Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
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- OCR
- Chrome Member
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- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2018 1:22 am
- Location: Finger Lakes of CNY
Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
The mention of V twins brings me to my current ride, the mighty CX500C.
79 CX500custom
76LTD
77Goldwing
2001 Polaris Scrambler 500 4X4
Secretary Caroline Lodge 681
76LTD
77Goldwing
2001 Polaris Scrambler 500 4X4
Secretary Caroline Lodge 681
- Bugdaddy66
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
If you look at extremes, sometimes the stuff in the middle makes more sense. Compare a large bore single cylinder dirt bike to a 6 cylinder GoldWing. Grab a handful of throttle in either bike (assuming correct gear selection/RPM range) and both will accelerate. But as you can imagine, one will be accompanied with an increase in vibration and noise, the other with near electric motor smoothness. Exhaust notes are very different, not one better, just different. Because of this I find the feedback from my singles and twins more involving than the rheostat like throttle response of the 'Wing. Again this is subjective. The feedback that makes it feel more alive to me may be an annoyance to you. The perfectly linear throttle response of a modern multi-cylinder motorcycle may be perfection to some, boring to others.
BMW builds two touring bikes, a 1200cc twin and a 1600cc 6 cylinder. Most in that community will agree both are great bikes, but very few love them both, the "feel" is just too different.
The challenge for Harley Davidson, and probably all the big twin touring bikes is striking a balance between these two extremes. Harley seems to have found what works for its customers and stuck with it. Will the wants of the consumer change and leave them in the dust of history like big single street bikes? time will tell, but it has worked so far.
BMW builds two touring bikes, a 1200cc twin and a 1600cc 6 cylinder. Most in that community will agree both are great bikes, but very few love them both, the "feel" is just too different.
The challenge for Harley Davidson, and probably all the big twin touring bikes is striking a balance between these two extremes. Harley seems to have found what works for its customers and stuck with it. Will the wants of the consumer change and leave them in the dust of history like big single street bikes? time will tell, but it has worked so far.
Todd Logan (Bugdaddy66)
"Never argue with a moron, they'll always drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
1978 GL1000 Daily commuter (SOLD)
1981 XS650 Hot Rod play bike (SOLD)
2003 BMW F650CS (Wife Bike)
2009 BMW R1200RT
"Never argue with a moron, they'll always drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
1978 GL1000 Daily commuter (SOLD)
1981 XS650 Hot Rod play bike (SOLD)
2003 BMW F650CS (Wife Bike)
2009 BMW R1200RT
- x01660
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
In other news, I just discovered the K1600 B.... yeah I may end up with a Beemer.... o.O
-x01660
"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden"
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden"
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
- duke182
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
I have an 84 gl1200 standard.
Also a 97 road king.
The gl feels like a smaller bike to me. It's low center of gravity and the lesser rake make it a little more nimble.
But nothing like a sport bike.
The gl also accelerates quicker and tops out faster.
The road king seems a bit more top heavy and requires a little more steering effort at slow speeds.
It isn't as nimble but it is just as stable at highway speeds and can cruise all day, just like the gl.
Ironically, the road king gets better gas millage.
Both bikes are fun to ride, get lots of attention. Now I just need to finish putting the gl back together and do a little pm work on the rk so I can put some more miles on both of them.
Also a 97 road king.
The gl feels like a smaller bike to me. It's low center of gravity and the lesser rake make it a little more nimble.
But nothing like a sport bike.
The gl also accelerates quicker and tops out faster.
The road king seems a bit more top heavy and requires a little more steering effort at slow speeds.
It isn't as nimble but it is just as stable at highway speeds and can cruise all day, just like the gl.
Ironically, the road king gets better gas millage.
Both bikes are fun to ride, get lots of attention. Now I just need to finish putting the gl back together and do a little pm work on the rk so I can put some more miles on both of them.
God bless those who protect our freedom, at every level
Knees in the breeze makes miles of smiles
"Strive for progress, not perfection"-a wise man
1984 1200 standard
click pic to see my gallery
vote in my poll
Knees in the breeze makes miles of smiles
"Strive for progress, not perfection"-a wise man
1984 1200 standard
click pic to see my gallery
vote in my poll
- brokentoe
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
The money aspect is huge. I was given my GL1000, which was in horrible shape.Lucien Harpress wrote:Me personally? I don't want to spent a load of money for a name, at least if I'm not getting something else in return. It stems from the fact I financially CAN'T, and even though I've been known to spend too much on a bad idea (cough, KZ1300, cough), there's enough of a tradeoff on the flipside that I'm okay with it. Not to mention that, while I've put a lot of money into this bike, comparatively it's really not that much.
I won my first Harley (Street Bob) in a drawing.
I was given a Suzuki (another basket case) because someone heard I liked bikes and they wanted someone to just get it out of their garage.
So I've never actually paid for a motorcycle, except I dolled up my Street Bob and traded it for a Softail Deluxe.
My stock GL1000 seat is uncomfortable after an hour (Honda Butt).
