Have you guys noticed???
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: FL
Is your front tire installed wrong?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 2,159
From: Ohio
Bib Bertha is a rocking ride! It really looks good and I know you guys know your bikes and do the work. I wish I could wrench like you (maybe if I get that ole EVO, I can learn!).
Have a good friend who has a '47 knucklehead that he restored and ride. NICE bike. He also has a 74 Electra. This summer he bought a used '07 RK. His comment to me... WOW. This thing rides itself. He commented on the fact that people wouldn't have to wait for him to catch up after a stop light or that he wouldn't have to plan stopping so far in advance. He really enjoys the new bike AND his old ones.
Someday, my 07 will be old, but I will still love it. Just as you do your EVOs.
I agree, a lot of rich guys bought their new toys and are indeed posers. A lot of others (like myself) bought it because we love to ride. Every chance I get, I ride. On Monday I did a 200 mile trip (high was 34 degrees) to Ft Snelling to stand in a Patriot Guard flag line for the internment of a 23 year old soldier that was murdered at Ft Hood. It was a proud moment for me to honor him.
I also enjoyed the ride even though I could barely feel my hands at time.. got home and it took an hour for the damm smile to unfreeze from my face :-)
Anyway, I think you guys are all part of a brotherhood and know that the majority of Harley riders are some of the most patriotic individuals in our country.... THANKS.
Have a good friend who has a '47 knucklehead that he restored and ride. NICE bike. He also has a 74 Electra. This summer he bought a used '07 RK. His comment to me... WOW. This thing rides itself. He commented on the fact that people wouldn't have to wait for him to catch up after a stop light or that he wouldn't have to plan stopping so far in advance. He really enjoys the new bike AND his old ones.
Someday, my 07 will be old, but I will still love it. Just as you do your EVOs.
I agree, a lot of rich guys bought their new toys and are indeed posers. A lot of others (like myself) bought it because we love to ride. Every chance I get, I ride. On Monday I did a 200 mile trip (high was 34 degrees) to Ft Snelling to stand in a Patriot Guard flag line for the internment of a 23 year old soldier that was murdered at Ft Hood. It was a proud moment for me to honor him.
I also enjoyed the ride even though I could barely feel my hands at time.. got home and it took an hour for the damm smile to unfreeze from my face :-)
Anyway, I think you guys are all part of a brotherhood and know that the majority of Harley riders are some of the most patriotic individuals in our country.... THANKS.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 535
Likes: 14
From: Highspire Pa
I think it doesn't matter what you ride, where you ride, when you ride, how you dress or who you talk to, none of it matters to anyone but yourself as no one needs to prove anything. If you are happy riding with a group and attending events that is OK too. If you want a new bike and all the latest gadgets, that is OK too or if you like to sit at the computer and type about your experiences - it's all OK. If you like to spend time at the dealer that is OK too.
I bought my bike to ride, not to work on and find that many Harley riders are too worried about proving something, what they are worried about I don't know as it may be different for each individual.
If my wife and I are riding and either one gets tired we stop, I don't need to prove anything, I don't need to use the bike as a commuter - and I don't need the latest, greatest of anything. Our rides are nothing to brag about, but I will mention a good place to eat. It annoys me when people want to talk about and/or critique our setup - a simple "nice bike" or "I like Hondas better" is enough.
Sometimes when I can't ride I will spend time with the bike because it relaxes me, I may just clean it or tighten a bolt or even remove and or replace something. It's hard to say. It's not a job, and I am not obligated, it is something I enjoy doing. I do like the Harley clothes, and like buying things for my wife. I like uneventful rides, most times we are all alone. I do have a GPS and it's set up to record where we have been so if I ever want to go back I can use Google Earth to see the ride path we were on.
