Question for fellow Harley riders

[imported_Section8]

I give the wave to all on a bike. I did not intend to come off like a MC snob and I would never diss someone's ride. I always say, Hey, nice ride!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Soul Reputation

Originally posted by: Section8I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves.

If you were blasting down the street on a moped, I'd wave to you. A wave is a nice little missle to fire off to someone. Call it a form of friendly fire that draws no blood. Just this morning a woman was going down the street on a scooter. I don't know her, never met her. I waved to her. Not because she rides a scooter. But because of a type of spirit she seemed to be exuding while riding her scooter.

I'm real lucky. I live in a neighborhood where 2 wheeled transportation is huge. Bicycle, scooters, Harleys, you name it. Just people being people and living life.

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Awesome! Pacific Beach is like 1/2 hour from where I live. :thumbsup:

I give the wave to every rider I see and I'd say 90% of the time I get a wave back from all sorts of riders, guys on BMWs, Harleys, sport bikes, you name it.

Two guys on my street ride Harleys, neither of them are rich CEOs. Just nice guys who share a passion for motorcycles.

 

[Flash1969]

Originally posted by: 1sikbITCH

Originally posted by: Flash1969

Originally posted by: MiataNC
What I find ironic is that 25-30 years ago Harley riders were considered "dirt bags" and "trouble" by the cage bound public.

Today they are respectable while people riding sport bikes are looked down upon, because of the idiot stunters that do tricks in traffic.

They still are

What do you have against corporate types? Jealousy? If I was motivated enough to claw my way to riches, I'd have my toys as well. As it is I have to settle for the next superfast graphics card and bigger plasma tv every so often, but I don't begrudge those who have done more to gain more wealth. That includes the H/D company.

I can't stand harleys and the "tough guy" image that those that ride them try to portray. harley davidson motorcycles are the current choice of those with "little man syndrome".

On top of that, they look hideous, they're slow, overpriced, and sound like shit.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Flash1969
harley davidson motorcycles are the current choice of those with "little man syndrome".

Surprised you don't have one then.

On top of that, they look hideous, they're slow, overpriced, and sound like shit.

Well at least according to you, a delicate little flower who posts from the safe confines of his parents basement

 

[Flash1969]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Flash1969
harley davidson motorcycles are the current choice of those with "little man syndrome".

Surprised you don't have one then.

On top of that, they look hideous, they're slow, overpriced, and sound like shit.

Well at least according to you, a delicate little flower who posts from the safe confines of his parents basement

I hope you are no older than 12 years old. Such a tool.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Flash1969

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Flash1969
harley davidson motorcycles are the current choice of those with "little man syndrome".

Surprised you don't have one then.

On top of that, they look hideous, they're slow, overpriced, and sound like shit.

Well at least according to you, a delicate little flower who posts from the safe confines of his parents basement

I hope you are no older than 12 years old. Such a tool.

What ever Nancy:roll:

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: Flash1969

Originally posted by: 1sikbITCH

Originally posted by: Flash1969

Originally posted by: MiataNC
What I find ironic is that 25-30 years ago Harley riders were considered "dirt bags" and "trouble" by the cage bound public.

Today they are respectable while people riding sport bikes are looked down upon, because of the idiot stunters that do tricks in traffic.

They still are

What do you have against corporate types? Jealousy? If I was motivated enough to claw my way to riches, I'd have my toys as well. As it is I have to settle for the next superfast graphics card and bigger plasma tv every so often, but I don't begrudge those who have done more to gain more wealth. That includes the H/D company.

I can't stand harleys and the "tough guy" image that those that ride them try to portray. harley davidson motorcycles are the current choice of those with "little man syndrome".

On top of that, they look hideous, they're slow, overpriced, and sound like shit.

Have a strong feeling I have been around far more Harley riders than yourself. That image is your percpetion, 99% of the ones I met were down to earth, fun, happy people. I've run into more (well dressed) dirtbags looking to start shit in yuppie/preppie clubs than anywhere.

Slow compared to crotch rockets, but still more than fast enough. My brother just bought a 2008 but kept his old one, a custom 74 white pearl beauty that has been stroked and fitted with a 3/4 cam.

Their sound is unique and legendary, most of the other large cruiser builders have tried, and failed to copy that tone. As far as customizing, other than a high end custom fabrication build you will not find another line of bike with more beautiful customs of their product on the road. Here is one I saw during a trip to Daytona, all the items you see in the gas tank are 3d and real, they are under the heart shaped piece of glass. Notice the rear wheel and the lack of spokes

http://img2.freeimagehosting.n...age.php?19fd8a2a9f.jpg

http://img2.freeimagehosting.n...age.php?f6c0cd8698.jpg

I also have a message from a sweet young girl I met on that trip, please pardon her NSFW "tough girl" image:

http://img2.freeimagehosting.n...age.php?dddb583c3a.jpg

 

[Flash1969]

Nancy? That's your response? lol, like I suspected, you are a tool.

