That does it. I'm buying a Harley

[HenryDorsetCase]

just so I can be the one guy on a HD who waves back.

also the one guy exceeding the posted speed advisory in a corner.....


actually no, but I do want a Buell.

now the ride report:

I zipped over the hill to Akaroa yesterday afternoon, lots of people out, not too many cages, beautiful day, good coffee at the other end.

and my CB400F sings like a bird at 8000 to 10000 RPM.

[FROSTY]

Tell ya what henry--- Theres a HD Ive been looking at ever since it was announced. I've been lucky enough to take one for a ride.
Suffice it to say --I looove it.
Mind you it really doesnt look like a "harley"

[James Deuce]

actually no, but I do want a Buell.

now the ride report:

I zipped over the hill to Akaroa yesterday afternoon, lots of people out, not too many cages, beautiful day, good coffee at the other end.

and my CB400F sings like a bird at 8000 to 10000 RPM.

You have good taste, and I really like the noise my CB400 makes too.

I get utterly snobbed by sportsbike riders when I'm on the Cb, unless it's someone who knows me and recognises my helmet. I get more waves from Highway 61 than I get from Metric Cruiser pilots too.

[TonyB]

just so I can be the one guy on a HD who waves back.

also the one guy exceeding the posted speed advisory in a corner.....


actually no, but I do want a Buell.

Erm- what time was it? And was it Black/Orange/White on Gebbies Pass? Might have been me but I wasn't exceeding anything

[HenryDorsetCase]

Jim2 yeah, my CB400F is full retro (its a SOHC 1977) and its too Japanese for the "old bike" crowd, not sporty enough for the sportbike crowd, too sporty for the metric cruider people, and not a HD so as far as the HD guys go, doesnt exist or even deserve to.

I really like it (much more than the SOHC750's I have had, its a hell of a lot easier and more rewarding to ride...).

For NZ conditions generally, and the road from Little River to to Akaroa, a middleweight bike rules.. (IMO, obviously).

Plus going moderately fast on an old bike gives you a unique sensation of speed.... what with the hinged frame (popular at the time) rear shock damping? it might have had some in '77 but its got FA now, and the "lets make an appointment to stop for the corner AFTER this one" now (well soon) braking. Its great....

Tony I did come back via Gebbies and Southern summit Rd but only bike I saw on southern summit was a blue V Strom. its in pretty good condition, gravel on a few corners though.

[James Deuce]

My taste estimate of you goes UP!

You've got the bike that got me interested in bikes in the first place, and my CB400 is about as close as I've gotten to owning one.

[avgas]

I liked the cb400.....but i preferred the gb as it had a stonking single.
The advantage of the cb was the fact that half the things i did to the gb were standard on the cb.
i still like the bandit 4's too

[Bonez]

Jim2 yeah, my CB400F is full retro (its a SOHC 1977) and its too Japanese for the "old bike" crowd, not sporty enough for the sportbike crowd, too sporty for the metric cruider people, and not a HD so as far as the HD guys go, doesnt exist or even deserve to.

I really like it (much more than the SOHC750's I have had, its a hell of a lot easier and more rewarding to ride...).

For NZ conditions generally, and the road from Little River to to Akaroa, a middleweight bike rules.. (IMO, obviously).

Plus going moderately fast on an old bike gives you a unique sensation of speed.... what with the hinged frame (popular at the time) rear shock damping? it might have had some in '77 but its got FA now, and the "lets make an appointment to stop for the corner AFTER this one" now (well soon) braking. Its great....

Tony I did come back via Gebbies and Southern summit Rd but only bike I saw on southern summit was a blue V Strom. its in pretty good condition, gravel on a few corners though.
A reason I've kept my '76 CB550FA. Almost forgot-and bought the GB400 recently.

[Jackrat]

Jim2 yeah, my CB400F is full retro (its a SOHC 1977) and its too Japanese for the "old bike" crowd, not sporty enough for the sportbike crowd, too sporty for the metric cruider people, and not a HD so as far as the HD guys go, doesnt exist or even deserve to.

I really like it (much more than the SOHC750's I have had, its a hell of a lot easier and more rewarding to ride...).

For NZ conditions generally, and the road from Little River to to Akaroa, a middleweight bike rules.. (IMO, obviously).

Plus going moderately fast on an old bike gives you a unique sensation of speed.... what with the hinged frame (popular at the time) rear shock damping? it might have had some in '77 but its got FA now, and the "lets make an appointment to stop for the corner AFTER this one" now (well soon) braking. Its great....

Tony I did come back via Gebbies and Southern summit Rd but only bike I saw on southern summit was a blue V Strom. its in pretty good condition, gravel on a few corners though.

LOL,That all rings a bell,try an SX650 for getting ignored by every bugger value.It's a japper,it's a brittish clone,it's old,it's slow,it don't handle,it don't stop,,,,,,,stuff it,it's mine an I love it.
Had a 400/4 and a 550/4,both top bikes.
More power to ya' :niceone:

[Bonez]

LOL,That all rings a bell,try an SX650 for getting ignored by every bugger value.It's a japper,it's a brittish clone,it's old,it's slow,it don't handle,it don't stop,,,,,,,stuff it,it's mine an I love it.
Had a 400/4 and a 550/4,both top bikes.
More power to ya' :niceone:Hey aint road worthy 400/4s, 550/4 and XS650s a bit scarce compared with brits and yank stuff of that era? :dodge:

[Jackrat]

Hey aint road worthy 400/4s, 550/4 and XS650s a bit scarce compared with brits and yank stuff of that era? :dodge:

Yes,and when you do see them about they often seem to be ridden by folks that might have a more modern bike at home but are reliving something from their past.
Well it is with me anyway.
I have a lot of good memorys tied up with early 70's bikes.

[Oakie]

Ahh, a 400/4 ... the first bike I ever lusted after. There was a red one in the motorbike shop I used to visit frequently in Oamaru around about 1980. Loved the curves of those header pipes.
And now I own it's younger brother .... and yep, great on that Little River to Akaroa section, even two up.

[TonyB]

My taste estimate of you goes UP!

OK Jim, I'm just a liiiiiiittle concerned by the fact that you think about what fellow KB'ers taste like!! Exactly how were you planning on preparing him? Sauteed with a red wine sauce perhaps?? Or just medium rare on the barby?

[Bonez]

Ahh, a 400/4 ... the first bike I ever lusted after. There was a red one in the motorbike shop I used to visit frequently in Oamaru around about 1980. Loved the curves of those header pipes.
And now I own it's younger brother .... and yep, great on that Little River to Akaroa section, even two up.Younger brother had one.He and his mate with pack use to travel all over the place on the bloody thing. Lost a muffler somewhere on the Napier/Taupo road.

[Badcat]

Tell
what henry--- Theres a HD Ive been looking at ever since it was announced. I've been lucky enough to take one for a ride.
Suffice it to say --I looove it.
Mind you it really doesnt look like a "harley"

for me, there's two.
an original XR1000 or this bigass biatch:

http://www.storzperf.com/xr1200.html

yeah baby, SAY my name.....

[nsrpaul]

buying a harley?

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[oldrider]

Lately when riding around the lower South Island I have been waved to by more fellow motorcyclists than I can remember and most of them have been Harley's and other cruisers, it has felt quite nice too. there have been a lot of Moto-Guzzi's about lately too and a lot of them have been new bikes!! Sales must be up. Nice to see. Cheers John.

[Lou Girardin]

just so I can be the one guy on a HD who waves back.

also the one guy exceeding the posted speed advisory in a corner.....

.

Too late. :done:

[HenryDorsetCase]

for me, there's two.
an original XR1000 or this bigass biatch:

http://www.storzperf.com/xr1200.html

yeah baby, SAY my name.....

Crikey that is COOOL !!! !!!

$USD25k if they do it for you.

[HenryDorsetCase]

XR1200 approved for production!!! Europe only model but according to the local HD dealer they will be available here.

I am hell keen to buy one, only caveat being the price: 10000 pounds is say $25k which is OK (i guess) but bearing in mind the rest of the sportsters at under $20kNZD on a cash equivalent basis* but at 12000 pounds (say $30kNZD) I would be going "but hang on, I can have a brand new Buell with similar motor and put $10k into upgrades or tassles or chrome doodahs or whatever" for the same money....

*and not thinking about stuff like delivery/shipping/tax structures blah blah

Good on HD for listening to the people though:

Here is the press release:




HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR 1200™ GETS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR PRODUCTION

Dirt Track-inspired, high performance street model developed specifically for the European market tops off a superlative 2008 line-up

Harley-Davidson today announces the company's intention to begin production of the XR 1200™ motorcycle for the European market in the spring of 2008. The XR 1200 is a great handling, high performance, naked street motorcycle with styling cues inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson® XR 750 flat track racer – a purpose built race bike that has notched up more race wins than any racing motorcycle in the history of motorcycle sport.

The XR 1200 Prototype was first unveiled to huge acclaim from customers and the media alike by Bill Davidson (great-grandson of one of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company's founders) at the Intermot motorcycle show in October, 2006. "The incredibly positive reaction we received to the XR 1200 Prototype and sustained level of anticipation amongst customers and the press across Europe confirmed how much interest there is in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle inspired by our racing line" said Davidson, Director of Motorcycle Product Development.

Developed with new European customers in mind

The XR 1200 is the result of a close collaboration between the Motor Company's Milwaukee-based product development team and Harley-Davidson's European product planning team. Reflecting the importance of the European market to Harley-Davidson, the European team played a significant role in defining the specifications and ergonomics of the XR 1200, and worked with US Ride and Handling engineers on suspension, braking and handling development.

John Lewis, Marketing Director for Harley-Davidson Europe said: "On top of our other exciting new model announcements for 2008, the XR 1200 is the perfect way to round-off a superb 2008 product line-up. We are delighted to announce that the XR 1200 will go into production in Spring 2008, having worked closely with our colleagues in the U.S. to create a great handling, high performance Harley-Davidson streetbike that looks great and is fun to ride. Feedback from European customers and the motorcycle media has been overwhelmingly positive so we think the XR 1200 will be well received in Europe."

European pricing for the XR 1200 is yet to be finalised but pre-tax is expected to be below €10,000 excluding applicable V.A.T and luxury taxes. This will equate to no more than €12,000 including V.A.T. in most major European markets.

Great customer and media reaction

Harley-Davidson Europe has collected a large amount of customer and media feedback since the XR 1200 Prototype’s unveiling. There have been a huge number of customer site visits to xrdna.com, the dedicated website that showcases the XR 1200.

The result points to the most powerful air-cooled European specification Harley-Davidson yet, with a 1200cc downdraft fuel injected engine producing high torque and peak horsepower. The suspension and braking have also been fine tuned to suit European roads. With a generous lean angle; specially tuned Showa® sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin® brakes; and specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 is set to become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.

Product planning collaboration between Harley-Davidson’s European and American teams has thus far proved extremely successful and bodes well for the future of this exciting new addition to the Harley-Davidson family. Recently, the incredibly successful VRSCDX Night Rod® Special was the result of such a collaboration and has become one of the top selling Harley-Davidson models in Europe.

As a package, the XR 1200 is a bike full of purpose and character coupled with great performance, handling and a unique feel. Above all else it will be a bike that will offer a hugely rewarding riding experience.

XR 1200 features include:
• XR 750-inspired styling and livery
• 1200cc high performance powertrain finished in as-cast silver powdercoat
• Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake system
• Specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)
• Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design
• Specially developed sports-tuned Showa® suspension including 43mm inverted front forks
• Agile handling and ample cornering clearance
• High performance Nissin® brakes
• Ergonomics designed to fit the average height European customer
• A commanding sport riding position with wide handlebars for leverage and semi-rearset footrests
• Unique new instruments with a large white-faced tachometer and digital speedo read-out

[Pancakes]

ooooh thats nice!

Good cohesive style and a spec sheet like an aftermarket shopping list! Do it bro.

[fergie]

i've always waved to harley riders and if they don't return the waves i rotate the hand around and change it to a one finger salute :rockon:

[Virago]

Yippee - another Whining Waver thread...:thud:

[peasea]

Yippee - another Whining Waver thread...:thud:


....and finger-pointing, don't forget finger-pointing.

[Shadows]

XR1200 approved for production!!! Europe only model but according to the local HD dealer they will be available here.

I am hell keen to buy one, only caveat being the price: 10000 pounds is say $25k which is OK (i guess) but bearing in mind the rest of the sportsters at under $20kNZD on a cash equivalent basis* but at 12000 pounds (say $30kNZD) I would be going "but hang on, I can have a brand new Buell with similar motor and put $10k into upgrades or tassles or chrome doodahs or whatever" for the same money....

*and not thinking about stuff like delivery/shipping/tax structures blah blah

Good on HD for listening to the people though:

Here is the press release:

Originally Posted by Harley Davidsons global marketing machine

HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR 1200™ GETS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR PRODUCTION

Dirt Track-inspired, high performance street model developed specifically for the European market tops off a superlative 2008 line-up

Harley-Davidson today announces the company's intention to begin production of the XR 1200™ motorcycle for the European market in the spring of 2008. The XR 1200 is a great handling, high performance, naked street motorcycle with styling cues inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson® XR 750 flat track racer – a purpose built race bike that has notched up more race wins than any racing motorcycle in the history of motorcycle sport.

The XR 1200 Prototype was first unveiled to huge acclaim from customers and the media alike by Bill Davidson (great-grandson of one of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company's founders) at the Intermot motorcycle show in October, 2006. "The incredibly positive reaction we received to the XR 1200 Prototype and sustained level of anticipation amongst customers and the press across Europe confirmed how much interest there is in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle inspired by our racing line" said Davidson, Director of Motorcycle Product Development.

Developed with new European customers in mind

The XR 1200 is the result of a close collaboration between the Motor Company's Milwaukee-based product development team and Harley-Davidson's European product planning team. Reflecting the importance of the European market to Harley-Davidson, the European team played a significant role in defining the specifications and ergonomics of the XR 1200, and worked with US Ride and Handling engineers on suspension, braking and handling development.

John Lewis, Marketing Director for Harley-Davidson Europe said: "On top of our other exciting new model announcements for 2008, the XR 1200 is the perfect way to round-off a superb 2008 product line-up. We are delighted to announce that the XR 1200 will go into production in Spring 2008, having worked closely with our colleagues in the U.S. to create a great handling, high performance Harley-Davidson streetbike that looks great and is fun to ride. Feedback from European customers and the motorcycle media has been overwhelmingly positive so we think the XR 1200 will be well received in Europe."

European pricing for the XR 1200 is yet to be finalised but pre-tax is expected to be below €10,000 excluding applicable V.A.T and luxury taxes. This will equate to no more than €12,000 including V.A.T. in most major European markets.

Great customer and media reaction

Harley-Davidson Europe has collected a large amount of customer and media feedback since the XR 1200 Prototype’s unveiling. There have been a huge number of customer site visits to xrdna.com, the dedicated website that showcases the XR 1200.

The result points to the most powerful air-cooled European specification Harley-Davidson yet, with a 1200cc downdraft fuel injected engine producing high torque and peak horsepower. The suspension and braking have also been fine tuned to suit European roads. With a generous lean angle; specially tuned Showa® sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin® brakes; and specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 is set to become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.

Product planning collaboration between Harley-Davidson’s European and American teams has thus far proved extremely successful and bodes well for the future of this exciting new addition to the Harley-Davidson family. Recently, the incredibly successful VRSCDX Night Rod® Special was the result of such a collaboration and has become one of the top selling Harley-Davidson models in Europe.

As a package, the XR 1200 is a bike full of purpose and character coupled with great performance, handling and a unique feel. Above all else it will be a bike that will offer a hugely rewarding riding experience.

XR 1200 features include:
• XR 750-inspired styling and livery
• 1200cc high performance powertrain finished in as-cast silver powdercoat
• Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake system
• Specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)
• Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design
• Specially developed sports-tuned Showa® suspension including 43mm inverted front forks
• Agile handling and ample cornering clearance
• High performance Nissin® brakes
• Ergonomics designed to fit the average height European customer
• A commanding sport riding position with wide handlebars for leverage and semi-rearset footrests
• Unique new instruments with a large white-faced tachometer and digital speedo read-out

They forgot to mention that it is also hideously ugly.

[Metalor]

I'm not a big Harley fan, I'd much rather own a Triupmh but I saw a cruiser a few weeks ago riding down ponsonby road and though "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!?". I thought it may have been a new Kawasaki or something so I did a little search in google and it turned out to be a Harley Night Rod. Jeeeeeesus they are nice looking bikes, I'd love to have a ride on one, and don't look like a Harley at all. I also intend to buy one if it rides well (once I have a proper job, and after my Speedmaster).