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[Anders F. R.]

I wouldn't touch a Harley unless it is older than 1930. They are far too big and heavy and American. Even the "small and light" Sportster is more than 260 kg of iron, if I dont remember wrong. Don't like the styling and the riding position either, nor the noise (V-twins other than 90 degrees just doesn't sound well), and they make other people associate me with "the wrong people". Leather fringes, tattoos, noisy parties, H-A etc. etc....


Prejudiced, ME??? What makes anyone think that?


Anyhow, I don't want one, whatever the reason. And even talking about pre 1930 bikes, I would prefer an Indian, Excelsior or Henderson over a Harley. Or an Ace Sporting Solo. That's just a dreambike!


Mentioning that I have 4 BMWs (well, 3 on wheels and one project) may explain something. And my Model G, of course. An all times favourite!


Regards, Anders F. R.

[Backfire]

Really Anders F.R.? You can't be serious? BMW only wishes they could be as good as a Harley-Davidson.

[Robin]

I met a crazy Swede touring the U.K. a couple of years ago on his 1927 Indian Scout. Totally unrestored, with still the original paintwork. If I remember correctly, he said it still churned out 27 bhp. Only problem he had was oil loss, so he towed fresh oil along with his belongings in a trailer. 

[Robin]

Just checked Indian Scout specs on the web. 18 bhp when rolling of the production line, so I suspect our Swedish friend said 17 bhp. Sorry!

[Riggers]

A few years ago I had a test ride on a 1000cc Street Rod. I don't think they make them anymore but this one had a European riding position with the new overhead cam engine. Boy did it fly! It was a really super superbike but still looked a bit strange styling wise. It was incredibly fast and smooth, being almost free of any form of vibration. During my test ride I had to put some petrol in it and a guy at the station came up and started quizzing me about the bike - so I reckoned that it was mine (as you do).  The joke was on me though when I couldn't figure out where to put the petrol! The 'tank' turned out to be a dummy  - the real one was under the seat!!


Street Cred 0 - Street Rod 1


Tony R.

[Andy C]

Alex.


I have a 1200 Sportster which I find really suits my riding style. It has not been any less reliable than any other bike I have had.


I am told that the 883 is a little lacking in grunt - the 1200 certainly has plenty of it.


As for the lifestyle thing forget it - just be an individual, be who you are and what the stereotypes expect you to be.


 

[grunda 12]

note this is a well known fact harley davidsons are ultra reliable ,large cumbersome ,made to ride the usa highways all day effortlesley,mention h.d start talking dollar  thats all i said also the story of my mate is true and the opinion is not ill informed ,if you really want 1 the 1200 sportster is the way to go although you can convert a 883 to 1200 spec but again it costs much dollar,so  alex get the 1200 ,also i might add that the belt drive is ultra reliable and pees all over chain & sprockets ,also if you want a sporster sports ltd edition with showa forks and shocks as standard ,the model only produced for 2 years in that form with the v fire three ignition my mate will sell you his ,£3500 ovno all the best paul.

[Alex.]

I hope my wife isn't reading this forum, I'm not buying one, I just dropped in for a look......


 Are you guys trying to get me in trouble?? 

[TimG]

Hi Grunda12


Hmm...well I would question the "ultra reliable" thing...my mate (and next door neighbour) has an 883 Sportster, and we regularly swap notes. He has had endless trouble with (particularly) the charging system, had to get most of it replaced by the dealer eventually. 


Mind you, I can't talk with my Bullet's recent electrical record...


I will say that I helped him remove and replace the battery on the Sporty. Never again...I don't know how the workers on the H-D assembly line get that thing in place in under half an hour! It might be designed to be as inaccessible as possible! The Bullet batt might just be slung onto the side of the bike, but at least it can be removed in under two minutes...


Cheers


TimG

[grunda 12]

hi tim ,my mates sporster has served him well for nigh on 10 years,without major hickup,i did remove for him a few years ago just to check for signs of wear but with over 35k on the clock not a sign,i find it a great bike to spanner is your mates a later model?anyway don,t slag harley,s every farmer needs a tractor or diesel enfield lol,good job we arn,t taking things too serious ,all the best paul.