Harley Davidson XL1200N - Nightster!

[scumdog]

also check this blunt review, i think too many mags review harleys as harleys, not a bike that has to hold its head with others, despite its brand name

I know.

But I still prefer my Harleys.

Partly because of the factor too!!

[carver]

I know.

But I still prefer my Harleys.

Partly because of the factor too!!

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

[scumdog]

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

"Smooth" engine doesn't have to be a factor.

But my 'glide fits most of the above pretty closely....

[carver]

"Smooth" engine doesn't have to be a factor.

But my 'glide fits most of the above pretty closely....

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?
made since 1903 in the usa, and from what i hear Thailand too now, so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!

[RantyDave]

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?

Because they sell like bastards. Despite what it's proponents think, Harley Davidson is a company that exists to make money for it's shareholders. If someone makes the nightster all nice and smooth, drops it in front of a focus group (of 40-somethings with large disposable incomes) and they all prefer the one that goes "buhDAP buhDAP buhDAP" when idling then that's what they'll go with.

And sell them jackets, tassels, chaps, chrome bits and special trailers to put the bike in to take it to a Harley rally.

It's a different experience of biking. I see why people like it. It's not really me though.

Dave

[Tank]

Great review.

I went to have a look at the nightster - loved the look, but it was too low for me. Didnt get the chance to have a ride - sounds like I should have taken the chance when I had it.

[johnnyflash]

Man what a terrific review.. brilliant jim2, must be one of the best writeups ive read anywhere..
only thing I didnt like is the look of the bike, just doesnt spin my wheels, reminds me too much I think of the bygone years models I think.. but Im sure some will love it to bits..

[scumdog]

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?
made since 1903 in the usa, and from what i hear Thailand too now, so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!

Not being sarcy but how (in your eyes) could they improve?

Without being a clone of 'other' brand bikes out there?

I know my bike is gutless for its size compared to similar sized bikes but it's not a worry 'cos it's adequate.

I know the gearbox feels like one from a Commer truck compared to other brands, - but I don't have to click up and down the gears constantly.

But to me these points are not an issue. (otherwise I would not have bought Harleys.)

[Big Dave]

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

Sorry ol' bean - Rubbish.

They are really good road bikes.

Sensible, useable horsepower for riding near the speed limit and not wasting two thirds of the bike lest you lose your licence.

Brakes are fine, engine delightful, and they look beautiful. The latest engines are some of the smoothest V twins.

They stand up to any comparison for quality, reliability and compared to metric cruisers now - price is not too bad either.

They also have an entire range of bikes.
You want the best cornering, buy a Buell, Transcontinental tourer - Ultra Glide Classic, good day ride, Fat Bob, great all rounder - XL1200 is $20k.

Dealer service is outstanding, the quality of the clothes and accessories is excellent.

Quality of folks I've met riding them is also top shelf. Successful people can afford expensive toys.
That means you get some wannabes too, but there are some real class acts on board most of them.

They don't do 280kph. Big fuckin' whoop.

[SVboy]

Nice review. I "get" Haleys less and less the more I ride, but I fully understand why it is what does it for others. In my recent ride to the Nelson Rally,we tagged along with a couple of Harley riders. They were fantastic riders,making a lie of harleys not coping in the corners, or being unhappy at highish speeds...most impressive.

[Bonez]

so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!

And thats a bad thing?

[carver]

And thats a bad thing?

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Sorry ol' bean - Rubbish.

They are really good road bikes.

Sensible, useable horsepower for riding near the speed limit and not wasting two thirds of the bike lest you lose your licence.

Brakes are fine, engine delightful, and they look beautiful. The latest engines are some of the smoothest V twins.

They stand up to any comparison for quality, reliability and compared to metric cruisers now - price is not too bad either.

They also have an entire range of bikes.
You want the best cornering, buy a Buell, Transcontinental tourer - Ultra Glide Classic, good day ride, Fat Bob, great all rounder - XL1200 is $20k.

Dealer service is outstanding, the quality of the clothes and accessories is excellent.

Quality of folks I've met riding them is also top shelf. Successful people can afford expensive toys.
That means you get some wannabes too, but there are some real class acts on board most of them.

They don't do 280kph. Big fuckin' whoop.

i disagree.
if your big dave from kiwi rider-didnt' your mag say the brakes on the GT 250 hyosung were good?
they are rubbish.
if a car pulled out in front of the nightster from 20m, at 60 kph, could you stop?
hmmmm....
if you dont want power whats wrong with the ol 883?
thats got even less..hooray, now i can never loose my license!
you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

[scumdog]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

Well I'm surprised about the shock thing, never had trouuble like that - in fact it's more th opposite for me - but them I'm two-up a fair bit of the time.

As for the vibes? - never found them to be THAT bad, even on my iron-head, sure they were there but it's just part of the experience - like the wind blowing around you - nobody ever says 'too bloody draughty!' (or that's my thoughts.

And yes, I HAVE ridden other than Harleys too. l l

[xwhatsit]

Vibes and wind make a proper motorcycling experience.

Not a fan of Harleys myself -- for the same reason I don't like Country & Western -- but I understand why they work as a motorcycle. A simple, crude motorcycle, pared back to the basics; wind, noise, vibration and life. Sensory stimulus.

To put it in terms that our blue and red friends will identify with, the difference between bashing some n00b over the head violently and personally with a police truncheon, or zapping them with a taser.

[Big Dave]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder




i disagree.
if your big dave from kiwi rider-didnt' your mag say the brakes on the GT 250 hyosung were good?
they are rubbish.
if a car pulled out in front of the nightster from 20m, at 60 kph, could you stop?
hmmmm....
if you dont want power whats wrong with the ol 883?
thats got even less..hooray, now i can never loose my license!
you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

No - not at all.