Harley's new LAMS bike

[Crasherfromwayback]

Here it be.

http://street.harley-davidson.com/en_AU#

[wysper]

Are those the ones being made in India?

[xXGIBBOXx]

does it sound like a "real" harley ? and how much ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Opps. Too slow I see. Sorry mods. Feel free to bin it.

[Phleep]

Wow, I don't normally like the HD styling but that bike looks damn nice. Has a very rideable appearance and manages to be modern and retro all at once.

[nzspokes]

I kinda like that. Wonder what the price on them will be?

[mossy1200]

The specs make interesting reading.


494 CC Liquid Cooled Revolution X™ Engine
6 Speed Transmission
Belt Drive
2 into 1 Exhaust
Mid Mount Controls
Easy Lock to Lock Sweep
Single Caliper Disc Brakes
Specially Tuned Suspension
2 Up Seat with Passenger Pegs
Metal Tank and Fenders
LED Tail Lights and Bullet Signals
Locking Petrol Cap, Forks, and Ignition
V Twin 60° 4-Valves per Head
Wheel Size: 17” Front, 15” Rear
Wheelbase: 59.5”
Weight: 480 LBS (WET)


It should out handle a gn250 and you can lock away your petrol also.:drool:

[nzspokes]

I see they do a 750 version. I reckon they will sell a good few of the 500s to L platers. Nice.

[haydes55]

Why has it got a pillion seat? A Harley aimed at learners shouldn't need one.

Also, knowing the incredible power output of the Hardly engine, why haven't they made it a 650? They could even try tune the engine for horse power and still fly under the max power to weight ratio.

As for "made in India" I thought 90% of the reason anyone has ever bought a Harley is because it's American muscle.

[Big Dave]

Why has it got a pillion seat? A Harley aimed at learners shouldn't need one.

As soon as they get a licence they should sell the bike?

[300weatherby]

Wouldn't just about any hardly ferguson qualify as a LAMS bike?

[Drew]

Wouldn't just about any hardly ferguson qualify as a LAMS bike?

Jokes aside, I honestly thought it was just going to be a slightly restricted 883.

[mossy1200]

As soon as they get a licence they should sell the bike?

Trade it on a bigger Harley.


494 CC Liquid Cooled Revolution X™ Engine = Not a lot of grunt even for a Harley.
6 Speed Transmission = You will need change gears a lot due to slow corner speeds.
Belt Drive = We don't think adjusting and lubing chains is something you can handle.
2 into 1 Exhaust = It had 2 pipes but it sounded Honda
Mid Mount Controls = Your a learner so you wont look down at them anyway
Easy Lock to Lock Sweep = Its a little heavy for a girl to reverse back on
Single Caliper Disc Brakes = Stops faster if you fall off.
Specially Tuned Suspension = We have advanced beyond springer and hardtail for 2014 range of bikes
2 Up Seat with Passenger Pegs = If you pick up a slag you will risk riding her. Always wear a helmet.
Metal Tank and Fenders = We were worried it might exceed power to weight ratios. TUI
LED Tail Lights and Bullet Signals = Normal bulbs blew due to vibrations.
Locking Petrol Cap, Forks, and Ignition = Nobody is going to steel your shitz now
V Twin 60° 4-Valves per Head = If ditch one coil and fire like an old Harley it will sound like a harley
Wheel Size: 17” Front, 15” Rear = At least you can get good front tires
Wheelbase: 59.5” = Fits on a standard 6 by 4 trailer (optional extra)
Weight: 480 LBS (WET) = We almost forgot to weigh this bad boy.

[AllanB]

Hmmmmm - looks like A Yamaha to me! :crazy:

[Big Dave]

Hmmmmm - looks like A Yamaha to me! :crazy:

You have oriental eyes.

[ellipsis]

...fucking marvelous...'bout time too...last little Harley was 2 stroke and eyetie...a couple of them going quite quick at the BSOC...bet they sell like hotcakes (if)when they get down here...and I bet when they get their licence they buy a sportster...:banana::clap::headbang::banana:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Wouldn't just about any hardly ferguson qualify as a LAMS bike?

