this weekend that I saw in a local to there restaurant, just as a matter of curiosity. He was who he was and did not seem to be pretending to be someone else, got no idea what he was riding though but pretty sure it wasn't a Rune. Maybe later I'll cruise thru craigslist and look for a ringy dingy 2-stroke street bike and airbrush this character onto the gas tank just for grins:   | ||
| Strokizator |
Just got back from a 4000 mile trip with the buds. I couldn't ride the Uly because my '95 Road King was towing a trailer loaded with camping gear while the bike carried my T-bag on the pillion, my buddies bag behind it on the rack and his kid's bag thrown up on top between the two. On the way back I decided I needed to upgrade from a 13 year old bike (45K trouble free miles) and started looking around. Guess what? One by one I weeded out the possibilities and concluded I need a new '08 Road Glide. Say what you want about HD cruisers but they build one hell of a bike. | ||
| Bads1 |
What I'd do if I was in the market for a cruiser. I'd most likely buy Road Glide or Road King that has depreciated to the 12 grand mark. Pull the motor make a couple grand and buy a S&S Twin Cam 124. The bike would have more then enough power that it would tickle you pink. It would be more then the competition thats for sure. The money spent would bring me in the same neighborhood as a brand new Road King or Glide and still have a warranty on the drive train. | ||
| Gregtonn |
ND, Which non HD cruiser is better? Can you give four reasons why you believe this? How many mid to late '90s non HD cruisers have you seen still on the road? You at least made an attempt at the first. Care to try the next two? You will probably find them even more difficult. If you consider your replies carefully you may find that you have answered your own question. |
