What, exactly, is wrong with Harleys?

[Coyote]

Reading the thread 'Shocking Behaviour' (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=65826) got me wondering.

What's wrong with them? As cruisers they seem alright to me. Cruisers aren't meant to be the fastest or go around corners at blinding speed, so for what they're designed to do they're good aren't they?

And for that matter, what makes Honda riders gay and makes other's assume Suzuki riders have big balls? I've had both brands of bike and I haven't noticed my balls getting any smaller or my sexual preference changing. If someone's already gay and rides a Honda, does that make them straight?

Is it all just people talking mindless drivel cause they're all idiots led on by brand appeal, or is there something I'm missing?

[nallac]

Is it all just people talking mindless dribble cause they're all idiots led on by brand appeal, or is there something I'm missing?

You got it in one right there...

[sidecar bob]

You either have a Harley, or a Big Johnson, but seldom does anyone have both.

[Hitcher]

Lance Armstrong reckons it's not about the bike. He wasn't writing about Harleys when he coined that line, but he could have been.

[onearmedbandit]

. If someone's already gay and rides a Honda, does that make them straight?



No, it makes them even gayer(tm).

[Pwalo]

Reading the thread 'Shocking Behaviour' (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=65826) got me wondering.

Suzuki riders have big balls.

Yeah, right.

[Taz]

What, exactly, is wrong with Harleys?

Nothing.

[Big Dave]

The weiners that sprout ignorant drivel without ever sitting on one.

[F5 Dave]

No, it makes them even gayer(tm).

Thats 'Gheyer', the extension of 'Ghey'. May Hitcher have mercy upon your wretched person.

[onearmedbandit]

That's why I put the (tm) at the end.

[smoky]

What's wrong with them?

Nothing - some of them are a work of art, they're cool - but you buy a bike that suits what kind of riding you do.
Unfortunately there are a lot of dick heads that buy a Harley to try and impress people.
I find it interesting that people I know have bought a Harley and changed their whole image to suit!!! What’s that about?
If some one over 40 buys a Harley, then according to others they’re having a mid life crisis, but if you’re over 40 and buy a sport bike – you’re a lunatic?? It’s all about perception.


what makes Honda riders gay and makes other's assume Suzuki riders have big balls? I've had both brands of bike and I haven't noticed my balls getting any smaller or my sexual preference changing.

Yes but the fact you keep changing means you could be both gay and have big balls - or neither!
Suzuki riders have big balls because they bang them against the tank all the time they get swollen



Is it all just people talking mindless drivel cause they're all idiots led on by brand appeal, or is there something I'm missing?

It's called KB dude

But seriously - I think most people get attached to what ever bike they ride and it's all friendly banter, a bit like Ausy and NZ rivalry

[martybabe]

mmm, It's some times hard to decipher from the written word if someones taking the piss,no intonation,no facial expresion.Taking the piss out of stuff is a mighty fine pass time but you'd have to be a sick twisted biggot to judge the man by the bike he rides.

:nono: There is nothing wrong with Harleys,jap cruisers sports bikes, dirt bikes or any other scoot. Stop picking on each other and unite against the real enemy.................MAGNETO.

:hug:

[Taz]

it's all friendly banter, a bit like Ausy and NZ rivalry

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

[F5 Dave]

mmm, It's some times hard to decipher from the written word if someones taking the piss,no intonation,no facial expresion.Taking the piss out of stuff is a mighty fine pass time but you'd have to be a sick twisted biggot to judge the man by the bike he rides.

:nono: There is nothing wrong with Harleys,jap cruisers sports bikes, dirt bikes or any other scoot. Stop picking on each other and unite against the real enemy.................MAGNETO.

:hug:

Dude, we went to Alternator many years ago, were you asleep?

[Big Dave]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

Hey - don't knock the bogons.

[jrandom]

I dunno about that 'big balls and Suzukis' thing.

I have two Suzukis, and my balls are positively diminutive.

In fact, the extent of my need for compensation is such that one of them pretty much has a car engine in it.

One of the Suzukis, that is.

Not one of my balls.

My balls are too small to fit a car engine into.

:yes:

[Taz]

I dunno about that 'big balls and Suzukis' thing.

I have two Suzukis, and my balls are positively diminutive.

In fact, the extent of my need for compensation is such that one of them pretty much has a car engine in it.

One of the Suzukis, that is.

Not one of my balls.

My balls are too small to fit a car engine into.

