I rode my first Hog today!

[teabgs]

Well, I know a lot of you have bikes and are very into it.well, Macrumors sparked an interest in the whole idea and I've been bugging my uncle who has a Harley to teach me to drive it for about a month now. well, I went out to his house for a BBQ today and he took me out on a ride. Though I didnt drive, it was still really cool.

I decided that as soon as its financially feasable, I too will own one. Oh man was it great.

Problem is since Im 20 he says my **** is connected to my brain too well and he wont let me drive it solo until I'm older and dont have so much testosterone. :(

oh well, Im hooked, twas 1/3 as good as skydiving, but you can do it for 3 times as long.

And oh man! was accelerating very quickly the best! highway and hog=happy me!

[AlphaTech]

Once you go Harley, you don't go back... Take a riding course as soon as you can, which will teach you all about riding as well as give you a break on the insurance.

I've been riding for over 6 years now, I started in my mid-20s and never had a problem. If you buy it yourself, then you will be more careful with it. Treat it like the investment it is, as well as the svelt machine it is.

What kind of Harley does he have??? I have the Softail Standard, which I am already customizing. :D It's a great work in progress which may never be finished.

[teabgs]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Once you go Harley, you don't go back... Take a riding course as soon as you can, which will teach you all about riding as well as give you a break on the insurance.

I've been riding for over 6 years now, I started in my mid-20s and never had a problem. If you buy it yourself, then you will be more careful with it. Treat it like the investment it is, as well as the svelt machine it is.

What kind of Harley does he have??? I have the Softail Standard, which I am already customizing. :D It's a great work in progress which may never be finished.

I cant afford one now(I can barely afford food AND beer). Plus I live in NYC so I have no need to drive anything, let alone a bike. So the course is gonna have to wait...

Dont know what kind of Harley it is but I'll find out...I know he's changed it a bit since he got it.

All I know is that when you talked about all that power between your legs and how great a feeling it is...well, that happened today. The first thing I said when we got home was "I want one".

I was thinking how cool itd be to be riding onmy own Harley with an iPod(I also very much want an iPod currently). Sad thing is I can maybe get the iPod, but have years to wait for the bike...

[AlphaTech]

In most states, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter, with headphones on. When/if you get caught, it carries a rather hefty fine, so you are better off not doing it. You cannot afford the distraction of music while riding. You really do need to be aware of everything around you at all times, or you become a statistic.

[cb911]

i'm going to get a dirt bike as soon as i can. i don't know about Harleys though....

after the dirt bike it'll be a Suzuki TL 1000-R. i love big v-twins.

[teabgs]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
In most states, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter, with headphones on. When/if you get caught, it carries a rather hefty fine, so you are better off not doing it. You cannot afford the distraction of music while riding. You really do need to be aware of everything around you at all times, or you become a statistic.

Yeah I know....in fact I am WELL AWARE of traffic laws. I have a commercial Liceanse and Passenger endorsment, so if I were to ever get pulled over for something like that I get a worse penalty....cause I know better :mad: In fact, if I were to get a DUI I'd loose my liceanse right away because of the CDL....But I would never do that, and never have. It's one of the worst things you can do on the road.

I wouldnt do it for real, just think it would be fun, hypothetically....

[eyelikeart]

I was hoping to get to this one before Alpha did...I was gonna say how happy he was going to be to hear about it...he he he ;)

[mcrain]

OH, I remember all my first rides.

I remember being so young and innocent, loving bikes, but never having the ability to get one. Then signing up for a riding course, and for the first time getting on that little training bike (sub 250 engine). Oh it was so fun, and I was instantly hooked.

Then, since I couldn't afford more, I got a rice bike, and I remember the first time riding that baby. 600 cc's, fast and agile.

Selling that bike was difficult, but I knew that someday I'd get a Harley.

5 years ago I stumbled across a guy who had a used lowrider. One test drive later, I was sold. Man, talk about a feeling. My old 600 cc bike felt quick, but that Harley was something completely different. A bored out shovelhead between your legs is something akin to riding a race horse.

Now, after 3 years of serious customizing, and a lot of TLC, I'm selling my baby.

Even though I'm sad, I know she won't be my last ride.

[iGav]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
I have the Softail Standard, which I am already customizing. :D It's a great work in progress which may never be finished.

