Harleys, Choppers, Cruisers Thread

[TXBuddy]

It seems like all the nice looking bikes are way too powerful.

No such thing really. Powerful bikes are only an issue if you don't respect it and goof off. Most people that get small beginner bikes become bored with them pretty quick.

[S0LID]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125CC-MOTO...item35db414848

How about something like this or is it dog doo?

[TXBuddy]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125CC-MOTO...item35db414848

How about something like this or is it dog doo?

same as the last...good commuter bike. Outstanding fuel economy. Not sure if your constraints are budget or bike size. If your budget is ~800 then you are looking at the right bikes.

These two seem like better options.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/honda-nort...item35dc15c129
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STUNNING-Y...item35dc13d125

[KILLdante]

hnngggggg fuking bobbers are so beautiful. so simplistic yet they can pack a mean punch.

[texasaxe]

It seems like all the nice looking bikes are way too powerful.

i echo txbuddy's comments. sure girls like HD's. sadly these days some do because they're interpretted as "he's got enough money for toys". sporties are awesome starters.

as far as too powerful, a 600 cc sport bike can be way more dangerously quick than a big heavy hawg with twice the displacement. my first wreck was flying over the hood of a car at 15 yrs old on a 25 cc moped. some people hit higher speeds on bicycles than that wreck. safety is a relative term.

if you're new to bikes, take a bike safety class first, get a little feel for it, and let that your budget guide you.

[El Fuerte]

Had a sport bike back in the day

time for a harley 48 or sportster

[TXBuddy]

Had a sport bike back in the day

time for a harley 48 or sportster

A 48 is a sportster!

I went through a sportbike phase too. I like all bikes.

[tunyce]

Had a sport bike back in the day

time for a harley 48 or sportster

i just bought a 2014 harley sportster 48. i love it

[Bft12890]

Had a sport bike back in the day

time for a harley 48 or sportster

I have a nightster, which I will never get rid of. I want a street glide as well, as well as a yamaha R1. I love all bikes.

[texasaxe]

agreed, love the sporties. only reason i got rid of mine was garage space making room for big chopper i made. still have the bmw s1000rr. like having one of each in the stable.

[El Fuerte]

A 48 is a sportster!

I went through a sportbike phase too. I like all bikes.

youre right my bad, dont know what I was thinking

i just bought a 2014 harley sportster 48. i love it

I have a nightster, which I will never get rid of. I want a street glide as well, as well as a yamaha R1. I love all bikes.

pics!



hnnnnng

[TXBuddy]

I wonder why the image is reversed.

[texasaxe]

youre right my bad, dont know what I was thinking

pics!

hnnnnng

awesome pic. somewhere like daytona beach perhaps? here's a couple of mine from daytona:

biketoberfest 2008 driven down from Jax


biketoberfest 2013 driven over from TX


[img

[OlyBrah]

Repost from Knee draggers, hoping you brahs can give me some insight.

Any Harley Davidson blokes here?

Honestly trying to make some sense on why people buy Harley's. I mean no hate, no disrespect or anything. They're just so expensive with not that much amazing technology in return, from what I've seen. Just checked the stats on the 2015 CVO Street Glide. It's 395kg wet, makes ~80hp, and will probably cost $45,000+ (In Australia, at least).

Seriously, what gives? What draws you guys in to purchasing such expensive, slow motorcycles?

[Bft12890]

pics!

here you go bae.

IN!

My bike - 09 sportster nightster

Repost from Knee draggers, hoping you brahs can give me some insight.

Any Harley Davidson blokes here?

Honestly trying to make some sense on why people buy Harley's. I mean no hate, no disrespect or anything. They're just so expensive with not that much amazing technology in return, from what I've seen. Just checked the stats on the 2015 CVO Street Glide. It's 395kg wet, makes ~80hp, and will probably cost $45,000+ (In Australia, at least).

Seriously, what gives? What draws you guys in to purchasing such expensive, slow motorcycles?

youre comparing apples to oranges, supras to lincolns. two different Spectrum's. its all about preference. Do you want a super fast but semi uncomfortable ride, or do you want a fast but comfortable cruiser? no hate on crotch rockets, I want one myself, but harleys and crotch rockets are on two different ends of the spectrum.

CVO's are basically the most expensive variation of harleys. I paid 11k USD for my nightster, and it keeps up with 600 crotch rockets (until you hit 60-70 MPH)

sometimes technology isnt great, just means more chit to go wrong. Overall like it said, its two different aspects you are trying to compare. IMO its best to have both, so you have the best of both worlds. its hard to get both in one machine though (unless you go vrod, but even thats not exactly similar.)

[OlyBrah]

youre comparing apples to oranges, supras to lincolns. two different Spectrum's. its all about preference. Do you want a super fast but semi uncomfortable ride, or do you want a fast but comfortable cruiser? no hate on crotch rockets, I want one myself, but harleys and crotch rockets are on two different ends of the spectrum.