I was planning to go to the dealer to pick up a new Harley on a Friday but saw a picture of the one we have now, liked it, and had the cash to buy it so I contacted the guy and told him as long as it starts I will buy it and we picked it up that Friday - little did I know I would become attached to it. To be honest, at the time I did not expect to ride it much, I didn't even sign for the tittle as I just finished chemo and was not too confident I would be around too long. My goal was to just ride the Harley a little bit before I die, now I call it "Harley Therapy". The day may come when I bump into another Harley that I like better and I will buy that, but I am not looking to find one.
.
I bought my bike to ride, not to work on and find that many Harley riders are too worried about proving something, what they are worried about I don't know as it may be different for each individual.
If my wife and I are riding and either one gets tired we stop, I don't need to prove anything, I don't need to use the bike as a commuter - and I don't need the latest, greatest of anything. Our rides are nothing to brag about, but I will mention a good place to eat. It annoys me when people want to talk about and/or critique our setup - a simple "nice bike" or "I like Hondas better" is enough.
Sometimes when I can't ride I will spend time with the bike because it relaxes me, I may just clean it or tighten a bolt or even remove and or replace something. It's hard to say. It's not a job, and I am not obligated, it is something I enjoy doing. I do like the Harley clothes, and like buying things for my wife. I like uneventful rides, most times we are all alone. I do have a GPS and it's set up to record where we have been so if I ever want to go back I can use Google Earth to see the ride path we were on.
I was planning to go to the dealer to pick up a new Harley on a Friday but saw a picture of the one we have now, liked it, and had the cash to buy it so I contacted the guy and told him as long as it starts I will buy it and we picked it up that Friday - little did I know I would become attached to it. To be honest, at the time I did not expect to ride it much, I didn't even sign for the tittle as I just finished chemo and was not too confident I would be around too long. My goal was to just ride the Harley a little bit before I die, now I call it "Harley Therapy". The day may come when I bump into another Harley that I like better and I will buy that, but I am not looking to find one.
.
Last edited by pajoe; Dec 4, 2009 at 03:00 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Norwalk, CA
Just lovin the ride
You know, I had been wanting a Harley for the past 20 years but for one reason or another it just never happened until April this year. For the last 10 years I've told myself and my wife I'm gonna get my Harley before I turn 34, wel needless to say it didn't happen. Then it was before I hit 40 again it didn't happen, then it was before 45 and again. So in March when I hit 48 Iwas looking on the internet for a used bike because I just couldn't afford a new one, my wife walks in the room and sees what I I'm looking at and asks" What are you doing looking at bikes again, you know if you really wanted one you would've gotten one already" That just stirred up my pot and I said to myself " she is absolutely right". So I made up my mind and really started looking for a bike I could afford, I looked at some Heritage, Deluxe, Fat Boys and Road Kings. I really wanted a Road King and found one no more than 10 miles from my work on Craigslist.
The owner gave me the history on the bike, being the original owner, he had all maintenance records from the dealer and from Carl's Speed Shop. He used to take it on long rides and ended up having Carl replace the original motor after 60 K miles with an S&S 100 modified of course by Carl and installing a 6th speed to the trans. He added lots of chrome and it looked awsome but better than that it ran great and is powerfull. So needless to say after looking and test riding all the others, I was sold on the 94 RK and tokk it home for $8,500 with lots of extras he gave me. He was very attached to the bike but had to let it go because of medical reasons and he had many guys go see it before me but said he didn't feel they were right for his bike. He obviously felt I was and sold to me and asked me to take real good care of her and to call him when ever I needed to do some work to it and he would be vaery happy to help out and to see her again. I am very happy with my RK, but unfortunately she is ill right now and will not start.