:yes:

:cool::2thumbsup Well said. Big balls just get in the way...... well umm err so I've heard :o

[pritch]

Is it all just people talking mindless drivel

Close. :whistle:

[jrandom]

What's wrong with them? As cruisers they seem alright to me. Cruisers aren't meant to be the fastest or go around corners at blinding speed, so for what they're designed to do they're good aren't they?

You will go far.


Is it all just people talking mindless drivel cause they're all idiots led on by brand appeal, or is there something I'm missing?

Harleys are cool. They're not as fast as some other bikes, but then again, when I'm in certain moods, that just sounds to me like a choice between being comfortable and getting to spend more time riding the bike, or getting cramps while spending less time riding the bike.

It's all a matter of perspective.

[crazybigal]

man i must be super gay with huge balls!!

we have a saying in our family when ever we see a fat prick riding a noisy Harley we roll our eyes and say "were's me digger!"

[onearmedbandit]

It's called KB dude



Wow, wait a minute. So you're saying KB is the only place where people act with ignorance? So, outside of KB there is no ignorance? Outside of KB everyone just gets along, accepts everyone else for who they are, holds no judgment against anyone else? Fuck me. Time to close the site down then, it will solve all the problems of the world.

Oh yeah, in case you haven't noticed, I hate it when people use 'KB' as a scapegoat. This place is just a representation of the differences in society. It is not the forums fault.

[YellowDog]

IMO - In recent years the Harley image has done a great deal to modernise itself. The fact that the Japs have stolen their genre has increased the competition has meant that HD have had to refine their offerings to stay in the game.

Of course their name still carry a lot of clout and is still almost like a religion however the range of bikes is now pretty good too. I have been on a Harley (pillion) ride in Europe and had a great time.

The HD comradery seems to span many usually incompatible boundaries. Accountants socialise with construction workers, who socialise with IT Managers, who socialise with grease monkeys. The list goes on and the bondability of HD is incredible.

For me, the most amazing part was to see how Harley owners admire others for the personalisation they give their bikes and also the 'board wear'. If you can get a Harley to corner and scuff the rear boards on the road; everyone wants to 'bling' you! Or so I amazingly experienced. Surely they were not designed to be cornered like that!

Harley Davidson = Image, comradery, and a great social leveller.

Never owned one myself. Not really into the image thing. But you never know what the future holds!

[Big Dave]

and a great social leveller.


Yep - when you've got one you don't really give a fuck what anyone else thinks about it.

[martybabe]

Dude, we went to Alternator many years ago, were you asleep?


He he,Altenator arch enemy of the x men and the KB mutants.

Not enough pointless hatred drivel on here. erm I hate jawa 350 owners,shirt lifters to a man!:angry2:

[Big Dave]

He he,Altenator arch enemy of the x men and the KB mutants.

Not enough pointless hatred drivel on here. erm I hate jawa 350 owners,shirt lifters to a man!:angry2:

Urals. Who in their right mind......

[martybabe]

Urals. Who in their right mind......



Urals, oh my god if one o them b'stards came round my house with his I've gotta wrong way round sidecar attitude.......:Pokey:

[onearmedbandit]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

Good friend of mine told me of a good saying for that one;

"Different bucket, same shit".

[Big Dave]

Park a Japanese bike and hang on Ponsonby Rd at 9.30 on Friday night and you'll probably strike up a conversation with some interesting blokes with similar interests.

A Triumph will get you mostly old timers telling you their life story.

Park a nice Harley and the same spot and it will be good lookin' women sniffing for a ride.

Pussy magnets - Shallow but true.

[Pex Adams]

Personally I remember that genetic's had quite a lot to do the your anatomy make up - somehow I don't recall Mr Houlighan in Standard 3 at Linden School mentioning that my nuts will grow bigger if I bought a Zuki, yet alone 4 of them now, while he was explaining the Genetic Matrix!

Nonetheless I have got big nuts, and my car is a Honda, so I am gay as well - which is fine with me as I'm the biggest Lesbian I know.

[Edbear]

It always makes me chuckle! Anyone who thinks that biking is about logic and reason and that certain bikes are better than others because they handle/brake/accelerate quicker/better/ faster, or because one is built better or seems to be better value for money or is lighter, etc. just doesn't get biking!

Biking is about how you feel when you look at/sit on/ride your bike. It's about what you can afford and where you can go. If a Royal Enfield 500 Classic turns your crank, great! If a Harley whatever does, great, too! If you prefer a Jappa because of reliability, fine and dandy! If you like/buy a particular bike because of the sound, looks, feel, power, brakes, etc.etc. wonderful!