LAMS is about power to weight with maximum caps on both, is my understanding, and no current Sportster meets the weight requirement. I think the 883 is around 50 hp though so power wise it would be OK.

Harley needs this bike, not just for the shrinking markets in the "Developed" countries, but more for the massively expanding markets in developing countries. China, India, Asia generally is where the growth is. Plus their markets are protected so it makes sense to build/assemble "locally" in those markets. Sure, there can be problems sourcing globally and in low wage economies, but when it works (Triumph in Thailand, KTM in China, a billion bicycles in Taiwan) it works brilliantly. One of my friends does heavy engineering and he wisely said to me one day "You can get excellent quality out of Asia, you just have to be prepared to pay for it, and work for it". Its also why Honda produces stuff like the NC700 etc.

I read somewhere that not only is Harley massively profitable, they produce (currently) something like 260000 bikes a year. Add to that the accessories and whatnot, and all those t shirts and you have a serious company.

I'd like to take a 750 for a spin and compare it to a current Triumph Bonneville, a Sprotster, and a new Guzzi V7. And a Honda CB1100F.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I am interested in pricing. Particularly in NZ. My view is that the entire Sportster range is way overpriced in New Zealand. Particularly the ones I want to buy :( The cool Sportsters are too close in price to the base model big twins.

These have to be selling new for between, what, say $14k and $16k?

Oh yeah, some angles remind me a bit of that Honda NV400S cruiser twin from the 80's: I saw a mint one the other day.

[Monkfish]

I'd like to take a 750 for a spin and compare it to a current Triumph Bonneville, a Sprotster, and a new Guzzi V7. And a Honda CB1100F.

The 883 fails when compared to the standard bonnie, as the bonne has around 68hp stock i believe, compared to the 50 odd from the 883.

The 750 street (in my logic) will be less powerful than the 883 (or they are making their own bike redundant) so I cant see it stacking up well against any of the bikes you mentioned. I reckon they are trying to carve a unique niche for themselves, with these bikes.

[neels]

Makes sense, get people who are that way inclined on a Harley from day one, rather than have them ride someone else's bike until they get a full licence then try to get their business.

Be interesting to see how it goes.

[haydes55]

As soon as they get a licence they should sell the bike?




certainly. Harleys are for "cool" people. You aren't cool on a glorified commuter. Imagine someone riding a Harley and not getting the optional chrome and tassles. Blasphemy.

[Ender EnZed]

LAMS is about power to weight with maximum caps on both, is my understanding

Never heard that one before.

The 660cc limit excludes any current Harleys from the list, regardless of their power to weight ratio.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The 883 fails when compared to the standard bonnie, as the bonne has around 68hp stock i believe, compared to the 50 odd from the 883.

The 750 street (in my logic) will be less powerful than the 883 (or they are making their own bike redundant) so I cant see it stacking up well against any of the bikes you mentioned. I reckon they are trying to carve a unique niche for themselves, with these bikes.

absolutely agree with you. What they want to do is have the cradle to grave rider covered. so you get a H-D branded onesie when you are six months old, you graduate to "My Dad has a Harley" shirts and stuff when you are a kid, your first motorbike is a 500 street, and then you progress "up" the range till finally you get a trike because your balance is gone. It makes nothing but sense.

Agree too about the pointlessness of the 883 Sporty. Maybe they will drop it so the range goes 500 Street, 750 Street, 1200 Sprotty, Big Twins... (trike). Though we shouldn't compare power outputs on any of these bikes or their comparators. They arent about stats like that: if you want to get all weenie on stat comparisons and have bragging rights down the boozer, this is not the market segment for you. That sort of nonsense is for sprotsbike riders comparing the ZX10 with teh S1000R etc. I used to be all over that shit but now those bikes are so much better than I am as a rider, its pointless. Like comparing any given Ferrari with any given Lamborghini or Zonda or whatever. I'll never own one, what the fuck's the point?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Never heard that one before.

The 660cc limit excludes any current Harleys from the list, regardless of their power to weight ratio.