Hey Alpha, how have you customized your Harley???? I have visions of airbrushed semi-clad women and flames whenever I hear the customize word....... :p

Are you focusing on the mechanics of the bike, or the way it looks?? or both??

[menoinjun]

Why would anyone want to ride a heavy, underpowered motorcycle that is overly loud and numbs your butt if you ride it for more than ten minutes? Not to mention that the quality is not up to the japanese par. There have already been 10 recalls on the new "sporty" harley, and it's been out about one year!! (for got the name)

Sorry to say this, but the Japanese cruisers have become better bikes than the originals.

-Pete

(I plan on getting my Shadow later this year.)

[mcrain]

Originally posted by ptrauber
Why would anyone want to ride a heavy, underpowered motorcycle that is overly loud and numbs your butt if you ride it for more than ten minutes? Not to mention that the quality is not up to the japanese par. There have already been 10 recalls on the new "sporty" harley, and it's been out about one year!! (for got the name)

Sorry to say this, but the Japanese cruisers have become better bikes than the originals.

-Pete

(I plan on getting my Shadow later this year.)

Everyone has their opinions. That's yours.

As for why I prefer my old, heavy bike to say, a Japanese bike. Well, first of all, my bike is what the Japanese bikes are trying to look like. Second, my bike is just that. My bike. No one else's bike looks like mine. Fully custom. Third, it may not have 125 horsepower or whatever like a vmax, but it does get up and go, and the horsepower difference isn't really all that much when you bore your engine and do other performance mods. Oh, and finally, I ride my Harley because I like it. It is fun to drive, gets lots of looks, and really is a nice bike.

(Oh, and bring your vmax or shadow to a biker bar sometime and we'll see who'd bike looks better the next morning)

If you want a sports bike, buy a sports bike. If you want a bike that looks like a V-twin American cruiser, buy a V-twin American Cruiser. Wannabe.

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by ptrauber
Why would anyone want to ride a heavy, underpowered motorcycle that is overly loud and numbs your butt if you ride it for more than ten minutes? Not to mention that the quality is not up to the japanese par. There have already been 10 recalls on the new "sporty" harley, and it's been out about one year!! (for got the name)

Sorry to say this, but the Japanese cruisers have become better bikes than the originals.


You are basing your statement on highly inaccurate information there bubba... "numbs your butt"??? Get F*cking real :rolleyes: ANY Softail or Glide model treats you like a king. I could ride the thing for hours and hours and feel none the worse for it. Then again, I couldn't do that on the old rice burner that was my first motorcycle (Yamaha Virago 750). On that you HAD to get off every hour or so, or you WOULD have a sore ass. I have gone longer on the Harley and felt just fine.

"overly loud" dude, get real. Most people that change their pipes, do it for the looks, NOT the sound level. Mine DO have baffles inside of them, I just didn't like the look of the stock pipes.

Are you trying to reference the V-Rod??? Get the name right, or don't bother to say anything. :rolleyes: Oh, and are we talking about the V-Rod here?? NO (get with it dumb-ass).

Jap. cruisers have a market, but then again, once you ACTUALLY RIDE a new Harley you finally understand their attraction. Until you have, keep your moronic statements to yourself.

Most Harley riders feel pretty much the same about their rides as Mac users do about their computers. The easiest, and fastest, way to be handed your ass is to start talking sh*t about either.

[AlphaTech]

Hey mcrain, this is one of those times that I actually agree with you :eek:

The Japanese bike makers have been trying to capitalize on the Harley look for YEARS!

I get people coming over to look at my motorcycle just about every place I stop... The Harley Davidson name on the tank helps, as does the fact that you can tell it's a Harley with just a glance. It will look even cooler when I get my Corbin saddle in a short time (waiting for it to arrive).

I am thinking about getting the tank and fenders painted in another year or three, we shall see. I need to come up with something unique and that I will be happy with. I also need to research some artists to see what kind of work they do. I also will try to get some sketches from them, to see if I like their ideas or not. I might change the rear fender before I get it painted, which is the main reason for the delay. I need to see what I can get away with, and still use the saddle bags I have.

[Pants]

I'd only come over to laugh at your bike...
;)

I mean, why do people customise harleys? simply because when you buy it, it doesnt work. The brakes are agricultural, the ride is like a waterbed (minus the blonde) and the engine is circa 1955. Now theres nothing intrinsically *wrong* with any of this, just they are a lot of money for not an awful lot of value. And that whole leather fetish scene and 'return to biking' 55 year olds just makes me want to avoid them like the plague.... If you have to buy a Harley - buy an old one - much nicer.