CVO's are basically the most expensive variation of harleys. I paid 11k USD for my nightster, and it keeps up with 600 crotch rockets (until you hit 60-70 MPH)

sometimes technology isnt great, just means more chit to go wrong. Overall like it said, its two different aspects you are trying to compare. IMO its best to have both, so you have the best of both worlds. its hard to get both in one machine though (unless you go vrod, but even thats not exactly similar.)

Yeah, well we do still see a lot of new supersports coming out with technology that fails and forces people to cope with recalls, but recalls happen with every type of bike.

My take is though that you don't need to spend so much money for better/similar experiences, even in the cruiser front. Plenty of nice cruisers out there that don't cost your second child to get. Even as you said there are much cheaper Harley's out there, so in that regard it really makes no sense to me why people would spend so much on a cruiser when they could go for greatness on a cheaper budget.

It's like the bikes I'm looking at at the moment. I could buy a Ninja 300r for $5,500, or I could buy a CBR250rr for $2,500. The Ninja 300r might be flashier in some regards but the CBR250rr is just as quick, if not quicker, while being half the price or even less at times. Why won't I just go for the 250rr?

[Bft12890]

Yeah, well we do still see a lot of new supersports coming out with technology that fails and forces people to cope with recalls, but recalls happen with every type of bike.

My take is though that you don't need to spend so much money for better/similar experiences, even in the cruiser front. Plenty of nice cruisers out there that don't cost your second child to get. Even as you said there are much cheaper Harley's out there, so in that regard it really makes no sense to me why people would spend so much on a cruiser when they could go for greatness on a cheaper budget.

It's like the bikes I'm looking at at the moment. I could buy a Ninja 300r for $5,500, or I could buy a CBR250rr for $2,500. The Ninja 300r might be flashier in some regards but the CBR250rr is just as quick, if not quicker, while being half the price or even less at times. Why won't I just go for the 250rr?

Because even people on Honda ruckus's will laugh at you? 250RR tops out at like 80 MPH becuase its small motor. If you want a pure economical bike, than a 250rr or so will be fine. if you care at all about riding than you want a 600 or 1200 sportster. im not trying to be a dikk, but youll quickly outgrow anything smaller. Harley riders are partially fanboy, name brand fan people. I wont argue that, but still when it comes to motorcycles, you get what you pay for.

Also, harleys are american bikes, which have a unique sound. others are imports or "metrics" which sound different. its an american thing bruh.

[OlyBrah]

Because even people on Honda ruckus's will laugh at you? 250RR tops out at like 80 MPH becuase its small motor. If you want a pure economical bike, than a 250rr or so will be fine. if you care at all about riding than you want a 600 or 1200 sportster. im not trying to be a dikk, but youll quickly outgrow anything smaller. Harley riders are partially fanboy, name brand fan people. I wont argue that, but still when it comes to motorcycles, you get what you pay for.

Also, harleys are american bikes, which have a unique sound. others are imports or "metrics" which sound different. its an american thing bruh.

I'm Australian, so have differing laws. Since I just got my license a while ago I'm only able to ride LAMS approved bikes, which include nearly every 250 out there. Hence why I'm looking at the 250rr. I'll probably upgrade to a 600cc bike in a years time or so.

[Bft12890]

I'm Australian, so have differing laws. Since I just got my license a while ago I'm only able to ride LAMS approved bikes, which include nearly every 250 out there. Hence why I'm looking at the 250rr. I'll probably upgrade to a 600cc bike in a years time or so.

Do what you have to do brotha. Ill never knock you for riding (unless its a trike) in the US you can start on a hayabusa (1300cc) just keep it rubber side down and have fun. I know you aussie brahs have slightly different regulations. Ride on brah.

[texasaxe]

echoing the thoughts above, as i replied over on kneedraggers...

regarding the HD appeal, for me, first time i rode dad's, was just an appeal to me that not everyone will get i suppose. the chrome shining, the simplicity, mostly the sound and feel of it is what got me. history there too, been around 100 yrs, made in USA, and was just an image of freedom associated with it at that age, different from everyone else on tupperware tor****s.

i've never had a leather vest or fringe or been in a riding group. strangely i hear people today not buy HD's because of the image of the RUB's, weekend warriors in new leather that have never even rode in rain or could change their oil if they had to. cruisers are slower than sportbikes, but it's a different kind of ride to enjoy, like comparing blondes to brunettes.

[Firefightn24]

cruisers are slower than sportbikes, but it's a different kind of ride to enjoy, like comparing blondes to brunettes.

Triumph Rocket III runs a 3.3 0-60

I ride an R6... runs about 3.5.

