Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: YoDoc on June 21, 2011, 06:12:27 PM

Title: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 21, 2011, 06:12:27 PM
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/06/20/harley-davidson-water-cooled-heads-patent/ (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/06/20/harley-davidson-water-cooled-heads-patent/)

If they have this stuff, why don't they just make it already? Jeez!
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: throb on June 21, 2011, 06:28:17 PM
No sense rushing into anything.  Start off slow, then taper off... :stirpot:
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: T Cro ® on June 21, 2011, 06:30:44 PM
Because they will loose their targeted lemmings who will only own & ride the traditional dated HD bike.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: booger on June 21, 2011, 07:10:36 PM
I think they should be extremely cautious with these new fangled, water cooled engines. :o
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Laserjock on June 21, 2011, 08:35:17 PM
So does this mean they will blow hot air on the rider's legs? And the lowers won't be removable. Fail.

=Laserjock=
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: jbailey on June 21, 2011, 08:54:19 PM
I think they should be extremely cautious with these new fangled, water cooled engines. :o

I had a Harley guy that I work with say to me "I would never buy a water cooled bike, what if you blow a hose when you are miles from home?".  I asked him if he worried about his car or truck "blowing a hose" lately, and would he rather have an air cooled car.  He just looked at me like a deer in the headlights.  I don't think he ever actually thought about that!  I do believe I may have made some progress toward making another HD rider actually think logically.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: MiniCog on June 21, 2011, 09:14:38 PM
There's not much contact in the heads there...  I hope they're just trying to boil tea with this thing.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: jim snyder on June 21, 2011, 09:33:39 PM
Because they will loose their targeted lemmings who will only own & ride the traditional dated HD bike.

Hence the reason the V-Rod never really took off. Its the only Harley that I would even consider riding, and the only one with a water cooled engine. But for some reason I have heard diehards say "it ain't a real Harley".
Of course its not a real Harley, the V-Rod actually has some 20th century technology in it.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on June 22, 2011, 05:13:01 AM
I think this is going to be like HD mufflers: it meets legal and EPA rules as sold and then the owners take them off to do their thing and make their tractors sound like they actually have power.

It appears to be a system that's easily removed, hence it doesn't actually have to offer much in the way of cooling. Just enough to help the tractor motor meet new clean-air restrictions.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: timsatx on June 22, 2011, 06:07:59 AM
Eventually they will probably have to make all their engines water cooled, but this one says it is currently only for their touring models.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Cholla on June 22, 2011, 06:14:18 AM
The V Rod isn't really a Harley because it's a Porsche!
They finally started using real brakes just a couple years ago.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 22, 2011, 06:29:02 AM
How about a computer fan between the V? Only $219.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LeNale-Cooling-Fan-Kit-Harley-Davidson-Touring-Bikes-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2310c44a29QQitemZ150605154857QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LeNale-Cooling-Fan-Kit-Harley-Davidson-Touring-Bikes-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2310c44a29QQitemZ150605154857QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Boonedawg on June 22, 2011, 08:49:51 AM
I have an 03 Vrod, it's a GREAT bike, however I call it the "purgatory bike", not in heaven- not in hell.  The Harley group doesn't except you cause your on a "liquid cooled bike designed by Porsche" the Jap group doesn't except you cause your on a "Harley"...  Therefore not in heaven or hell...kinda stuck in the middle.  Like I've said here earlier, don't care.  It is a GREAT bike though, and I just love pissing off all those narrow minded dolts.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Rhino on June 22, 2011, 09:23:11 AM
Harley is in the business of selling tradition and image. The air cooled, push rod, single pin crank V twin engine is their signature. They should never stop building that.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: ConnerNA on June 22, 2011, 09:24:23 AM
Yeah the diehards are ALL freaking out because liquid cool is going to be mandatory to meet regulations...then to top it off Poliaris bought Indian!!! You know liquid cool is also coming to the sacred Indian as well.

Like I always say...I would buy a Harley or even an Indian...IF they had a decent engineer.

I have seen a few diehard’s heads explode when you say that….LOL it’s also funny how they act like "ohh it was the older Harleys that had issues, you know last years models…my brand-new Harley is just fine"…keep on telling yourself that lol
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 22, 2011, 09:30:20 AM
Like I always say...I would buy a Harley or even an Indian...IF they had a decent engineer.