Having said that - any convert to the world of bikes is welcome - irrespective of bike. And if you want a dirt bike, go get a Husqvarna and wet yourself... :)

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by Pants
I'd only come over to laugh at your bike...

I mean, why do people customise harleys? simply because when you buy it, it doesnt work. The brakes are agricultural, the ride is like a waterbed (minus the blonde) and the engine is circa 1955. Now theres nothing intrinsically *wrong* with any of this, just they are a lot of money for not an awful lot of value. And that whole leather fetish scene and 'return to biking' 55 year olds just makes me want to avoid them like the plague.... If you have to buy a Harley - buy an old one - much nicer.

Ok, bubba... you are just begging for it. The Harley engine (88B) was a new design a few years ago. NOT from 1955 :rolleyes: . The brakes are disc front and rear with more then enough stopping power for the weight of the Harley :p. The ride is NOT like a waterbed. Judging from your moronic statements I am forced to believe that you have NOT been on a Harley that is newer then 1955.

The new Harley's are just as great as the older ones, actually they are better in so many ways. I'm not in that 55 year old range, so get off your brain so that your synapsis can start to fire normally.

Since you really don't understand the REAL reason why people customize their Harley's you wouldn't understand me explaining it to you. It has NOTHING to do with technology, it has EVERYTHING to making your ride unique. There are plenty of people out there riding stock Harley's that have never customized a single item on it. Then there are people that have changed everything except the engine and frame.

Go ride around on you stinkin dirt bike... :rolleyes: and leave the real rides to the real men. :p :D

[Pants]

thought that'd wake you up...
;)

hehe ! a whole disc on the front? do they come with braided hoses yet or do they still ship with those comedy ballooning rubber hoses? :) please explain to me why harley owners feel the need to continually customise their bike with leather tassles, satchels, mullets and screaming eagle paintjobs? (the only thing that does scream mind......)

well, if they're good enough for Whitney Houston..... :rolleyes:
stinking dirt bike? no - its a 4stroke - 2 strokes both stink and scream however....I'd swap your harley for an rgv500 any day - both are equally unreliable though - but one would make you grin whilst it was working, and it aint the harley! ;)

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by Pants
thought that'd wake you up...
;)

hehe ! a whole disc on the front? do they come with braided hoses yet or do they still ship with those comedy ballooning rubber hoses? :) please explain to me why harley owners feel the need to continually customise their bike with leather tassles, satchels, mullets and screaming eagle paintjobs? (the only thing that does scream mind......)

well, if they're good enough for Whitney Houston..... :rolleyes:
stinking dirt bike? no - its a 4stroke - 2 strokes both stink and scream however....I'd swap your harley for an rgv500 any day - both are equally unreliable though - but one would make you grin whilst it was working, and it aint the harley! ;)

Remember what they say about sleeping dragons???

When you have a large disc up front, you don't need two. I would have to check the lines on mine, but that isn't really an issue.

Don't group all of us with the tassle freaks, you won't find any of that on my Harley, nor will you find the concho's. Saddlebags have a purpose, to carry a few six-packs for the ride (for when you are done for the day and want a cold one). The paintjobs are part of the individual expressesion. No two should be identical.

You can keep your retching dirt bikes, and shove them up your ass for all I care. Ever since Harley bought themselves back from AMF, in the 80's, they have had quality where it should be (i.e. HIGH, just like you are :rolleyes: ). It took them a couple of years to iron out all the issues in the manufacturing line, but that has been done for ages now. There is a reason why they don't put out more motorcycles a year. They could, but quality could suffer, and that is a trade off they are NOT willing to make. Most people getting a Harley are willing to wait for theirs to arrive. Hell, I only had to wait a couple of months for mine. Order up one now, and you would be lucky to get it before 2004 (forget about getting a 2003 Softail right now). With the 100 year models coming out soon, they are already sold, at least the more popular models are.

[Pants]

I'm poking you with a stick...sorry... ;)

I'm not a (modern) harley fan, mainly because of the fan base they seem to attract (yeah - the wannabee angels, and pink leather jacket brigade....). That and they seem to be designed for American roads - twisty lanes and a wallowing suspension sadly just dont cut it here.