The owner gave me the history on the bike, being the original owner, he had all maintenance records from the dealer and from Carl's Speed Shop. He used to take it on long rides and ended up having Carl replace the original motor after 60 K miles with an S&S 100 modified of course by Carl and installing a 6th speed to the trans. He added lots of chrome and it looked awsome but better than that it ran great and is powerfull. So needless to say after looking and test riding all the others, I was sold on the 94 RK and tokk it home for $8,500 with lots of extras he gave me. He was very attached to the bike but had to let it go because of medical reasons and he had many guys go see it before me but said he didn't feel they were right for his bike. He obviously felt I was and sold to me and asked me to take real good care of her and to call him when ever I needed to do some work to it and he would be vaery happy to help out and to see her again. I am very happy with my RK, but unfortunately she is ill right now and will not start.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
I think it doesn't matter what you ride, where you ride, when you ride, how you dress or who you talk to, none of it matters to anyone but yourself as no one needs to prove anything. If you are happy riding with a group and attending events that is OK too. If you want a new bike and all the latest gadgets, that is OK too or if you like to sit at the computer and type about your experiences - it's all OK. If you like to spend time at the dealer that is OK too.
I bought my bike to ride, not to work on and find that many Harley riders are too worried about proving something, what they are worried about I don't know as it may be different for each individual.
If my wife and I are riding and either one gets tired we stop, I don't need to prove anything, I don't need to use the bike as a commuter - and I don't need the latest, greatest of anything. Our rides are nothing to brag about, but I will mention a good place to eat. It annoys me when people want to talk about and/or critique our setup - a simple "nice bike" or "I like Hondas better" is enough.
Sometimes when I can't ride I will spend time with the bike because it relaxes me, I may just clean it or tighten a bolt or even remove and or replace something. It's hard to say. It's not a job, and I am not obligated, it is something I enjoy doing. I do like the Harley clothes, and like buying things for my wife. I like uneventful rides, most times we are all alone. I do have a GPS and it's set up to record where we have been so if I ever want to go back I can use Google Earth to see the ride path we were on.
I was planning to go to the dealer to pick up a new Harley on a Friday but saw a picture of the one we have now, liked it, and had the cash to buy it so I contacted the guy and told him as long as it starts I will buy it and we picked it up that Friday - little did I know I would become attached to it. To be honest, at the time I did not expect to ride it much, I didn't even sign for the tittle as I just finished chemo and was not too confident I would be around too long. My goal was to just ride the Harley a little bit before I die, now I call it "Harley Therapy". The day may come when I bump into another Harley that I like better and I will buy that, but I am not looking to find one.
.
I bought my bike to ride, not to work on and find that many Harley riders are too worried about proving something, what they are worried about I don't know as it may be different for each individual.
If my wife and I are riding and either one gets tired we stop, I don't need to prove anything, I don't need to use the bike as a commuter - and I don't need the latest, greatest of anything. Our rides are nothing to brag about, but I will mention a good place to eat. It annoys me when people want to talk about and/or critique our setup - a simple "nice bike" or "I like Hondas better" is enough.
Sometimes when I can't ride I will spend time with the bike because it relaxes me, I may just clean it or tighten a bolt or even remove and or replace something. It's hard to say. It's not a job, and I am not obligated, it is something I enjoy doing. I do like the Harley clothes, and like buying things for my wife. I like uneventful rides, most times we are all alone. I do have a GPS and it's set up to record where we have been so if I ever want to go back I can use Google Earth to see the ride path we were on.
I was planning to go to the dealer to pick up a new Harley on a Friday but saw a picture of the one we have now, liked it, and had the cash to buy it so I contacted the guy and told him as long as it starts I will buy it and we picked it up that Friday - little did I know I would become attached to it. To be honest, at the time I did not expect to ride it much, I didn't even sign for the tittle as I just finished chemo and was not too confident I would be around too long. My goal was to just ride the Harley a little bit before I die, now I call it "Harley Therapy". The day may come when I bump into another Harley that I like better and I will buy that, but I am not looking to find one.
.
Good stuff, Joe. Really good. I'm happy that you are still around to enjoy your life with your wife and your bike. I hope you have many long, happy years and miles ahead!
The guy I work for has Stage 4 colon cancer. He was diagnosed 2 over two years ago... we all thought he'd be gone in 3 months, but he's still kicking and fighting. He's been on chemo for 2 years, and his doc actually took him off until January because actually been improving. You have something like that come into your life and it just changes you - gives you a new perspective, and all the stupid stuff you used to think was so important becomes nothing. Things like your rides with your wife, or just doing the "remove and replace" thing on a rainy day, become much more important.
