Harley Day Out

[rastuscat]

We are doing a Ride Forever Course for 12 Harley 500 riders shortly in Christchurch.

We will be riding Harleys too.

These ones.

I love my job.

328255328256

To all the haters, eat yer hearts out.

[caseye]

We are doing a Ride Forever Course for 12 Harley 500 riders shortly in Christchurch.

We will be riding Harleys too.

These ones.

I love my job.

To all the haters, eat yer hearts out.

Noice bikes Rastus, be gentle on em, aye, told they break pretty easy.Enjoy the ride lads.

[AllanB]

Just make sure you wear pants under your chaps ....

Or a Vegas Elvis suit. Yeah that will suit the Hog.

[Coldrider]

Ride For Ever on a hardly, that's a long destructation, I mean journey. :cool:

[Akzle]

but i like it becuase it is bitter. and because it is my heart.

[old slider]

Take that Fat Bob instead that's sitting in the back ground.

[Coldrider]

Saw a Harley burnout fail last weekend, snapped drive belt before tyre tortured.

[Gremlin]

98% of all Harleys are still on the road...

... the other 2% made it home.

Bonus points if you use in a crowd of Harley riders... their reaction was a mixture of "bastard" and "I can't believe he just said that" :yes:

[rastuscat]

Saw a Harley burnout fail last weekend, snapped drive belt before tyre tortured.

I saw a snapped drive belt at the side of the road near Kaiapoi a couple of weeks back. It looked mightily similar to a HD belt.

Could have been off anything though. Like, a combine harvester, sort of thing.

Belts are softer than chains. I haven't had a chain on a bike for 15 years, it's all been BMW belts and shafts. I've had no belts snap, and no final drive malfunctions. Despite all the cyber experts telling me I would.

Perception is a lot different to reality.

[nzspokes]

I presume you will have a car following with a trailer?

Just make sure the trailer is one of the ones that squat down, Harleys are a bit heavy to push up normal trailers.

[Berries]

I saw a snapped drive belt at the side of the road near Kaiapoi a couple of weeks back. It looked mightily similar to a HD belt.

Could have been off anything though. Like, a combine harvester, sort of thing.
And you tell us not to take the piss.

[Ulsterkiwi]

life sucks eh, might want to think about getting a couple of front teeth pulled and a tat or two. I am pretty sure you can order clip ons for a Harley online

http://www.partycity.com/product/red+beard.do?navSet=279660

[rastuscat]

I'm guessing it's from a bike, but it might not be.

328262

Having said this, all the road warriors on here who bag Harleys are missing the point. Harley's are a brand with massive loyalty, and they fit a big niche in the motorcycle world. Each to their own.

I happen to not like a variety of other bikes, but each to their own.

[AllanB]

HD bashing - nah, just a series of digs at our riding brothers. Wait until KB starts on Hondas ....

I applaud you for your business sense in targeting the brand for your training sessions. Logically if I owned a cruiser I'd be more inclined to sign up to a course with similar rides. Plus it occurs to me after recent observations over the holiday period that there is indeed an awareness of your rides capability needed as a refresher. Your HD will not accelerate past four cars at the same rate as the V4 Aprilia your mate is riding....

If you run a Ducati based course would the first 20 minutes be a talk about coordination your riding gear to ensure a stylish appearance?

Belts.

Hmmm it does say USA. Could be a engine belt off a V8 - plenty fatting out to the Rangioria show last weekend.

Rear belt drives are well proved technology now. Oddly they are become almost compulsory on cruisers, even the latest Ducati X-Diavel has one.

Why? Is it because cruiser riders don't like chain oil? Or maintenance? Are belts less prone to catching tassels?

[old slider]

HD bashing - nah, just a series of digs at our riding brothers. Wait until KB starts on Hondas ....

I applaud you for your business sense in targeting the brand for your training sessions. Logically if I owned a cruiser I'd be more inclined to sign up to a course with similar rides. Plus it occurs to me after recent observations over the holiday period that there is indeed an awareness of your rides capability needed as a refresher. Your HD will not accelerate past four cars at the same rate as the V4 Aprilia your mate is riding....