I'm also not a big dirt bike fan, but having recently taken out a Husqvarna and wet myself with its sheer wheely grunt and poise, I could easily be a convert! Whatever, to the original poster, go get yourself some lessons, a decent set of leathers and forget about music on a bike - the bike *IS* the music!!

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by Pants
I'm poking you with a stick...sorry... ;)

I'm not a (modern) harley fan, mainly because of the fan base they seem to attract (yeah - the wannabee angels, and pink leather jacket brigade....). That and they seem to be designed for American roads - twisty lanes and a wallowing suspension sadly just dont cut it here.

I'm also not a big dirt bike fan, but having recently taken out a Husqvarna and wet myself with its sheer wheely grunt and poise, I could easily be a convert! Whatever, to the original poster, go get yourself some lessons, a decent set of leathers and forget about music on a bike - the bike *IS* the music!!

Ok, Bubba, where the f*ck are you??? Empty location field's don't help much :rolleyes:

I don't care what the other riders are, what's important to me is riding itself, on the best f*cking ride there is (a HARLEY ya mook).

Gee, the Harley is designed for American roads?? Go on. :rolleyes: Could it have something to do with the fact that Harley-Davidson is an AMERICAN company??? IF you don't like the ride, don't buy it, no one has a gun to your head telling you to purchase the best motorcycle in existance (Harley). Go ahead, get one of those Japanese bikes. The second you roll off the lot, you loose money. I could turn around and sell my Harley for more money then I either paid, or have invested in it. :p

[mcrain]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
The second you roll off the lot, you loose money. I could turn around and sell my Harley for more money then I either paid, or have invested in it. :p

I'm asking what I paid for my bike PLUS what I put into it customizing it, and that's absolutely fair. In fact, probably about the right price for a bike like it.

As for other bikes, I understand why someone would want a nice smooth engined japanese bike, but why on earth would you want one that looked like something it isn't.

I can't tell you how many times I've had to say to my wife, "No, that's not a Harley, it just looks like one." F*ing posers.

If you want a crotch rocket, get one. If you want a road bike, get one. (Honda has my respect there, at least they aren't copying HD, they have their own style).

If you want a bike that's a V-twin, don't buy some cheesy fake HD made by Honda or Kawasaki or Yamaha, and then say you bought it because it's a better bike. You bought it because you're too f*cking cheap to buy what you really wanted.

What this all boils down to is jealousy. Imagine my whiney voice: "Oh, I can't afford a mercedes... they suck anyway." "Oh, I can't afford such a hot bombshell... she sucks anyway." (Actually, she does, but that's besides the point.)

HD's have a cult following. You have every right to not like them, but believe me, they are fine machines. As for quality... I have an 83 that runs like a dream. Supposedly they had quality problems, but I haven't had any major problems.

Sick em Alphatech!

[AlphaTech]

Isn't it one of the signs of the apocolypse when the tax man and I team up??? LMAO!! Harley did have issues back in the AMF days, but that is history. You cannot use that to gauge the current models of Harley.

Hey mcrain, you a member of HOG yet??? I have the national membership, and just need to make it to the local meeting to get that one. Both are free (the first year) when you purchase a Harley from a dealer. There are many benefits to owning a Harley. Not the least of which is that you are buying a piece of American heritage along with supporting one of the oldest American vehicle companies around (they turn 100 in 2003).

[mcrain]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Isn't it one of the signs of the apocolypse when the tax man and I team up??? LMAO!! Harley did have issues back in the AMF days, but that is history. You cannot use that to gauge the current models of Harley.

Hey mcrain, you a member of HOG yet??? I have the national membership, and just need to make it to the local meeting to get that one. Both are free (the first year) when you purchase a Harley from a dealer. There are many benefits to owning a Harley. Not the least of which is that you are buying a piece of American heritage along with supporting one of the oldest American vehicle companies around (they turn 100 in 2003).

I'm a member. I was going to join another organization too, but they were mostly about getting rid of helmet laws, and I think that's just plain silly. If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet.

The apocolypse is upon us!

Oh, one other benefit of buying a Harley... they are expensive, thus you are doing YOUR part to help the local taxing authorities. I say good for you, and thanks!