I could be wrong. I do get all my information from KB. And I am too lazy to google it.

[oneofsix]

I could be wrong. I do get all my information from KB. And I am too lazy to google it.

one of the wonderful things about KB is someone will eventually do the research thing for you

NZTA LAMS (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/approved-motorcycles.html)

LAMS-approved motorcycles are determined by two factors:

a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne (the power is that specified by the manufacturer and the weight is the weight specified by the manufacturer plus 90kgs for the rider and riding gear); and
an upper engine capacity limit of 660cc.

[White trash]

Looks really fucking cool to me, being water cooled it'll probably perform quite well too.

This is EXACTLY what Harley needs to be recruiting younger riders.

[Monkfish]

absolutely agree with you. What they want to do is have the cradle to grave rider covered. so you get a H-D branded onesie when you are six months old, you graduate to "My Dad has a Harley" shirts and stuff when you are a kid, your first motorbike is a 500 street, and then you progress "up" the range till finally you get a trike because your balance is gone. It makes nothing but sense.

Agree too about the pointlessness of the 883 Sporty. Maybe they will drop it so the range goes 500 Street, 750 Street, 1200 Sprotty, Big Twins... (trike).

With the intro of these bikes they should drop the 883 sporty!! there is absolutely no point for its existence now.

[Voltaire]

The 883 fails when compared to the standard bonnie, as the bonne has around 68hp stock i believe, compared to the 50 odd from the 883.

The 750 street (in my logic) will be less powerful than the 883 (or they are making their own bike redundant) so I cant see it stacking up well against any of the bikes you mentioned. I reckon they are trying to carve a unique niche for themselves, with these bikes.

My track comparison would place the Bonnie ( Thruxton I had) as having about 50 BHP and a mid 70's HD 1000 about 55.
I'd say my Airhead BMW 900 would be about 48-52 ish and the Americans say an 883 is bout the same.

Saying that my little Monza has a nice V twin sound so the HD could be a fun town bike.

[Paul in NZ]

The 883 fails when compared to the standard bonnie, as the bonne has around 68hp stock i believe, compared to the 50 odd from the 883.

The 750 street (in my logic) will be less powerful than the 883 (or they are making their own bike redundant) so I cant see it stacking up well against any of the bikes you mentioned. I reckon they are trying to carve a unique niche for themselves, with these bikes.

Horses for courses. An 883 is pretty quick off the mark and stop light to stop light it would give a modern bonnie a run for its money. If the stoplights were 10km apart well.....

Anyway - good on HD - always good to see new models coming out.

[wysper]

Agree too about the pointlessness of the 883 Sporty.

:crybaby: But I love my 883 :crybaby:

[Crasherfromwayback]

With the intro of these bikes they should drop the 883 sporty!! there is absolutely no point for its existence now.

Can't agree sorry. The 883 is still an awesome entry level HD...and one a lot of people love to bits.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Can't agree sorry. The 883 is still an awesome entry level HD...and one a lot of people love to bits.

but Shirley, the point of the street 500 and 750 is that they are the "entry level HD". So your 750 might appeal to someone like me if it isnt LAMS (and it is over 660cc so it cant be sold to learners).

I think that the 750 and the 883 share the exact same market segment. and I think that the 883 might be seen as more "authentic" than the 750 so maybe the 750 is for markets where there is no learner capacity limit, and/or anything imported is crucified by duties. So (as a hypothetical example, in NZ the range goes 500 street, 883, 1200, big twins, trikes. But in india maybe 500 Street, 750 Street then a huge price gap and big twins only. or 1200s only.

It remains to be seen. What is clear is that HD's plans for world domination are bearing fruit.

[Crasherfromwayback]

but Shirley, the point of the street 500 and 750 is that they are the "entry level HD". So your 750 might appeal to someone like me if it isnt LAMS (and it is over 660cc so it cant be sold to learners).

