HD vs Ricers/Germans observation

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Oct 10, 2014 | 10:05 AM

k-hook

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From: Central Louisiana

HD vs Ricers/Germans observation

Had the privilege of volunteering at the Gulf Coast Police Motorcycle Skills Rodeo recently. 150 motor officers from 9 different states. Amazing riders. Makes you wanna ride 24 hrs a day! However, I observed something interesting. Every single rider on a ricer (cops term), i.e. Honda, Kawasaki, or a BMW (German)...fell. Not a single one could make through the entire course without tipping or falling...not a one. The Harley riders...eh maybe one or two from a mental mistake. Watching these rodeos on YouTube I notice the same thing...riders on the foreign bikes fall.

My point...I'm curious. My '13 Ultra Limited is the finest motorcycle I've ever owned. I'm 5'5"...it's lowered in the rear, and SG springs on the front. It fits me. I'm flat footed. But everyone I talked to at the rodeo on a '14 says the improvements are remarkable. So...thinkin' about going to check out a '15 Limited Low. Those of you who've recently upgraded, share your thoughts.

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:24 AM

KCFLHRC

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From: Jayhawk Country

Let me be the first to call BS. If the rider fell it sure as hell wasn't the bikes fault.

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:34 AM

airfuel

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Sportbikes are not designed to go that slow. Frame geometry that makes them handle sharp. Kind of like comparing a F16 fighter to a DC3 cargo plane.

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:41 AM

Tailsfrommycrib

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From: Michigan

Maybe I read your post wrong but are you seriously comparing Harley's Rushmore improvements to the technology on Japanese and German motorcycles?

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:42 AM

KCFLHRC

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From: Jayhawk Country

Quote:

Originally Posted by airfuel

Sportbikes are not designed to go that slow. Frame geometry that makes them handle sharp. Kind of like comparing a F16 fighter to a DC3 cargo plane.

Who said they were sport bikes? Lots of Kawasaki, BMW, Honda etc. cop bikes that are not sport bikes and will run circles around a Glide any day.

Last edited by KCFLHRC; Oct 10, 2014 at 10:46 AM.

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:48 AM

472viper

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From: USA

I too am an inseam challenged rider and rode metrics for 40years before I got my first Harley. Some metrics are top heavy and some are not. The thing I really noticed when I got my Street Glide was that I could FEEL it having a lower center of gravity and it seemed like that the weight of the tranny low and behind the engine really made a big difference is slow speed manuvering.

As far as the Limited Low. I bought an Ultra Classic Low after demoing one this fall. My feet are not only flat but my knees are bent too. I liked everything about it except the seat. They use a reduced reach seat and it just pushes you too far forward, feel like you are on the tank and not behind it. But the Mustang Low Down off my SG will fit the Low so I'm really looking forward to it. Supposed to ship on the 21st.

Last edited by 472viper; Oct 10, 2014 at 11:04 AM.