My Softail is so comfortable I can ride all day, as in 400 to 600 miles a day, and be ready to go the next day. I don't care about vibration one way or another.
I like being able to shift faster with my Goldwing as opposed to the Harley. Shifting a Harley seems slower and clunkier than the smoothness of my GL1000.
In six years I have never had a mechanical problem with my Harley.
I have broken down in five different states on my Honda (probably not the bike's fault).
I will say the Harley dealers I have met made me feel like family, and the Harley museum in Milwaukee really rolls out the red carpet.
I would probably love any bike I had.
That may be more information than anyone wanted, but I like to talk about bikes, even if no one wants to listen.
Faith, Family and Friends
'75 GL1000 (Feb 2012 BOTM)
2014 Softail Deluxe
1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian
The craftsman is proud of what he has made, and cherishes it, while the consumer discards things that are perfectly serviceable in his restless pursuit of the new." Richard Sennett as quoted by Matthew B. Crawford in Shop Class as Soulcraft
Working on your own motorcycle is half of the fun...it's also half of the problem.
First Fire on Youtube!
'75 GL1000 (Feb 2012 BOTM)
2014 Softail Deluxe
1966 Suzuki S 32-2 Olympian
The craftsman is proud of what he has made, and cherishes it, while the consumer discards things that are perfectly serviceable in his restless pursuit of the new." Richard Sennett as quoted by Matthew B. Crawford in Shop Class as Soulcraft
Working on your own motorcycle is half of the fun...it's also half of the problem.
First Fire on Youtube!
- robin1731
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
In response to the original question.
Answering that would be like trying to explain why people like to ride motorcycles.
Or in my case trying to explain why I would put on a full leather suit, gloves, and boots, along with a full face helmet when the outside temp is sometimes 100 plus degrees. Then sitting something made to accelerate from 0 to 130mph in 5.5 seconds.
Or why my 88 year old dad still rides. Is planning a trip to Wyoming. And still wants to make the ride to Alaska. One of only two states he has not ridden in.
The answer? Because I can.
.
Answering that would be like trying to explain why people like to ride motorcycles.
Or in my case trying to explain why I would put on a full leather suit, gloves, and boots, along with a full face helmet when the outside temp is sometimes 100 plus degrees. Then sitting something made to accelerate from 0 to 130mph in 5.5 seconds.
Or why my 88 year old dad still rides. Is planning a trip to Wyoming. And still wants to make the ride to Alaska. One of only two states he has not ridden in.
The answer? Because I can.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- chewy999
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
Now that demands respect!robin1731 wrote:Or why my 88 year old dad still rides. Is planning a trip to Wyoming. And still wants to make the ride to Alaska. One of only two states he has not ridden in.
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- Dirty Dave
- Silver Member
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- Location: Montreal, Canada
Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
IMHO motorcycles are like guitars.
Each one tends to teach you what it does & doesn't do and how to use it. (I'm a musician & a guitar tech)
Every bike I have ridden or owned has been like this. We all tend to think that what we are used to is the norm and other
variations are off the mark IMHO. My latest acquisition is teaching me plenty. I love the low end grunt of a V-twin as well as the rush of riding a high speed sport bike. I seem to love 'em all.
Each one tends to teach you what it does & doesn't do and how to use it. (I'm a musician & a guitar tech)
Every bike I have ridden or owned has been like this. We all tend to think that what we are used to is the norm and other
variations are off the mark IMHO. My latest acquisition is teaching me plenty. I love the low end grunt of a V-twin as well as the rush of riding a high speed sport bike. I seem to love 'em all.
1978/9 GL1000
1997 Honda Valkyrie
2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS
1997 Honda Valkyrie
2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS
- scootsx2
- True Blue Steel Biker
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
OCR wrote:The mention of V twins brings me to my current ride, the mighty CX500C.
It took almost a thousand miles but I finally came to terms with my CX500C, albeit in trike form. Definitely different than a 'wing but still a fun ride.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200
St. Louis, MO
The dude abides.
Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200
St. Louis, MO
The dude abides.
Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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- Billet Alum. Member
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
I went on a cancer poker run. I was the only Honda on the baby 'Wing. Those dudes would no even acknowledge my existence until the third [beer] stop. Then they thought my center stand was cool. Then after a few more stops, i became OK. I started near the back and faked bike trouble to get clear to the back. No way did i want in the middle of a pack of drinkers.
I think the factory Harleys sound pretty sweet. A sweet sound like a Cummins Diesel or John Deere tractor. Not like that blatty mess that I was following that day. Would I own one? Sure, but only a new or nearly new one just because they do not seem to depreciate very quickly.. I might just rent a Harley sometime just to see what the big deal is.
I have seven or eight Hondas right now. All bought very reasonably. You just cannot do that to the same degree with a Harley. The most I have paid is just over a buck a cc for a drop dead gorgeous 1200 Aspy Many are half that much a cc, and some I nearly stole. If my state ever requires continuous licensing and insurance, the herd will thin very quickly
I think the factory Harleys sound pretty sweet. A sweet sound like a Cummins Diesel or John Deere tractor. Not like that blatty mess that I was following that day. Would I own one? Sure, but only a new or nearly new one just because they do not seem to depreciate very quickly.. I might just rent a Harley sometime just to see what the big deal is.