As for the harley sound being "unique and legendary", that is just fucking hilarious.

 

[Ronstang]

I have always preferred bikes that handled and stopped well and didn't shake apart at a stop light so I have never been interested in Harleys. My friend loves them and I have been to several stealerships with him and what you are speaking of is apparent from my limited experience. Everything in one of those dealers is way overpriced but then again people need their drugs and will pay what it takes for the fix.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: Alistar7
Their sound is unique and legendary, most of the other large cruiser builders have tried, and failed to copy that tone.

I agree. I've heard that the exhaust sound is the result of an engine design error. Fact or fiction?

 

[fstime]

Last time I spoke to a Harley salesman, while looking at a cruiser, he said something along the lines of I would never buy one of those crappy jap bikes.

Needless to say, HD is overrated x10 for sure.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: seemingly random

Originally posted by: Alistar7
Their sound is unique and legendary, most of the other large cruiser builders have tried, and failed to copy that tone.

I agree. I've heard that the exhaust sound is the result of an engine design error. Fact or fiction?

I wouldn't say an "error", just an unusual design. It's a 45 degree V-twin. Really it makes more sense to have a 90 degree V-twin due to balancing (this is why Harleys vibrate so much, but my admittedly much uglier DL650 purrs like a kitten with nary a shake), but due to packaging (it's easier to crap a 45 degree twin into a frame than a 90), they decided to go with 45 when they added a second cylinder to their original single-cylinder engine.

 

[dugweb]

My dad has an Ultra Classic, a very big touring bike. I used to drive a suzuki warrior (1400cc) also a very large bike. My dad's bike was a pleasure and joy to ride. Handled like a dream despite its size. It became a pain, and uncomfortable to hop back onto my bike.

 

[loic2003]

I just do not see the attraction: they're outdated, handle terribly, are uncomfortable and sound like a bag of spanners being thrown about. I'm not sure whether it's blind patriotism or lack of imagination/research that makes people even think of a HD when it comes to buying a bike; surely the brand can't be *that* strong!?
There so many better bikes out there; it's just tragic seeing good money being wasted on some technology that should be found in a museum, not on the road.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: loic2003
I just do not see the attraction: they're outdated, handle terribly, are uncomfortable and sound like a bag of spanners being thrown about. I'm not sure whether it's blind patriotism or lack of imagination/research that makes people even think of a HD when it comes to buying a bike; surely the brand can't be *that* strong!?
There so many better bikes out there; it's just tragic seeing good money being wasted on some technology that should be found in a museum, not on the road.

By handling terribly do you mean they aren't able to zoom in and out of traffic at break neck speeds like crotch rockets? Well you are right but for cruising they are fine just like the Jap Cruisers. Granted they are heavy and a person of small stature would have a problem handling one but that's why they have Sportsers for the women and little guys to ride.

BTW, the OP's bike would be one of those terrible handling Harleys that's mostly for looks and not riding, thusly known as a Bar Hopper. Rigid frame and Ape Hangers, looks good but I wouldn't want to ride it for more than an hour straight. You don't see many old timers riding those, well if they want to be able to walk upright or even be able to get out of bed the next day.

 

[imported_Section8]

A lot of hatein going on here. Anyway, it was a very nice day here in Texas yesterday. Went on a ride on some of the Blue roads around Lake Lavon. Looks like its going to be nice again today. If you have a motorcycle, get on and enjoy the ride.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: seemingly random

Originally posted by: Alistar7
Their sound is unique and legendary, most of the other large cruiser builders have tried, and failed to copy that tone.

I agree. I've heard that the exhaust sound is the result of an engine design error. Fact or fiction?

I wouldn't say an "error", just an unusual design. It's a 45 degree V-twin. Really it makes more sense to have a 90 degree V-twin due to balancing (this is why Harleys vibrate so much, but my admittedly much uglier DL650 purrs like a kitten with nary a shake), but due to packaging (it's easier to crap a 45 degree twin into a frame than a 90), they decided to go with 45 when they added a second cylinder to their original single-cylinder engine.

