Harley being fast?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Harley being fast?
[quote]ORIGINAL: FalconA
Ok, first off Thank you for your replies! Some of you are correct, I am trolling, but the reason I am, is to learn what some of you are thinking.
I am looking for a cruiser, and I have rode many.
I get this "It has to be a Harley or its just not a bike" crap allot, and I'm tired of it.
I have road almost every Harley in the line up, and have a hard time justifying what you get for the money spent. The craftsmanship has allot to be desired, I see soft steel screws holding the cases together, when imports use stainless steel, and nothing fancy at all to justify the money spent to buy one. The engine vibration is excessive at hwy speeds, and any acceleration after 60 is just pathetic.
Again, I look at money spent for ride, handling, braking and overall what I get gauges etc.. Its just not there when comparing to true imports, which brings up another thing, Harleys aren't 100% American made. As a matter of fact I was surprised at just how much import was actually in them, especially the Vrod.
I really am disappointed with what size and type of tire is used on them, Harley is stuck with such old tech tires that Im surprised. Low profile and wider tires are much safer.
I didn't come on here to bash Harley, I really didn't, I just was trying to figure out why makes so many so proud of such a lack of technology.
Just so you know, to the comment about the Hayabusa, it recently was voted best motorcycle of the world, because of its handling, comfort, and power. So the comment about "see you in the papers" is unjustified.
I know quite a few harley riders that have been killed. My friend was just killed three weeks ago, when his Harley broke down (very new model) and left him standing, and a car came along and hit him.
I Know that most people are not all that motorcycle mechanics, and don't see them as an assembly of parts and nothing more. If people were to look at things more this way, this would make all the bikes and cars better, as people would not make a class for a certain brand, and by the brand no matter what they get as a finished product.
I rode an Suzuki M109 yesterday for over 70 miles. It has a liquid cooled 109 cubic inch V-twin, with dual overhead cam, four valves per cylinder. It uses the same technology as the GSXRs for fuel injection, suspension and brakes.
What I was talking about fast, I understand that cruisers aren't supposed to be fast, thus the term "Crusier"
What I am saying is, how can the Japanese make a Vtwin that doesn't vibrate in your hands, and revs freely to its 7500rpm limit, with a 4.4 inch piston, and Harley cannot? Having real power, linear power, makes a bike allot easier to ride, and is a hell of allot safer in traffic, allowing the rider to escape bad situations! It has a 10 inch wide rear tire, and yet is so nimble to ride, that it falls into the curves! Brakes are fantastic, with inverted forks, it doesn't take a dive when you need to stop fast.
All for $12000!
I started out being open-minded about bikes, but when I see people blindly buying into a lifestyle, without even knowing what they bought, I just have to shake my head. There are safer, more fun bikes to ride by far then an Harley I have ridden so far!
I can't believe there are so many people that will buy a bike to fit in, that just seems so strange.
I give Harley every chance to impress me, and so far I'm not. Harley even changed the NHRA rules, so that other bikes that race against them, can only be half the cc's, how sad.
The reason I brought up the helmet thing, is around here it is rare to see a helmet on a Harley rider, and in Sturgis it was hard to find any at all. I have a theory, and that is I think its about being seen and about recognition. Thus the loud pipes, to attract attention and make people look at you, to be noticed.
Also, the sound. If most of you think the sound a Harley makes is impressive, I hate to tell you, but i
Ok, first off Thank you for your replies! Some of you are correct, I am trolling, but the reason I am, is to learn what some of you are thinking.
I am looking for a cruiser, and I have rode many.
I get this "It has to be a Harley or its just not a bike" crap allot, and I'm tired of it.
I have road almost every Harley in the line up, and have a hard time justifying what you get for the money spent. The craftsmanship has allot to be desired, I see soft steel screws holding the cases together, when imports use stainless steel, and nothing fancy at all to justify the money spent to buy one. The engine vibration is excessive at hwy speeds, and any acceleration after 60 is just pathetic.
Again, I look at money spent for ride, handling, braking and overall what I get gauges etc.. Its just not there when comparing to true imports, which brings up another thing, Harleys aren't 100% American made. As a matter of fact I was surprised at just how much import was actually in them, especially the Vrod.
I really am disappointed with what size and type of tire is used on them, Harley is stuck with such old tech tires that Im surprised. Low profile and wider tires are much safer.
