What do you use your Harley for?

[Rashika]

Buy one to look at, buy a sportbike for fun

nah, that should really say... buy a Buell for fun
Kidding Scumdog, I love the sporties too!

[Lou Girardin]

Finally in 1988 I did get a chance to take a Fatboy from Christchurch to Picton, while the HD owner rode my GSX750. At the end of the ride I couldn't wait to hand the Harley back, and never again have I ever dreamed that one day I'll own a Harley.

Why do you think they call 'em Fatboys? Probably the worst handling Harley, those things.

[T.W.R]

Years ago I was as close as damn it to buying one these, but got drawn to a Duke instead. But if I had the chance & could find one now & afford it I probably grab it, purely on the fact that IMHO it's one of the sexiest Hogs ever made
Don't care about the fact its almost 30yrs old & was built under the AMF quality issues, it's still classy

[scumdog]

Have to agree T.W.R. - just fit the XR engine and it would be tops.

[Big Dave]

Why do you think they call 'em Fatboys? Probably the worst handling Harley, those things.

Probably?! - without doubt.

I have carved up on FXDX several times however. Sweet handling motorcycle. and the Street Rod handles VERY well. Possibly the class leader.

You should try a new one Mr Jantar - I tested a VF1000 Honda in 1988 and it was a shit handling pig of a thing too. I don't rate all Hondas on that ride.

[Motu]

A simple and basic 883 Sportster with no frills would suit me down to the ground.The size,seating position,power/weight and general feel is right up my alley.I don't know if I'd need a 1200,the 883 is just fine by me.I like the handling - I like to extract the max handling out of a bike,I don't give a rat's arse at what speed that happens at all,I just like to feel a bike giving it's all....you wanna pass me on the inside,the outside or over the top,I don't care,I'll be having fun in my small world.

[Jantar]

Have a go with my T-Sport Jantar my man - it's a whole world away from a Fatboy.

And 1988 it is loong way back, even Harleys have improved since then!!!

Thanks SD, I'll take you up on that offer, and you can try my new V-Twin.

I know one example of a make doesn't tell you anything about other bikes under the same brand, but by the late 1980's I was pretty well conversant with most of the bikes available out of Japan, and the HD didn't come close to any of them. Today there are just so many bikes, by so many manufacturers, that I have never ridden that I can't comment on how one machine may compare to another. That's why I won't put down anyone's selection of a bike, but rather allow that as long as a rider choses a bike that is appropriate for the riding they are doing, then they will get as much enjoyment from their mount as I do from mine.

[Troll]

Finally in 1988 I did get a chance to take a Fatboy from Christchurch to Picton

1988??? they didn't release the fat boy untill the 1990 model year

[scumdog]

1988??? they didn't release the fat boy untill the 1990 model year

Kinda crossed my mind - but I thought it was just that I was old and time had gone past so quickly......

[Troll]

Kinda crossed my mind - but I thought it was just that I was old and time had gone past so quickly......

I am getting old and time is passing quickly

[Bonez]

Years ago I was as close as damn it to buying one these, but got drawn to a Duke instead. But if I had the chance & could find one now & afford it I probably grab it, purely on the fact that IMHO it's one of the sexiest Hogs ever made
Don't care about the fact its almost 30yrs old & was built under the AMF quality issues, it's still classy

Appeals to me as well. Just found an old "Twin Eagles" Mag at work last week that had an article about them. A US motobike mag, Cycle I think it was, actually made a customised version similar in looks in the early '80s, pre EVO, using XS650 Custom bits and bobs. Boy that was a sweet looking beast. That mag may still be in the shed at the olds place. I'll have a hunt through next time I'm in Havelock North.

[Skyryder]

I like to extract the max handling out of a bike,I don't give a rat's arse at what speed that happens at all,I just like to feel a bike giving it's all....you wanna pass me on the inside,the outside or over the top,I don't care,I'll be having fun in my small world.

Now that's a biker talking on what is what.


Skyryder

[skidz]

I just enjoy riding my Roadking every day, even if it's just to work. Now the bike has it's 14" apes it's a dream to ride.

[buellbabe]

WOW! 6 pages of advice and answers and only a handful of ya actually own Harleys...
How typical LOL!
What are Harleys good for?
ANYTHING you can think of... they are pretty indestructible and now they even have halfway decent brakes to cope with the weight! Ok so you'll still only get 100 odd horses but so what? Ride a 1440cc HD and believe me you will feel like a King on the road, its is the most awesome feeling! And don't believe what non-Harley owners say about their cornering ability, I ain't no body-builder and I can throw 1 around so whats stopping you!
They are fun fun fun. I ride a Buell now ( and ain't got plans to part with it ) but have owned 3 HDs in the past and ridden a few different models... my personal fav is the Deuce. Jeez I could rave for a long time about how great Harleys are but in the end its a personal preference...
If in doubt then test ride a few models, the only problem is deciding which one you like the most!

[davereid]

Went for a ride the other day with some of my mates - didn't take my FZR took my HD instead. Got left behind by all the flash jap plastic on a big straight.

When I caught up, the guys were all outside the pub, a half min ahead of me.

Backed the Harley into the kerb. A chick came out of the pub, walked passed all the jappas...... "nice harley"

Harleys are like V8s... they don't need to handle or go fast...

I doesnt matter how fast yer subaru is... it'll never be a V8....