I think that the 750 and the 883 share the exact same market segment. and I think that the 883 might be seen as more "authentic" than the 750 so maybe the 750 is for markets where there is no learner capacity limit, and/or anything imported is crucified by duties. So (as a hypothetical example, in NZ the range goes 500 street, 883, 1200, big twins, trikes. But in india maybe 500 Street, 750 Street then a huge price gap and big twins only. or 1200s only.

It remains to be seen. What is clear is that HD's plans for world domination are bearing fruit.

Yeah they may be entry level HD's (the 500 anyway) for lams riders...but the 883 is still gonna be an entry level HD for anyone with a full licence coming off smaller bikes. It also goes potato potato...which I doubt the new one will do.

[Drew]

Yeah they may be entry level HD's (the 500 anyway) for lams riders...but the 883 is still gonna be an entry level HD for anyone with a full licence coming off smaller bikes. It also goes potato potato...which I doubt the new one will do.The blurb on the link says it sounds like a Harley...

Can't see it though, only smallish capacity V twin with a deep note that I can think of is the VTR250. Dunno why that is, things sound like a Ducati with a straight pipe on 'em though.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The blurb on the link says it sounds like a Harley...

Can't see it though, only smallish capacity V twin with a deep note that I can think of is the VTR250. Dunno why that is, things sound like a Ducati with a straight pipe on 'em though.

Yeah well HD ain't about to say it sounds like a Hyosung mate. But the new engines won't be the same crank pin/rod setup of the 45 deg pushrod motor...so will sound like a *normal* vee twin think you'll find. Sounds like this...

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WoMtLTHNvMY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[HenryDorsetCase]

That's a decent cover of "Come Together" too.

[AllanB]

Looks really fucking cool to me, being water cooled it'll probably perform quite well too.

This is EXACTLY what Harley needs to be recruiting younger riders.

Still thinks it looks like a Yamaha clone....

Which in itself is very interesting. Given Harley have spend decades making a big thing about their 'real' image and 'original' look they are now effectively copying the Japanese 'copies' of Harleys - a clone of a clone so to speak.

So what's in a badge? I have often read many a magazine review of the latest Italian wonder bike from brand XYZ and thought - heck if it was a Jap bike with some issues you'd slam it in your review but you pass it off as 'character' solely on the basis of the bike being build by an Italian company. Fuel injection is a current example - has MV ever produced a first edition with acceptable fuel injection? If Honda, Suzuki etc produced the same substandard injection the bike would be slammed and die a natural death in the showroom.

So back to 'Harley' if this ride is stacked up economically against the equivalent Japanese LAMS bike will it theoretically outsell the (possibly) superior Jap ride based on a badge?

[nzspokes]

An idea on price?

[AllanB]

An idea on price?

It's a Harley - take what it should be and add 15% for the badge!


Still think the 883 range should be $9999.99

[ducatilover]

I think it's cool, if priced right. The badge parts interests me not one bit, but a 60 deg 4V twin should (theoretically) fuel and ride much, much nicer than the narrower angle V twins out there, and sound like a semi-decent twin too.
But, I would be very, very surprised if it was priced like the mid-range and low tech learner commuter bike it is.

I don't know if HD "needs" bikes like this, but it gives me hope, small capacity V twins need a serious kick up the arse, we may see better bikes with the competition?

Has anybody got any actual specs, not marketing bullshit? I imagine 40-45hp from the 500 and 60hp from the 750, with such super low peak power figures, they should be nice and torquey.

I shall ride one when they arrive, await my criticism

[Big Dave]

The blurb on the link says it sounds like a Harley...

Can't see it though, only smallish capacity V twin with a deep note that I can think of is the VTR250. Dunno why that is, things sound like a Ducati with a straight pipe on 'em though.

Semantics - If the thing is made by Acme ergo it sounds like an Acme. They didn't say which Acme.

'Trust me, I'm in advertising.'

[Drew]

That's a decent cover of "Come Together" too.No, it isn't.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kPi-MOxR0l4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Monkfish]

I don't know if HD "needs" bikes like this, but it gives me hope, small capacity V twins need a serious kick up the arse, we may see better bikes with the competition?

