Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: katata1100 on September 21, 2011, 08:13:04 AM

Title: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: katata1100 on September 21, 2011, 08:13:04 AM
Every year, Reno has "Street Vibration" which attracts 35k people. During that time, we are inudated with folks dressed like a pirate, packs of them riding together at 2 mph below the speed limit, loud noise, etc. I swear, I have yet to see someone on a Harley that wasn't ugly! Nothing like seeing  a middle age woman on the back of one with a tube top, muffin topping out of her jeans with a drooping, faded tramp stamp!
Anyhow, to the point- I was reading an article about it into todays' paper and had a big problem with this quote:

"“There’s everything there from decals to jackets to chaps to T-shirts to motorcycles,” said Randy Burke, Roadshows’ president. “You can walk in one end and walk out the other end, spend $50,000 and be a real biker.”

Every year. a few of them die, likely victims of those "for parade use only" decoratice helmets.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: GeeBeav on September 21, 2011, 08:36:49 AM
". . . spend $50,000 and be a real biker.”


Oh, is that how that works?  :-\
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2011, 09:15:59 AM
Damn, I don't have an HD but I guess I need to spend more money so that I can be a real biker. I'm just a motorcyclist now...
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Mettler1 on September 21, 2011, 11:10:23 AM
Damn, I don't have an HD but I guess I need to spend more money so that I can be a real biker. I'm just a motorcyclist now...

    Motorcyclist have rain gear!!  Bikers don't. ::)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2011, 11:14:10 AM
    Motorcyclist have rain gear!!  Bikers don't. ::)

There you go.    :thumbs:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: katata1100 on September 21, 2011, 12:50:41 PM
I think "real bikers" tow their bikes in their trailers when they go places, then they drive maybe 30 miles once they are up here. I see tons of trailers when they hold this event.
Makes me feel silly about my upcoming 1000 mile trip to Seattle next month- I will be doing it all on the bike, not in the cab of a duallie truck with bike in tow.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Cholla on September 21, 2011, 01:00:17 PM
And they make it easy to pick which trailer to steal-they have HD logos on em!
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: George R. Young on September 21, 2011, 01:22:28 PM
Had the joy of being trapped behind a Harley at 30 mph for a while on the BRP, while his significant other passenger was taking videos, sometimes out the front, sometimes off to the side. Imagine being trapped in their parlour having to see those home movies - arghh!

The concept of waving on another biker just never occurred to him.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: roadie on September 21, 2011, 01:26:39 PM
My son calls them farty bikes.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: booger on September 21, 2011, 07:47:00 PM
I'm so relieved I turned from a wuss Harley rider to a blessed C-14 one.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: lt1 on September 21, 2011, 09:23:02 PM
I'm so relieved I turned from a wuss Harley rider to a blessed C-14 one.

Well, that about sums up the whole thread, right there.   Good thing "we" are so much better than the "unwashed masses".
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2011, 05:00:17 AM
I'm so relieved I turned from a wuss Harley rider to a blessed C-14 one.

You evolved.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 22, 2011, 05:45:25 AM
Evolution or not, they seem to be on the road more than me lately.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Pfloydgad on September 22, 2011, 06:22:24 AM
Ok...my smart a$$ light came on one afternoon at a local eatery.
I climb off my Connie, pull off my gear and stroll past a truck with a trailer. It has 2 Electraglides on it with Ill. plates. They are headed to Chilicothe, Oh for the whatever they call it now rally.
Now I know they are probably going to park the trailer outside of town, unload and ride in from just a few miles away, but I just couldn't help myself.
I walked past the 2 guys as they were checking the bikes, and I say:
I hate it when the bike breaksdown, and I have to trailer them.
Do you know what's wrong with them yet?[/
i]
They just pretend that I didn't say anything, and they had no intention of looking me in the eye. I just laughed and went about my business.
They got into the truck and left, my smart a$$ light dimmed, and I cruised down the road.
I love my Connie.
Ride safe all, and ATGATT please.
Greg
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2011, 08:21:24 AM
Evolution or not, they seem to be on the road more than me lately.

Maybe you can borrow a trailer?
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 22, 2011, 10:12:58 AM
I don't think so...
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 22, 2011, 01:12:07 PM
I don't think so...
Maybe booger will sell ya his ;)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Two Skies on September 22, 2011, 01:32:08 PM
One trend that I am seeing recently in a couple of movies is that 'Euro/Asian' bikes are becoming more prominent.

In the Arby's Commercial, the bank robbers are using sports bikes.

In Tron: Legacy, one featured bike is a Ducati.

In 'The Expendables', Jason Statham and Charisma Carpenter are seen a sport bike (Ducati I think), and are both wearing helmets.


My point being that Harleys are starting to become 'tired', and as such are less interesting to the younger crowd.  The days of 'Easy Rider' are now 'olden times', especially amongst our youth.

