I finally 'get' Harleys

**98tls** · 9th October 2007, 04:00

Originally Posted by peasea

Have to admit, long, straight roads get pretty boring after a while, which is why the Yanks tour at the pace they do. Get it over and done with etc etc. I will say, though, that HD's aren't too unsuited to NZ roads, the torque does come in handy and if you tour a lot then comfort is a real issue. On the one hand I can understand why Gold Wings and their ilk are so popular Stateside but I can also understand why 'real' Americans would prefer to buy their own product. (That patriotism thing.)

How many people would attempt to cross America on a sports bike? Seriously?

all this from an x postie..............go figure.

**NordieBoy** · 9th October 2007, 07:26

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

Its only 4000 km. How far do people go on a Southern Cross? Someone did that on a 50cc didn't he?

But they had to have it surgically removed after though.

**pinkhoggirl** · 9th October 2007, 11:29

Originally Posted by scumdog

And prbably is.

But if you bought a Harley for 'sophistication' you've missed the point.

Too Right!

And...A serious ride in North America "dictates" Harley. Not just in America - Canadian travel is similar - and NOTHING beats the Rockies on a Hog.

**scumdog** · 9th October 2007, 11:45

Originally Posted by pinkhoggirl

Too Right!

And...A serious ride in North America "dictates" Harley. Not just in America - Canadian travel is similar - and NOTHING beats the Rockies on a Hog.

Too right - a 'must do' for me.

Just love that area near Idaho Springs just south of Denver - big sweeping bends and unreal scenery...

**Edbear** · 9th October 2007, 11:52

Originally Posted by scumdog

Too right - a 'must do' for me.

Just love that area near Idaho Springs just south of Denver - big sweeping bends and unreal scenery...

By the way, have you managed to get the 'T-Sport' to match the Sporty's performance yet?

Met a chap with his son on a new 50th Ann. 1200 custom on Sat. morn at the Caltex station on the Orewa bypass. He was VERY short and said it fitted him perfectly. Nice bike, but I still want a 1200 R...

**scumdog** · 9th October 2007, 12:16

Originally Posted by Edbear

By the way, have you managed to get the 'T-Sport' to match the Sporty's performance yet?

...

Nah - working on a scheme to reduce the flexi-frame feeling on bends.
(Who the hell came up with the idea on an engine/trans/swing arm being a unit - and bloody mount it on rubber independent of the frame???

)

Sheesh, what's a bit of vibration compared to a wallowing sensation when going through the twisty bit? the Sporty leaves it for dead in that respect - but sadly now even they are rubber-mounted - and you can't get the 'S' model anymore either.

**Griff** · 9th October 2007, 12:38

With Respect.....

Originally Posted by marty

Well I've just got back from Merryka, been on a family holiday. Hired a car for the first time over there, and REALLY noticed how many Harley there were. Saw a small handful of sprotbikes - but literally 1000's of cruisers!....

Go to India and see if you come back "getting Scooters"

A reason why "The Disorganised States of america" have a plague of Harleys is primarily due to the fact that there are many oversized individuals who would find it difficult getting in and out of cars.

(Remember in the 70's America invented the Bucket Seat. Now even that is too small).

A Harley allows the portly gentlemen to perch themselves on it and trundle off to the doughnut bar, in a similar manner that a frog straddles branches whilst lazing in the sun.

These rotund gentlemen could not possibly imagine riding a SportsBike as they would probably split in two (that is, if their stomachs didn’t envelop the bike and their chubby knees didn't drag along the ground).

Since then I believe, that Harleys have become popular with thinner people.

**NordieBoy** · 9th October 2007, 13:21

Originally Posted by Griff

These rotund gentlemen could not possibly imagine riding a SportsBike as they would probably split in two (that is, if their stomachs didn’t envelop the bike and their chubby knees didn't drag along the ground).

I don't think they have a problem with sportbikes...
His chubby knees are protected by sliders

The herd of poor cows that was killed to make the leathers on the other hand

**deanohit** · 9th October 2007, 14:13

Holy shit!!!! How can he reach the handle bars with that gut?

**Tank** · 9th October 2007, 14:37

Originally Posted by scumdog

I was there that year too - didn't see YOU.

But boring or not it would be better on a motorbike eh!

We were there a few months back (looking at relocation - decided not to), anyway, it was my wife watching a Harley rider beside our POS toyota rental car that said "bikings cool - when we get home you go buy a bike" - that got me into biking.

I love the concept of cruisers - and if I had the $$$$ a Harley would be for me. A big mean looking bastard (the bike - not me).

Tank

**Tank** · 9th October 2007, 14:38

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

I don't think they have a problem with sportbikes...
His chubby knees are protected by sliders

The herd of poor cows that was killed to make the leathers on the other hand

Jebus - Im going to diet.

Still on the bright side at lest hes not a cyclist in white Lycra!

**deanohit** · 9th October 2007, 14:41

Originally Posted by Tank

Still on the bright side at lest hes not a cyclist in white Lycra!

Wash ya mouth out man!!!! I'm still trying to get rid of the mental image.

**Griff** · 9th October 2007, 14:50

Fat people ride Harleys because they keep the centre of gravity down.

This is what happens when they open the throttle gently on a SportsBike.

**Griff** · 9th October 2007, 15:28

There's No need for an OE.....

A Brief history of Fat American Biking Culture.
==================================

Before Cruisers were invented, obese Americans did indeed ride conventional bikes ..and suffered in silence:

The real issue was their excessive lifestyle, which they were reluctant to change:

Then.... The HOG was invented... and America took to it like a Fat Duck to Water..