The Harley Davidson experience.....

[ebiker]

I have had this on and off desire to get a Buell....or better yet a 1200 Sportster Sport and modify it to make sort of a modern day XLCR and blitz it around the back roads...

Some months ago I saw a tee-shirt that read:"Friends don't let friends buy a Buell".

New 1200 Sportster would be back road fun.

Ed..

[JCsman]

I rode a 1200 Sportster before my R1150R (I was helping the owner by storing and riding it, nice guy that I am). Pre-rubber mounted engine. Good for:
- Looks
- Mixing paint
- Ease of parts removal (part of the fun was the game - see if I can find the part that fell off. I suspect that's one reason for so much chrome. It makes the parts easier to spot in the weeds.)

But, I'll own one of the new ones in my FLEET of bikes when the lotto hits. It was a fun scoot.

I never understood the girl's bike junk applied to the Sportsters. Unless you equate weight with "manliness" (and, if you do, I am one really manly-man). I suspect the 1200 Sprtster is by far the quickest of the air-cooled H-D's.

[pjpockets]

Harleys are overpriced crap. They are bueatiful crap, but still and without doubt, crap!!!!!!!!! I have owned three. The only way I would own another is if I were to win the lottery, and did not give a damm and could have the bike compleatly taken apart and reassembled after inspection and balancing. I would never use a Harley factory tech. from there (service) dept. and in some cases I would not even use there parts. I love the Softail Springer Classic, but after all my negative experiences, I would never let my Beamer near a Harley for fear some evil would befall it. If you must spend that much money then get an RT. Harleys are just about image and nothing more. (Gods I love that sound)

[sweatmark]

OK, I bought a new '03 Buell XB, only my 2nd new bike in 22 years. The bike was intended for the Mrs., but she quickly & wisely joined the Roadster clan instead. So now the Buell's my "play" bike, run errands, track days, etc.

Agree - the H-D machines are overpriced. Some aspects have excellent quality: painted & chrome pieces, current motors (in terms of durability, maintenance simplicity via hydraulic lifters). But comparison with our Beemers - especially detailed, carefully engineered, small pieces - makes the Harley/Buell seem so "clunky"...

Examples: switchgear & controls, electrical connectors & wiring looms, transmissions (yes, even more agricultural than our Oilheads!).

My brother bought a Road King a few years back. When he rode into town on a big trek, we stopped by the local H-D dealer to buy a driver's seat back... installed it and wondered at the crude character of the heavy steel stampings and hardware store fasteners. A simialr BMW piece would be similarly priced ($$$) but would show far greater attention to detail and precision.

But enough of the bad. The Good part of my bro's Road King was supreme comfort for the long haul... rolling Barco-lounger style. Absolutely reliable... eg. no leaking fuel quick-connects, surging. And that V-twin sound is undeniably charismatic... rolling on the throttle of my Buell somehow soothes & inspires all at once.

Mark
Oregon
'04 Rockster
'03 Buell XB

[ebiker]

The Harley Davidson experience......an update! As some of you may remember, I purchased a 2006 Harley Davidson Road Glide (FLTRI) in late May. At this time I have 3200 miles on the bike and nothing has fallen or broken off. There have been no oil or fuel leaks. The electrical system continues to work as designed in spite of the *Milwaukee Vibrations*. Brakes work very good, even without power assist! (BMWNA, are you reading this)

The Twin-cam 88 motor seems to be content running at 3K RPM (75MPH) or at 4K RPM (95MPH) in 5th gear. Motorcycle is very stable at those speeds, due in part to the frame mounted fairing. Fuel mileage range is 40-45MPG!

I have met some interesting Harley owners. I have attended several H.O.G. chapter rides and I have also decided to avoid riding with the group on these chapter runs. (Just tell me the final destination--I'll meet 'cha there).

Harley Davidson motorcycle accessories are expen$ive. The made in China clothing line is greatly over priced.

IMHO, the Road Glide is a good motorcycle and fits my needs at this time on Tucson's crappy roads.

Ed..

[lacrimosa]

In Europe most of the Harley bikers are either Outlaws, Bandidos, Hell's Angels or middle aged men in their second midlife crisis...

Most people overhere see Harleys as annoying noisy machines with lousy brakes, expensive accessories, good enough for straight roads but not ment for winding roads

[rdsmith3]

Some of my best friends ride Harleys.



In case you cannot tell, the BMW rider is on the left, the Harley rider is in the middle, and the Honda ST1100 rider is on the right. We had completed a couple hundred miles on a humid July 3rd. We stopped for dinner at my brother-in-law's parent's house, and here we are just about to start the 100 mile trip home.

[Boxer]

That's cute Bob. How the clothing matches the riding choice. However, I once followed a rider to Barnes and Noble who was riding a 1150GS but dressed to the nines like a Harley dude, with leather vest and German helmet, etc. I approached him in the bookstore and asked him how he liked the GS. He just smiled and said it was great...much nicer than the Harley he had just sold. I guess his wardrobe change would follow.