They probably do have some decent engineers . . . but they aren't allowed to do anything that disturbs the "look" or "sound".
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 22, 2011, 09:31:45 AM
Harley is in the business of selling tradition and image. The air cooled, push rod, single pin crank V twin engine is their signature. They should never stop building that.

BMW and Ducati have signature engines, too. That hasn't stopped them from progressing.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Cholla on June 22, 2011, 09:42:18 AM
I remember when the Evo engine came out the Faithful said it wasn't a real Harley. Now you can't even get them to look at a Shovel-they are considered to be junk. heck, most HD dealers won't even work on a Shovel engined HD.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: MiniCog on June 22, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
BMW and Ducati have signature engines, too. That hasn't stopped them from progressing.

But those companies are known for being the forefront of R&D.  Yes, they have signature engines, but they have also been improving the engines since day one, so that's a normal thing to them.  Harley is known for their image and not changing much at all, so not changing is normal for them.  If they stop being the "normal" Harley-Davidson, people will freak out (Or at least the Harley dudes). 
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Boonedawg on June 22, 2011, 10:44:53 AM
I'd buy an air-cooled Harley (just kidding, but using that line for this thread)**** but I bathe to often...hahhahahaha
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on June 22, 2011, 10:45:12 AM
I have an 03 Vrod, it's a GREAT bike, however I call it the "purgatory bike", not in heaven- not in hell.  The Harley group doesn't except you cause your on a "liquid cooled bike designed by Porsche" the Jap group doesn't except you cause your on a "Harley"...  Therefore not in heaven or hell...kinda stuck in the middle.  Like I've said here earlier, don't care.  It is a GREAT bike though, and I just love pissing off all those narrow minded dolts.

The V-Rods and the now-departed Buell were the ONLY Hardleys I ever considered owning in 40 years of riding. And yes, I've ridden the "real" HDs, so I know what I'm "missing."
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: stevewfl on June 22, 2011, 11:53:05 AM
so....  did i miss something?  like what they're doing about there horrid suspension performance, or weight issues?  or are they only introducing 1970's water cooling technology for now?
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: mikeboileau on June 22, 2011, 12:46:08 PM
I would like to see a vrod engine in a touring bike.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: AirplaneTim on June 22, 2011, 02:30:38 PM
Wasn't that V-Rod engine was supposed to go into some sort of Buell super sport, right up until harley "enjuneering" got involved?  I seem to remember reading something about that in Cycle World just after they axed the Buell division.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 22, 2011, 02:43:10 PM
Wasn't that V-Rod engine was supposed to go into some sort of Buell super sport, right up until harley "enjuneering" got involved?  I seem to remember reading something about that in Cycle World just after they axed the Buell division.

I didn't see that, but the engine was developed for superbike racing. They ran a couple of seasons IIRC, got no results to speak of. Rather than further develop the engine, H-D dropped out. Later showed up in the V-Rod.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on June 22, 2011, 06:38:43 PM
Wasn't that V-Rod engine was supposed to go into some sort of Buell super sport, right up until harley "enjuneering" got involved?  I seem to remember reading something about that in Cycle World just after they axed the Buell division.

I remember reading that more than once as well when the VRod first showed up. They were quoting various HD brass. It was supposed to eventually end up in a Buell.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: steve2113 on June 22, 2011, 07:07:46 PM
I didn't see that, but the engine was developed for superbike racing. They ran a couple of seasons IIRC, got no results to speak of. Rather than further develop the engine, H-D dropped out. Later showed up in the V-Rod.



The VR1000 superbike engine and the V-Rod engine are completely different engines. The superbike engine was patterened after the sportster engine.
If I remember right the V-Rod engine was designed in the lat 80's early 90's as the Nova project and was shelved as being too radical and not the "traditional" Harley that everyone wanted.
A lot of the testing for the VR1000 was done at Gratton raceway, The bike was ridden by Pacal Picotte and another fast Canadian rider( don't remember his name) in the AMA superbike series and never did very well.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 22, 2011, 08:09:15 PM
The VR1000 superbike engine and the V-Rod engine are completely different engines. The superbike engine was patterened after the sportster engine.
If I remember right the V-Rod engine was designed in the lat 80's early 90's as the Nova project and was shelved as being too radical and not the "traditional" Harley that everyone wanted.
A lot of the testing for the VR1000 was done at Gratton raceway, The bike was ridden by Pacal Picotte and another fast Canadian rider( don't remember his name) in the AMA superbike series and never did very well.