I know the limitations of my C50T but I love it and love riding it and looking at it and my Missus loves riding pillion on it and we have a ball, (!), when we ride together on it! THAT"S what it's all about. Yes, Harley's have their limitations and foibles, but they appeal to a large number of bikers, and if a bike sells well, who cares if it's not everyone's cup of tea?

As for snob value, well, people are people and I couldn't really care less if someone believes their choice is the only right one. I ride with a variety of mates on a variety of bikes and we just wanna have fun!

It's like the GM v. Ford rivalry. Heck, I like a variety of models from both manufacturers! I love cars, period! I love bikes, period and I'd need a warehouse for the variety I'd like to own!

Personally, I think the Cross Bones is horrendously named, but not a bad style to my eye. I'd like to see it up close and personal! But that's only my opinion...:2thumbsup

[pritch]

So you're saying KB is the only place where people act with ignorance?

You forgot Parliament.

[2fst4u]

it's not the bike, it's the ego that the rider recieves from riding the bike ;)

[Big Dave]

it's not the bike, it's the ego that the rider recieves from riding the bike ;)


yep - I call it the 'feelgood'.

[idb]

I hate the humourless pricks that go to rallies and get all indignant when you rubbish their brand.
If you don't understand that it's all part of the game you're in the wrong place.


Still, it's easy for me to talk since I own the brand without fault.

[Big Dave]

I hate the humourless pricks that go to rallies and get all indignant when you rubbish their brand.
If you don't understand that it's all part of the game you're in the wrong place.


Still, it's easy for me to talk since I own the brand without fault.

and you're still living in 1986.

[idb]

and you're still living in 1986.

It's nice here, we've got shoulder pads.

[Pwalo]

It's nice here, we've got shoulder pads.

And the first GSXRs, CBRs, FZs, GPZs. And some very strange fashion sense. But at least Disco was dead.

Oh, hang on this was about Harleys wasn't it. Well at least Disco was dead.

[Big Dave]

It's nice here, we've got shoulder pads.

:stupid:

*Insert Duran Duran lyrics here*

[Big Dave]

And XR1000 Harley Davidsons. The AMF style bikes were great looking things, but also where the current reliability misconception started.

Diisco?
I can only imagine what it was like here, but the Seabreeze hotel in Sydney 1977 baby - shaaaaaaaaaaaaaagfest.

[idb]

The F1 Montjuich and the Mike Hailwood Replica. You could still take your pick on bevels or rubber bands.

...and Imelda Marcos' shoe collection was discovered by an adoring public.

[Big Dave]

...and Imelda Marcos' shoe collection was discovered by an adoring public.

we should take this conversation to the 'Indy' thread in R&R.

[Monsterbishi]

To me, it's a simple conclusion, it's all about the visual minority that spoil it for others, think of it this way.

Harleys, you'll notice the riders who pass traffic at the dumbest points, as you will when the ones with the tampered exhausts so it sounds like a industrial compressor on a bad day, you'll notice the ones that split up the left, and take off slower than the car you're in at the lights.

And so you form your opinion, without noticing the quiet, considerate, polite riders.

Blue/White(do they come any other colour :-)) GSXR Suzuki's, you'll notice the riders who insist on wheelstanding away from every set of lights they come to, are always dressed like a power ranger, and have never used anything past 3rd gear because they can't bear the thought of not being able to wheelstand without dropping down a few gears.

And so you form your opinion, without noticing the quiet, considerate, polite riders.

And so it goes on, it doesn't matter how many nice riders are out there, you'll only ever notice the crap ones.

[Big Dave]

To me, it's a simple conclusion,

Very good. I don't own one but tis exactly why I argue on H-D's behalf.

[Coyote]

I dunno about that 'big balls and Suzukis' thing.
It was more of a summarising comment. Anyone who rides a Suzuki is a real man, a badarse, the fastest guy around. Though I'm pretty sure I've heard of 'Big Balls' on this site too.


Park a nice Harley and the same spot and it will be good lookin' women sniffing for a ride.

Pussy magnets - Shallow but true.
I'm sold. Harley's been bumped up the dream list :p

(semi p/t)

And XR1000 Harley Davidsons. The AMF style bikes were great looking things, but also where the current reliability misconception started.

So what is the reliability like for the rest of the range?

[Coyote]

You will go far.

I will? How far?

[MVnut]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

Yeah, they're both crap

[Ixion]

What, exactly is wrong with Harleys?. Well, 's'obvious, ain't it. They ain't got USD forks, have they. Right, case closed.

[Big Dave]

So what is the reliability like for the rest of the range?

Quote in next month's Kiwi Rider coincidentally.