I didn't come on here to bash Harley, I really didn't, I just was trying to figure out why makes so many so proud of such a lack of technology.
Just so you know, to the comment about the Hayabusa, it recently was voted best motorcycle of the world, because of its handling, comfort, and power. So the comment about "see you in the papers" is unjustified.
I know quite a few harley riders that have been killed. My friend was just killed three weeks ago, when his Harley broke down (very new model) and left him standing, and a car came along and hit him.
I Know that most people are not all that motorcycle mechanics, and don't see them as an assembly of parts and nothing more. If people were to look at things more this way, this would make all the bikes and cars better, as people would not make a class for a certain brand, and by the brand no matter what they get as a finished product.
I rode an Suzuki M109 yesterday for over 70 miles. It has a liquid cooled 109 cubic inch V-twin, with dual overhead cam, four valves per cylinder. It uses the same technology as the GSXRs for fuel injection, suspension and brakes.
What I was talking about fast, I understand that cruisers aren't supposed to be fast, thus the term "Crusier"
What I am saying is, how can the Japanese make a Vtwin that doesn't vibrate in your hands, and revs freely to its 7500rpm limit, with a 4.4 inch piston, and Harley cannot? Having real power, linear power, makes a bike allot easier to ride, and is a hell of allot safer in traffic, allowing the rider to escape bad situations! It has a 10 inch wide rear tire, and yet is so nimble to ride, that it falls into the curves! Brakes are fantastic, with inverted forks, it doesn't take a dive when you need to stop fast.
All for $12000!
I started out being open-minded about bikes, but when I see people blindly buying into a lifestyle, without even knowing what they bought, I just have to shake my head. There are safer, more fun bikes to ride by far then an Harley I have ridden so far!
I can't believe there are so many people that will buy a bike to fit in, that just seems so strange.
I give Harley every chance to impress me, and so far I'm not. Harley even changed the NHRA rules, so that other bikes that race against them, can only be half the cc's, how sad.
The reason I brought up the helmet thing, is around here it is rare to see a helmet on a Harley rider, and in Sturgis it was hard to find any at all. I have a theory, and that is I think its about being seen and about recognition. Thus the loud pipes, to attract attention and make people look at you, to be noticed.
Also, the sound. If most of you think the sound a Harley makes is impressive, I hate to tell you, but i
Banned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,982
Likes: 1
From: Polygamy Plains, Utah
RE: Harley being fast?
ORIGINAL: FalconA
I am a new member here, and I would like to know how many of you people actually think a harley is fast?
Also, I would like to compare harleys with import cruisers.
Do the import cruisers go as fast as harleys?
Next question is, why do most harley riders make the bikes loud?
Final question, why don't harley riders want to wear helmets?
I am considering a cruiser bike and am not sure which one to buy yet. I want the most power for the money I can get! Thank you for your input!
I am a new member here, and I would like to know how many of you people actually think a harley is fast?
Also, I would like to compare harleys with import cruisers.
Do the import cruisers go as fast as harleys?
Next question is, why do most harley riders make the bikes loud?
Final question, why don't harley riders want to wear helmets?
I am considering a cruiser bike and am not sure which one to buy yet. I want the most power for the money I can get! Thank you for your input!
Comparisons? I don't care.
I like my pipes loud.
It's a matter of choice.
Get a Vespa.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Harley being fast?
ORIGINAL: FalconA
I am trying to make a decision, and you sure help to sway me away from Harley. If you cannot even discuss the finer points of them without calling names like "rice burners" , you show me that your uneducated about bikes. Without the "rice burners" Harley wouldn't exist.
Just so you know, both my father and my uncle fought in WWII, and guess what, we won!! Actually the Germans were the most to blame, and yet we have hated towards the Japanese for some unknown reason!?
Just to set the record straight, I like all bikes! I came to learn, not to be insulted. I am leaning towards an M109, as it has 127 horse, 120lbs of torque, 4.4 bore, liquid cooled, inverted forks, fuel injected and has a 10 inch rear tire, yet rides as nimble as a thin tire.
I do like some Harleys also, but am not sure yet.
Some of you seem to have it in for the imports for some reason, why is this? Inferiority complex? Im confused.
I am trying to make a decision, and you sure help to sway me away from Harley. If you cannot even discuss the finer points of them without calling names like "rice burners" , you show me that your uneducated about bikes. Without the "rice burners" Harley wouldn't exist.