If you run a Ducati based course would the first 20 minutes be a talk about coordination your riding gear to ensure a stylish appearance?

Belts.

Hmmm it does say USA. Could be a engine belt off a V8 - plenty fatting out to the Rangioria show last weekend.

Rear belt drives are well proved technology now. Oddly they are become almost compulsory on cruisers, even the latest Ducati X-Diavel has one.

Why? Is it because cruiser riders don't like chain oil? Or maintenance? Are belts less prone to catching tassels?


Maybe a wide Belt helps to keep the rear wheel in position when the wheel bearings fail, lol

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm guessing it's from a bike, but it might not be.


Having said this, all the road warriors on here who bag Harleys are missing the point. Harley's are a brand with massive loyalty, and they fit a big niche in the motorcycle world. Each to their own.

I happen to not like a variety of other bikes, but each to their own.

Yeah, it's a bike belt. The Breakout in the pic ain't a CVO version though. Still good to ride, but very limited ground clearance.

[rastuscat]

Yeah, it's a bike belt. The Breakout in the pic ain't a CVO version though. Still good to ride, but very limited ground clearance.

I know bugger all about the brand, let alone the various model designations.

Is CVO a bit like HSV and FPV?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I know bugger all about the brand, let alone the various model designations.

Is CVO a bit like HSV and FPV?

Yeah. The CVO HD's are the top of the line jobbies. 110" engines, chrome everything. But the Breakout is neat, apart from the lack of clearance, and the rear tyre is too big. They bump steer on uneven ground etc. All for show. Be interested to see what you think about them once you've ridden them both.

[AllanB]

I know bugger all about the brand, let alone the various model designations.

Is CVO a bit like HSV and FPV?

Exactly - factory hotted up. It's fantastic marketing as the go fast engine bits could just as easily be in every engine for sweet F-all extra. They also have fancy paint and some other sparkle not available on the 'standard' models.

[rastuscat]

Cheers.

I just don't get the haters. Don't like Harleys? Don't buy one. But don't abuse those who like them.

My official position is that I like them well enough but I like my beemers more. It's great, personal choice.

[Paul in NZ]

Ride Forever course on a Harley? Well it would seem like its forever on some of them... :lol:

Nah - good onya - definitely worth the effort those courses...

[haydes55]

Cheers.

I just don't get the haters. Don't like Harleys? Don't buy one. But don't abuse those who like them.

My official position is that I like them well enough but I like my beemers more. It's great, personal choice.
Don't like window lickers? Don't lick windows. But don't abuse those who like licking windows.

[Autech]

Just positive rep'd the shit out of this thread. Hahahahaaaa.

Nothing like a bit of Harley bashing for a laugh. A lot less extreme than my parents though who raised me to call them "boat anchors".
I must say I've caught myself recently looking at the new smaller Harleys wondering what it'd be like to take for a squirt... The SHAME!

Quite right though, riding a cruiser is much different than a sport bike so would require some different approaches: sitting lower so less visibility, different handling, more rear brake than a sport, tassles getting caught in drive belt...

[AllanB]

Don't like window lickers? Don't lick windows. But don't abuse those who like licking windows.

Yeah but not all window displays are created equal.

[Swoop]

I presume you will have a car following with a trailer?

I'm guessing that they will be trailered to the "start point" in accordance with the Sturgis rules of posing.

:msn-wink:

[rastuscat]

Just positive rep'd the shit out of this thread. Hahahahaaaa.

Nothing like a bit of Harley bashing for a laugh. A lot less extreme than my parents though who raised me to call them "boat anchors".
I must say I've caught myself recently looking at the new smaller Harleys wondering what it'd be like to take for a squirt... The SHAME!

Quite right though, riding a cruiser is much different than a sport bike so would require some different approaches: sitting lower so less visibility, different handling, more rear brake than a sport, tassles getting caught in drive belt...