[Wes]

Pants, I'm with you on this one. I never liked the old fat man with a bin laden beard sitting on a harley with more leather than a field of cows. Even if that is a stereotype, I don't like the look of the bikes, nor the noise. Here in England thankfully there are more jap bikes. I'm also starting to like the new triumph who have followed the model of the japs. Flame me all you want but the Japs have the advantage, in speed, accel, looks and if you asked the average person on the street which they'd rather have, I think I know who would win.:p

[mcrain]

Originally posted by W-_-W
Flame me all you want but the Japs have the advantage, in speed, accel, looks and if you asked the average person on the street which they'd rather have, I think I know who would win.:p

Speed and acceleration, maybe, but looks is purely subjective. As for the average person, first, it depends on the street, and second, on your definition of "average person." I've been to london and walked down the streets behind the 400 piercing, 12 inch (sorry 20cm) mohawk, some punk music blaring out of earphones, "normal" guy, and my guess is his answer would be very different from a small-town, middle of America, blue collar worker.

I'm sure if you polled the "average guy" over in London versus the average guy over here about the queen mum, most guys over here would think you were nuts for even asking.

[AlphaTech]

W-_-W, honestly, I don't give a rat's flaming rectal cavity WHAT you do over in england. We whipped your asses back in the revolution, and then saved them in WW2. :p

I would much rather see the engine of a Harley then all that plastic of your f*cking, whining, rice rocket. Who gives a sh*t if you can do 150mph+?? You hit ANYTHING on the road at that speed and you are DEAD (just like the stuff between your ears). You might get there faster on the rice rocket, but at least on a Harley, you get there in style.

As for your stereo-type of a Harley rider, get with the times you wanker... Most of the Harley's being purchased these days are white collar professional people that want to own a piece of America and are in the position to really enjoy it.

You can take your rice rocket and cram it. I see people that ride those all summer long with nothing but shorts, sneakers (if that) and sometimes a helmet, weaving in and out of traffic. If you are not intelligent to at least wear something approaching proper gear, you deserve what you get when you go down. By proper gear, I mean, jeans, boots, gloves (at least 1/2 finger), a helmet (of some kind), sunglasses (goggles at night if no windshield) and A jacket (leather is the best, but denim works almost as well).

[Wes]

Your feeble insults may have impressed people back when you were 10 but in the real world it shows how shallow your points of views are and stop you from have a descent conversation. I've seen your posts many times and have experienced the anguish of reading a mouth full of bull providing sad back up and cussing for your argument. Your WWII is irrelvent. Atleast the British were not over-run by a rebellion of Afghanis (No offense to any other Americans but this numskull only responds to such low material). I have tried to restrain myself for sometime but I couldn't help but return what I thought was just.

You hit ANYTHING on the road at that speed and you are DEAD (just like the stuff between your ears).

Yeah the last time I checked the point was to not hit anything. I'll look that up later. Who said you should ever hit 150 mph, it's like having a Ferrari, it can go 180 mph but do you take it there sometimes if ever?

You might get there faster on the rice rocket, but at least on a Harley, you get there in style.

Style cough cough (that sums it up)

As for your stereo-type of a Harley rider, get with the times you wanker...

Your childishness slips in every so often to let in a insult.

You can take your rice rocket and cram it. I see people that ride those all summer long with nothing but shorts, sneakers (if that) and sometimes a helmet, weaving in and out of traffic. If you are not intelligent to at least wear something approaching proper gear, you deserve what you get when you go down. By proper gear, I mean, jeans, boots, gloves (at least 1/2 finger), a helmet (of some kind), sunglasses (goggles at night if no windshield) and A jacket (leather is the best, but denim works almost as well).

Yeah and I've seen people ride Harleys with less... this point is utterly worthless. There are bound to be idiots.

[mcrain]

My wife has seen many, many kids come in to the ER/Trauma unit after having been in a motorcycle accident. Some of the injuries are horrific, and in fact, even freaked out the doctors there (who've seen some crazy stuff).

Most of the accidents around here involve crotch rockets. I believe that is probably because the bikes are inheirently unstable [or less stable](leading to their amazing cornering abilities), and they are fairly inexpensive.

A high school kid with a summer job can afford a 3 or 4 grand crotch rocket, but would have to have a real job to afford a 20 grand bike. And, let's face it, very few of us were all that mature in high school.