[ebiker]

In Europe most of the Harley bikers are either Outlaws, Bandidos, Hell's Angels or middle aged men in their second midlife crisis... Most people overhere see Harleys as annoying noisy machines with lousy brakes, expensive accessories, good enough for straight roads but not ment for winding roads

How soon they forget....... Harley Davidson produced over 80,000 of those "annoying Harley's" for the allied war effort to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

Ed..

[TonyT607]

In Europe most of the Harley bikers are either Outlaws, Bandidos, Hell's Angels or middle aged men in their second midlife crisis... Most people overhere see Harleys as annoying noisy machines with lousy brakes, expensive accessories, good enough for straight roads but not ment for winding roads

How soon they forget....... Harley Davidson produced over 80,000 of those "annoying Harley's" for the allied war effort to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

Ed..

True, and how Bayerische Motoren Werke A.G. did the same for their side !
(and those guy wore REAL German Army helmets....)

[ebiker]

......OK, let's get back on topic! (HD Experience)

The 2006 HD Road Glide now has close to 4,000 miles on the ODO. Thus far:

1. nothing has fallen off the bike and nothing on the bike has broken.

2. There have not been any oil leaks or fuel leaks.

3. Fuel mileage range is 40-45MPG.

4. Road Glide likes to exceed the speed limit on Arizona Interstates. 3K RPM=75MPH. 4K RPM=95MPH.

5. I get along with the stea....er, dealer service department.

6. I ride with the local H.O.G. chapter.

7. Sometimes, another local HOG chapter member may honor my presence with a conversation!

8. I steadfastly refuse to cover myself with overpriced black color Harley Davidson riding gear. (Bright colored BMW jacket serves me well, thank you)

9. Hmmm, now that I think of it, #7 might be the reason for #6.

10. The Motor Companies 2007 Road Glide has a 96ci motor and a 6sp transmission.

11. I'm told that Harley has not increased MSRP for 2007 baggers. (Touring model)

12. Current 2006 HD models are being heavily discounted.

13. Aaaaarrrrggghh!

Ed..

[ebiker]

.........and the Harley Davidson Experience continues...:

The usual report: no oil leaks, no loose parts, no electrical problems, yada, yada, etc, etc.... No factory recalls. Yawn!!

The Road Glide was put away and covered up while I prepare the Gold Wing for my trip to Sturgis. Then it's onward to Pennsylvania for a few weeks of cooler weather. While in Pennsylvania, I'll journey up to Watkins Glenn New York for the Labor Day Finger Lakes BMW Rally. Been going there since 1980. On my return to Arizona I'll stopover in Texas to visit relatives.

Ah, you're probably thinking...since the Road Glide is such a good motorcycle, why not ride the FLTRI to Sturgis and farther east?

Consider these three words........Long distance comfort. I'm talking ten or twelve hours in the saddle each day. After that many hours and several hundred miles daily, those Milwaukee Vibrations tend to beat up on this tired old body. Of course those big twin vibrations have a different effect on the female tush.......but, let's not go there today!!! At this time, the Road Glide is lacking enough storage space, and it has no XM satellite radio or GPS Navigation system. Wing has all that, plus the comfort of a Honda Civic! (Much the same as a K1200LT)

So. The HD experience goes on hold for several weeks while I do some serious riding.

BTW, I took a good hard look at a BMW R1200GS today and I've been reading about this abundance of dirt and gravel roads in Arizona........

Ed..

[sjbmw]

"So. The HD experience goes on hold for several weeks while I do some serious riding."

hmmm that sums it up.

eb, I am going to the Finger Lakes rally, I will look you up.

Herb

[ebiker]

"So. The HD experience goes on hold for several weeks while I do some serious riding."

hmmm that sums it up.

Yup. Haven't had time to set up the FLTRI to my way of extended motorcycle touring. IE, large hard trunk, satellite radio and GPS. No more paper road map inside a Harro Tank bag map pocket for this old fart, thank you!!

eb, I am going to the Finger Lakes rally, I will look you up.Herb

GOD willing, I'll be there.... Titanium color '06 Wing with Arizona tag....can't miss it. Probably will be the only bike with AZ tags there!!

Ed..

[ebiker]

...........The Harley Davidson Experience continues from Sturgis, South Dakota. Well, to be more accurate--from Rapid City.

The ride up thru New Mexico and Colorado was simply breathtaking. Every motorcyclist must experience Route 17.

Thursday afternoon I donned my BMW motorcycles baseball cap and ventured into Black Hills Harley Davidson emporium just north of Rapid City. I was riding one of several Gold Wings mixed into a sea of Milwaukee "noise makers". In addition to a packed dealership, all types of vendors were selling every kind of gizmo or doo-dad for HD motorcycles. The HD dealership had a couple of used BMW's, also Rice Honda in Rapid City had two used BMW bikes for sale. I could not find the BMW dealership. Went out of business????