------------------------

‘What are they like reliability wise though?’ came out when the conversation went past the Banter.

‘I think there’s an unreliabilty myth leftover from the AMF days.’

So I rang Lou, who looks after the rental f

[Big Dave]

I will? How far?

Wherever you go - there you'll be.

[Big Dave]

>>Well, 's'obvious, ain't it. They ain't got USD forks, have they. Right, case closed.<<

[smoky]

IMO - In recent years the Harley image has done a great deal to modernise itself. The fact that the Japs have stolen their genre has increased the competition has meant that HD have had to refine their offerings to stay in the game.

Of course their name still carry a lot of clout and is still almost like a religion however the range of bikes is now pretty good too. I have been on a Harley (pillion) ride in Europe and had a great time.

The HD comradery seems to span many usually incompatible boundaries. Accountants socialise with construction workers, who socialise with IT Managers, who socialise with grease monkeys. The list goes on and the bondability of HD is incredible.

For me, the most amazing part was to see how Harley owners admire others for the personalisation they give their bikes and also the 'board wear'. If you can get a Harley to corner and scuff the rear boards on the road; everyone wants to 'bling' you! Or so I amazingly experienced. Surely they were not designed to be cornered like that!

Harley Davidson = Image, comradery, and a great social leveller.

Never owned one myself. Not really into the image thing. But you never know what the future holds!

In other words it's a bit like joining some kinda fringe culture;

IMO - In recent years the Amish image has done a great deal to modernise itself. The fact that the Mormons have stolen their genre has increased the competition has meant that Amish have had to refine their offerings to stay in the game.

Of course their name still carry a lot of clout and is still almost like a religion however the range of cults is now pretty good too. I have been on a Amish commune in Europe and had a great time.

The Amish comradery seems to span many usually incompatible boundaries. Accountants socialise with construction workers, who socialise with IT Managers, who socialise with grease monkeys. The list goes on and the bondability of the Amish is incredible.

For me, the most amazing part was to see how Amish admire others for the personalisation they give their religion and also the 'board wear'. If you can get a Amish to swear and cuss; everyone wants to 'bling' you! Or so I amazingly experienced. Surely they were not designed to swear and cuss like that!

Amish = Image, comradery, and a great social leveller.

Not really into the Amish thing. But you never know what the future holds!

[scumdog]

There IS a point to all this Amish stuff??????????

[Pex Adams]

>>Well, 's'obvious, ain't it. They ain't got USD forks, have they. Right, case closed.<<

Its obvious its a girls bike thou!

[Big Dave]

Its obvious its a girls bike thou!


'Obvious' you haven't ridden one. :-P

One quick, great handling motorcycle

120 torquey horsepower, brembo brakes, good ground clearance, 8000km service intervals...etc etc etc.

Nobody bought them and they dropped it.

Something in that for all of us.

[speedpro]

We just got a couple of '05/'06 883Rs at work. XR styling cues, crinkle black cases, orange peanut tank and about 50hp with a pretty flat torque curve. I could be tempted real easy. Terry says 60hp with a little tweaking. The only Harleys I have ever been keen on taking for a ride.

[homer]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

yeah so true

Id never buy a holden ,but id have one and drive it every day if it was given to me

[jafar]

'Obvious' you haven't ridden one. :-P

One quick, great handling motorcycle

120 torquey horsepower, brembo brakes, good ground clearance, 8000km service intervals...etc etc etc.

Nobody bought them and they dropped it.

Something in that for all of us.

Harley don't seem to agree with you there mate :
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2008_Motorcycles/2008_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US&swfsection=family&swffamily=vr

[Big Dave]

Nah mate - none of them is a Street rod.

night rod looks closest with mid controls - no usd forks and different ergos to the sweety streety.

[Bren]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.
Okay...who forgot DODGE!


Yep - when you've got one you don't really give a fuck what anyone else thinks about it.
Some of us dont give a rats arse what others think about us now...


And the first GSXRs, CBRs, FZs, GPZs. And some very strange fashion sense. But at least Disco was dead.

Oh, hang on this was about Harleys wasn't it. Well at least Disco was dead.
Shit....is it? no wonder people look at me strange in my flares and huge arsed lapels....
...Is that why my 45's wont play on my computer....they never seemed to fit in the tray, so I thought it was a fancy arse coffee cup holder


There IS a point to all this Amish stuff??????????
um....they dont ride Harleys....poor bastards!

[Pwalo]

Okay...who forgot DODGE!