The price also affects the stupidity of the drivers on another level. Most people are very careful with a machine that they have invested 20+ grand in, while I remember doing some stupid things on my ninja.

That's not an argument for or against either the rice bikes, euro bikes or harleys, just an observation.

A corralary to that observation is that if you don't wear a helmet, you will most likely die in an accident.

[Wes]

Yeah McRain some people with motorbikes are insane, I'm planing on getting one when I turn 21. Good to see no cusses in your response

[mcrain]

Originally posted by W-_-W
Yeah McRain some people with motorbikes are insane, I'm planing on getting one when I turn 21. Good to see no cusses in your response

Although there is some Irish in my background, I'm not McRain. I'm mcrain or MCRAIN or M. Crain, FYI.

Why would I cuss? I disagree with your opinion regarding the style of the Harley, and I prefer the type of performance and ride my HD give me over what I can get from a crotch rocket (which I've had), a big cruiser, or a euro bike.

It's all a matter of preference. It's sort of like asking a guy whether he likes blonde's or brunettes. Both are wonderful in their own ways, but it boils down to personal preferences.

[zac4mac]

Ha, my favorite "other struggle" besides Mac-PC.

I've owned Harleys, Indians, Triumph, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna and ridden a few others - Bultaco, Rickman-Matisse(sp?), Hodaka, Kawasaki, BMW.
My first bike was a Honda CB350 in 1974, first Harley was a 1976 Bicentennial Edition Sportster I got in '79.
I brought an Indian Scout and a Chief back from the Phillipines while in the Navy, rode the Chief for 6 or so years before trading it for a hot-rod Jeep in the late 80's.
For dirt, I prefer Yamaha/Husky/Bultaco.
For the road, there's no contest - Harleys rule.

Mine(1982 FXWG Black w/ gold ghost flames) is a tractor, slow and strong. 90 cubic inches, low compression(8:1), so I don't have to screw with gas additives. Not as fast or quick as the XS1100 I've been on for the last 7 years, but a heck of a lot more satisfying to ride. In the time I had the Yamaha, I can't remember a single "joy ride". I would usually wear my ear buds for the iPod in my helmet when riding. So far I've put 3,000 miles of combined commuting and joy riding since March on the Harley(work is only 10 miles away) and I don't listen to the iPod anymore, the Harley makes its own music.

Whatever you choose, Ride to Live - Live to Ride

Zack

[Eliot]

Perfectly put.
I'm another Harley stereotype-hahahahaha.
160 lbs, British, loads of different bikes before my plain-vanilla
Sportster(Buell mods coming, when I get some more money).
I spend my time in Florida dodging 95-yr old land-yacht owners
who've retired here to die, figuring they'll take a few bikers with them before they go.
Oh,my 2 cents on the crotch-rocket thing. Folks on different bikes are fellow travellers, not the enemy.No-one on a bike nearly kills me every time I go on the road.....

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Once you go Harley, you don't go back... Take a riding course as soon as you can, which will teach you all about riding as well as give you a break on the insurance.

I've been riding for over 6 years now, I started in my mid-20s and never had a problem. If you buy it yourself, then you will be more careful with it. Treat it like the investment it is, as well as the svelt machine it is.

What kind of Harley does he have??? I have the Softail Standard, which I am already customizing. :D It's a great work in progress which may never be finished.

is it true that to ride anything other than a harley sportster, one should be over 200 pounds to easily be able to handle the motorcycle safely?

i read a lot of motorcyle mags and stuff when i can and the harley riders all seem to be tall, big, and more often than not, very fat

only scuba divers seem as big...he he...trying to get into wetsuits too small for them...hey buddy, either get a diet or stop trying to fit into suits you bought 50 lbs. ago and stop showing your ass in public on a public thoroughway...he he

i am fairly fat at 180+ lbs and 5'7", but those riders i see on harleys all seem to be i the six foot+ range and over 250 lbs...i rarely see a sub-two hundred pound person on a harley

i still wouldn't mind getting a sportster if that was all that was safe for me

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by jefhatfield
is it true that to ride anything other than a harley sportster, one should be over 200 pounds to easily be able to handle the motorcycle safely?

i read a lot of motorcyle mags and stuff when i can and the harley riders all seem to be tall, big, and more often than not, very fat

i am fairly fat at 180+ lbs and 5'7", but those riders i see on harleys all seem to be i the six foot+ range and over 250 lbs...i rarely see a sub-two hundred pound person on a harley


Needing to be large to ride a Harley other then the sportster is a huge misconception (pun intended). Ask any of the women riding Softail models, most of them are trim and svelte (i.e. hotties). While it helps some people to be on the taller side, it is not required to ride a Harley. When you purchase a Harley, you can have everything adjusted to fit you, including lowering the motorcycle (lowers the seat height for you shorties).