I have seven or eight Hondas right now. All bought very reasonably. You just cannot do that to the same degree with a Harley. The most I have paid is just over a buck a cc for a drop dead gorgeous 1200 Aspy Many are half that much a cc, and some I nearly stole. If my state ever requires continuous licensing and insurance, the herd will thin very quickly
- x01660
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
My buddy let me borrow his 83 Suzuki GS1100 with an 1150 motor in it...
I've put 500 miles on it in 3 days....
Thing is fast and blows my GL out of the water....
It also shakes and vibrates and is REALLY loud.
I guess I just like smooth quiet power delivery.
If that GS was too rough, I REALLY don't think I'd like a Harley...
Thank you all for the responses. I'd love to hear more anecdotes and stories. Especially about 88 year olds that STILL RIDE!!!!!
That's awesome!
I've put 500 miles on it in 3 days....
Thing is fast and blows my GL out of the water....
It also shakes and vibrates and is REALLY loud.
I guess I just like smooth quiet power delivery.
If that GS was too rough, I REALLY don't think I'd like a Harley...
Thank you all for the responses. I'd love to hear more anecdotes and stories. Especially about 88 year olds that STILL RIDE!!!!!
That's awesome!
-x01660
"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden"
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden"
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
- warhead_71
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
Depends who you ask, but a lot of Harley riders proudly claim they "only buy American". I then casually point out that unless their bike was built before the mid 80's, it's probably only about 65% made in America, the rest of the parts being outsourced from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Mexico, etc. Whereas newer Goldwings are about 92% built in Ohio. I always encourage them to fact-check.
To others, they just like the "Harley Lifestyle"... growing (but not grooming) a beard and wearing leather and flame-skull tattoos to look like a Hell's Angel. The Director of Marketing for HD is quoted as saying that exactly: "We don't make motorcycles, we make a lifestyle". Well, he was absolutely right. Unfortunately that same lifestyle is now associated with clip-on-pony-tailed divorce lawyers, iron-cross-wearing neo-nazis, and screaming reality-TV-show idiots. But they do get free admission to the wet t-shirt contest at Sturgis... so I guess they have that going for them.
Lastly, there's the chick magnet argument: what woman can resist a 1200lb steel machine that shakes and vibrates its own bolts loose? (Also reportedly a treatment for an enlarged prostate... so perhaps those aging Harley/Accountants are writing it off as a medical device???)
I still prefer to "meet the nicest people on a Honda". But it's a free country...
To others, they just like the "Harley Lifestyle"... growing (but not grooming) a beard and wearing leather and flame-skull tattoos to look like a Hell's Angel. The Director of Marketing for HD is quoted as saying that exactly: "We don't make motorcycles, we make a lifestyle". Well, he was absolutely right. Unfortunately that same lifestyle is now associated with clip-on-pony-tailed divorce lawyers, iron-cross-wearing neo-nazis, and screaming reality-TV-show idiots. But they do get free admission to the wet t-shirt contest at Sturgis... so I guess they have that going for them.
Lastly, there's the chick magnet argument: what woman can resist a 1200lb steel machine that shakes and vibrates its own bolts loose? (Also reportedly a treatment for an enlarged prostate... so perhaps those aging Harley/Accountants are writing it off as a medical device???)
I still prefer to "meet the nicest people on a Honda". But it's a free country...
( Other bikes: 76 CB200T | 68 CL350 | 69 CB350 | 76 CB360T | 78 CB400T | 81 CM400 | 79 CB750F | 81 CB650C | 73, 74, 76 CB750K | 83 V45 Magna | 84 V65 Magna )
'78 GL1000 :: EMGO Superbike handlebars, Corbin touring seat, National Cycle F-16 windscreen, EMGO "Roadhawk" wide-mouth 24" megaphones.
'78 GL1000 :: EMGO Superbike handlebars, Corbin touring seat, National Cycle F-16 windscreen, EMGO "Roadhawk" wide-mouth 24" megaphones.
- desertrefugee
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
If that Suzuki shakes and vibrates, there's something wrong with it, i.e. it's running like crap. Even built, it should be smooth.x01660 wrote:My buddy let me borrow his 83 Suzuki GS1100 with an 1150 motor in it...
***
It also shakes and vibrates and is REALLY loud.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
I've owned and rode both 1100 and 1150 suzukis and they don't vibrate. Linear power from 3500 rpm and up. Still have both of them too. Wild ride from 6000 rpm up too full throttle. Hard to shift quick enough to keep up to the power.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Addicted to Honda's
Addicted to Honda's
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Re: Someone explain the Harley Davidson experience
Yep. They all play dif'rent and they all have their own toneDirty Dave wrote:IMHO motorcycles are like guitars. I seem to love 'em all.
HOTT (you can tune a motorsykle, but ya' can't tuna fish)
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
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the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
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