The Nova project was a 4 cylinder that never got off the ground. The VR1000 was designed/built by H-D and Rousch racing. It had water cooling and overhead cams, so don't know how much sportster could be in it. The V-Rod engine was developed by Porsche, "loosely based" on the VR1000.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Two Skies on June 22, 2011, 10:05:04 PM
I gotta say, that bike on EBR's front page looks very sweet!

http://www.erikbuellracing.com/ (http://www.erikbuellracing.com/)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Pokey on June 23, 2011, 03:32:39 AM
I personally think it is pretty brilliant.......and HD has plenty of tech and engineering behind them, they just build "exactly" what their buyers tend to want. My neighbor just bought a new 2011 Street Glide, and it is a seriously seriously nice bike!
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Bob on June 23, 2011, 05:07:42 AM
I personally think it is pretty brilliant.......and HD has plenty of tech and engineering behind them, they just build "exactly" what their buyers tend to want. My neighbor just bought a new 2011 Street Glide, and it is a seriously seriously nice bike!


They are beautiful bikes. And like Pokey said, it's what the people want. Most Harley riders don't care about going 200 miles per hour, or how fast you can get through the turns. For most Harley riders, it's a slower riding where you enjoy the scenery and smells of nature. (and of course "the lifestyle") The bikes are way more solidly built than what we ride. So they hold up very well when they don't make the turn!  :D
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: mjrfd99 on June 23, 2011, 06:35:30 AM
I remember when the Evo engine came out the Faithful said it wasn't a real Harley. Now you can't even get them to look at a Shovel-they are considered to be junk. heck, most HD dealers won't even work on a Shovel engined HD.
Yup local yuppie HD dealer won't even change my oil- not that I would let them. I asked the question to their service manager in front of a bunch of their lemmings just to show their"history" and "legend" crap is BS.  She's comming up on 325K
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Outback_Jon on June 23, 2011, 06:39:43 AM
I had a Harley guy that I work with say to me "I would never buy a water cooled bike, what if you blow a hose when you are miles from home?".

I think with most Harley riders, that's still walking distance.   ;D
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: mjrfd99 on June 23, 2011, 06:47:51 AM
Good one Jon.  Here in yuppieville you should see all the 1-6 y/o HD's for sale w/less than 3k.  I think most never got warmed up. I did a trans fluid change on my neighbors 08 HD, the oil had a lot of condensation/ water in it because the trans never got to operating temp. 
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: gPink on June 23, 2011, 06:57:12 AM
I think with most Harley riders, that's still walking distance.   ;D

50/50 riders
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Awaz on June 23, 2011, 08:46:50 AM
I always liked the V-Rod myself. I almost pulled the trigger couple times. But I am glad I did not. Else I would not have a C14. At one time, I almost traded in my 1999 Fatboy for a V-Rod. But wife liked the Fatboy better because of its seat/sitting position. Well, gotta keep her happy.

But yes, the V-Rod is an awesome bike coming out from HD factory. Shame some of the die hard folks just do not realize that.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: XHarleyRider on June 23, 2011, 09:45:12 AM
Yup local yuppie HD dealer won't even change my oil- not that I would let them. I asked the question to their service manager in front of a bunch of their lemmings just to show their"history" and "legend" crap is BS.  She's comming up on 325K

I like your bike......looks like new.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Leo on June 23, 2011, 09:54:12 AM
Before the VROD was introduced, there were lots of prototype "mystery" pictures that were "accidently" leaked.   It looked like they were actually going to use a frame, suspension and brakes thay were more race inspired, or at least muscle bike designed.  My interest was somewhat peaked.  Then the cartoon designer wille g got his hands on it and made the chopper styled version with forward mounted controls and took cornering capability out of it.  That lost my interest.  With todays far more technical generation, can that many new buyers be interested in their grandpa's motorbike?  People quit buying their "fathers oldsmobile" years ago. 
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: mjrfd99 on June 23, 2011, 10:42:30 AM
I like your bike......looks like new.
Its taken a few dollars to keep it that way. Gotta give props to S+S -most things inside motor have been replaced w/their excellent products. Whatever wore out I always tried to replace w/something better.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on June 23, 2011, 02:21:53 PM
Its taken a few dollars to keep it that way. Gotta give props to S+S -most things inside motor have been replaced w/their excellent products. Whatever wore out I always tried to replace w/something better.