I have never had a problem, then again, I am 6' tall and a little on the over side. NOT 250lbs. :p :D

My uncle has a large Harley (Heritage Softail I believe) and he is a little shorter then I am, and sub 200lbs. He has no problem handling the motorcycle.

Go to a dealership and ask to sit on one to see how it fits you. If you are really interested, see what they can do to make it fit you better (if needed). I was a bit surprised at how good the dealership I went to was, when it came time for me to look at the motorcycles and then sign papers, and even after all that was done. Hell, every month when the bill arrives for the loan, they put 'thank you' on it for the previous payment... :D What other vehicle company does that???

[teabgs]

My uncle is definately no where near a BIG guy. BUt he's got a Harely. He's probably 5'7" and maybe about 140LBS....I'm only 5'8" and 150lbs.

Neither of us had any problem riding. And it was great. And the start of this thread where until now I couldnt post otherwise.

Man, I cant wait till I can afford to get my own....

[mcrain]

I'm 5'6, 150 pounds, and have a fxsb lowrider. I don't have any problems riding it at all. The only time I have a problem is when I have to back it up on any sort of uphill or gravel. Purely a leverage issue that I can avoid with a little parking planning.

M

[iGav]

If I was going to cruise accross the states.... and I could actually ride a motorbike then I'd go with the Harley...... they do look supremely comfortable to ride...... as well as it's abit if the american dream really isn't it.... riding through the desert on a Harley....... :)

If I was going to have a bike for the UK I'd probably have a Triumph asides from them being British they do make some cool bikes..... a Harley is probably overkill on our roads.... although you do see the odd Harley around......

If I was going for a sports bike... then I wouldn't go for a Japanese one..... too tacky...... and totally zero class........ I'd drop the notes and have a Ducati of somekind...... probably a 600 as anything more would probably kill me very quickly at the first corner....... :)

But as I said I can't ride for sh*t and don't know sh*t about motorbikes...... so I'm being completely neutral here....... ;)

[jefhatfield]

thanks guys for the heads up and positive info for a short guy like me

i still can't decide what kind of harley to get since they make so many different kinds of models...there are a lot of used ones, too and so many people ride these days

[AlphaTech]

I suggest you go to Harley-Davidson's (http://www.harley-davidson.com/) and check out their models. I would go for either a Softail (http://www.harley-davidson.com/motorcycles/motorcycles_family.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=440137&bmUID=1024592348897) or Dyna Glide (http://www.harley-davidson.com/motorcycles/motorcycles_family.jsp?WebLogicSession=PRIJ3J0JoIXON7XbZnPoeJ4UAquAXW2fnyOsCPn20gfcI1Y2QDC5|-3965129309718453587/181237815/6/7005/7005/7002/7002/7005/-1|2355751431069356260/181237802/6/7005/7005/7002/7002/7005/-1&bmLocale=en_US&family=DynaGlide) models, and select the one you like the look of the best. I went for the Softail Standard (http://www.harley-davidson.com/motorcycles/motorcycles_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=424183&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=440137&bmUID=1024592448534) myself. It's a good base to start with, and you can customize the hell out of it (if you choose to).

[mcrain]

Or you could just buy mine. Fully customized with new (almost) everything.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by mcrain
Or you could just buy mine. Fully customized with new (almost) everything.