As I rode in I noticed a group of Bikini clad young women hand washing motorcycles. Naturally, my bug splattered GL1800 needed a good wash, however the waiting line was about two hours long. Even the "Trailer Queens" needed a bath, so, I mearly watched the girls at work.

Do you think BMWMOA would go for a Bikini bike wash at their next National Rally, I thought to myself.

Of course not, you silly old fool, I mumbled to myself. A couple of inked women must have heard me and gave me strange looks. Or, perhaps they saw the BMW cap?

At the camp site, sleeping was a challenge due to the noise, but with the right amount of barley substance, it was possible.

No, I will not venture into Sturgis wall-to-wall motorcycle traffic! 900lb GL1800's do not like creep n' crawl traffic.

For those interested, there's more to come....

[scottybooj]

May I ask why you chose to buy new? Was it a 'spur' of the moment thing?

There are some good deals to be had on the used market.

[ebiker]

May I ask why you chose to buy new? Was it a 'spur' of the moment thing? There are some good deals to be had on the used market.

To answer your question.....I wanted a new, stock exhaust, not overchromed Harley Davidson motorcycle. I'm happy with the one I got.

The Harley Davidson Experience continues with my visit to Black Hills HD outside of Rapid City South Dakota a couple of weeks ago during Sturgis Bike week. Acres and acres of Milwaukee big twin's, several Honda Gl1800's and other Metric bikes to include a few BMW's.

I spoke with several Road Glide owners who claimed to have ridden their FLTRI to Sturgis. I noticed many bikes being trailered only a few hundred miles, while some Harley's were covered with bug and dirt crusted tour packs and soft luggage. Upon leaving Rapid City, I was among dozens of Harley's being ridden east on I-90 toward New York, Pennsylvania, and other states a thousand miles away. I believe the serious Harley Davidson long distance rider does exist.

Having completed four thousand miles from Tucson to Sturgis, then to Pennsylvania via the corn belt, I'm in Pennsylvania this week and getting ready to head into New York for the BMW Finger Lakes Rally.

The Gold Wing runs like a.........well like a Gold Wing or a BMW or a Yamaha or a Suzuki or a Harley Davidson.

Ed..

[ebiker]

.....The Harley Davidson Experience continues in Pennsylvania.

I visited two area HD dealerships, Brian's in Langhorne and Montgomery County HD in King of Prussia. Brian's supports ABATE of Pennsylvania and is very friendly toward ALL motorcyclists. (Sales Mgr used to ride a BMW) Montgomery HD holds a free Sunday BBQ each week for ALL motorcyclists. Also a friendly place for bikers regardless of brand of transportation. Both dealers were crowded with customers.

BMW motorcycle dealer in Devon changed service and sales personel since my last visit. Few customers inside. Many used bikes of all brands for sale. Now selling Scooters, too. IMHO, hospitality toward me was thin there! Was it because of my Gold Wing??

Got the GL1800 serviced at Frank Kiss Honda in Pottstown, Pa. Nice small dealership, good service, fair pricing and friendly service department.

On Tuesday, I head into Pennsylvania's Anthracite coal country for a few days, then New York state for Finger Lake Rally.

More to come....

Ed..

[vintagecycle]

I visited two area HD dealerships, Brian's in Langhorne and Montgomery County HD in King of Prussia. Brian's supports ABATE of Pennsylvania and is very friendly toward ALL motorcyclists. (Sales Mgr used to ride a BMW) Montgomery HD holds a free Sunday BBQ each week for ALL motorcyclists. Also a friendly place for bikers regardless of brand of transportation. Both dealers were crowded with customers.

BMW motorcycle dealer in Devon changed service and sales personel since my last visit. Few customers inside. Many used bikes of all brands for sale. Now selling Scooters, too. IMHO, hospitality toward me was thin there! Was it because of my Gold Wing??

Got the GL1800 serviced at Frank Kiss Honda in Pottstown, Pa. Nice small dealership, good service, fair pricing and friendly service department.

On Tuesday, I head into Pennsylvania's Anthracite coal country for a few days, then New York state for Finger Lake Rally.

More to come....

Ed..

Ah! My old stompin' grounds....Lived in Southeatern PA up until 3 years ago. Frank Kiss has been in business as long as I can remember, I used to work in K.O.P. I believe the BMW dealer in Devon opened after I moved. Used to go to Devon Honda though...which is gone now. Never been to Brian's.
PA has some beautiful riding in the summer time. I miss it.

[rdsmith3]

.....The Harley Davidson Experience continues in Pennsylvania.

IOn Tuesday, I head into Pennsylvania's Anthracite coal country for a few days, then New York state for Finger Lake Rally.

More to come....

Ed..

Did you ride Route 209 (?) through Jim Thorpe PA down to Pottsville (home of Yuengling Brewery, America's oldest)? There are some nice roads out in that part of PA.