Harley braking
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Sarasota, FL
Harley braking
I was at a bike dealership last week (not a harley dealer, but one with a good number of used HD's) just looking at bikes. I don't own a bike of my own, but being a new rider and in the market, I had a lot of questions.
The Salesperson eventually led me to a Honda Shadow Spirit. It felt nice to sit on, and felt pretty solid, but c'mon, it's not a Harley. It led me to ask about advantages and disadvantages of HD's vs. metrics which I've already found to be a sensitive area around motorcycle forums.
The obvious advantage of the metrics is price. Second being the availability of bigger bikes with smaller engines more suited to a tall, first-timer such as myself.
But being pretty set on a Dyna, I probed a bit deeper. I've been told a thousand times, even by my MSC instructor, that the bigger bikes are fine as long as I take it easy and get used to it in a parking lot.
Now, back to the salesperson. He was telling me about the braking on Harley's being Inferior to metrics. This really stood out to me. I'd like to stop my bike as fast as possible if I have to. Does this statement have any merit? Are imported bikes known to have better brakes?
Expound, if you will.
The Salesperson eventually led me to a Honda Shadow Spirit. It felt nice to sit on, and felt pretty solid, but c'mon, it's not a Harley. It led me to ask about advantages and disadvantages of HD's vs. metrics which I've already found to be a sensitive area around motorcycle forums.
The obvious advantage of the metrics is price. Second being the availability of bigger bikes with smaller engines more suited to a tall, first-timer such as myself.
But being pretty set on a Dyna, I probed a bit deeper. I've been told a thousand times, even by my MSC instructor, that the bigger bikes are fine as long as I take it easy and get used to it in a parking lot.
Now, back to the salesperson. He was telling me about the braking on Harley's being Inferior to metrics. This really stood out to me. I'd like to stop my bike as fast as possible if I have to. Does this statement have any merit? Are imported bikes known to have better brakes?
Expound, if you will.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
I have no problem shutting down my Heritage; as good as the two Honda Shadows I owned. The twin disc setup on the front of my '99 Superglide Sport would scare the **** outta' you if you weren't paying attention...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Braking Ability
Just my .02, but, IMHO the ability of a bike to brake SAFELY has more to with rider ABILITY than the bike's capability. 2 up on my Road King is well beyond 1000 pounds. No matter how you slice it it will take longer to come to a stop than on a Shadow or similar! The weakest link in the braking procedure is and has always been the operator.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Sarasota, FL
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Battle Creek, MI
They have brakes??
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Sarasota, FL
Makes sense to me that it wouldn't be true, but I'm baffled as to why he would turn me off of a used HD for a used Honda. The Harley I was lookin' at was twice the price. He stood to make more money by talking up the Dyna.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,356
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I've got the ABS antilock brake option and Brembo brakes on my Ultra Classic. Brembo brakes are standard stock equipment on the fastest and most expensive autos on the planet such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Buggati and Porsche. If they are good enough for those vehicles, they are good enough for me.