sounds tempting..i still have to get over my family history and that of friends getting killed on these things

there are so many retired people and yuppies too busy for motorcycles who bought them that there are an incredible amount of good deals where i live but i have refrained so far

i mean so many great harleys in mint condition...and not because they are kept well, but because some of these puppies have never been used

i bought my 1984 volvo from an 80-something lady who never drove it anywhere and at thriteen years old when i got it, it had only 60k miles on it

there are so many great deals i am sure in any retirement area

the cops where i am are so anti-harley unless you look extremely clean cut

if you look like an outlaw biker, they will arrest you and pull you over for almost no reason...this happens as well as racial profiling...what do you expect in an area that has 23 gold courses...right wing and snobby

i just saw this trailer for "men in black II" and there is this scene where will smith shows his partner a car with a built in alien driver who is white and he says, "the original driver was black but the cops kept on pulling him over"... it is so like cops in a rich area to do that

if you african american and live in monterey and have a nice car, then you must be reggie jackson, because anyone else would definitely be suspect from the cops

same goes with bikers...you have to somehow look wealthy to ride a bike and get away with it

there is this long standing rumor that all tough looking bikers are to be harassed and pulled over once they come across the county line where i live...i believe it to be true since i know a retired chp (state trooper) who told me a similar story and the minute one gets out of monterey county, disheveled bikers are everywhere one looks

it is hard being a noticeable minority around here so i have to keep a yuppie image and appearance to some level as not to arouse the yea-hoo cops the rich like to employ

[Nipsy]

Originally posted by AlphaTech

Hell, every month when the bill arrives for the loan, they put 'thank you' on it for the previous payment... :D What other vehicle company does that???

Ummm...Nordstrom's, VISA, eBay, Amex, PacificBell, Discover, Sprint PCS, as a matter of fact, I can't find a bill in my drawer that DOESN'T thank me for my previous payment.

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by Nipsy
Ummm...Nordstrom's, VISA, eBay, Amex, PacificBell, Discover, Sprint PCS, as a matter of fact, I can't find a bill in my drawer that DOESN'T thank me for my previous payment.

Hey BLINDBOY!! I said VEHICLE bill... not credit card and such... :rolleyes:

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by AlphaTech


Hey BLINDBOY!! I said VEHICLE bill... not credit card and such... :rolleyes:

hey, that's an idea

sell harley's at macy's and sears!

the sportster that harley makes is only 6 grand plus and it could be a great seller at a place like that

they sell ten thousand dollar flat panel tv's at costco (like wallmart) and why not sell motorcycles there?

and have some sort of money down, generous payment plan...i think it would work really well...i just don't know if harley could put out that many motorcycles to keep up with the huge demand i think this would cause

and while harley makes a reasonably priced bike, i think if they came out with something four grand plus, it would sell like hotcakes and be good for wannabes like me

...i guess i am getting all those mba school ideas come out of me

and this is also off topic, but why doesn't apple come out with franchise stores, or are those new stores, none of which i have seen, franchised already

a company trying to fund their own store and setup and paying for expenses only bleeds a company out of its funds...look at former number one company gateway who blew their load and gave the lead to dell computers

franchising is a great concept and look at mcd's...the worst of all fast food hamburgers in my opinion and many others, but they are rocking the world the dollars and cents and their success level

carl's jr, burger king, and wendy's is better as far as i am concerned

sj, are you listening?

[AlphaTech]

Harley isn't going to increase production numbers of their motorcycles. They have them coming out nice and steady all year round, with great QC as well. I would prefer that they keep production at the current levels and wait a little for the motorcycle (and get a top quality ride at that) then have them pump up the production numbers, but the quality suffers.

Don't expect to see HD motorcycles anywhere except for dealerships, it's just not gonna happen.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Harley isn't going to increase production numbers of their motorcycles. They have them coming out nice and steady all year round, with great QC as well. I would prefer that they keep production at the current levels and wait a little for the motorcycle (and get a top quality ride at that) then have them pump up the production numbers, but the quality suffers.

Don't expect to see HD motorcycles anywhere except for dealerships, it's just not gonna happen.

but what evidence would make you thinkj higher production numbers make the bike suffer

the design is the great thing with a harley and if sales are higher, more net profit comes in and just build more plants and hire more great engineers

apple is much bigger now than they were in 1977, but apple quality is at an all time high

if more sales come in and thus more money, apple can double their market share

i know we have been over this scenario a lot last year, but it is do-able

money makes a business go around, and quality of macs could be kept at the same level if market share increases and even doubles!

hire more good people and have more manufacturing plants

quantity and quality do not have to be inversely related

that relationship went out with the advent of mass production and the industrial revolution in the 1800s

to want any small or medium company to stay that way when they can grow is just elitism

apple can double its market share and still rule the computer world and harley davidson can make more bikes and keep them legendary and reliable

its business 101 in a nutshell