The little Harleys (XG500, or Street 500) are really cool little bikes. They aren't for tall people. as the seat is low. When I sit on one it feels too short for me. I'm 181 cm.

But that aside, they're cool little bikes.

[Katman]

I just don't get the haters. Don't like Harleys? Don't buy one. But don't abuse those who like them.

And the same dickheads are usually the ones that wank on about the 'Brotherhood of Bikers'.

[old slider]

These HDs look competitive.

http://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson-xg-750r-flat-track-racer-motorcycle-review-exclusive-first-look

Not sure if its just me but after one a year of owning my 7 yr old Fat Bob I still look forward to climbing back on again for the next ride. I always remember my first ride back from Waikanae, drove into the shed then decided I would go for another cruise around the country side. I enjoy my little W650 as well, but its not the same.

[jasonu]

We are doing a Ride Forever Course for 12 Harley 500 riders shortly in Christchurch.

We will be riding Harleys too.

These ones.

I love my job.

328255328256

To all the haters, eat yer hearts out.

Is Cassina leading the ride?

[russd7]

i should say i like them but i don't want to

[AllanB]

i should say i like them but i don't want to

I would - but it would then be stripped down to the bare elements keeping it legally on the road and look friggen cool.

[Akzle]

Quite right though, riding a cruiser is much different than a sport bike so would require some different approaches: sitting lower so less visibility, different handling, more rear brake than a sport, tassles getting caught in drive belt...
... handling :killingme :laugh::laugh:

in my opinion.

nobody ever asked,
and nobody, but nobody, gives a fuck.

[AllanB]

Handling is a relative term. Relative to the motorcycles style.

You can have a really good handling cruiser. Compared to other cruisers.

Pointless comparing them to a high end sports or naked ride as by nature of considering or purchasing one you should have already accepted the compromises within the design. Ditto design restraints with Sports bikes.


Now - what will be really interesting is if The Instructor (sounds like a movie) picks up a attitude (for want of a suitable word) between the cruiser/sport chaps.

[Akzle]

Handling is a relative term. Relative to the motorcycles style.

You can have a really good handling cruiser. Compared to other cruisers.

Pointless comparing them to a high end sports or naked ride as by nature of considering or purchasing one you should have already accepted the compromises within the design. Ditto design restraints with Sports bikes.


Now - what will be really interesting is if The Instructor (sounds like a movie) picks up a attitude (for want of a suitable word) between the cruiser/sport chaps.


weeeeeellllll, it's kinda relative to physics.... stupid rake angle, low c.o.g., loaded rear with fuckall weight on your steering until you're under braking....

yeah. nah.

he wont be picking up attitude. he'll be picking up the cruiser chaps >_>

[nzspokes]

The little Harleys (XG500, or Street 500) are really cool little bikes. They aren't for tall people. as the seat is low. When I sit on one it feels too short for me. I'm 181 cm.

But that aside, they're cool little bikes.

Cassina wants one with a screen, you can sort that?

[rastuscat]

Now - what will be really interesting is if The Instructor (sounds like a movie) picks up a attitude (for want of a suitable word) between the cruiser/sport chaps.

Without wishing to sound like Judge Dredd, I Am The Instructor.

Last time I rode a big new Harley (Road King I think) I was skeptical, but it only took a few minutes before I FELT LIKE DA MAN!!!

There's a big of cool added to every Harley.

It felt weird wearing my BMW riding suit, helmet, boots and gloves riding a Hog. Weird, but cool.

[Zedder]

Without wishing to sound like Judge Dredd, I Am The Instructor.

Last time I rode a big new Harley (Road King I think) I was skeptical, but it only took a few minutes before I FELT LIKE DA MAN!!!

There's a big of cool added to every Harley.

It felt weird wearing my BMW riding suit, helmet, boots and gloves riding a Hog. Weird, but cool.


Did ya think about what it might have been like when ya wore "the blue suit" rtc?

[rastuscat]

Did ya think about what it might have been like when ya wore "the blue suit" rtc?

Watch this space.

[rastuscat]

328275

History repeats itself.

[Zedder]

328275

History repeats itself.