What makes me happy is that more of the younger set are embracing gear (although still not nearly enough, gene pool thinning arguments aside).  Amongst our local group, we keep gently preaching the mantra, and are more than willing to share our 'accidents in gear, and what might have happened if I hadn't had 'x' on' experiences.

I didn't know I needed to spend $50k to be a real biker, though.  I'll get right on that.  In the meantime, this thread/YouTube clip pretty much sums up the 'prevailing' cruiser mentality:
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3933.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3933.0)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Pokey on September 22, 2011, 05:53:17 PM
I think that Jim is about ready for a Goldwing trike! ;)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Pokey on September 22, 2011, 05:53:56 PM
Ok...my smart a$$ light came on one afternoon at a local eatery.
I climb off my Connie, pull off my gear and stroll past a truck with a trailer. It has 2 Electraglides on it with Ill. plates. They are headed to Chilicothe, Oh for the whatever they call it now rally.
Now I know they are probably going to park the trailer outside of town, unload and ride in from just a few miles away, but I just couldn't help myself.
I walked past the 2 guys as they were checking the bikes, and I say:
I hate it when the bike breaksdown, and I have to trailer them.
Do you know what's wrong with them yet?[/
[/i]i]
They just pretend that I didn't say anything, and they had no intention of looking me in the eye. I just laughed and went about my business.
They got into the truck and left, my smart a$$ light dimmed, and I cruised down the road.
I love my Connie.
Ride safe all, and ATGATT please.
Greg

I can so see you doing that!!!!!! 8)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: okxd45 on September 22, 2011, 07:49:19 PM
I can so see you doing that!!!!!! 8)

+1......after meeting you.....ha ha! I mean that in a good way by the way! ;D
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gtr1000inFL on September 22, 2011, 07:51:44 PM
Motorcycle Advice: Harley Davidson Rider Gives a New Biker Some Tips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A3b_MRimbk#ws)

If you use this link on a Harley forum, they'll ban you!
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 23, 2011, 05:25:26 AM
I think that Jim is about ready for a Goldwing trike! ;)

That's one thing you'll never see me on, well actually two....A Goldwing of any sort or a trike of any sort or combination.   If it gets to the point of not riding at all, I'll buy a convertible.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Pokey on September 23, 2011, 06:53:37 AM
That's one thing you'll never see me on, well actually two....A Goldwing of any sort or a trike of any sort or combination.   If it gets to the point of not riding at all, I'll buy a convertible.

Goldwings are incredible bikes........you ever rode one? That is more than likely my next ride after the C14, I love the damn things.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 23, 2011, 08:11:31 AM
That's one thing you'll never see me on, well actually two....A Goldwing of any sort or a trike of any sort or combination.   If it gets to the point of not riding at all, I'll buy a convertible.

What about a can am spyder? I've never rode one but I'd like to, they look like a blast.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: koval68 on September 23, 2011, 08:25:19 AM
What about a can am spyder? I've never rode one but I'd like to, they look like a blast.
I don't like the way it handles.It feels like you're riding an ATV at highway speed!
T-Rex is the way to go.....if I had the money to buy one. :'(
T-Rex Motorcycle the Release (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iluIZqOFYCA#)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 23, 2011, 10:33:38 AM
What about a can am spyder? I've never rode one but I'd like to, they look like a blast.

No, it just looks like a big boy's tricycle with the wheels on backwards.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 23, 2011, 10:50:19 AM
No, it just looks like a big boy's tricycle with the wheels on backwards.

What about one of these bad boys.  These are as close to motorcycle performance and feel on four wheels IMO.


(http://www.automotorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/KTM-X-Bow-2.jpg)

(http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news/17680/Atom%20500%20V8-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 23, 2011, 11:24:56 AM
That's one thing you'll never see me on, well actually two....A Goldwing of any sort or a trike of any sort or combination.   If it gets to the point of not riding at all, I'll buy a convertible.
If you haven't ridden a newer "Wing you are missing something special.  Nothing beats a fresh latte at 80 ;D
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: JetJock on September 23, 2011, 01:23:23 PM
That's one thing you'll never see me on, well actually two....A Goldwing of any sort or a trike of any sort or combination.   If it gets to the point of not riding at all, I'll buy a convertible.

Hey, don't diss Wings. I've had two of them and if I ever go back to 2-up riding, would consider another.

Most Wing riders are real bikers and amass some incredible mileage. And you'd be surprised how fast and hard you can ride one in the twisty bits if you know what the hell you're doing. Yeah, they ain't a C14 (what is?) but they're not lard bikes with straight pipes and pirate riders.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: katata1100 on September 23, 2011, 10:14:33 PM
Update:
Took wife and daughter to Applebees last night, parked in a space next to two HD's.Came out, found this note on my windshield (and I type it exactly as it was written) :
"RELLY APPRECIATE 30 SPACES IN LOT YOU DECIDE TO PARK SO CLOSE TO MY BIKE YOUR DOOR HIT & SCRATCHED MY BIKE
BE A MAN AND TAKE CARE OF IT (phone # given)