Just so you know, both my father and my uncle fought in WWII, and guess what, we won!! Actually the Germans were the most to blame, and yet we have hated towards the Japanese for some unknown reason!?
Just to set the record straight, I like all bikes! I came to learn, not to be insulted. I am leaning towards an M109, as it has 127 horse, 120lbs of torque, 4.4 bore, liquid cooled, inverted forks, fuel injected and has a 10 inch rear tire, yet rides as nimble as a thin tire.
I do like some Harleys also, but am not sure yet.
Some of you seem to have it in for the imports for some reason, why is this? Inferiority complex? Im confused.
Clammy
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: Harley being fast?
[quote]ORIGINAL: grunt
Actually right now you are being insulting. Arrogant to a fault, and it shows. And it seems more than obvious you WANT a metric bike. So WTF is stopping you? If you wanted a Harley you would NOT be slamming them so hard.
It is pure fact that HDs hold their resale. A 99 Springer that is being sold for over $15k (which is all over the cycle trader mag)? It did not cost that new. And every metric bike depreciates at least 50% in the first 3 years. Even the 'other' American bike Victory depreciates like that. I can wait 1 year and the 18k Kingpin will be below 14k used. If I would have left it stock, I could have sold my 2006 StreetBob for at least the same price. Your metrics, unless they are in the sub-$7k bracket, will lose at least 2k off their value when you drive off their lot, just like a car. In
ORIGINAL: FalconA
I hope you are kidding about a bike only being worth $3000 in three years. Another thing I have been doing is researching resale as well. Can you tell me why so many Harleys are for sale, in comparison to any other brands?
And just so you know, December issue of cycle world compared the Vmax to your Vrod, and guess what, the max out performed everything from comfort to acceleration, ride and handling! Now this Yamaha was released in 1984 as an 85' model and hasn't changed but a little in over 20 years and it still kicks the Vrod??? How can that be??
Go to NADA.com and look at what the average Harley depreciates please. I did, I looked at a year old model, and saw it took a $7G dump in one year!! That is almost what a Vmax costs new! An import is much cheaper, with more to offer, and if it looses a couple G's at best in a few years, big deal to having almost twice the investment, half the power and much more $ lossed when selling.
Please go to cycle trader.com, and see how many are for sale, along with any local newspaper, MY GOD! Vrods take a huge loss, worth maybe half or less in a couple years.
Talking to many Harley riders, the Vrod is very much hated by the Harley community. I don't know why it would be, because its finally an attempt to make a modern chassis, it just fails because of crank design. I wish Porshe would have been able to design and manufacture a Vtwin, rather then just manufacture something Harley designed.
I have friends that have Buells, and now after they rode the Hayabusa, the Buells are for sale. He has a White lightning with over $10 Gs in the engine, and can't even get $6500 for the whole bike.
I know many people that have dumped huge money in their Harleys, to try in vain to get an equal power to what most big bore cruisers, such as a Goldwing or M109, or VTX, Warrior, Vulcan already have.
Don't fool yourself with resale, as this is no longer a viable argument. Sorry to burst your bubble.
I came here to research my next purchase, I am already getting insulted if I knock Harleys. I am trying to learn about them, and compare them legitimatly to other bikes. Please don't insult me by telling me, "If you have to explain it then I just won't understand". That is a copout. These are just machines, nothing more, and to buy a machine to make friends seems strange at best as well. I don't need to buy something to impress others, I just want the most I can get for the money spent. Sorry if I don't fall into the cult way of thinking.
ORIGINAL: eazy
Trying not to be bias, but you are. If you don't know, you don't understand. V-Rods, like everything, have foreign parts, but are American made. I have fun one my bike and it is fast enogh to get out of bad situations. A real rider knows that Harleys are junk? No, a real rider wouldn't put themselves in a situation that they have to have power to go over 110 or need 7500 rpm. Got 9k though.
And all for 12000. It will be worth 3000 in three years.
Your not open-minded like you say, so like ****** said--Go play in traffic.
Trying not to be bias, but you are. If you don't know, you don't understand. V-Rods, like everything, have foreign parts, but are American made. I have fun one my bike and it is fast enogh to get out of bad situations. A real rider knows that Harleys are junk? No, a real rider wouldn't put themselves in a situation that they have to have power to go over 110 or need 7500 rpm. Got 9k though.