Technically, it's hardly a HD anymore!
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: sherob on June 23, 2011, 04:44:37 PM
The Nova was a V2, V4, and V6... if they would have stuck with that engine, they would have had a winner!  They didn't have enough $$$ to support 2 engine platforms, so they are where they are now...

http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm (http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 23, 2011, 10:12:20 PM
I would like to see a vrod engine in a touring bike.

Funny you mention that! Now, of course, you can only see it. It, sadly, doesn't exist.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on June 24, 2011, 05:04:26 AM
The Nova was a V2, V4, and V6... if they would have stuck with that engine, they would have had a winner!  They didn't have enough $$$ to support 2 engine platforms, so they are where they are now...

http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm (http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm)

Great link, thanks! After seeing what Willie G (a genius in his own mind) did to the styling of the Nova, it's probably a good thing they didn't build it. Looks like a badly repaired Yamaha Virago that had been down a few times. Or like something outfitted in JC Whitney catalog specials. Fugly.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: sherob on June 24, 2011, 06:55:16 AM
A member on ST-O converted his VROD into a tourer... turned out pretty sweet.

Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: mjrfd99 on June 24, 2011, 07:27:46 AM
Technically, it's hardly a HD anymore!
We've been down this road before on the old site. No it's still mostly it's original parts.
Even original starter but it's Hitachi ;D
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 29, 2011, 07:05:27 PM
So does this mean they will blow hot air on the rider's legs? And the lowers won't be removable. Fail.

=Laserjock=

You mean, just like a Concours? LOL.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: gPink on June 30, 2011, 03:54:27 AM
You mean, just like a Concours? LOL.
:thumbs: But that hot air would be slower.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Cholla on June 30, 2011, 01:00:01 PM
A member on ST-O converted his VROD into a tourer... turned out pretty sweet.
Yeah but it's still got those blasted forward pegs.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 30, 2011, 01:13:46 PM
:thumbs: But that hot air would be slower.
:goodpost:
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Strawboss on June 30, 2011, 01:40:22 PM
So ok, update me on the latest in the sordid Indian saga. I knew as recently as late last year they had a factory in the Carolina's and were going to produce bikes or were making bikes, pricey niche vehicles only retired Proctologists and older guys with Corvettes would buy. Last week I heard Indian was sold, OH GOD, not again! Now what? Bought by Polaris? Well, maybe good. Is this true?
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 30, 2011, 01:43:18 PM
True. Bought by Polaris Industries.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 30, 2011, 01:50:21 PM
So ok, update me on the latest in the sordid Indian saga. I knew as recently as late last year they had a factory in the Carolina's and were going to produce bikes or were making bikes, pricey niche vehicles only retired Proctologists and older guys with Corvettes would buy. Last week I heard Indian was sold, OH GOD, not again! Now what? Bought by Polaris? Well, maybe good. Is this true?

I'm not into, nor can I afford, pricey niche vehicles, but hopefully Polaris will make Indian into a bike with it's own identity, not a Harley clone with Indian-like fenders and badges.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Strawboss on June 30, 2011, 01:55:10 PM
Maybe like a Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus type of thing? Well, maybe good then, enough money to ensure it doesn't fold again, but man, thats a lot for a bike. For that price you can get a fully restored original. But then again, thats not what the olders guys and proctologists in Corvettes really want now is it? God that Vision is ugly.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: GeeBeav on June 30, 2011, 02:12:21 PM
God that Vision is ugly.

Yes, it is a Vision of ugliness.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on June 30, 2011, 02:12:53 PM
<snip> God that Vision is ugly.

Yes, but it's an American made, full size touring rig that is... wait for it... not a Harley.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Strawboss on June 30, 2011, 04:44:29 PM
Yeah, well the Pacer wasn't a Toyota either but it was still damn ugly.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Leo on July 01, 2011, 12:11:48 PM
Several years ago, I was serious enough about buying Victory (made by Polaris) to take my check book with me.   I was surprised by the power on that Victory TC.  While on the test drive,  Two Dyna glides were ready to show off leaving the light.   That Victory tourer had no trouble taking the lighter Dyna Glides.  I was not abusing the Victory TC, I was just using the throttle firmly in the mid range of the torque curve.  I am sure that Polaris can design an INDIAN motorcycle with power and dependability.   I just hope they do not let the stylists that did the Victory Vison any where near the new INDIAN.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Karl on July 01, 2011, 01:08:27 PM