You're right - it doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you respect other riders and their mounts. I have never criticized another's bike, nor would I ever. Why would anyone do that, unless they are very insecure with themselves?
I have grown quite attached to my bike, too. That's why I gave her a name. She seems more like a living, breathing thing with a name. Like a horse almost, and she's never let me down. I never felt that way when I had Honda and Kawasakis... they were just bikes, but Bertha is more than that to me. She's special because my wife bought her for me for my 50th birthday. I had started talking about Harleys a year before, saying that I had always wanted one. So she bought Bertha for me, and I've put a lot of work to get Bertha just the way I want her. Wow! What a gal (my wife, I mean...)
She rides too - a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic on which I have put a Hypercharger and a Cobra 2-1 Pro Pipe... that thing will smoke me! I'm working on getting her onto a Hog, but she still can't find one that "fits" her and is "pretty" enough (she IS a girl, after all.) Maybe someday I'll find a nice Evo Heritage in a suitable color that's similar to her V-Star in riding position.
We often go riding, just ourselves, up in the north Georgia mountains, and we enjoy it immensely. Sometimes we ride with friends, and that's always fun too - but I don't often do big group rides, because I don't like to be tied to a big group with a set route. It's too structured and confining... I just like to go where the road takes us and enjoy the ride.
I am fortunate in that I can work from home a lot, and I usually work in the garage (where I am right now) because I won't smoke in the house. I have a nice bench out here that I have my laptop on, and my coffee warmer, and I'm less than six feet from Bertha with a full view of her all the time. I often look at her and just smile, and imagine that she's smiling back, wondering "when are we gonna go ride, man?"
Probably some good material for an abnormal psych study in here... I think they call it "anthropomorphism"!
P.S. - I have a Garmin GPS on a RAM mount, too. Comes in really handy when you're in unfamiliar territory, and for just seeing where you've been, as you said.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Bib Bertha is a rocking ride! It really looks good and I know you guys know your bikes and do the work. I wish I could wrench like you (maybe if I get that ole EVO, I can learn!).
Have a good friend who has a '47 knucklehead that he restored and ride. NICE bike. He also has a 74 Electra. This summer he bought a used '07 RK. His comment to me... WOW. This thing rides itself. He commented on the fact that people wouldn't have to wait for him to catch up after a stop light or that he wouldn't have to plan stopping so far in advance. He really enjoys the new bike AND his old ones.
Someday, my 07 will be old, but I will still love it. Just as you do your EVOs.
I agree, a lot of rich guys bought their new toys and are indeed posers. A lot of others (like myself) bought it because we love to ride. Every chance I get, I ride. On Monday I did a 200 mile trip (high was 34 degrees) to Ft Snelling to stand in a Patriot Guard flag line for the internment of a 23 year old soldier that was murdered at Ft Hood. It was a proud moment for me to honor him.
I also enjoyed the ride even though I could barely feel my hands at time.. got home and it took an hour for the damm smile to unfreeze from my face :-)
Anyway, I think you guys are all part of a brotherhood and know that the majority of Harley riders are some of the most patriotic individuals in our country.... THANKS.
Have a good friend who has a '47 knucklehead that he restored and ride. NICE bike. He also has a 74 Electra. This summer he bought a used '07 RK. His comment to me... WOW. This thing rides itself. He commented on the fact that people wouldn't have to wait for him to catch up after a stop light or that he wouldn't have to plan stopping so far in advance. He really enjoys the new bike AND his old ones.
Someday, my 07 will be old, but I will still love it. Just as you do your EVOs.
I agree, a lot of rich guys bought their new toys and are indeed posers. A lot of others (like myself) bought it because we love to ride. Every chance I get, I ride. On Monday I did a 200 mile trip (high was 34 degrees) to Ft Snelling to stand in a Patriot Guard flag line for the internment of a 23 year old soldier that was murdered at Ft Hood. It was a proud moment for me to honor him.