Has anybody got any actual specs, not marketing bullshit? I imagine 40-45hp from the 500 and 60hp from the 750, with such super low peak power figures, they should be nice and torquey.

I shall ride one when they arrive, await my criticism

For the 500 to fit in with lams it will have to be around 30-33hp depending on the weight of the bike


No, it isn't.

That is a sick Cover!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Semantics - If the thing is made by Acme ergo it sounds like an Acme. They didn't say which Acme.



My friend Wile E. Coyote is very interested in this Acme product of yours.

[Ender EnZed]

For the 500 to fit in with lams it will have to be around 30-33hp depending on the weight of the bike


The Harley specs page gives a wet weight of 218kg. Using that figure it could have up to 62hp and still be LAMS legal.

[Monkfish]

The Harley specs page gives a wet weight of 218kg. Using that figure it could have up to 62hp and still be LAMS legal.

I was working roughly in my head from my little LS650, I guess i didn't realize the Harley would be that heavy. its 45 kgs heavier than my little boulevard so yeah it would need all the extra HP it can get.

[Drew]

The Harley specs page gives a wet weight of 218kg. Using that figure it could have up to 62hp and still be LAMS legal.If by some miracle it is pumping out 60 odd horses, the motor would be finding it's way into many an F3 bike for fettling I imagine. But I highly doubt it will have more than 50. SV/ER/GT are all 650 items, and they all hover around 60-65 horses with a pipe fitted.

[Big Dave]

My friend Wile E. Coyote is very interested in this Acme product of yours.

'It's a motorcycle helmet with a built-in brake light.'

I stole the idea though.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TkBQ4xUHAUA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[240]

I reckon that these new Harleys look farkin awesome and as mentioned a bloody good idea to get a whole new breed of riders to the brand. Can't see the Yamaha connection either? It still looks very Harley.

[ducatilover]

The internets told me it's a fucking massive 43hp. It does not interest me much now, I'd like to actually pass other vehicles without a paddle on a 500cc twin.

[Big Dave]

43hp. .

How much would sir care to bolt on? Cash or credit card?

It's not a bad output for learners - and some of the target markets where 10hp is the norm.

[Thaeos]

Reckon they look pretty cool. Change the pipes.. Maybe change the cowling around the headlight. Would undoubtedly want more power than the 500 though.

[Drew]

Reckon they look pretty cool. Change the pipes.. Maybe change the cowling around the headlight. Would undoubtedly want more power than the 500 though.You're not allowed any modification to exhausts on a LAMs bike. Once you're on your full lisence it's all good though, so perhaps some people will keep them and tune them up a bit.

[nzspokes]

You're not allowed any modification to exhausts on a LAMs bike. Once you're on your full lisence it's all good though, so perhaps some people will keep them and tune them up a bit.

Just get the 750 and some 500 badges. Sorted.

[ducatilover]

Good point. Similar powe to a CX Honda isn't it? They're more than adequate. I think 150hp is almosy ideal on a light bike, can we bolt that on?

[Big Dave]

Good point. Similar powe to a CX Honda isn't it? They're more than adequate. I think 150hp is almosy ideal on a light bike, can we bolt that on?


Trask turbo and NOS, but it will need internals too.

But then, what bit of 'LAMS bike' are you having trouble with?

[Big Dave]

Just get the 750 and some 500 badges. Sorted.

And a VIN plate and frame and engine numbers.

With my new camera I can read the VIN number on a motorcycle passing at 80kph - 20mtrs away.

Video tech isn't there yet - but it won't be long.

[GrayWolf]

I reckon that these new Harleys look farkin awesome and as mentioned a bloody good idea to get a whole new breed of riders to the brand. Can't see the Yamaha connection either? It still looks very Harley.

To be honest? at a glance I would have said.. Japanese 'version' of an XR Sporty.. and that is the ONLY HD I would have bought. :yes:

It sounds 'Japanese' on the promo vid, and if it is as reliable, handles, stops and performs as good as a Jap equivalent? Good on HD, but I have my doubts!