It is by design, not error. It is unique and desirable, and has been tried to be reproduced by all their major competitors. Your dismissal of the significance of their sound is the only hysterical thing I see Flash.

http://tc.engr.wisc.edu/Steube...s/1996/motorcycle.html

That characteristic sound and rhythm [of a Harley] is the result of both connecting rods... being driven off of a single crankshaft pin. The [Honda] Shadow... has two crankpins, oriented 90° apart. That's a better way to quell the engine's dynamic forces, but it doesn't reproduce the sound of nostalgia.

http://www.rbbi.com/folders/pat/harley.htm

The Milwaukee motorcycle maker, already the owner of the copyright for the word "Hog," has filed a petition with the U.S. patent Office for exclusive rights to its engine sound.

Harley-Davidson claims that the trademark is needed because rival manufacturers are already trying to mimic the noise. "We feel there's a competitive threat," says Steve Piehl, a Harley spokesman. "A lot of our owners tell us they buy a Harley just for the sound."

 

[Flash1969]

Their sound is about as signifigant as the sound a Pinto would make without mufflers. It sounds AWFUL.

The fact that they want exclusive rights to that sound is pure comedic gold, lol.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Harley has a lot on it's plate these days, ever tightening safety & emissions standards, the need to turn a profit to survive and a recently announced round of layoffs

 

[cmv]

Originally posted by: Alistar7
It is by design, not error. It is unique and desirable, and has been tried to be reproduced by all their major competitors. Your dismissal of the significance of their sound is the only hysterical thing I see Flash.

Umm.... Yeah, so HD set out for a particular sound when designing their engine. They threw countless engines away (even a few with efficiency so high grassy green lawns came out the tail pipe) because they needed a sound. A sound they hadn't heard before but a sound they knew to listen for because...

They surely do design for the sound TODAY but the sound wasn't a design feature originally. And for the competitor issue see the Straight Dope:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000915.html

To the OP: I wouldn't ride a Harley because of the whole wannabe feel that they perpetuate. I live in the HD "home state" of Wisconsin and you can't throw a rock on Sunday without hitting an HD. To be honest though it's just not my style. I'd rather be riding a dualsport or something else that is ugly but fun and capable.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Flash1969
Their sound is about as signifigant as the sound a Pinto would make without mufflers. It sounds AWFUL.

The fact that they want exclusive rights to that sound is pure comedic gold, lol.

we get the point, you don't like the sound of a harley.

 

[loic2003]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: loic2003
I just do not see the attraction: they're outdated, handle terribly, are uncomfortable and sound like a bag of spanners being thrown about. I'm not sure whether it's blind patriotism or lack of imagination/research that makes people even think of a HD when it comes to buying a bike; surely the brand can't be *that* strong!?
There so many better bikes out there; it's just tragic seeing good money being wasted on some technology that should be found in a museum, not on the road.

By handling terribly do you mean they aren't able to zoom in and out of traffic at break neck speeds like crotch rockets? Well you are right but for cruising they are fine just like the Jap Cruisers. Granted they are heavy and a person of small stature would have a problem handling one but that's why they have Sportsers for the women and little guys to ride.

BTW, the OP's bike would be one of those terrible handling Harleys that's mostly for looks and not riding, thusly known as a Bar Hopper. Rigid frame and Ape Hangers, looks good but I wouldn't want to ride it for more than an hour straight. You don't see many old timers riding those, well if they want to be able to walk upright or even be able to get out of bed the next day.

This should clear a few things up for y'all: Text

 

[imported_Section8]

Originally posted by: loic2003

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: loic2003
I just do not see the attraction: they're outdated, handle terribly, are uncomfortable and sound like a bag of spanners being thrown about. I'm not sure whether it's blind patriotism or lack of imagination/research that makes people even think of a HD when it comes to buying a bike; surely the brand can't be *that* strong!?
There so many better bikes out there; it's just tragic seeing good money being wasted on some technology that should be found in a museum, not on the road.

By handling terribly do you mean they aren't able to zoom in and out of traffic at break neck speeds like crotch rockets? Well you are right but for cruising they are fine just like the Jap Cruisers. Granted they are heavy and a person of small stature would have a problem handling one but that's why they have Sportsers for the women and little guys to ride.

BTW, the OP's bike would be one of those terrible handling Harleys that's mostly for looks and not riding, thusly known as a Bar Hopper. Rigid frame and Ape Hangers, looks good but I wouldn't want to ride it for more than an hour straight. You don't see many old timers riding those, well if they want to be able to walk upright or even be able to get out of bed the next day.

This should clear a few things up for y'all: Text

So we have a Shields fan here. You should know that this man has zero credibility and his statements about Harley riders are not representative of me or any Harley owner I know.

I believe this really clears a few things up:

Summary: Christopher T. Shields has apparently set out to intentionally make Goingfaster.com the vilest website ever. Shields should be ashamed for producing such a vulgar product. But that shame falls doubly on the head of every single person who visits this site on a daily basis to wallow in its filth.