The VR1000 superbike engine and the V-Rod engine are completely different engines. The superbike engine was patterened after the sportster engine.
If I remember right the V-Rod engine was designed in the lat 80's early 90's as the Nova project and was shelved as being too radical and not the "traditional" Harley that everyone wanted.
A lot of the testing for the VR1000 was done at Gratton raceway, The bike was ridden by Pacal Picotte and another fast Canadian rider( don't remember his name) in the AMA superbike series and never did very well.
He was Miguel DuHamel.   He even sported a goatee while he worked for H-D.    He led a superbike race at Mid-Ohio on the VR, had a few good finishes on it.
The VR was a good program, but at that time the in-line fours were limited to 750cc.   
Honda and Suzuki both ran 1000cc twins to take advantage of this rule.  Nicky Hayden later won a title on the Honda RC-51.
My memory not so good anymore.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Karl on July 01, 2011, 01:11:05 PM
Yes, but it's an American made, full size touring rig that is... wait for it... not a Harley.

I agree, I think the Vision is ugly.   Not so much American though, the engine is Japanese  =  FUJI.

But, tons of foreign stuff on the H-D's also.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Two Skies on July 01, 2011, 07:57:20 PM
They should rename that bike the Victory Vision Destroyer... guaranteed to make you blind, or at least kill your good taste!

I had to ride behind one last year for several miles on a ride.  Damn Fugly if you ask me, but some people actually like the look...
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: JetJock on July 01, 2011, 08:25:30 PM
They should rename that bike the Victory Vision Destroyer... guaranteed to make you blind, or at least kill your good taste!

I had to ride behind one last year for several miles on a ride.  Damn Fugly if you ask me, but some people actually like the look...

What? You've never seen a Honda Rune? Should be called a "Ruin" as in "this ruined any chance in hell that I'd buy another Honda."

The Rune is the absolute KING of Fugly. It's hard to build a motorcycle that is ugly from every direction and all sides. They succeeded with this one.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on July 01, 2011, 09:23:39 PM
Or the Honda DN-01?
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Strawboss on July 03, 2011, 09:02:43 AM
I started the Vision comment, yeah, I know the Rune, I don't like the Rune or that monstrosity test bed of a Honda DN-01 either. Honda stopped making the Valkyrie to make the Rune, dumb idea. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Everyones got an opinion. I rode the Vision, some really good design and function ideas, just wrapped in a fairly strange package. However, I got to say that the Vision trike is not all that ugly. To each his or her own.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Pokey on July 03, 2011, 09:08:43 AM
Rode my best buds Police Edition Roadking for a few hours last week, and I enjoyed every 103 cubic inch S&S Vance and Hines moment!!!!! And I have news for ya.........I can ride that bike quicker than you would expect in the twisty bits, doubt many riders would be passing me. ;)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: T Cro ® on July 03, 2011, 09:14:26 AM
Rode my best buds Police Edition Roadking for a few hours last week, and I enjoyed every 103 cubic inch S&S Vance and Hines moment!!!!! And I have news for ya.........I can ride that bike quicker than you would expect in the twisty bits, doubt many riders would be passing me. ;)

In the hands of a skilled rider I have no question. There is more than one reason these behemoths are used as Police Bikes.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Pokey on July 03, 2011, 03:44:09 PM
In the hands of a skilled rider I have no question. There is more than one reason these behemoths are used as Police Bikes.

Yeah it is a very balanced machine, add that with a low center of gravity, incredible turning radius, and did I mention serious low end "I aint gotta down shift torque"!! :hail: He went to a 103 S&S engine after he had issues with the modified stocker, he bought this bike from an ex moto cop in NJ. I have enjoyed any Hog that I have ridden, but his is a special beast for sure. My neighbor just bought an 11 Street Glide and it is beautiful......I am avoiding riding it. ::) The Road King really doesnt seem big at all once you get going, and low speed manueverability is a piece of cake.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: YoDoc on July 03, 2011, 04:18:42 PM
My stepdad rides a road king. Its more comfortable than my Volkswagen
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: wildwilly on July 04, 2011, 12:38:44 AM
Never had my Harley break down.  Not once!  But, it only took me one "cruiser"  to decide it just wasn't the type of bike for me.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Boomer on July 04, 2011, 05:04:46 AM
Must be an American thing.  ;D
You fit LEAF springs to your cars.  :o
Come on, that's wooden cart technology.  ::)

When I was in Canada last month I rented a new Ford Edge.
I was surprised. No axle tramp, minimal lean when cornering and a nicely neutral feel through the steering.
Guess what,.... no leaf springs!
For an SUV it drove really well.

I think it's part of your compensating for only having a few hundred years of history.
If you drive/ride something out of the history books then you feel more in touch with your ancestors.
Given the crappy brakes/suspension you may make a much closer acquaintance with the same ancestors than you really wanted.   :o

And before anyone starts in on me as a "stuck up Limey",....... yer right! <LOL>
And yes, a few of us do ride Hardley Fergusons as well as old brit bikes and even a few old "rice burners".
Me, I'll ride with anyone who can keep up.  ;)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: MiniCog on July 04, 2011, 05:36:59 PM
Or the Honda DN-01?

Nah.  The Rune is about 5x uglier.
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: madcap on July 04, 2011, 06:24:36 PM
I gotta say, that bike on EBR's front page looks very sweet!

http://www.erikbuellracing.com/ (http://www.erikbuellracing.com/)

Good reason for that - he no longer has anything to do with Harley. That bike is what he wanted to build during his time at HD, and it was shot down... And I'd buy three of that bike, if it wasn't for the price!

But hey - I had a 2009 Street Glide before this - great bike, and lots of torque down low. No way to  beat them on the sound and looks, period.

That being said, not worth the damn money. The concours is a better bike in every other regard, for half the price, no contest. Faster, smoother, lower maintenance, better wind protection, etc. Well, resale they have us beat too, I suppose, but then I buy used bikes for a reason...

Some pics of the hog, in case anyone thinks I'm full of it  8)
http://www.jriek.com/pictures/Vehicles/Harley%20FLHX/06-02-09%20HD%20Pictures/index.htm (http://www.jriek.com/pictures/Vehicles/Harley%20FLHX/06-02-09%20HD%20Pictures/index.htm)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Pokey on July 05, 2011, 10:10:00 AM
I seriously love that Street Glide.......no doubt what I would buy if I got a Hog. And to say the C14 is better in every way.......well I have to disagree with ya on that. ;)
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Laserjock on July 05, 2011, 09:04:49 PM
I have an '07 Star Stratoliner. 1.9L V-twin with 101hp and 135ftlbs out of the box. This bike is planted firmly in the 21st century (at least as far as cruisers go) with an Aluminum frame and FI. It's an excellent alternative at half the price. And all of the chrome is standard.

=Laserjock=
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: T Cro ® on July 05, 2011, 09:09:22 PM
My stepdad rides a road king. Its more comfortable than my Volkswagen

Bigger than your VW too........  :rotflmao:

And likely gets better MPG  :stirpot:
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: madcap on July 07, 2011, 02:53:33 PM
Bigger than your VW too........  :rotflmao:

And likely gets better MPG  :stirpot:
Yet the VW's probably faster...  ;D
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: T Cro ® on July 07, 2011, 09:16:20 PM
Yet the VW's probably faster...  ;D

Well yeah.... It's trying to outrun it's reputation!
Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: ConnerNA on July 10, 2011, 01:16:32 PM
I have an '07 Star Stratoliner. 1.9L V-twin with 101hp and 135ftlbs out of the box. This bike is planted firmly in the 21st century (at least as far as cruisers go) with an Aluminum frame and FI. It's an excellent alternative at half the price. And all of the chrome is standard.

=Laserjock=

Great bike!!! I was looking at these when I bought my last bike (Roadstar Silverado)...these are great bikes, but dumped it to get my C14 was sad to see it leave my driveway.

Title: Re: Harley finally enters the 19th century!
Post by: Sofa King on July 10, 2011, 05:41:02 PM
How about a computer fan between the V? Only $219.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LeNale-Cooling-Fan-Kit-Harley-Davidson-Touring-Bikes-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2310c44a29QQitemZ150605154857QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LeNale-Cooling-Fan-Kit-Harley-Davidson-Touring-Bikes-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2310c44a29QQitemZ150605154857QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

It stayed cool for a full 30 minutes!  OMFG.  So if this is exceeding expectations, what are those expectations?