[Wayz]

Great to see HD partake in the bike 'LAMS' wars, I like the look of them, will wait to ride one before I pass judgment....here I was thinking my 1200 sporty was the entry level harley :yes:

[AllanB]

I wonder if there is a possibility of a backlash from the faithful given 'Harleys' are big 'men's' bikes (don't shoot me they image them that way).

I have a picture in my minds eye of Hog Rallies being invaded by young yuppies wearing the latest HD gear on their 500's, cracking open their raspberry ciders or RTD's around the camp fire while signing top 10 pop songs.

'I own a Harley' may never have the same ring to it again.

Will they offer Screaming Eagle goodies for these bikes?

[AllanB]

I'll open by saying I very much like the Sporty 1200 - in particular some of the customer versions like the nighster etc. BUT they have been considered as HD's entry level ride and resale tends to be a bit ........shit. With theses LAMS bikes being introduced a logical step upward for the rider would be to the Sporty. Good marketing plan .......

[mossy1200]

I have a picture in my minds eye of Hog Rallies being invaded by young yuppies wearing the latest HD gear on their 500's, cracking open their raspberry ciders or RTD's around the camp fire while signing top 10 pop songs.



That's the shitz I belong to this forum to read.
Well said. I might go to a rally just to eat popcorn and see what happens.

Most likely the 500s will be owned by girlfriends, wives and sons and daughters of Harley owners who have been sitting on the back of bikes for a while.

[wysper]

I have a picture in my minds eye of Hog Rallies being invaded by young yuppies wearing the latest HD gear on their 500's, cracking open their raspberry ciders or RTD's around the camp fire while signing top 10 pop songs.



I kind of get the feeling that these bikes are aimed at a slightly different market. Not so much the fully paid up hog member, more a new rider market with a different mindset.

Hell, I ride a 883 and I get the feeling that most HOG members don't consider me to be riding a real harley and aren't really welcome on the ride. I don't really know if this is true or not but it is the vibe I get round HOG members. That slightly dismissive downward look when they realise I ride a sporty. I can't imagine these guys would fare much better. This doesn't bother me too much as the big gathering isn't really my scene.

These bikes could really open up a new rider base for harley. Their biggest detractors are likely to come from other harley riders LOL.

[Drew]

I have a picture in my minds eye of Hog Rallies being invaded by young yuppies wearing the latest HD gear on their 500's, cracking open their raspberry ciders or RTD's around the camp fire while signing top 10 pop songs.

Hahahahahaha. Ya beat me to it. Briliant.


That's the shitz I belong to this forum to read.
Well said. I might go to a rally just to eat popcorn and see what happens.

From time to time, a diamond is seen in the rough alright.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'll open by saying I very much like the Sporty 1200 - in particular some of the customer versions like the nighster etc. BUT they have been considered as HD's entry level ride and resale tends to be a bit ........shit.

except the dreamers who think something bog stock five years old is worth 90% of what they paid for it..... and they go round, and round, and round on tardme.

[GrayWolf]

I kind of get the feeling that these bikes are aimed at a slightly different market. Not so much the fully paid up hog member, more a new rider market with a different mindset.

Hell, I ride a 883 and I get the feeling that most HOG members don't consider me to be riding a real harley and aren't really welcome on the ride. I don't really know if this is true or not but it is the vibe I get round HOG members. That slightly dismissive downward look when they realise I ride a sporty. I can't imagine these guys would fare much better. This doesn't bother me too much as the big gathering isn't really my scene.

These bikes could really open up a new rider base for harley. Their biggest detractors are likely to come from other harley riders LOL.

Isnt it nice to know they practice HD 'snobbery' towards their own as well? ... Mate, I dont know if they ever came here, but if you research there was an even more irritating alternative to the Italian rebadged HD's of the 70's... there was one that used a Yamaha 250 2T motor... Now THAT would be worth the crack of turning up with......

