Thinking again of moving to the dark side

[boxerscott]

Anyone on here owning a Harley? having dabbled with a jap cruiser in the past and wishing I had bought a hog even though i knew i had bought a better motorcycle... leaves me still wanting to tick the harley box. I had a buell powered by the 1203cc thunderstorm engine which I liked very much but am now liking the new soft tail big engined street bobs. Not sure it is a hipster thing but i do like riding by big shop windows and looking at my reflection thinking i am cool. Surely a hog is better for this than a everyday GS? or equivalent mobility scooter?



Chris

[dave the german]

Chris, read this when you're sober

[slparry]

slow, noisy, poor build quality, unreliable, atrocious support, camp..... and to make things worse you have to dress up like a pirate

[popsky]

And tassels are obligatory along with chaps although I could see you in those

[Paul]

[popsky]

After that reaction I’ll leave my chaps at home for the johnny5 Yorkshire trip

[andy griff]

Somebody hacked his account

[Al]

Chris, before you do anything get yourself booked into the Lion @ Criccieth next May for a group counselling session in the bar!!!

Al.

[nab 301]

Don't do it Chris ! I have to admit that recently while travelling in a straight line at the posted speed limit of 50mph on my Wee Strom I was overtaken by a Harley In his rush to get past me he clipped a catseye or a roadmarking and for a moment I was thinking "I wish I'd done that FBOS course" The bike almost went into a tank slapper but luckily corrected itself...So maybe, if you're just going to be posing in windows , do it but if you're going to actually ride it maybe not!

[Grip Fast]

Harleys don't do it for me personally, but...

They sound good and they have an image that the clones just don't match. A good friend of mine came back to biking last year and bought a Tiger 800, then he signed up for a Harley-equipped tour in the USA (California, Arizona, Nevada). He came back smitten with the big Harley, but not sure he could justify one, so he plumped for a BMW K1600 with Harley-style footboards fitted - I've seen smaller cruise liners. It has presence, certainly, is powerful, very quick and comfortable, undeniably, but I think he still really wants a Harley.

About 12 years ago, I was riding my Aprilia Falco down one of my favourite twisty roads, not hanging about (or so I thought), when I could see a Harley Sportster catching me. It caught me, went past and I couldn't keep up. The rider was soooo smooth, and it just didn't look hurried. Bend swinging like a good un. So I realised two things: 1) a well-ridden Harley is a thing of beauty 2) I was a crap rider and needed advanced training.

What about blagging one for a day/weekend test to see if it's really what you want? And if it is, go for it. You only live once (and you waited 4 billion years for your go), and it is two wheels and an engine.

[boxerscott]

Harleys don't do it for me personally, but...
What about blagging one for a day/weekend test to see if it's really what you want? And if it is, go for it. You only live once (and you waited 4 billion years for your go), and it is two wheels and an engine.

That is the sensible thing to do, I was down in leeds week last Saturday and had an hour or two to kill before a wedding, being close to HD I popped in for a pleasant hour, I was just browsing the used stock. Have had a good look at owners reviews and common complaints are supported on here re build quality. It is an enthusiasm spurred by the whole retro scene and the used Harleys seem to be looking good value.

We`ll see. Surprisingly no one has yet come forward saying they have owned one.

Yes to Criccieth next year we are planning around that.

Edit Yes also to the influence of some super good triple hopped APA

Chris

[Al]

Chris, there is a HD subsection on UKGSER as a few on the site own or have owned them, might get a less biased view than from a pure HD forum, you may have to subscribe to post on forum(£12)

Al.

[dave the german]

Chris, there is a HD subsection on UKGSER as a few on the site own or have owned them, might get a less biased view than from a pure HD forum, you may have to subscribe to post on forum(£12)

Al.

Chris is from Yorkshire

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

Someone once said that 90% of all the Harleys ever built were still on the road. The other 10% made it home

[Humbug]

Make sure there is a dental practice at each destination to get fillings shaken out during the ride replaced.