And all for 12000. It will be worth 3000 in three years.
Your not open-minded like you say, so like ****** said--Go play in traffic.
And just so you know, December issue of cycle world compared the Vmax to your Vrod, and guess what, the max out performed everything from comfort to acceleration, ride and handling! Now this Yamaha was released in 1984 as an 85' model and hasn't changed but a little in over 20 years and it still kicks the Vrod??? How can that be??
Go to NADA.com and look at what the average Harley depreciates please. I did, I looked at a year old model, and saw it took a $7G dump in one year!! That is almost what a Vmax costs new! An import is much cheaper, with more to offer, and if it looses a couple G's at best in a few years, big deal to having almost twice the investment, half the power and much more $ lossed when selling.
Please go to cycle trader.com, and see how many are for sale, along with any local newspaper, MY GOD! Vrods take a huge loss, worth maybe half or less in a couple years.
Talking to many Harley riders, the Vrod is very much hated by the Harley community. I don't know why it would be, because its finally an attempt to make a modern chassis, it just fails because of crank design. I wish Porshe would have been able to design and manufacture a Vtwin, rather then just manufacture something Harley designed.
I have friends that have Buells, and now after they rode the Hayabusa, the Buells are for sale. He has a White lightning with over $10 Gs in the engine, and can't even get $6500 for the whole bike.
I know many people that have dumped huge money in their Harleys, to try in vain to get an equal power to what most big bore cruisers, such as a Goldwing or M109, or VTX, Warrior, Vulcan already have.
Don't fool yourself with resale, as this is no longer a viable argument. Sorry to burst your bubble.
I came here to research my next purchase, I am already getting insulted if I knock Harleys. I am trying to learn about them, and compare them legitimatly to other bikes. Please don't insult me by telling me, "If you have to explain it then I just won't understand". That is a copout. These are just machines, nothing more, and to buy a machine to make friends seems strange at best as well. I don't need to buy something to impress others, I just want the most I can get for the money spent. Sorry if I don't fall into the cult way of thinking.
It is pure fact that HDs hold their resale. A 99 Springer that is being sold for over $15k (which is all over the cycle trader mag)? It did not cost that new. And every metric bike depreciates at least 50% in the first 3 years. Even the 'other' American bike Victory depreciates like that. I can wait 1 year and the 18k Kingpin will be below 14k used. If I would have left it stock, I could have sold my 2006 StreetBob for at least the same price. Your metrics, unless they are in the sub-$7k bracket, will lose at least 2k off their value when you drive off their lot, just like a car. In
Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,146
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From:
RE: Harley being fast?
HEY,.......I'm kinda poor,...and I got a Harley. I wasn't poor before I bought it,.....but,......I'd rather push a brokedown harley on the shoulder of the road for 99 miles,...than ride on a dang plastic crotch rocket.My notes are real high too,.....I pay alot!!!!!!! But thats the life I chose,.....I made a concious decision not to be a loser and drive rice.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 8
From: Austin TX
RE: Harley being fast?
You did not come here to "learn" about Harleys, as you stated. You came here to learn about a Harley forums members OPINIONS about Harleys. You have obviously done all the hard research you need to have made a smart and informed decision on your next motorcycle purchase. I dont think we can be of nuch further use to you. I wish you all the happiness in the world on your next bike. Ride safe.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Harley being fast?
ORIGINAL: FalconA
Listen Grunt, I hate to tell you but your living in an imaginary world. You think an S&S will out do a V-max? I hate to break it to you, but I can tell you that $10 Gs dumped into my friend Flyers Buell, firebolt heads, built to the hilt, dyno'd at 110 horse can't beat my brothers (my old) 85' stock V-max in a race. 60K miles on the V-max even. I know I was there to see it. So your not going to tell me that your heavy chassis has even slight chance, sorry but NO.
As far as Gold wing, well the new wing, bone stock will run you pretty hard for the money. And that just isn't right, your bike should kick the ever livin **** out of anything stock with that much invested, PERIOD!
I came here to learn more about Harleys and right away I am insulted by some of you throwing "rice burner" and other insults my way.