After looking at this tantrum from an illiterate, I now understand why HD riders don't use real helmets- they have nothing in their head requiring protection!
I had no idea that only HD bikes can be parked in the parking spaces in front of the Applebees. My car had a foot of space between the door and where the parking line paint is, my door never touched his p.o.s. (don't want to damage my car on his trash-cycle).
Just goes to show the arrogance of some of these "bikers".
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 23, 2011, 10:17:50 PM
Go ahead give that pirate a call.  Or better yet post his number here so we can all call him!   ;D
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: mjrfd99 on September 24, 2011, 05:03:04 AM
Ya all crack me up.  Why do they bother ya so much.  Chill 8)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 24, 2011, 06:31:41 AM
Update:
Took wife and daughter to Applebees last night, parked in a space next to two HD's.Came out, found this note on my windshield (and I type it exactly as it was written) :
"RELLY APPRECIATE 30 SPACES IN LOT YOU DECIDE TO PARK SO CLOSE TO MY BIKE YOUR DOOR HIT & SCRATCHED MY BIKE
BE A MAN AND TAKE CARE OF IT (phone # given)

After looking at this tantrum from an illiterate, I now understand why HD riders don't use real helmets- they have nothing in their head requiring protection!
I had no idea that only HD bikes can be parked in the parking spaces in front of the Applebees. My car had a foot of space between the door and where the parking line paint is, my door never touched his p.o.s. (don't want to damage my car on his trash-cycle).
Just goes to show the arrogance of some of these "bikers".

Sounds like you're lucky that he didn't take his 'tantrum' out on your car when he had the chance. Call him up, should be good for a laugh or two I would think.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: T Cro ® on September 24, 2011, 07:10:33 AM
Call him up, should be good for a laugh or two I would think.

No kidding cause if he were a real man he would have went back inside and had the owner of the such and such car paged to the front door please.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: T Cro ® on September 24, 2011, 07:15:41 AM
Ya all crack me up.  Why do they bother ya so much.  Chill 8)

I hear ya there my friend; chill out.....

Not only does my best friend ride an HD I really do enjoying riding with them when I'm on the Ural as I can more than keep up with their break neck pace of 45 to 55 MPH..............................  ;D And when I'm on the Concours I love to blast past them all to which I then pull over and wait for them to catch up all the while I pretend to be bored......  :)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Conrad on September 24, 2011, 07:19:43 AM
I hear ya there my friend; chill out.....

Not only does my best friend ride an HD I really do enjoying riding with them when I'm on the Ural as I can more than keep up with their break neck pace of 45 to 55 MPH..............................  ;D And when I'm on the Concours I love to blast past them all to which I then pull over and wait for them to catch up all the while I pretend to be bored......  :)

Take a book with you next time and pretend to be reading when they catch up.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: T Cro ® on September 24, 2011, 07:22:28 AM
Take a book with you next time and pretend to be reading when they catch up.

I've opened my Flip Front Full Face and did the Egyptian WTF hands out salute as they rumbled past....
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2011, 07:40:08 AM
Ah, the simple pleasures in life....
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Tactical_Mik on September 24, 2011, 08:02:45 AM
Some put miles on and some don't.  It's the same with any type of bike.  Still a pretty funny thread though.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2011, 08:23:27 AM
Well, Katata1100, did you scratch the bike or not with your car door or is this guy just a numbnuts?
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: katata1100 on September 24, 2011, 09:21:06 AM
Well, Katata1100, did you scratch the bike or not with your car door or is this guy just a numbnuts?

Nope, my car never touched. When I exited the car, I put my hand on the edge of the door so just in case the door WAS going to hit his bike, my hand would be between the door and his bike. Hey, I don't want my door to get scratched by some flat black painted HD tractorcycle!
In Virginia City, they close school for friday because it is dangerous to have kids walking to school with these idiots about.

Three people were shot (biker violence)
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage (http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2011, 02:46:39 PM
Let's really think about what links we post here, ok?  The one I just deleted won't be tolerated, period.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 24, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
smite, smite, smite..............
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2011, 05:45:31 PM
You know, I really like my new avatar  :)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gPink on September 24, 2011, 06:22:58 PM
Judges 15:8 And he smote them hip and thigh with great slaughter....
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2011, 06:30:29 PM
Judges 15:8 And he smote them hip and thigh with great slaughter....

Yep, that's the way I do my baked chickens...
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 24, 2011, 06:30:50 PM
Judges 15:8 And he smote them hip and thigh with great slaughter....

Was it for a 10 piece bucket?

Just kidding of course, I don't want to be turned into a pile of salt.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 24, 2011, 06:31:25 PM
Yep, that's the way I do my baked chickens...

Dang, you beat my to the punch.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gPink on September 24, 2011, 06:34:07 PM
Was it for a 10 piece bucket?

