I walked into a Harley dealers once looking for a mate. I had to leave quick as my feet actually started to burn. First and last time.
Bit off the Harley topic directly, I was in a dealership a while ago on similar lines saw the Indian scout and did think once my spine goes and I cant do the sports bike thing anymore it might happen I have seen a guy on a harley at Snetterton and he was holding his own quite well, pegs were a few mm off the floor at best in some corners but was pretty impressive to watch him show up some sports/track bikes
When you've got that much toque on tap, if you ride smooth, stay off the brakes, turn late and use the grunt on exits you can make really indecent progress. And ridden like that the weight and the stability that comes from the wheel base and the rake works in your favour. Also, the centre of gravity is low down. That helps stability as well. It's when the going gets bumpy you have to ease up. It won't change direction like a housefly if you get out of line. Weekends in mid summer when the Sunday riders come out are fun.
The fuel gauge on the LRS seems to be pretty good. You've got a bar gauge and a miles remaining readout. I've had it down to 10 miles left and made to a petrol station that was five miles away...
This is my Harley of choice and a keeper as they don’t make the Deluxe anymore, its a 2020 so last year of production, it’s a 107 and has had a stage 2, sounds awesome, custom paint, a tad different to ride when I jump off my Multistrada but I love owning bikes with different characters and this Harley on a sunny day plodding through the lanes just chills me out.
Being polite. Not as in a polite vest. By Christ, these things really are polarising aren’t they. Personally I abhor them. Nothing against the riders. Each their their own. Just really not. for. me. for the avoidance of doubt even looking at one makes my eyes bleed.
Just started looking at getting another Harley possibly a Dyna based version. The 883 was nice to ride but been there done that.
I like the idea of a cruiser but reviews put me off and I’m not sure it would suit my style of biking. Harleys seem to scrape through reviews in the general motorcycling press with, at best, average marks but with a well above average price tag. The finish seams to be questionable too. It makes me think, “why would you?” But, I guess, if you want a Harley you want a Harley. If it makes you feel good then I’m happy for you. I just don’t think it’s for me. On saying that, I’ve never tried one so what do I know. Mind you, I’ve never stuck my head in a bucket of shit and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like that. Eh, I’m not comparing a Harley to a bucket of shit. That’s not the point I was trying to make.
You could always just demo one, there’s no harm especially if you wear your full face and not your usual one piece. I’m sure you wouldn’t be recognised by someone you know.
Unfortunately I have neither the space nor the cash for a second bike and I’m not ready to part with the monster. I think Mrs Wally would like a Harley though as she’s only 5 feet tall.
Judging by the comments about fitting different parts to the bikes from nearly the get go, I'm surprised harley don't offer a basic package I.e. the engine frame and suspension to which you then add the parts you want before buying.
The Softail standard is probably the closest to that. Unfortunately, if they're going to sell any bikes in California, new Harleys have to comply with Californian emissions laws which make EU regulations look like a petrolhead's paradise. They all need a certain amount of uncorking to get them anywhere close to where they were designed to be. For those you have never ridden a Harley and are curious I'd say start with a Sport Glide. USD forks, decent brakes, superbly comfortable and a very nimble feel for a cruiser. And they're thoroughly practical with quick release half fairing and excellent hard luggage as standard. They've been designed to be ridden with or without luggage and fairing so they look "finished" whether they're on or off. It's probably the trad looking Harley that will feel most familiar and accessible to riders of European or Jap bikes who could jump on and ride the length of the country and back again without having to worry about getting lost down the customising and aftermarket rabbit hole. A Harley deal told me there are Harleys for going and Harleys for showing. The Sport Glide is very much a rider's bike. It's the one which the regular biking press generally like the most. You do need to attune to a cruiser if you're just jumped off a supernaked or an adventure bike. You can't really compare the two. There's a huge amount to be said for adding a cruiser to your garage. The right ones make fantastic tourers that allow you to enjoy the places you're riding through as well as the roads you're riding on. Being settled into a very comfy seat with a huge lazy engines under you with vast amounts of torque is just a very nice place to be. If you can clear your mind of the cliches and just enjoy the moment it can be immensely satisfying and you'll only appreciate your other bikes all the more. Again, if you can see past the image nonsense, Harleys make the most sense in the cruiser market. They know how to do it and they take it seriously. They're not joke bikes to fill a marketing gap like Jap imitations. The build quality is right up there with the best of any European bikes. In fact I'd say the premium Harleys are better. They feel like pieces of solid engineering than have been machined form a single piece of billet rather than kit bike assembled from plastic components. Look closely and you can see where your money's gone. And Harley are happy for you to keep your bike forever. You will never have any problem finding parts anywhere in the world. They are very easy to work on and everything on them can be endlessly renewed so they can clock up vast mileages.
I have to say if you see a bike out over the winter months it is more often than not a harley. Must say something.
My local HOG group is in Newcastle (I moved 18 months ago). They ride all year round and always have a high turnout. TBH they'll ride £25,000 bikes in conditions when I wouldn't take out a winter hack. It is true Harleys attract more than their fair share of born-agains and hobby bikers who only venture out on three sunny bank holidays a year, but TBF there's quite a few Ducati riders like that. If the sun comes out this weekend, Hartside pass will be stuffed with the squeaky leather brigade wobbling their way round the hairpins, and I imagine the air ambulance will be kept busy lifting people out of bogs.