Scuba Steve was right, it is a gang...

[AllanB]

328275

History repeats itself.

Thats a cool ride.

[Moi]

328275

History repeats itself.

The hi-viz sorta spoils the under-cover look...

just saying...

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[jasonu]

Without wishing to sound like Judge Dredd, I Am The Instructor.

.

Will you be doing engine braking from 120 in 1st gear demonstrations?

[pritch]

weeeeeellllll, it's kinda relative to physics.... stupid rake angle, low c.o.g., loaded rear with fuckall weight on your steering until you're under braking....

yeah. nah.



Years ago I read a test of a Harley, the tester was discussing (moaning?) about how difficult this was. He pointed out that testers have to be consistent with the language they use each time, so that as near as possible, comments they make can be understood to have a set meaning and can be used to make meaningful comparisons. This is just not possible with Harleys. Words normally used to describe handling, cornering, braking, performance, economy, etc, become completely irrelevant when applied to Harleys.

While that might make it difficult for the testers, most Harley owners probably don't care about those things anyway. That's not why they bought the bike.

[Swoop]

Handling is a relative term.
Yup. A containership handles differently to an Interislander ferry.

Cassina wants one with a screen, you can sort that?
So does katman, so he can log-in and keep us "informed".

...most Harley owners probably don't care about those things anyway. That's not why they bought the bike.
Very true indeed!

[old slider]

Years ago I read a test of a Harley, the tester was discussing (moaning?) about how difficult this was. He pointed out that testers have to be consistent with the language they use each time, so that as near as possible, comments they make can be understood to have a set meaning and can be used to make meaningful comparisons. This is just not possible with Harleys. Words normally used to describe handling, cornering, braking, performance, economy, etc, become completely irrelevant when applied to Harleys.

While that might make it difficult for the testers, most Harley owners probably don't care about those things anyway. That's not why they bought the bike.


I certainly can not be described as experienced but I was surprised when I found the only HD I have ridden handles good enough for me, and brakes well, twin front discs and the rear disc pull up the 310kg Fat Bob reasonably efficiently, mind you it has been stated that the Fat Bob Dyna is one of the better handling HDs, but yep economy and performance is probably low against a Ninja ZX14 or Hayabusa GXS1300 aye.

[rastuscat]

I certainly can not be described as experienced but I was surprised when I found the only HD I have ridden handles good enough for me, and brakes well, twin front discs and the rear disc pull up the 310kg Fat Bob reasonably efficiently, mind you it has been stated that the Fat Bob Dyna is one of the better handling HDs, but yep economy and performance is probably low against a Ninja ZX14 or Hayabusa GXS1300 aye.

I'll drop a wee review of my thoughts of the HD after the course. I'm not a professional reviewer, but I'm honest enough to know what I like and don't.

Most people who are critical of Harleys haven't ridden one at all, if any. Most just regurgitate what their mates want to hear.

[old slider]

I'll drop a wee review of my thoughts of the HD after the course. I'm not a professional reviewer, but I'm honest enough to know what I like and don't.

Most people who are critical of Harleys haven't ridden one at all, if any. Most just regurgitate what their mates want to hear.


Appreciate that,

I have been told there can be quite a variance in handling etc between their range of models.

Someone in the know maybe able to explain the differences between the Dyna, softail, sportsters, super glides etc. ( but then there is also a range of bikes in each of those models)

[release_the_bees]

I followed a group of Harleys through the Victoria Park tunnel a couple of weeks ago on my way home from work. The noise was unbelievable. I've never heard anything quite like it.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Akzle]

While that might make it difficult for the testers, most Harley owners probably don't care about those things anyway. That's not why they bought the bike.

oh yeah no doubt. i'm very much live-and-let-live and whatever you want to spend your jewgolds on is entirely your problem. (though the noise pollution could be argued as "fucking cunty")

just don't try telling me your "bike" (tractor) is anything other than what it is. (a slow, poor handling, generally dangerous, very shiny, piece of shit)

[Akzle]

Most just regurgitate what their mates want to hear.

what if they have no mates? <_<

hey... harleys have low down torque (or talk...) don't they??