Just kidding of course, I don't want to be turned into a pile of salt.
Don't look back.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: lt1 on September 24, 2011, 11:32:15 PM
Sadly enough, these type of events bring the gangs, and not just "Harley riders".  Hells Angels & Vagos going at it again. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/24/hells-angel-boss-dead-in-nevada-casino-shootout/?test=latestnews (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/24/hells-angel-boss-dead-in-nevada-casino-shootout/?test=latestnews)
Death as predicted, just a different cause.  Sadly, the gangs are referred to as motorcycle clubs, which is a perversion.  Sorry for those who live there, and for all of us who ride.  The bad guys harm us all.

Sometimes I want to take back every nice thing I've ever said about Harley riders, and wanna-be's, but I realize that it is an over-reaction.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Leo on September 25, 2011, 07:40:36 AM
I figure to just  live and let live.  If someone wants a harley and wants to do the whole fashion accessory deal to look a certain way, let him.  Esp. in the last few years, life seems to have become harder.  If someone can get a little mental escape by dressing like a pirate and riding a certain style of bike, let him. As long as he pays his own way, what harm can he do?  It is America, at least for the near future.  I kind of like watching people in general.  The outrageous styles of the cruizer crowd can get pretty interesting.  I tend to ride alone or in smaller groups. 

I have a confession to make to you all.  I have been going to custom car shows and have kind of taken a liking to looking at custom cars.  The same thing as with some of the Harleys, many are almost unusable, but they are interesting to look at.  It is a good thing I am broke.  I fell in love with a four wheel Independent suspension Jade Green '32 Ford with a Hemi last show I went to.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Ron Dawg on September 25, 2011, 01:18:47 PM
+1 Leo. It's a free country so far. To each his own. I had a very interesting discussion with my pest control operator a while back when he asked about my Connie sitting outside the window when he saw my helmet on the file cabinet. He whipped out his cell phone and showed me his new HD that he was riding to Sturgis. Nice guy, no cracks about my Connie.

Not to meaning to hijack, but I've read Tom Cotter's "Cobra in the Barn" and "The Vincent in the Barn" books while sitting around recently on my Kindle. Basic premise is finding old cool vehicles in odd places. You might find them interesting Leo.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Mal on September 26, 2011, 02:44:09 PM
Ya all crack me up.  Why do they bother ya so much.  Chill 8)

No doubt... I've never understood why someone is worthy of derision simply because they have different tastes... my guess is the derider has some serious self-esteem issues..
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: jim snyder on September 26, 2011, 06:17:37 PM
I have a confession to make to you all.   

Me too Leo. I would love to have a V-Rod just to cruise around on, mainly because they are cool looking, but actually because its the only newer technology bike they have. But like yourself the "broke" thing keeps me grounded. I love when the "real bikers" tell me I should have gotten a "real" motorcycle. Thats when I tell them my Connie is more comfortable, faster, gets better mileage, and has more horsepower than they do, Oh and cost 1/3 of what they paid for theirs. After that they sorta leave me alone.   
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: SteveJ. on September 26, 2011, 07:51:34 PM
Same wind, different tool, though every once in a while you do run into a tool. ;)



Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 15, 2011, 08:16:27 AM
Me too Leo. I would love to have a V-Rod just to cruise around on, mainly because they are cool looking, but actually because its the only newer technology bike they have. But like yourself the "broke" thing keeps me grounded. I love when the "real bikers" tell me I should have gotten a "real" motorcycle. Thats when I tell them my Connie is more comfortable, faster, gets better mileage, and has more horsepower than they do, Oh and cost 1/3 of what they paid for theirs. After that they sorta leave me alone.

In 2006, all H-Ds had digital speedos driven by electric motors.  Did the C-10?  No.
In 2006, all H-Ds, save for the XL models, were fuel injected.  Where was the FI for the C-10?

My XLH routinely ran mid-upper 40s in fuel mileage.  My Concours has never gotten above 35.
If my XLH's carb was worn, I could buy new rubber and jets for the entire carb from top to bottom (including diaphragm) for under $100, using OEM parts.
If my XLH happened to fall over for some reason, I was out for a brake or clutch lever and maybe a grip.
When my C-10 fell over in a parking lot, victim of the perfect storm of a crap air shock, a cover, and a stiff crosswind, it bent or broke the following parts:
Upper fairing
Fairing stay
front turn signal
footpeg
footpeg bracket
mirror
I'm sure if I would have had my lowers on, it would have been worse.
What a fragile design. 
The design of the rider and passenger pegs proves that some engineers should not design parts for the real world.  The rider and passenger pegs should be interchangeable and the rider pegs shouldn't have to be ground down to rotate properly in their mounts.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: DannyL on October 15, 2011, 09:36:44 AM
In 2006, all H-Ds had digital speedos driven by electric motors.  Did the C-10?  No.
In 2006, all H-Ds, save for the XL models, were fuel injected.  Where was the FI for the C-10?
Well you had to get something for that extra $20k! :stirpot:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 15, 2011, 10:34:11 AM
Well you had to get something for that extra $20k! :stirpot:
My H-D was $7k OTD in 2001.  Bought it late in 2001.  And even it had an electronic speedo.
Didn't have a stupid cartridge oil filter either.
Not all of the FI bikes were $20k.
Kawi isn't the most hi-tech manufacturer anyway, they never have been.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: DannyL on October 15, 2011, 02:58:49 PM
My H-D was $7k OTD in 2001.  Bought it late in 2001.  And even it had an electronic speedo.
Didn't have a stupid cartridge oil filter either.
Not all of the FI bikes were $20k.
Kawi isn't the most hi-tech manufacturer anyway, they never have been.
In my defense I wouldn't know the difference between a XLH PLH ZLH POS or what ever the model of HD your were talking about.
If you like Harley Davidson products, good for you. I would think you would have enough common sense not to bash a Kawasaki product on a Kawasaki forum.