QUOTE:
The 1975 Harley-Davidson SS-250 was a mid-size motorcycles based on a Yamaha design and featured a two-stroke single engine.
Harley-Davidson had formed a partnership with Aermacchi of Italy in the early1960s to sell mid-size four-stroke singles under the H-D badge. These were soon joined by a host of two-stroke models as small as 65 cc, and even some minibikes.
But while the larger singles were fairly successful, the times prompted something a bit more modern.
One of a quartet of new mid-size two-stroke singles based on a Yamaha design and introduced by Harley-Davidson in the mid-1970s, the SS-250 appeared in 1975 and was the largest street version offered.
On/off-road models carried the SX prefix, and both bikes were eventually available in 175- and 250-cc sizes.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency was beginning to frown on all two-stroke bikes as a major source of pollution.
As a result, the switch to two-strokes was -- in retrospect -- perhaps not the best choice, and Harley-Davidson quit offering singles of any type after 1978.

[Voltaire]

Isnt it nice to know they practice HD 'snobbery' towards their own as well? ... Mate, I dont know if they ever came here, but if you research there was an even more irritating alternative to the Italian rebadged HD's of the 70's... there was one that used a Yamaha 250 2T motor... Now THAT would be worth the crack of turning up with......

QUOTE:
The 1975 Harley-Davidson SS-250 was a mid-size motorcycles based on a Yamaha design and featured a two-stroke single engine.
Harley-Davidson had formed a partnership with Aermacchi of Italy in the early1960s to sell mid-size four-stroke singles under the H-D badge. These were soon joined by a host of two-stroke models as small as 65 cc, and even some minibikes.
But while the larger singles were fairly successful, the times prompted something a bit more modern.
One of a quartet of new mid-size two-stroke singles based on a Yamaha design and introduced by Harley-Davidson in the mid-1970s, the SS-250 appeared in 1975 and was the largest street version offered.
On/off-road models carried the SX prefix, and both bikes were eventually available in 175- and 250-cc sizes.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency was beginning to frown on all two-stroke bikes as a major source of pollution.
As a result, the switch to two-strokes was -- in retrospect -- perhaps not the best choice, and Harley-Davidson quit offering singles of any type after 1978.

:laugh: Reminds me of the story of the guy with the MG 1300 GT ( think Morris/Austin/etc 1100) who used to clean up at MG Gymkanas.

[OllieNZ]

No, it isn't.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kPi-MOxR0l4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Yep, what Drew said

[scumdog]

Hell, I ride a 883 and I get the feeling that most HOG members don't consider me to be riding a real harley and aren't really welcome on the ride. I don't really know if this is true or not but it is the vibe I get round HOG members. That slightly dismissive downward look when they realise I ride a sporty. I can't imagine these guys would fare much better.

Not down here they don't - hell Mrs Scummie rides my old 1200 Sport and while I don't attend many HOG rallies I've not heard anybody knocking a Sportster or the person who rides one.

And I reckon the mrs Sporty is as much fun and more nimble than my lardy-arsed Superglide T-Sport around town etc.

[Drew]

Not down here they don't - hell Mrs Scummie rides my old 1200 Sport and while I don't attend many HOG rallies I've not heard anybody knocking a Sportster or the person who rides one.

And I reckon the mrs Sporty is as much fun and more nimble than my lardy-arsed Superglide T-Sport around town etc.I don't imagine any big block to be a great deal of fun to ride the middle of any decent size town...not that Balclutha fits that bill really.

[Wayz]

Yeah can't say I get any dis-respect from big block or any other Harley rider, shit at the end of the day it's all about being out there doing it! No time for biker politics when the road is calling! :Punk:

[ducatilover]

Trask turbo and NOS, but it will need internals too.

But then, what bit of 'LAMS bike' are you having trouble with?

LAMS are for sheep.

[Larksea]

I like it, if you make bikes you would be silly not to get into this market. Can you get them in NZ yet?

[Big Dave]

I like it, if you make bikes you would be silly not to get into this market. Can you get them in NZ yet?


No. Been a while since I read the press release - From memory it's a '15 model. Which means later this year.

[HenryDorsetCase]

lams are for the barbecue.

ftfy

ftfy

[pritch]

I kind of get the feeling that these bikes are aimed at a slightly different market.

