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Cycleaddict
| | Posted on Friday, October 13, 2006 - 12:59 am: | 
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i like the pipes, but it looks like it could use a real headlight ! |
Xbeau12s
| | Posted on Monday, October 16, 2006 - 01:56 pm: |
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Looks like a sportster with an X1 tail and and R1 exhaust setup. I'd still rather have my 04XB12S than that bike. |
Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 11:52 am: |
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Yep, Street Trackers will rule when they become affordable to the masses. Well, at least among the masses of dirt track junkies and others that appreciate the nostalgia and styling.
Sure, this model will utilize modern technology for power, reliability, handling and safety, but it won't be a true sport bike like a Buell. It will fit the nostalgic hooligan niche.
You know guys like me that no longer feel the need to risk life and limb at every apex any more. Just a good looking, fun bike to play on and that is what Harley's are all about.
If price was not an issue, I would have had a Storz or Lawwill a long time ago. However, the assumed Sportster'ish price and a real dealer network are what sweeten the deal on Harley's model.
About the only thing I am not real hot over on this bike is the tail section. I would have preferred the real deal, but with the idea of an occasional passenger for short rides, I can live with it. Especially if the bitch pad pops off to expose a storage area.
Still, you can always add individual parts from Storz and a vast array of HD aftermarket suppliers.
Ewww...I am so looking forward to getting one and enjoying the ride and customizing to taste. |
Whodom
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 01:05 pm: |
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Hey, if you want a cheap/fun street tracker, you can't do much better than a Honda VT500FT Ascot. Only made in 1983 and 1984; same platform as the 500cc Shadow.
Note the resemblance:
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Glitch
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 01:18 pm: |
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WOW! They are similar.
But, I like the inverted forks, dual front disks, air cooling, not to mention the displacement, oh and I almost forgot...a warranty.
ABH as well!  |
The_new_guy
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 01:23 pm: |
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My buddy had an Ascot. We couldn't kill it. It was fun in the dirt too! They are kind of rare, aren't they? |
Kowpow225
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 01:40 pm: |
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It seems as though it's been completely designed around the european market. Very clever since they ride for different reasons than most of us. EVERYDAY commuting and the ONLY source of transportation with a budget in mind. I think they'll sell like hotcakes if priced right. |
Whodom
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 01:46 pm: |
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My buddy had an Ascot. We couldn't kill it. It was fun in the dirt too! They are kind of rare, aren't they?
Yea, they're not very common, but there are a few still around. We have a Yahoo "group" at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ascotvt500enthusiasts
I have an 83 in nice condition and ride it occasionally.
I still wish Honda would come out with an updated version with modern suspension and tires. They're pretty bullet-proof. From what we've seen the only long-term weak point is the ignition coils which die due to heat (replacements readily available from a couple of sources) and the gas tanks tend to rust out on the bottom (unfortunately the tanks are scarce as hen's teeth). It's only 500cc, but it was rated at 48 (crankshaft) HP, has a 6-speed transmission and shaft drive (no chain maintenance). |
Bigdaddy
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 02:00 pm: |
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Whodom,
Wow! The similarity is striking. |
Whodom
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 03:37 pm: |
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Wow! The similarity is striking.
Well, it's not really that surprising since both bikes were styled after flat track racers that looked pretty similar to begin with.
Here's the Honda RS750 which competed against the XR750's for a few years in the mid-1980's:
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Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 05:00 pm: |
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Yep, sure do remember the Ascot. Was a fun bike to ride, but I haven't slowed down that much!!! 
Wow, that Honda sure is a styler. Brings back fond memories of Bubba Shobert. I wonder what he is doing now.
Of interest, when I was first whining for a Street Tracker, I also tossed Honda and Suzuki into the fray as both have street ready engines, the technology and resources to make one. So do a few other companies, but those would be the my alternate choices if a Harley model was not available.
Still I feel that the Harley version is the most desirable from both its heritage and dealer network.
One last point is that, by merit of engine selection, the Harley model will deliver the MPG factor we have all come to love with our Buell's and Harley's as well as readily available, economically priced parts.
Those Honda and Suzuki V-Twins swallow gas faster than almost any two wheeler out there and if the parts are as expensive and hard to get as they were for my Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki's, that's all the more reason to stick with Harley. |
Djkaplan
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 05:27 pm: |
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Honda's first big tracker was the CX500 based NS750. It was as ugly as it was unsuccessful and slow...
Honda didn't go their own way back then... they had to look to the XR750 to beat it. |
Whodom
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 06:45 pm: |
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One last point is that, by merit of engine selection, the Harley model will deliver the MPG factor we have all come to love with our Buell's and Harley's as well as readily available, economically priced parts.
I can vouch for those points. My 1200cc Buell gets equal or better mileage than my 500cc Ascot (although the Ascot runs fine on regular fuel). Turn signal for the Ascot? ~$20 from Honda. Turn signal for the Buell? ~$5 at the local HD shop. Other parts prices are similar from what I've seen.
Honda's first big tracker was the CX500 based NS750. It was as ugly as it was unsuccessful and slow...
Maybe so, but dang, that thing looks BRUTAL! |
Crusty
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 06:53 pm: |
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The NS 750 did win a National. It won at Louisville Downs in 1982. There was an extremely narrow groove, and passing was impossible. Scott Pearson (#95) got the holeshot, and led the race for the entire 20 laps. Tim Mertens (#53)ran second, but just couldn't get by, though he kept trying.I was sitting on the rail at the finish line that night, and still remember it. |
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