this is probably blasphemous...

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Dec 7, 2009 | 06:49 AM

#21

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ki4top

i'm about to take the rider's edge course...then rent a few bikes, figure out what i like...then purchase.

but the question i really have is why are so many people immediately upgrading their harley's? is it due to poor performance? it isn't to be "unique", because 'everyone' (trying not to be generic here) is doing it.

maybe just skilled rider's? is 96ci (1573cc) enough? i'm just asking, not trolling...i'm excited to buy a harley, maybe for the same reasons, maybe for different.

(don't shoot me for asking)

I don't know all of the performance statistics of all of the bikes but I would bet that a lot of bike in the same class as say, a Harley Road King, could out perform a RK with no performance modification. A V-Rod could hold it's own against a few but not all but it was built for performance. My stock '06 GL1800 Goldwing had 116 HP. I don't know what the torque was but it's a bunch compared to a Harley Ultra Classic. I may be wrong, but I don't think an Ultra Classic even has 100 HP. Goldwings are considered a touring bike but in my opinion, Goldwings are oversize Sports bike and really shouldn't be considered in the same classic as an Ultra Classic.

Dec 7, 2009 | 06:51 AM

#22

StreetGlider57

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 960

Likes: 1

From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This forum is not the best measure of what "all" Harley riders are up to, but in the case of modifications, I think just about everyone does something to make their bike either look, sound, fit, ride or perform different that stock. Some riders continue to change all aspects of their cycle year after year, and others will make one for two changes at the begining of their ownership and leave it at that.

Dec 7, 2009 | 06:55 AM

#23

EG Ultra Classic

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 501

Likes: 0

From: SW Iowa

In my case, my new '08 Ultra was a dog. The 96" motor is so de-tuned for emissions, it got me sick and tired of living with it. With 5k miles on the clock I had had enough, and started laying out more cash for better performance. I am not sorry I did either, as it is much more acceptable and fun to ride now than when it was stock. And fuel mileage is better after mods.

Dec 7, 2009 | 11:07 AM

#24

FBTRIKE

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 505

Likes: 1

From: Pine, Colorado

First let me say that taking a rider safety course is the best thing you can do. Then trying out different bikes and finding what feels right for the type of riding you plan on doing, makes perfect sense. Sounds like you have a better plan for making your purchase then most people probably do. Good luck, take your time, and if your happy with your new bike the way it is, don't make any changes. Do what ever gives you the most enjoyment. The key being, do or don't do, what you want! Not based on what anyone else thinks. It's your bike and your money.........just enjoy it and ride safe.

Dec 7, 2009 | 11:14 AM

#25

GrimmRider

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 744

Likes: 2

From: Fresno, CA

Louder, faster, mine.

Dec 7, 2009 | 11:19 AM

#26

faber

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 8,831

Likes: 15

From: Nomad

Funny how they OP asked why Harley riders often "upgrade" their bikes, asking if 96ci wasn't enough?

Then people assumed he meant "upgrading from a Sportster"? (he never mentioned one)

He's talking about mods.

...

to the OP:

Why do it? Because the more you ride, the more you realize you'd like a little more ____. That might mean more power, better suspension, comfort, chrome...whatever.

Dec 7, 2009 | 11:46 AM

#27

bigskyhd

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 8,051

Likes: 50

From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)

Folks just like to make their bike THEIRS.....and theirs alone. Hate seeing an exact duplicate going down the road. Bikes are kind of an extension of our own personality, and you know how different they are. You can ride a totally stock scoot without any problem if YOU"RE happy with it. It's all about what makes YOU happy. Most folks just like that personal touch, and that requires some mods.

Dec 7, 2009 | 11:47 AM

#28

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,206

Likes: 372

From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

Uh, mine is still basically stock and it isn't my first bike either. I have made changes to every bike, truck, car, boat I have ever owned. I have done very little to change appearance or what many call "performance" on any of them.
I do add things to get more storage space or improve my comfort. IMO it makes the machine perform better for the way I use it.