To answer the depreciation arguement, doesn't take a mathamation to understand. Take $18000 for average new Harley with very few accessories, and look at trade in loss. Average is about $7G. Ok, take a metric cruiser, $12G new, already chrommed from the factory, liquid cooled, fat tire, shaft drive, engine tranny all one piece, inverted heavy duty forks, GSXR brakes, so nothing else to really do to it, because it already kicks other cruisers asses in power, and what do you loose on it in a year, maybe $2G if even? For sake of arguement, lets say $4G. on trade, thats with worn out tires and scratches. What did you gain buying the Harley??
I am trying to be open minded, but the more I read here the more your convincing me to buy metric people!
Try giving me some real answers here, not make believe stuff about kicking V-maxs and things I know are not true.
I am beginning to think you folks have never experienced real power.
I have riddin Hayabusas with turbo kits, 350 horse on pump gas. 400 plus on race fuel, so I know what power is.
And how about the comment about the Hayabusa reaching top speed? I have one now, and I can in a mile, so what!
I am now looking for a cruiser and trying to get some real reasons to buy one, comfort, dependablity, etc...
Tell me about inprovements like electrical, or maybe a HID headlight or something?? What am I getting for that much dough!
And P.S. I can afford many Harleys, I am not poor.
Listen Grunt, I hate to tell you but your living in an imaginary world. You think an S&S will out do a V-max? I hate to break it to you, but I can tell you that $10 Gs dumped into my friend Flyers Buell, firebolt heads, built to the hilt, dyno'd at 110 horse can't beat my brothers (my old) 85' stock V-max in a race. 60K miles on the V-max even. I know I was there to see it. So your not going to tell me that your heavy chassis has even slight chance, sorry but NO.
As far as Gold wing, well the new wing, bone stock will run you pretty hard for the money. And that just isn't right, your bike should kick the ever livin **** out of anything stock with that much invested, PERIOD!
I came here to learn more about Harleys and right away I am insulted by some of you throwing "rice burner" and other insults my way.
To answer the depreciation arguement, doesn't take a mathamation to understand. Take $18000 for average new Harley with very few accessories, and look at trade in loss. Average is about $7G. Ok, take a metric cruiser, $12G new, already chrommed from the factory, liquid cooled, fat tire, shaft drive, engine tranny all one piece, inverted heavy duty forks, GSXR brakes, so nothing else to really do to it, because it already kicks other cruisers asses in power, and what do you loose on it in a year, maybe $2G if even? For sake of arguement, lets say $4G. on trade, thats with worn out tires and scratches. What did you gain buying the Harley??
I am trying to be open minded, but the more I read here the more your convincing me to buy metric people!
Try giving me some real answers here, not make believe stuff about kicking V-maxs and things I know are not true.
I am beginning to think you folks have never experienced real power.
I have riddin Hayabusas with turbo kits, 350 horse on pump gas. 400 plus on race fuel, so I know what power is.
And how about the comment about the Hayabusa reaching top speed? I have one now, and I can in a mile, so what!
I am now looking for a cruiser and trying to get some real reasons to buy one, comfort, dependablity, etc...
Tell me about inprovements like electrical, or maybe a HID headlight or something?? What am I getting for that much dough!
And P.S. I can afford many Harleys, I am not poor.
Bottom line: buy what you want and ride it. Here, we like Harleys. It doesn't matter why... we just DO. Accept it and move on.
Clammy
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,629
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From:
RE: Harley being fast?
My brother had a Road King, 2005 model, and just sold it for $18,500....did you hear that....$18,500....bought it for $17900...and added about $2K in mods....HELLO...on ebay at this moment there is a Road King and the bid is at $16,500~~~>2002 model......
Where are you getting $7K lost in a year....you are freaking nutz!!!! LOOK AT HE BIDS PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR THERE BIKES...I told you this earlier...a Springer 03 model sells for $17,500....
HD'S DON'T LOOSE VALUE OLD MAN!!!
I owned metrics and lost my *** when selling.....I am proof of what is value and not!!!!!!!!
As far as turning you towards metric...you were already there!
Where are you getting $7K lost in a year....you are freaking nutz!!!! LOOK AT HE BIDS PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR THERE BIKES...I told you this earlier...a Springer 03 model sells for $17,500....
HD'S DON'T LOOSE VALUE OLD MAN!!!
I owned metrics and lost my *** when selling.....I am proof of what is value and not!!!!!!!!
As far as turning you towards metric...you were already there!