Understatement of the thread. I believe the target market is primarly Asia, although they are to be sold almost everywhere. The 500 & 750 models sold in the US will be made in the USA, the rest will be made in India. They are supposed to start appearing second quarter 2014.

Dorna are pushing hard to get someone - anyone almost - to host a GP in Asia. Triumph has three factories in Thailand - and they aren't all making Bonnevilles. Rossi and Lorenzo visit Asia annually to push Yamaha. KTM have an Indian partner and the smaller Dukes are made there. Harley presumably didn't want to be left behind.

[Big Dave]

Understatement of the thread: Harley didn't want to be left behind.

I see what you did there.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Cycle World have had a Street 750 on the Dyno: comparisons with an Iron 883, Star Bolt, and some others:

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/04/02/2015-harley-davidson-street-750-versus-competitors-on-cw-dynojet-dyno/?src=SOC&dom=fb

[Crasherfromwayback]

Cycle World have had a Street 750 on the Dyno: comparisons with an Iron 883, Star Bolt, and some others:

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/04/02/2015-harley-davidson-street-750-versus-competitors-on-cw-dynojet-dyno/?src=SOC&dom=fb

Interesting to see it dusts off the Yamaha despite giving away 200cc. We'll only get the 500 here I think.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Interesting to see it dusts off the Yamaha despite giving away 200cc. We'll only get the 500 here I think.

Yeah I would be surprised if they bought in the 750 because its only purpose would be to cannibalise sportster sales: it cant be LAMS approved because it is over 660cc

[ducatilover]

Interesting to see it dusts off the Yamaha despite giving away 200cc. We'll only get the 500 here I think.

Interesting how it compares to the NC700 which is really as beige as a GS500 :blink: Impressive curves from that Honda dare I say it (even though it makes Bros650 power in this day and age)

[Subike]

well, I bought one, and Im Happy with it.
OK there are a few things that need attention.
Mirrors are too low
Rear brake pedal has no adjustment and is vague
wiring could have been finished better,
rear tail is plastic.

But it rides well, smooth on the open road, the six speed box is good,
controls all easy to use,
once warmed up the engine sounds quite good with the std exhaust,
The finish is very good for the price.
Not as quick as my XS1100, but better than my Keeway.

Typical of HD, Custom and performance parts cost heaps and are basically cosmetic.
Will wait for the after market guys to come up with some good stuff.

A set of 750 barrels and pistons are a bolt on upgrade, so when they become available.........mmmmm

[Crasherfromwayback]

Rear brake pedal has no adjustment and is vague


Yeah it's the flimsy mounting bracket flexing when you apply the brake.

[Banditbandit]

Yeah it's the flimsy mounting bracket flexing when you apply the brake.

That's a worry ... I don't want anything flexing when I apply a brake - just want the bike to STOP !!!

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's a worry ... I don't want anything flexing when I apply a brake - just want the bike to STOP !!!

Yeah none too good.

[Subike]

Yeah it's the flimsy mounting bracket flexing when you apply the brake.

I didnt find the bracket flimsy at all.I think its more than strong enough for the job.
Its the lack of adjustment in the connecting rod that was the problem I found.
When depressing the pedal, it would bottom out onto the exhaust. Bugger.
By adjusting the rod out to its max length, it would still stop on the exhaust before fully engaging the brake.
it would also upon release, stop against the bottom of the foot peg. Bugger. hmmmm.
So I made a longer adjusting rod, and removed the rubber from the bottom of the peg.
Now my pedal comes up 15mm higher than std and I can lock the rear brake.
It also no longer fees vague or "soft"
I believe its was a small design fault that is easy cured to my satisfaction,But!
Does this void my warranty......I have altered the specs of the bike!

[Drew]

Sounds odd. Does the system need bled or summat?

[Holy Roller]

Everyone mentions the mirrors my friend's boy brought one goes well

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[Crasherfromwayback]

I didnt find the bracket flimsy at all.I think its more than strong enough for the job.
!

Then have another look. Even with your hand if you depress the brake lever you can see the bracket flexing. Trust me. :msn-wink: