What's wrong with me?

[JulesMaximus]

I've been looking at buying a bike for a while now and being the anal person I am I've researched the heck out of pretty much every bike on the planet (well, not really but quite a few). Anyway, I know I want a cruiser and not a sport bike. I've looked at the Jap cruisers and while some of those bikes are decent bikes they just fall short of being well, American.

In short, I want a Harley Davidson. I found a 2007 Sportster XL1200C that I really like and I think I'm going to buy it. The 2007 model has rubber mounted engine (as do all Sportsters since 2004) but the '07 is also fuel injected. The one I want has the forward controls (I really need this because the standard controls aren't comfortable for me).

Just need to convince the wife... Wish me luck!

 

[michaels]

Japanese bikes don't have any character, they are getting better though. I love the new 1800 Suzuki.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/2006_suzuki_boulevard_m109r/

 

[d33pt]

aren't sportsters for girls?

 

[michaels]

If a small sportster is for girls, then what would a generic japanese knockoff of same size be for then? Boy scouts?

 

[Amused]

I love my Harley. And I rode sport bikes for 20+ years.

 

[ed21x]

there is defintiely a reason why Harleys are so popular in Japan Something about not always striving to be efficient or hi-tech, but rather just having that obnoxiously loud and distinct presence is quite nice.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: michaels
If a small sportster is for girls, then what would a generic japanese knockoff of same size be for then? Boy scouts?

No, those would be for Girl Scouts. :laugh:

Edit-Just kidding, the Jap bikes are very good bikes.

 

[michaels]

I'm actually checking into a sportser that this guy my uncle knows has for sale supposedly for 2000 bucks. I don't know the year but he claims the guy is hardup for cash.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Bump for the morning crew.

 

[mercanucaribe]

If you want an American bike, buy an Indian. Then you won't have the crappy engineering and overmerchandising-weekend-warrior-yuppie stigma.

 

[tbike06]

Pics?

 

[Maxspeed996]

If you really like it . Check out the "night-train". In my opinion one of the coolest "style" sportster/lowrider style bikes out...
For me , the stance it has makes it a great machine for customizing. A good freind of mine has had two of them. One is the limited color "jade sunglow green" and his other of course is completely blacked out. All black paint , black frame , black powdercoating on all of the engine casings...primary cover and all the goodies...

and you are drawn to the Harley's because you have style...plus , brother , keep it in good shape , and it won't depreciate like a japanese bike will.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
If you want an American bike, buy an Indian. Then you won't have the crappy engineering and overmerchandising-weekend-warrior-yuppie stigma.

No, you'll just be buying from a company that's gone under not once, not twice, but three times.

No support, rare parts and no dealers.

Yeah, there's a good idea.

Finally, there are no Indians in his price range.

And you gave this horrible advice all because you have this irrational hatred of Harley.

You could have at least suggested Victory... At least they are still in business.

 

[loic2003]

See, harley for me screams mid-life crisis, or leather-clad homosexual. Sorry, but it's jsut the way it is. Check out any bike meet, then check out a harley meet. The harley riders all have puerile gear with skulls and flames all over, and are in black leather with tassles complete with village-people style mustaches. Beer guts run rife.

The bikes themselves are simply about posing: they're shiny and make a lot of noise, but in reality don't go quick nor handle at all. It's a huge "Hey look at me! I'm still young/not camp, 'cos I have me a motorbike!" to the world. The riders are usually miserable a-holes, too, trying to be 'bad-to-the-bone' bad-boys that they remember back in 1948 when harleys were actually still cool: on my race bike, other riders always give a 'nod', but harley riders always have a face like a slapped arse.

If you imagine the top gear cool wall, harleys class under really, really, really uncool.

Go for soemthing half decent, like the Honda CBF-600 or 1000. That way, women will think they have a chance with you instead of writing you off as a knob-jockey.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: loic2003
See, harley for me screams mid-life crisis, or leather-clad homosexual. Sorry, but it's jsut the way it is. Check out any bike meet, then check out a harley meet. The harley riders all have puerile gear with skulls and flames all over, and are in black leather with tassles complete with village-people style mustaches. Beer guts run rife.

The bikes themselves are simply about posing: they're shiny and make a lot of noise, but in reality don't go quick nor handle at all. It's a huge "Hey look at me! I'm still young/not camp, 'cos I have me a motorbike!" to the world. The riders are usually miserable a-holes, too, trying to be 'bad-to-the-bone' bad-boys that they remember back in 1948 when harleys were actually still cool: on my race bike, other riders always give a 'nod', but harley riders always have a face like a slapped arse.

If you imagine the top gear cool wall, harleys class under really, really, really uncool.

Go for soemthing half decent, like the Honda CBF-600 or 1000. That way, women will think they have a chance with you instead of writing you off as a knob-jockey.

Harley for me says, "i'm an American and i'm going to buy American"
that's all.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: loic2003
See, harley for me screams mid-life crisis, or leather-clad homosexual. Sorry, but it's jsut the way it is. Check out any bike meet, then check out a harley meet. The harley riders all have puerile gear with skulls and flames all over, and are in black leather with tassles complete with village-people style mustaches. Beer guts run rife.

The bikes themselves are simply about posing: they're shiny and make a lot of noise, but in reality don't go quick nor handle at all. It's a huge "Hey look at me! I'm still young/not camp, 'cos I have me a motorbike!" to the world. The riders are usually miserable a-holes, too, trying to be 'bad-to-the-bone' bad-boys that they remember back in 1948 when harleys were actually still cool: on my race bike, other riders always give a 'nod', but harley riders always have a face like a slapped arse.

If you imagine the top gear cool wall, harleys class under really, really, really uncool.

Go for soemthing half decent, like the Honda CBF-600 or 1000. That way, women will think they have a chance with you instead of writing you off as a knob-jockey.

With an attitude like that do you really think you're any better than they are?

:roll:

The group I ride with is all under 40, all in shape and we welcome and wave to anything on two wheels.

Grow up.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: loic2003
See, harley for me screams mid-life crisis, or leather-clad homosexual. Sorry, but it's jsut the way it is. Check out any bike meet, then check out a harley meet. The harley riders all have puerile gear with skulls and flames all over, and are in black leather with tassles complete with village-people style mustaches. Beer guts run rife.

The bikes themselves are simply about posing: they're shiny and make a lot of noise, but in reality don't go quick nor handle at all. It's a huge "Hey look at me! I'm still young/not camp, 'cos I have me a motorbike!" to the world. The riders are usually miserable a-holes, too, trying to be 'bad-to-the-bone' bad-boys that they remember back in 1948 when harleys were actually still cool: on my race bike, other riders always give a 'nod', but harley riders always have a face like a slapped arse.

If you imagine the top gear cool wall, harleys class under really, really, really uncool.

Go for soemthing half decent, like the Honda CBF-600 or 1000. That way, women will think they have a chance with you instead of writing you off as a knob-jockey.

Die in a wheelie, squid.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: loic2003
See, harley for me screams mid-life crisis, or leather-clad homosexual. Sorry, but it's jsut the way it is. Check out any bike meet, then check out a harley meet. The harley riders all have puerile gear with skulls and flames all over, and are in black leather with tassles complete with village-people style mustaches. Beer guts run rife.

The bikes themselves are simply about posing: they're shiny and make a lot of noise, but in reality don't go quick nor handle at all. It's a huge "Hey look at me! I'm still young/not camp, 'cos I have me a motorbike!" to the world. The riders are usually miserable a-holes, too, trying to be 'bad-to-the-bone' bad-boys that they remember back in 1948 when harleys were actually still cool: on my race bike, other riders always give a 'nod', but harley riders always have a face like a slapped arse.

If you imagine the top gear cool wall, harleys class under really, really, really uncool.

Go for soemthing half decent, like the Honda CBF-600 or 1000. That way, women will think they have a chance with you instead of writing you off as a knob-jockey.

odd. i know about 8 poeple that own Harleys. while some are older (around 50) not one of them is fat, a-holes, or try to ba "bad-to-the-bone". they all have great jobs and family life.

they just prefer harley's over any jap bike. and as amused said they will ride with anyone (well not squids) and wave to anyone on a bike.

you have this idea that they are all like what you see in movies or on TV and it is not true.

edit: oh and for the record i ride a CBR F4 and i do ride with teh harley riders often.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
If you want an American bike, buy an Indian. Then you won't have the crappy engineering and overmerchandising-weekend-warrior-yuppie stigma.

No, you'll just be buying from a company that's gone under not once, not twice, but three times.

No support, rare parts and no dealers.

Yeah, there's a good idea.

Finally, there are no Indians in his price range.

And you gave this horrible advice all because you have this irrational hatred of Harley.

You could have at least suggested Victory... At least they are still in business.

For those of us that know or care...The real Indian Co. went out of business in 1954=FACT.
Amused, I stand by my reasons for disliking The Motor Co. Here in downtown Long Beach, Ca. signs have been posted warning of ticketing for loud pipes. People are fed up with loud pipes saving lives. The way I figure it, straight piped Harleys have saved the world population several times over. We are tired of being saved.

Mosh, over 50% of what represents a HD motorcycle is NOT made in the USA. Owning a Harley does NOT make one a better patriot...or does it. HD riders are just posers for the most part. Real riders dream of http://www.ironbutt.com/

OP, Sporties are for physically small people and can not be riden in comfort two up.

Avoid all 4 speed Sportsters because thier trannies WILL go bad.


...Galvanized

 

[loic2003]

Originally posted by: Amused
With an attitude like that do you really think you're any better than they are?

:roll:

The group I ride with is all under 40, all in shape and we welcome and wave to anything on two wheels.

Grow up.

This is my experience. I always give other bikes the nod, but not once have I gotten one back from your classic cliche harley rider, whereas i'd say 80%+ of the time other 'normal' bikers nod back. You may say your 'biker gang' is different, and that's fine, but I can only speak of what I've witnessed. And yeah, it p!sses me off that harley riders have their 'attitudes' all the time.... the whole harley clique seems, well... kinda lame to me.

YMMV

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: loic2003

Originally posted by: Amused
With an attitude like that do you really think you're any better than they are?

:roll:

The group I ride with is all under 40, all in shape and we welcome and wave to anything on two wheels.

Grow up.

This is my experience. I always give other bikes the nod, but not once have I gotten one back from your classic cliche harley rider, whereas i'd say 80%+ of the time other 'normal' bikers nod back. You may say your 'biker gang' is different, and that's fine, but I can only speak of what I've witnessed. And yeah, it p!sses me off that harley riders have their 'attitudes' all the time.... the whole harley clique seems, well... kinda lame to me.

YMMV

I don't have a "gang." I have friends.

I rode sport bikes for 20+ years. Now I ride a Harley. What is the number one problem we have at bike shows and meets? Squids. Sport bikers have more than thier fair share of attutude.

Try waving instead of nodding.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: loic2003

Originally posted by: Amused
With an attitude like that do you really think you're any better than they are?

:roll:

The group I ride with is all under 40, all in shape and we welcome and wave to anything on two wheels.

Grow up.

This is my experience. I always give other bikes the nod, but not once have I gotten one back from your classic cliche harley rider, whereas i'd say 80%+ of the time other 'normal' bikers nod back. You may say your 'biker gang' is different, and that's fine, but I can only speak of what I've witnessed. And yeah, it p!sses me off that harley riders have their 'attitudes' all the time.... the whole harley clique seems, well... kinda lame to me.

YMMV

I agree with you Brit. I live on the SoCal coast and every weekend Pacific Coast Highway is loaded with Harley asshats. Loud pipes, hey look at me attitude. A real bunch of phonies. The bikes are used for bar hopping You ought to see these fools in the twisties :laugh: they fall all over the road. Piss poor riders for the most part. Amused did say he rode sport bikes for 20 years so he is not the average Harley wanna be tough guy yuppie


...Galvanized

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
If you want an American bike, buy an Indian. Then you won't have the crappy engineering and overmerchandising-weekend-warrior-yuppie stigma.

No, you'll just be buying from a company that's gone under not once, not twice, but three times.

No support, rare parts and no dealers.

Yeah, there's a good idea.

Finally, there are no Indians in his price range.

And you gave this horrible advice all because you have this irrational hatred of Harley.

You could have at least suggested Victory... At least they are still in business.

For those of us that know or care...The real Indian Co. went out of business in 1954=FACT.
Amused, I stand by my reasons for disliking The Motor Co. Here in downtown Long Beach, Ca. signs have been posted warning of ticketing for loud pipes. People are fed up with loud pipes saving lives. The way I figure it, straight piped Harleys have saved the world population several times over. We are tired of being saved.

Mosh, over 50% of what represents a HD motorcycle is NOT made in the USA. Owning a Harley does NOT make one a better patriot...or does it. HD riders are just posers for the most part. Real riders dream of http://www.ironbutt.com/

OP, Sporties are for physically small people and can not be riden in comfort two up.

Avoid all 4 speed Sportsters because thier trannies WILL go bad.


...Galvanized

Galvanized:
Is there any other bike that is over 50% American made?
(And I'm just blind faith believing that you have that stat from a reliable source)

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Amused, I stand by my reasons for disliking The Motor Co. Here in downtown Long Beach, Ca. signs have been posted warning of ticketing for loud pipes. People are fed up with loud pipes saving lives. The way I figure it, straight piped Harleys have saved the world population several times over. We are tired of being saved.

Harley's are sold with quiet pipes. Your beef is not with HD. It's with owners.

I have moderately loud aftermarket pipes. And I will continue to have them until drivers get the fsck off their phones (and all the other things they do in their cars), and start paying attention.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
Galvanized:
Is there any other bike that is over 50% American made?
(And I'm just blind faith believing that you have that stat from a reliable source)

The snowmobile folks build the Victory and it *might* have a higher percentage of componets built on-shore http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-US/Victory/

Several years ago Cycle World magazine did a run down on where the parts for a Harley come from, it was interesting. It does not make the bike any less American.
The frame and most of the engine componets are homegrown. My guess on the engine...The sprockets for the primary drive and chain are not sourced here. Most everything else comes from off-shore sources, tires, all the electronics, carbs or now injection, shocks, forks, wheels & spokes, bearings, seats, bars, lights, cables, batteries and just about all after market Harley supplied accesories. They are making oddels of money About 65% of thier production is exported Sure keeps the price and demand up here at home.

Mosh, I'm your mother's age and have ridden most of my life. I started in the SoCal desert in '64 on a Greeves Challenger. My street bike was a 200cc Triumph Cub. I dated gals on that little bike Never owned a Harley but have repaired my share of them and rode them as a mechanic.
While touring on my Moto Guzzi I have stopped to help Harley riders(flat tires, out of gas or broken chain). They even have an attitude about accepting help from a non-member of the club *shakes head*


...Galvanized