[Crasherfromwayback]

I have been told there can be quite a variance in handling etc between their range of models.

Someone in the know maybe able to explain the differences between the Dyna, softail, sportsters, super glides etc. ( but then there is also a range of bikes in each of those models)

HD models are all sub groups of the diff engine/chassis config. In the Big engine range, you have the Dynas (FXDF, FXD, FXDL FXDC etc etc), all have their engine mounted on rubber blocks to isolate the vibration.

Then you have the FLH family (FLHR, FLHTCU, FLHX etc etc), once again, rubber mounted engine, buy very diff to the Dyna in the chassis.

Last but not least, you have the Softail family (FLSTF, FLSTC, FXSTC etc etc). The Softail family have a diff engine to the rubber mount models. They use two counter rotating balace shafts to reduce vibration, so mount their engines directly to the chassis, as the rubber mounts aren't needed. This makes their chassis tighter than the rubber mounted jobs, and their best handling big engine one. In the Softail family, a model with FL at the beginning means it's got the fat front tyre, and any model that starts with FX is the 21" front wheel.

People will argue the point until they're blue in the face that the Dyna's handle better. But that's ok. We can all be wrong sometimes. :innocent:

Sportys used to be rigid mounted engines, but in 2004, they rubber mounted them. The handle better than the big boys.


The V-Rod family is a whole diff kettle of tuna.

Hope that helps a lil!

[rastuscat]

Loudest bike I've ever heard was just a couple of weeks back. Ducati Monster 600.

The guy had straight pipes, and clearly had taken even the slightest hint of mufflers out of them.

Loudest pipes I've ever heard. Knob end.

Harleys have to meet noise legislation regulations like every other bike when first produced.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/warrant-of-fitness/noise-tests-for-exhausts/

Like everything, it's the modifications that produce the big noise.

I commented to the guy on the Ducati that if loud pipes save lives, his could bring people back from the dead.

[rastuscat]

HD models are all sub groups of the diff engine/chassis config. In the Big engine range, you have the Dynas (FXDF, FXD, FXDL FXDC etc etc), all have their engine mounted on rubber blocks to isolate the vibration.

Then you have the FLH family (FLHR, FLHTCU, FLHX etc etc), once again, rubber mounted engine, buy very diff to the Dyna in the chassis.

Last but not least, you have the Softail family (FLSTF, FLSTC, FXSTC etc etc). The Softail family have a diff engine to the rubber mount models. They use two counter rotating balace shafts to reduce vibration, so mount their engines directly to the chassis, as the rubber mounts aren't needed. This makes their chassis tighter than the rubber mounted jobs, and their best handling big engine one. In the Softail family, a model with FL at the beginning means it's got the fat front tyre, and any model that starts with FX is the 21" front wheel.

People will argue the point until they're blue in the face that the Dyna's handle better. But that's ok. We can all be wrong sometimes. :innocent:

Sportys used to be rigid mounted engines, but in 2004, they rubber mounted them. The handle better than the big boys.


The V-Rod family is a whole diff kettle of tuna.

Hope that helps a lil!

It's all a bit bewildering. If you go looking at their website, it's all about cool names. Model designations don't get a mention.

Road King = ?
Street Glide = ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's all a bit bewildering. If you go looking at their website, it's all about cool names. Model designations don't get a mention.

Road King = ?
Street Glide = ?

FLHR

FLHX

All the FLH family have the forks behind the steering head, which is a bit odd. Supposed to give them lighter steering at low speeds, due to some of the FLH family having the very heavy bat wing fairings handle bar mounted. Feels scary at high speeds, although the later model ones are far better than the earlier ones. They've at least mounted the forks in the top triple clamp properly now.

[AllanB]

It's true - a stock HD is a fairly quiet beast nowdays.

Interesting Triumph has increased the sound on their latest bonnie - the earlier one was pathetic sounding with stock pipes.

[Akzle]

. They've at least mounted the forks in the top triple clamp properly now.

and it's only taken them 120 years in business to catch up..

[Crasherfromwayback]

and it's only taken them 120 years in business to catch up..

Aye. Interestingly enough..they seem to be heading back to the dark old days of AMF. I see they just told ANZA that their HD franchise is all over end of April I think. Pretty fucking harsh.

[Stu999c]

I picked up a 99 rigid mounted engine sportster a few months back.
But it's a sportster sport.
Not custom or hugger/low or iron or blah blah.
Tell you what it's got the best factory options of the sportys for sure.
Fully adjustable showa forks and piggyback nitrogen rear shock.
Having preload compression and rebound is a nice option.
Either way. I quite like it.
Small frame
Big motor.
Not real fast bug it's fun.
That counts to me

[Crasherfromwayback]

I picked up a 99 rigid mounted engine sportster a few months back.
But it's a sportster sport.
Not custom or hugger/low or iron or blah blah.
Tell you what it's got the best factory options of the sportys for sure.
Fully adjustable showa forks and piggyback nitrogen rear shock.
Having preload compression and rebound is a nice option.
Either way. I quite like it.
Small frame
Big motor.
Not real fast bug it's fun.
That counts to me

Yep. They're a good model mate. I have a soft spot for sporties having raced them a bit.

[old slider]

HD models are all sub groups of the diff engine/chassis config. In the Big engine range, you have the Dynas (FXDF, FXD, FXDL FXDC etc etc), all have their engine mounted on rubber blocks to isolate the vibration.

Then you have the FLH family (FLHR, FLHTCU, FLHX etc etc), once again, rubber mounted engine, buy very diff to the Dyna in the chassis.

Last but not least, you have the Softail family (FLSTF, FLSTC, FXSTC etc etc). The Softail family have a diff engine to the rubber mount models. They use two counter rotating balace shafts to reduce vibration, so mount their engines directly to the chassis, as the rubber mounts aren't needed. This makes their chassis tighter than the rubber mounted jobs, and their best handling big engine one. In the Softail family, a model with FL at the beginning means it's got the fat front tyre, and any model that starts with FX is the 21" front wheel.

People will argue the point until they're blue in the face that the Dyna's handle better. But that's ok. We can all be wrong sometimes. :innocent:

Sportys used to be rigid mounted engines, but in 2004, they rubber mounted them. The handle better than the big boys.


The V-Rod family is a whole diff kettle of tuna.

Hope that helps a lil!


Thanks for that very clear explanation, From what I have noticed, the owners of the differing species all appear to be very proud of their bikes.

[Akzle]

Aye. Interestingly enough..they seem to be heading back to the dark old days of AMF. I see they just told ANZA that their HD franchise is all over end of April I think. Pretty fucking harsh.

wel buell could have been their saviour but they're "focusing on core branding"

odd focus, i'd think making bikes should have been right up there.

[AllanB]

wel buell could have been their saviour.


Never. Too quirky and Mericans did not buy them.

If you think about the Harley Buell it was kind of pointless - just buy a European twin sporty ride. It was meant to be the American sport bike - turns out American wants USA cruisers and foreign sport bikes.

[rastuscat]

Okay, so yesterday we had the Harley Street 500 Ride Forever Course in Christchurch. For the day I had the attached bike as my instructors bike.

I had the bike all the day before, so had a chance to spend some time on it. Here are some thoughts arising from that, and from the course itself.

328468

I don't think I'll be buying a Harley any time soon. But that's not about the bike, it's about me. I prefer the bike I have, and the general culture around that brand. I can say that the Street Glide is a real pleasure to ride, and it sure does all the stuff Harley wants it to. For the record, it handles well, accelerates like a freight train (1745 cc does that), and has the cool factor dripping from it when stopped at lights. When it's parked up, lots of people stop and want to chat. Including the whole range of society, from toothless shit kickers to retired accountants.

It strikes me that the people most critical of Harleys are those who haven't taken the time to ride one for any extended period of time. I used the same techniques for riding a cone course as I normally do, and once you get used to the weight of the bike, it handled really well. I could throw it into a tight corner, and it rode beautifully. I could get used to the sound of it too, Screaming Eagle exhausts sounded cool. Of course, they get louder as you take the guts out of them, as people do, but it's not bad in standard form. Basically, I enjoyed riding the bike.

It strikes me that it takes skill to get the most from bikes. A sports bike rider wanting a Harley to handle like his Fireblade will likely be critical. But if he accepts that it's not a Fireblade, and ride it as it is (a cruiser, or "bagger", apparently), he is likely to enjoy the ride more. He will then decide it's not the bike for him, as he prefers sports bikes, but that doesn't mean the Harley isn't an awesome bagger/cruiser.

Of course, then he'll pop onto KB and slag the Street Glide for not doing what his Fireblade can do. It is KB, after all.

In regard to the course, we had nine Street 500s on course, and one Fat Boy. Ridden by a woman. It was no different to any group of riders, some new, some experienced, some confident, some not. I note that Harley owners are more likely to wear Harley gear, but I've seen no shortage of Ducati riders in Ducati gear either.

Black is the preferred colour of riding gear for most motorcyclists, and yesterdays group is no exception.

It's been fun. The Street Classic goes back tomorrow, and I've got a new found respect for Harleys as an excellent example of what they are, and what they mean to the people who love them.

[Zedder]

Okay, so yesterday we had the Harley Street 500 Ride Forever Course in Christchurch. For the day I had the attached bike as my instructors bike.

I had the bike all the day before, so had a chance to spend some time on it. Here are some thoughts arising from that, and from the course itself.

I don't think I'll be buying a Harley any time soon. But that's not about the bike, it's about me. I prefer the bike I have, and the general culture around that brand. I can say that the Street Glide is a real pleasure to ride, and it sure does all the stuff Harley wants it to. For the record, it handles well, accelerates like a freight train (1745 cc does that), and has the cool factor dripping from it when stopped at lights. When it's parked up, lots of people stop and want to chat. Including the whole range of society, from toothless shit kickers to retired accountants.

It strikes me that the people most critical of Harleys are those who haven't taken the time to ride one for any extended period of time. I used the same techniques for riding a cone course as I normally do, and once you get used to the weight of the bike, it handled really well. I could throw it into a tight corner, and it rode beautifully. I could get used to the sound of it too, Screaming Eagle exhausts sounded cool. Of course, they get louder as you take the guts out of them, as people do, but it's not bad in standard form. Basically, I enjoyed riding the bike.

It strikes me that it takes skill to get the most from bikes. A sports bike rider wanting a Harley to handle like his Fireblade will likely be critical. But if he accepts that it's not a Fireblade, and ride it as it is (a cruiser, or "bagger", apparently), he is likely to enjoy the ride more. He will then decide it's not the bike for him, as he prefers sports bikes, but that doesn't mean the Harley isn't an awesome bagger/cruiser.

Of course, then he'll pop onto KB and slag the Street Glide for not doing what his Fireblade can do. It is KB, after all.

In regard to the course, we had nine Street 500s on course, and one Fat Boy. Ridden by a woman. It was no different to any group of riders, some new, some experienced, some confident, some not. I note that Harley owners are more likely to wear Harley gear, but I've seen no shortage of Ducati riders in Ducati gear either.

Black is the preferred colour of riding gear for most motorcyclists, and yesterdays group is no exception.

It's been fun. The Street Classic goes back tomorrow, and I've got a new found respect for Harleys as an excellent example of what they are, and what they mean to the people who love them.


Interesting, thanks Rtc.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Of course, then he'll pop onto KB and slag the Street Glide for not doing what his Fireblade can do. It is KB, after all.

.

Of course. They all miss the point of course. You didn't. Funny old things that they are.

[rastuscat]

The bike I've struggled with most in terms of handling was a Ducati 748. Beautiful bike, but also not for me.

[husaberg]

The bike I've struggled with most in terms of handling was a Ducati 748. Beautiful bike, but also not for me.
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They did do a sevicar option
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