Shit....is it? no wonder people look at me strange in my flares and huge arsed lapels....
...Is that why my 45's wont play on my computer....they never seemed to fit in the tray, so I thought it was a fancy arse coffee cup holder




Yes, yes it is - on both counts.

[Pex Adams]

'Obvious' you haven't ridden one. :-P

One quick, great handling motorcycle

120 torquey horsepower, brembo brakes, good ground clearance, 8000km service intervals...etc etc etc.

Nobody bought them and they dropped it.

Something in that for all of us.

HANG ON A MINUTE HERE... Whats the point in taking the piss, if your just going to be all sensible about it????

Actually I have ridden a few Harleys, and also tried throwing the wife off the back of one (luckily for her, they're not that fast, or she would have been laying a new patch off road with her ass!:blank:) Nonetheless the only one I semi liked is the FATBOY, because A. I felt like a complete wanker on it! and B. I nearly threw the wife off it! and now she wants her own wanker bike!

[Big Dave]

HANG ON A MINUTE HERE... Whats the point in taking the piss, if your just going to be all sensible about it????


Did you note the ':-P ' ?

Call me sensible again and there will be trouble.

:-P

[jafar]

Did you note the ':-P ' ?

Call me sensible again and there will be trouble.

:-P

Shouldn't you be out wearing the hero knobs off someone else's bike on a fine day like this ???:corn::corn:

[Big Dave]

Shouldn't you be out wearing the hero knobs off someone else's bike on a fine day like this ???:corn::corn:

No test bikes at the moment, so its putting the shine on motomail adverts and just starting the Kiwi Rider Cover now

[outlawtorn]

All bikes rock, but cruisers rock better!! And at the end of the day it's all down to personal taste.

[mudthug]

nothing wrong with my ride i ride it to get a cafe latte whenever i can:cool::2thumbsup

[Big Dave]

nothing wrong with my ride i ride it to get a cafe latte whenever i can:cool::2thumbsup

That mug in Kiwi Rider gave it his bike of the year.

[Ixion]

'Taint a two stroke, but. That's what's wrong wiv Harleys

[Big Dave]

'Taint a two stroke, but. That's what's wrong wiv Harleys


They have made numerous two strokes though.

[Ixion]

I don't think the Motor Company made any two strokes (might well be wrong though). Wasn't that the Aermacchi connection ?

[Pex Adams]

Wasn't that the Aermacchi connection ?

http://www.aermacchi-world.de/

They look like an Italian version of the GN125:lol::lol::lol:

[AllanB]

Harleys cost way too much!

Hondas ROCK and their riders are polite, consequently everyone else is jealous so they say the 'gay' thing.

You guys are so lame :wacko:

[Motu]

I don't think the Motor Company made any two strokes (might well be wrong though). Wasn't that the Aermacchi connection ?

They were in the grab bag for the DKW - but they made their version with grease nipples on the main bearings! Then there was the Topper....oh Jeez,who picked that name out of the hat?

<img src= 'http://harley-davidson.oldcarandtruckpictures.com/1960TopperAd-June26-a.jpg'>

[Ixion]

I love the Topper. I would SO like to have one of those and turn up on it at a H.O.G rally. But it *is* a Harley. See ? But I don't know if the Motor Company made it or if it was a badge job.

[mudthug]

gotta have pics

[mudthug]

cant leave out the custom chopper:eek:

[SPman]

Stop picking on each other and unite against the real enemy.................MAGNETO.

:hug:
No no - MAGNETO GOOD!

Our tractor (which isn't a Harley, although built close by) has a magneto and starts first swing of the crank!.......which is just as well coz the battery that's meant to start it is always flat....

[jrandom]

Gentle as a billowy summer cloud!

:killingme

Now there's an advertisement that Penske could take a few hints from.

[wolf.47]

Hey, any bike manufacturer that started off with a few guys in a shed and turned in to the most well know motor cycle brand in the world, as well as surviving two world wars a depression and almost bankruptcy and a take over, is all good in my books.
And if you ever have to ask why a Harley, you'll never understand.
just my two cents worth.
Any one on here selling a sporty for cheap ($6000ish)? pm me or something

[Motu]

This is Harley to me.Not quite close enough to the XR750 for me - but hey,if Scott Parker is happy with the handling I can't really say it won't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJL5rs4zALE

[Pex Adams]

Any one on here selling a sporty for cheap ($6000ish)? pm me or something

My misses is pretty sporty, especially if she heard that I would offer her out for $6K:girlfight::girlfight::girlfight:

[The Stranger]

Like the ford versus holden bullshit.

Ah, blissful ignorance.

[Headbanger]

Harley fuckin Davison.

Fuck the rest.