You did notice this was a Concours forum right?  ::)


Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 15, 2011, 04:10:00 PM
 :yikes: Really?  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: GeeBeav on October 15, 2011, 04:16:27 PM
My H-D was $7k OTD in 2001.  Bought it late in 2001.  And even it had an electronic speedo.

. . . and 38 horsepower  ;D
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 15, 2011, 06:09:32 PM
But I'm sure it looks mahvelous!
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: TXIN on October 15, 2011, 07:02:11 PM
I guess some people like motorcycles... and some people like to complain. I like motorcycles.  ;D
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 15, 2011, 11:14:21 PM
. . . and 38 horsepower  ;D

Your point?

Where I live, the fun roads don't require more than 3 gears anyway.

If you don't hit the corners at 2x the suggested speed, please move out of the way on the guy with the 50hp (exhause and intake modded) bike, because you're in the way.

Amazing how many people on sport- and sporty- bikes put it in park and smoke a cigarette when they come to a corner.

All that HP, brakes, and traction and no earthly idea how to use it.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 15, 2011, 11:23:35 PM
But I'm sure it looks mahvelous!

I washed my XLH once a year whether it needed it or not.  The combination of dirt and magnetic tank bag marked up the gastank pretty bad--spent quite a few miles off the pavement.
(http://azbiker.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Sonoran-Desert-National/05-04-10-Sonoran-05/300440463_LjYpf-L.jpg)

Another fun road...
(http://azbiker.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Sonoran-Desert-National/05-04-10-Sonoran-25/300440649_hBpTG-L.jpg)

Camping in Baja...
(http://azbiker.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Baja-2005/05-06-05-baja02/300442866_K36cH-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: TXIN on October 16, 2011, 12:28:50 AM
Never forget that it is far more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 16, 2011, 01:29:12 AM
Never forget that it is far more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

Ya know what I'd be doing with a C-14?

150+ on Hwy 69, until I got caught.

Best thing about riding off the pavement?  No @#$% cops.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: DeansZG on October 16, 2011, 06:45:50 AM
Camping in Baja...
(http://azbiker.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Baja-2005/05-06-05-baja02/300442866_K36cH-L.jpg)

Thread hijack....RATTLERS & SCORPIONS & TARANTULAS OH MY!!, RATTLERS & SCORPIONS & TARANTULAS OH MY!!, RATTLERS & SCORPIONS & TARANTULAS OH MY!! :yikes:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: mjrfd99 on October 16, 2011, 07:37:24 AM
I guess some people like motorcycles... and some people like to complain. I like motorcycles.  ;D

 :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Of course theres idiots and asshats in every section of soceity, but as a whole most riders are cool.
Me and my #1 riding partner have differences: he's S&W, I Colt. No problems just respect for differences.
Could ya imagine everyone being like me? :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: Talk about social distortion  :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Have ya looked at craigslist lately?  Most bikes have low mileage for their years, except ours right ;) ;) ;)
"Lighten up Francis"   :stirpot:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 16, 2011, 07:51:30 AM
I washed my XLH once a year whether it needed it or not. 


Man after me own heart!
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gPink on October 16, 2011, 11:23:48 AM
I washed my XLH once a year whether it needed it or not.  The combination of dirt and magnetic tank bag marked up the gastank pretty bad--spent quite a few miles off the pavement.
(http://azbiker.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Sonoran-Desert-National/05-04-10-Sonoran-05/300440463_LjYpf-L.jpg)

Bronson, is that you?
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Mr. Green Genes on October 16, 2011, 12:41:09 PM
I have a couple of friends which I have had since we were all 14 yrs. old and riding bikes together.  We all have bikes today.  They have Goldwings, I am currently riding  a Voyager.  Sometimes we still ride somewhere together and sometimes we are joined by or join up with other friends & acquaintances we've acquired over the years.  Harleys seem to be abundant among these acquaintances.  These guys do not trailer their bikes and they don't ride slow, but they do have some strange riding habits.  A couple of observations...,
1. If you are going on a ride with 3 Harleys, you can bet one of them is going to break down.  Which explains,
2. A chase vehicle &
3. Harley riders seem to have their mechanic's phone number on speed dial in their cell phones.
4. They ride 90mph down the highway in formation and stop at every Harley shop to buy a T-Shirt.
5. They stop often.

On the most recent ride, we left at intermittent times on Thursday and Friday, but all met up at a campsite by Friday evening for a rally.  On Saturday we were all going to ride the mountain roads, but 1st we had to go to the Harley shop, which was 40 miles away, to buy T-shirts, and neon, and do-rags (swag).  Having already gone to "the Harley shop" on Friday, me and 1 of my Goldwing buddies decided that we would hang around camp, eat breakfast, and meet everyone at the 1st gas station East of the Harley shop in about 2 hours.  East was the planned exit route and there were 10'000 people at the Harley shop and I did not need to experience it twice.

So, at about noon, me and my friend roll past the Harley shop traffic jamb and into the 1st Quicky Mart East.  I pull out my cell phone and call my other Goldwing buddy, who was hanging with the Friday Harley arrivals at the Harley shop and he starts telling me the good news/bad news.  1 of the Harleys was broke down, still about 30 miles from the Harley shop and 1 of the other Harley riders has discovered threads showing on his back tire and decided now was a good time to buy a tire, since he was at the Harley shop.  The good news was the guy buying the tire was only 2 bikes away from getting his new tire mounted.  Since it was only about 100 yards from the Harley shop, there was a lot to see at the Quicky Mart and there was food & drink so 2 hours went by relatively quick.  When I called my Buddy the 2nd time the Harley guy was next in line and it was only going to be  about another 45 minutes.  We were making plans to abandon the Harley bunch.  As I see it, once you have seen your Harley riding companion safely to the Harley shop, you have fulfilled all obligations.  On the 3rd phone call, after 3 or 4 hours at the Quicky Mart,
I was told that the Harley shop did have the guys bike up on a lift with the back end off and although there was not anyone in site, they were indeed working on it.  Me and my 2 Goldwing buddies departed for the mountain roads with about 3 hours left in the day before the deer come out.

We rode around for awhile, stopped & had dinner, fueled our bikes up and got back to camp about 10pm.  We were riding home the next morning.  The Harley riders straggled in from the bar scene over the next 6-7 hours.  We all got up the next morning, packed up the camping gear and assembled the caravan, now about 10+ bikes, everything except me and my 2 Goldwing buddies being Harleys.  I thought I would be able to tolerate the 400 mile ride back to Texas if I could just hang back about 1/2 a mile, but as we pulled out of camp that plan did not materialize.  I found myself in the middle of a loud pipe traffic jamb, potato potatoing itself up the road followed by the wives in the chase vehicle.  Fortunately, most of the Harley riders had not had the presence of mind to fuel up the night before so we had to stop at the 1st gas station.  That is where I bid them farewell.

My explanation was that it required far too much concentration for me to ride in a group that size, too much like traffic, and I hope you all understand.  And that is the truth.  I think you could say that I have had The Harley Experience and saved $50,000. 


   
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: TXIN on October 16, 2011, 03:07:16 PM
I had a Sportster. I loved the bike, but I rode it too much to be accepted at the local bar. :)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: lt1 on October 16, 2011, 11:08:28 PM
<snip>
My explanation was that it required far too much concentration for me to ride in a group that size, too much like traffic, and I hope you all understand.  And that is the truth.  I think you could say that I have had The Harley Experience and saved $50,000. 
Great story.  Reminds me of several different rides.  Normally, my "group rides" are 2-5 riders, friends who have ridden together for a bit.  On occasion the group gets expanded.  With groups of 8-12 and overnight rides, it seems that stuff like that is inevitable.   :)  Thanks for bringing back some fond memories.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: MiniCog on October 17, 2011, 02:03:38 PM
. . . and 38 horsepower  ;D

36 with "Super Thunder Garage Dog God Power Pipes..."
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 17, 2011, 04:38:15 PM
In my defense I wouldn't know the difference between a XLH PLH ZLH POS or what ever the model of HD your were talking about.
If you like Harley Davidson products, good for you. I would think you would have enough common sense not to bash a Kawasaki product on a Kawasaki forum.

You did notice this was a Concours forum right?  ::)

Yeah, I own one of those too.
Sorry for your ignorance, I guess.
I was a n00b like you 20 years ago.
But that was 20 years ago.
Happy trails.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 17, 2011, 04:40:30 PM
I had a Sportster. I loved the bike, but I rode it too much to be accepted at the local bar. :)

Me & you both.   8)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gPink on October 17, 2011, 04:51:22 PM
I grew up riding ironhead Sporters and airhead Beemers. The C14 is the first "modern" fuel injected watercooled bike I've owned. Still tinker with the airheads. Been thinking about building another sporty when I can stand another project.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 17, 2011, 04:53:27 PM
36 with "Super Thunder Garage Dog God Power Pipes..."
No, those were modified stock headpipes with slip-ons.  On the rigid XLs, the stockers with slip-ons can be made to flow better than anything except for the supertrapp 2-2 high pipes.
Just about any cruiser (of any make) reaps hp benefits from aftermarket pipes because they simply don't have the volume to get good flow and still meet noise regs.
The one I can think of off the top of my head that doesn't is the Road Star Warrior, which instead has an ugly garbage can hanging off the right side.
Simple physics--if you want flow but not noise, you need volume.  High flow, low volume=lots of noise.

Don't you run modified stock exhaust on your bikes?

Did you modify your baffles to get more power?
Or did you have your mechanic do it because he said it would sound cool?
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 17, 2011, 04:59:59 PM
I grew up riding ironhead Sporters and airhead Beemers. The C14 is the first "modern" fuel injected watercooled bike I've owned. Still tinker with the airheads. Been thinking about building another sporty when I can stand another project.

Rigid-mount evos make great cafe racer projects.

They can be lightened up to about 450lbs pretty cheaply.

I miss my cheap-and-easy-to-maintain bike that doesn't cost $400 every time it falls over.

But I've got what I've got and I'm not in the financial position to get anything else.  Otherwise I might be tempted to fill the gastank up with Tannerite and take it out to the desert, and film what happens when a 7.62x54R projectile meets a gastank filled with Tannerite.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: gPink on October 17, 2011, 05:04:34 PM
Don't get me wrong. I love the 14. But as you say cheap and easy has a lot going for it. ;)
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: MiniCog on October 17, 2011, 09:31:20 PM
No, those were modified stock headpipes with slip-ons.  On the rigid XLs, the stockers with slip-ons can be made to flow better than anything except for the supertrapp 2-2 high pipes.
Just about any cruiser (of any make) reaps hp benefits from aftermarket pipes because they simply don't have the volume to get good flow and still meet noise regs.
The one I can think of off the top of my head that doesn't is the Road Star Warrior, which instead has an ugly garbage can hanging off the right side.
Simple physics--if you want flow but not noise, you need volume.  High flow, low volume=lots of noise.

Don't you run modified stock exhaust on your bikes?

Did you modify your baffles to get more power?
Or did you have your mechanic do it because he said it would sound cool?

I run stock pipes on my streetbike.  So...  No.  No modified stock pipes.   :-\

I run a 44mm baffle in the XR650R because the stock intake(A sliver in the airbox...), tiny carb jets and tiny baffle(10mm) choke the bike up and keeps it from making 56 HP rather than low 40's...  Google "Uncorked XR650R" and you'll see why I run a "modified stock" exhaust (It's actually just a bigger baffle that you order from Honda themselves).  So that's borderline "modified stock" exhaust.  But it's just a replaced baffle.  Not a "modified baffle."

I took the end baffle out of the KLX because it has two baffles in it, and 2 aren't necessary.  It's still quieter than the XR, but runs cooler than it did before.  So that's not really much of a modification (unless you count taking off 3 screws and a piece of metal).

I've never taken a bike to a mechanic except when I blew the top end in my 85 when I was 11, so don't assume I'm like every other retard out there that only listens to what "my mechanic" says.  I AM my own mechanic.

I don't know you got defensive about a simple remark, I mean jeez man.  I was just being cheeky, I'm pretty sure 99% of the guys that are familiar with me would know that.


Anyways, you obviously took a fragmented sentence/cheeky joke and didn't like it, but you should chill, I didn't even MENTION you or whatever the pipes you're talking about.  I didn't even see anything about
  modified stock headpipes with slip-ons.  On the rigid XLs, the stockers with slip-ons can be made to flow better than anything except for the supertrapp 2-2 high pipes.

Sometimes, I get fun poked at me because I'm 17 and don't have a Connie, but I don't get defensive about it.  You should try it sometime.  This is a motorcycle forum (A Kawasaki Concours forum, actually), so people are going to be cheeky and funny with each other because 99% of people I've met on a Concours are funny and witty and overall pretty cool people to be around and joke with. 
(Site trot: Anyone know what happened to the original forum and members?  I kinda miss it and the guys like Reverend and Big Joe...   :'( )

I didn't even mention you in my post.  Or your pipes.  You quoted me, you can go ahead and re-read it, you won't see "AZBiker" in said post, anywhere.
I never said I dislike Harleys.  I just dislike the ridiculous people that put on deaf-inducing pipes and claim that they're louder, therefore, they have more power than any other bike that is quieter.  And the "Culture" that a good 50%(or better) of those guys fall into.  I've met cool people on cruisers, but I've met more idiots than coll guys thta don't look at my motorcycle preference and shun me for it.   Notice again, I said "ridiculous people," not "AZBiker." 

As TXIN said:
I like motorcycles.  ;D

I'm just getting it straight with you, not pick an argument or what have you.  I never mentioned you in my post.  But you mentioned me in your reply.  And I still can't fathom why there was a reply in the first place.   ???
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 17, 2011, 10:12:18 PM
So you did the same thing to your XR that most guys do to their H-Ds because it's the cheapest power you're ever going to make.    The exhaust packaging on dirtbikes vs. cruisers are actually very similar--they both suffer from a lack of silencer volume and respond well to aftermarket modifications.

The dyno-geeks on the XL-list have the increase at around 10hp for stage 1 mods--that's just intake, jetting and exhaust.

The 38hp comment was talking about my XLH. 

So your 36hp comment was about which bike...
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: TXIN on October 17, 2011, 10:18:52 PM
I think part of it (the reason I try to stay out of most of these threads) is that so much of it doesn't come across as good-natured ribbing. I don't see many threads here saying "Oh gosh, I just ran into this idiot on a sport bike" or "man those cruiser guys are crazy". Few people talk about Honda people or Yamaha people or any other brand than Harley. It's Harley Idiots and Harley Pirates and Dumb-A$$es on Harleys and it gets old after a while.

Not excusing anything, and he may not even feel the same way, but it's not like this is a Concours forum that makes fun of people that ride anything that isn't a Concours. We apparently only hate Harley riders.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: MiniCog on October 17, 2011, 10:45:23 PM
So you did the same thing to your XR that most guys do to their H-Ds because it's the cheapest power you're ever going to make.    The exhaust packaging on dirtbikes vs. cruisers are actually very similar--they both suffer from a lack of silencer volume and respond well to aftermarket modifications.

The dyno-geeks on the XL-list have the increase at around 10hp for stage 1 mods--that's just intake, jetting and exhaust.

The 38hp comment was talking about my XLH. 

So your 36hp comment was about which bike...

Yes, I understand that.  I never denied it, now did I?

That's an XL, not an XR...  Look up a real dyno for an XR650R (The R is important).  It jumps from 40ish to 54-56 with stage 1.  Trust me on that.  I have an XR650R, not XL650, not XR650L.

I never said your bike.  That's an assumption.  Made by you.  Congratulations.

It appears that all you want to do is start ****.  You're arguing with a 17 year old for Christ's sake.  I'm not going to argue with you, I have better things to do with my time other than argue on the internet.  So far you are the first person I have yet to like on this forum other than someone that (Thank God) was banned before it was transitioned to zggtr.org.

Don't expect a reply from me after this.


We don't hate Harley Riders, I even said I've mt some cool Harley riders.  It's the people that fall in the trap of "If you buy all this you're now a legitimate biker because it all says Harley," those idiots I do not like.  Even the loud idiots on Yamaha's, Honda's, Kawasaki's and Suzuki's that want to be Harley "bikers."   
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 18, 2011, 12:58:37 AM

We don't hate Harley Riders, I even said I've mt some cool Harley riders.  It's the people that fall in the trap of "If you buy all this you're now a legitimate biker because it all says Harley," those idiots I do not like.  Even the loud idiots on Yamaha's, Honda's, Kawasaki's and Suzuki's that want to be Harley "bikers."   

Who is this "we?"   ;D

You don't think there are poseurs on sportbikes?
Look at the chicken strips, they tell the true story.  Tons of people that will drop the hammer on straights, but give them a twisty canyon rode and they act like they're on a VW trike.
All the while lookin' like Vale' Rossi, but riding like Sophia Rossi.
I bet you've even seen some of them on dirtbikes--every piece of aftermarket bling in the world and replica gear, and they're looking like Bubba Stewart, but riding like Martha Stewart.
Same goes in the adv world--guys with GSs and Rallye gear head-to-toe looking like they're ready to go around the world and they won't ride off the pavement.

But you know what?  THEY are the reason that we still have brick-and-mortar bike shops.
The number of real enthusiasts is minuscule compared to the recreational unskilled poseurs.
Always has been, always will be.
Just because I can ride faster than someone else, or farther than someone else doesn't make me a better person than they are.
And it certainly doesn't justify putting them down.
I don't go into every distance riding thread I can and put down someone's 500 mile ride because I've done 1100+ in one day on a 50hp bike with no fairing.  To me, 500mi is a nice leisurely ride on the bike.

This thread has mainly been about elitism and ignorance, with katata1100 and DannyL leading the charge.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: MiniCog on October 18, 2011, 01:04:01 AM
Hahaha, that part of the post wasn't even meant for you...  How about you read the post above mine?   ;D

Like I said, no reply to your stupidity.  Have fun with yourself buddy.   I'll keep on a watchin'.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Son of Pappy on October 18, 2011, 01:13:50 AM
Hey, AZ, have you stopped beating your wife and kids?  Maybe this Forum aint for you.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: AZBiker on October 18, 2011, 01:18:55 AM
Hey, AZ, have you stopped beating your wife and kids?  Maybe this Forum aint for you.

Not married, but if you would like to accuse me of beating my child to my face, then come on down.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: Son of Pappy on October 18, 2011, 01:23:09 AM
Not married, but if you would like to accuse me of beating my child to my face, then come on down.
I earned that.  Wrong way to make a point.
Title: Re: Yuck- here come the Harley's!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 18, 2011, 04:36:00 AM
Ok, I see this that this thread has run it's course....