I also enjoyed the ride even though I could barely feel my hands at time.. got home and it took an hour for the damm smile to unfreeze from my face :-)
Anyway, I think you guys are all part of a brotherhood and know that the majority of Harley riders are some of the most patriotic individuals in our country.... THANKS.
Thank you, Patriot! And thanks for your service to America. Good stuff. If I were rich, I'd have a whole stable full of old Harleys and Indians, and a Vincent Black Shadow, too. Jay Leno has one of those that I saw a video of the other day... check out the Jay Leno's Garage website. He has a ton of vintage bikes in there, and lots of videos... must be nice to be him!Good for you on your recent PGR ride! I can only imagine how you felt that day... 23 is way too young to die. You must have been very proud to escort him on his final ride. I am a PGR too, but I must admit that I haven't been active lately. I get a lot of short notice e-mails that always seem to fall on a workday or when I've already made other plans. I need to make PGR more of a priority though - because all vets deserve that respect when they go to the Great Highway in the Sky. Keep the liberal a**holes away, and give them and their families the dignity they deserve.
And yeah, you can tell a biker from a poser very easily - just as soon as they speak... the first thing out of their mouth tells you who they are and what they're all about.
I think all bikers are a brotherhood really, and there are smaller "sub 'hoods", too. Most riders are great. I've meet very few jerks really, but they are out there. See the lively "Dinosaur" thread for details...
Ooh-Rah!
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Jeez! I'm starting to sound like a friggin' interior decorator here... Quick, someone get me a beer and a cigar, and turn on ESPN!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
You know, I had been wanting a Harley for the past 20 years but for one reason or another it just never happened until April this year. For the last 10 years I've told myself and my wife I'm gonna get my Harley before I turn 34, wel needless to say it didn't happen. Then it was before I hit 40 again it didn't happen, then it was before 45 and again. So in March when I hit 48 Iwas looking on the internet for a used bike because I just couldn't afford a new one, my wife walks in the room and sees what I I'm looking at and asks" What are you doing looking at bikes again, you know if you really wanted one you would've gotten one already" That just stirred up my pot and I said to myself " she is absolutely right". So I made up my mind and really started looking for a bike I could afford, I looked at some Heritage, Deluxe, Fat Boys and Road Kings. I really wanted a Road King and found one no more than 10 miles from my work on Craigslist.
The owner gave me the history on the bike, being the original owner, he had all maintenance records from the dealer and from Carl's Speed Shop. He used to take it on long rides and ended up having Carl replace the original motor after 60 K miles with an S&S 100 modified of course by Carl and installing a 6th speed to the trans. He added lots of chrome and it looked awsome but better than that it ran great and is powerfull. So needless to say after looking and test riding all the others, I was sold on the 94 RK and tokk it home for $8,500 with lots of extras he gave me. He was very attached to the bike but had to let it go because of medical reasons and he had many guys go see it before me but said he didn't feel they were right for his bike. He obviously felt I was and sold to me and asked me to take real good care of her and to call him when ever I needed to do some work to it and he would be vaery happy to help out and to see her again. I am very happy with my RK, but unfortunately she is ill right now and will not start.
The owner gave me the history on the bike, being the original owner, he had all maintenance records from the dealer and from Carl's Speed Shop. He used to take it on long rides and ended up having Carl replace the original motor after 60 K miles with an S&S 100 modified of course by Carl and installing a 6th speed to the trans. He added lots of chrome and it looked awsome but better than that it ran great and is powerfull. So needless to say after looking and test riding all the others, I was sold on the 94 RK and tokk it home for $8,500 with lots of extras he gave me. He was very attached to the bike but had to let it go because of medical reasons and he had many guys go see it before me but said he didn't feel they were right for his bike. He obviously felt I was and sold to me and asked me to take real good care of her and to call him when ever I needed to do some work to it and he would be vaery happy to help out and to see her again. I am very happy with my RK, but unfortunately she is ill right now and will not start.