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[rant]

From my 11-year experience riding HD's, the vast majority of HD riders couldn't care less what the other guy rides. There's an old saying that "It doesn't matter what you ride, it's that you ride." One of the most frequent participants in our group rides has a BMW K75, and another a GS. Yet another owns both a Dresser and a GS, but mostly rides the former. Most of the group ride HD's, but at no time are the owners of other bikes shown any contempt or condescension, outside of some good-natured sarcasm from time to time.

This is the way it should be, but some sportbikers see biking as a religious experience, and people on bikes they deem unworthy are members of false religions. This is taking our love for motorcycles too far, IMO. I have picked HD because I like the feel, sound, and even the handling (within its design parameters)--but I would never assume the position of proselytizing or attempting to suggest that someone move to HD simply because I like them. FWIW, the K75 rider has owned 30 MC's, but never an American brand. He rented a RK two weeks ago under no pressure from any of his friends and really liked it. He's in the market and considering other touring bikes, like the BMW 1200GT and Honda ST1300, but the RK is still in the running. He's just not sure he wants something so utterly different. I have tried to stay out of his decision-making process, and don't comment unless he brings up the subject. It's his decision, and I sent him an email last week telling him that it didn't matter what he chose as his next bike, that he was still welcome on our rides. He appreciated that, although that fact should never have been in doubt.

As for MCN, I do think it is for the most part an excellent publication, but I do think they bias their reporting to satisfy their clientele, which is largely sportbikers. Many of these riders condemn HD's for their own reasons, and doubtlessly relish any test that lambasts them. I mentioned earlier than some of their complaints about HD's can be solved by a simple replacement of parts, like the seat or handlebars, but mention of the countless options available is either missing or relegated to a footnote on the summary page. All of the guys I've known who own BMW's have complained about the stock seats, so is it a bad bike because of this shortcoming? No, they just go buy a Corbin or whatever and go on with life. No bike is perfect for everyone, and when I bought my new SG I was resigned to a month of adding items I wanted, like a solo seat, cruise control, different windshield, oil cooler, etc. It is my bike, and I'm just honing it to my requirements.

I also think they test an Ultra using sportbike criteria, which is inappropriate. People who buy Ultras don't do it to set a record at Deal's Gap. My idea of the ideal tour is a trip to CO, UT, NC, AR, or other scenic area, largely following the speed limit, and enjoying the scenery. Getting there is the point of the ride, not how fast you can get there. Some like the thrill of pushing the limits of physics and

 

I don't know about you guys, but after I got my first 1000 miles on my '06 SG I rode it from Virginia to Florida on the super slab. Speeds averaged 80 since I was followed by my family in the cage and my bro-in-law on my (his now) FXR. There were several times when I literally took both hands off the bars to stretch. The bike didn't move, straight line the whole time. I don't know where these people ride, but I only experience lane drifting when I'm not paying attention or in high gusts.

Just my $0.02.

 

I've read the MCN articles about HD bagger's weave and instability. The 3 that I have owned have been rock steady all the way up to top speed. I've dragged my floorboards on Deals Gap and other great roads without issue. Yeah, you get some buffeting around big trucks but I get that in my car. I guess all my Harleys have been set up and aligned correctly. I also check my tire pressure weekly and don't let them get low.

 

Sounds like a problem with THAT bike. Better check it out

 

iclick:

I agree with your statements and like your openess/fairness.

I, too, have had BMW's and HD's. Current ride is an 05 RK and is fantastic! I do what I want to it (parts-wise) and it gives me pleasure and a sense of pride. I could care less what others think. My prior scoot was a GS that was perfect for the mountains (lived in Castle Rock, CO). Did little to it other than custom paint which I had to do because the only fault I had with BMW is their colors are quite plain.

I generally asked others, read the mags and check the forums when I wanted opinions on a specific bike. I seldom agree with all that I hear as it is like asking someone about a restaurant or movie-just look for patterns in what I take in.

As far as my RK rides, it is spot on true and seldom gives me an increased pucker-factor. My riding over my head does that!

Respect to all....

 

Can i ask what month and bike specifically they were discussing?

I remember they made some similar comments about a SE(CVO) version that came with a small wind deflector and not the full windshield. That could explain quite a bit, IMO.

 

Maybe he got a bad bike - either that or a bit used to those Metrics that are hard to tell if they're really running. All I can add is that I've had my Ultra for two years now (almost 20,000 miles) and most of my seat time is at Highway speeds and I don't seem to have his problem. Now, granted, I took it out once in 20mph+ winds, and it was noticable, but, I would guess almost any two-wheeled bike would have.

Can you spell "CRAZY"

 

I'm impatiently waiting for this snow to melt so I can try outmy new07 Ultra. I would sure wonder why HD would put a 6 speed transmission on a bike that supposedly can't safely go 75mph when that's where 6th gear works best. I would seriously doubt that any bike model that had that kind of driveability issue could be built and sold for so many years. Have your bike checked out, it doesn't sound right to me.

 

While riding a few weeks ago on my '07 RKC, I felt a strange nudge on my back just below the neckline. My wife had fallen asleep and the bill of her cap hit me on the back. I patted her on the leg and she woke up.

So ... sorry FUN2 ... but I guess HD didn't add the excitement to the '07 line either.