[texasaxe]

Triumph Rocket III runs a 3.3 0-60

I ride an R6... runs about 3.5.

fair enough, was a general statement. for reference though, my s1k is 0-60 in under 3 sec

[ChaoticReignPbt]

On the Harley question...apples to oranges. And IMO you do get what you pay for. You're just paying for different things. I used to be a Harley hater when I got into riding. I was very vocal about the lack of performance for a 20k+ motorcycle. Then a couple years back I was bored with sport bikes and bought a 2008 Night Rod Special. It sounded like heaven, looked crazy badass, pulled a lot more attention than anything I've ever ridden, had some of the best paint quality/fit and finish of any bike I've owned, and had tons of cool little perks like the self canceling signals, security, keyless start. You're paying for a premium motorcycle and you're getting a premium motorcycle but it's more about style and creature comforts than it is about hp. That said, my night rod was uncomfortable as **** which they fixed in the later models.

It's why I'm once again trading in my sportbike for another Harley. I ride a 2013 ZX-14R. It's stupid fast and the from a power standpoint it's a refined and amazing machine. But it's like comparing a ferrari to a 69' big block camaro. It just doesn't have character I loved so much about the Harley. Picking up a 12+ denim (matte black) Night Rod to cruise around on and go on longer rides. Down the line I'll likely pick up a used ZX10 for the speed itch.

Another gripe is that jap bikes drop like a rock in value. Harley's hold their value pretty damn well if you shop smart and go private sale instead of letting the dealer bend you over. That's one area to be wary of. Harley has by far one of the biggest gaps between retail vs private sale. You go through a dealer and they're used to selling to middle aged men that don't shop around. I test rode a 13' NRS last week and found it had taken a low speed dump and would need a lot of stuff replaced to look 100% and they still wanted near the price of new 14' just because the 13' had about 2k in parts on it. A private seller would be lucky to dump that abused machine for 12k. The dealer wanted 17.2k.

[MolotovCocktail]

Really want a get night rod. Is it a heavy bike? I need something comfortable to cruise 1-2hr distances with my wife sittin in the backseat.

[jaygee15]

nice little bobber. paint coming off or did you do the torn masking tape accents?

not mine

[jaygee15]

It seems like all the nice looking bikes are way too powerful.

theres no such thing as too much power

[jaygee15]

Yeah, well we do still see a lot of new supersports coming out with technology that fails and forces people to cope with recalls, but recalls happen with every type of bike.

My take is though that you don't need to spend so much money for better/similar experiences, even in the cruiser front. Plenty of nice cruisers out there that don't cost your second child to get. Even as you said there are much cheaper Harley's out there, so in that regard it really makes no sense to me why people would spend so much on a cruiser when they could go for greatness on a cheaper budget.

It's like the bikes I'm looking at at the moment. I could buy a Ninja 300r for $5,500, or I could buy a CBR250rr for $2,500. The Ninja 300r might be flashier in some regards but the CBR250rr is just as quick, if not quicker, while being half the price or even less at times. Why won't I just go for the 250rr?

its more than that, its history, and tradition.. american guys have been riding harleys, indians , forever. Its the GOAT cruiser.
Its like classic chevy, sure theyre not the best, most reliable etc, but its the go to classic american car.
Research cruisiers, lowriders, choppers,baggers etc and you will find it was almost always harley. Except for some,
in the 60s 70s the black guys rode hondas etc. Nowadays everybody whos serious about a custom cruiser is mostly
on a harley.

[ChaoticReignPbt]

Really want a get night rod. Is it a heavy bike? I need something comfortable to cruise 1-2hr distances with my wife sittin in the backseat.

Sort of. At 600+ it's not exactly light but it's so low to the ground it's easy to maneuver. The only time you really notice the weight is low speed on a gradient. So if you're trying to push it around on a slanted parking lot it's pretty damn heavy.

[Firefightn24]

)

sometimes technology isnt great, just means more chit to go wrong. Overall like it said, its two different aspects you are trying to compare. IMO its best to have both, so you have the best of both worlds. its hard to get both in one machine though (unless you go vrod, but even thats not exactly similar.)

Less tech in Harley's case still makes more chit go wrong. And the ConsumerReports will back me up! I know several guys who also have bikes... everyone of them rides a Harley apart from one guy who has a Honda Valkyrie. Six carbs on it.

Aside from the R6 I also have a little Honda Shadow 600 that will be bobbed one of these days. Drop it about 2 inches and hard tail it. Toss the rear fender and stick on a tater chip seat. Place down in Houston works primarily with Shadow 600's since it's just a great bobber platform.

Houston Retro Bobbers

[El Fuerte]

here you go bae.




youre comparing apples to oranges, supras to lincolns. two different Spectrum's. its all about preference. Do you want a super fast but semi uncomfortable ride, or do you want a fast but comfortable cruiser? no hate on crotch rockets, I want one myself, but harleys and crotch rockets are on two different ends of the spectrum.

CVO's are basically the most expensive variation of harleys. I paid 11k USD for my nightster, and it keeps up with 600 crotch rockets (until you hit 60-70 MPH)

sometimes technology isnt great, just means more chit to go wrong. Overall like it said, its two different aspects you are trying to compare. IMO its best to have both, so you have the best of both worlds. its hard to get both in one machine though (unless you go vrod, but even thats not exactly similar.)

nice, ive actually ridden that bike, my friend has it. fun bike