Metric bike rider gets first Harley - review

[T99Ford]

Welcome to the world of HD man! So different from other motorcycling, I consider it a different sport. Nice bike!

[11Rider]

Hey guys, see if this link works. Check out the video and pics http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...readid=1469218 Here's and entertaining one too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXsoA...eature=related

[crazy steve]

...They say it's not too difficult or expensive to get about 95 rear wheel hp out of the Sporty with a 1250 kit and cams. I'm already saving up!

You'll need more than a 1250 kit and cams to reach that power level; budget for a set of heads too. The guys to talk to are here: http://www.nrhsperformance.com/

[11Rider]

I think it would be easier to get the holeshot on the Sportster for a little distance because it's so easy to launch - low end power right off idle and really nice clutch. No doubt the 11 would overtake it in short order though I will say that with the stage one setup the Sportster is not lacking in overall power. They say it's not too difficult or expensive to get about 95 rear wheel hp out of the Sporty with a 1250 kit and cams. I'm already saving up!

[mharrington]

11Rider how does your Harley compare in power/acceleration to your XS1100?

[Jerry]

Every couple of years I go to the "Biketoberfest" that dealers sponsor around this part of the country. Bascially you sign up to ride differnt bikes at different dealers booths/tents. With good scheduling you can ride 5 - 6 different bikes per day. You ride on regular roads and put on a few miles, BMW tends to take longer routes.

This is a good way to see what is happening from the manufacturer's world. Admission is generally $25 - $30 and youmust bring your own helmet and present a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement to sign up for the rides.

After every one of these events I come back to my 4-cylinder metric bikes, both the XJ and the Concours. The big twins just shake too much for my taste. However, improvements are closing the gap.

Biggest diffrence I see is un upgraded braking. Suzuki, for example, uses Brembo components and has excelent brakes across the line. Victory has some units that come standard with forward controls, nice for longer distance cruising.

I cannot stand tank-mounted instrumets. You have to take your eyes off the road to look at them. IMHO this is a safety issue. Perhaps with more ecperience I would not have to look at the speedo so much, but I found it annoying.

Everyone rides for for different reasons and have different styles. For me, doing mostly longer hauls (commute is 115 miles a day) the smoother 4-cylinder rides coupled with a custom seat (Diamond on the XJ, Russell Day-Long on the Connie) beats the twins (except BMW) for my particular tastes.

Once in a while you get a real surprise, like the time Norton introduced their 3-cylinder bike in 2005 (?) It looked odd, but was a rocket with good handling. Fun ride.

If you have a chance to attend one of thes events, do so. Ride some of the new machines and compare notes. It's a great way to spend a day or two.

[jetmechmarty]

I can't tell you much about what was, only about what is now. Not a bad machine at all.

I agree, completely!

[11Rider]

I can't tell you much about what was, only about what is now. Not a bad machine at all.

[jetmechmarty]

Hi Marty,
and he tells people the handprint was Willie G's, right? The ultimate H-D collectable.

He should have done that. He bought the bike in Saudi Arabia. It was when AMF had them at their worst. It wasn't a very reliable machine.

[fredintoon]

- - - I had a friend who had a 1980 Low Rider that came from the factory with a handprint in the paint on the tank. - - -

Hi Marty,
and he tells people the handprint was Willie G's, right? The ultimate H-D collectable.

[11Rider]

So true, it can be a whole side hobby just bargain shopping for farkles

[crazy steve]

Good reveiw of my review! Thanks Steve. BTW, I already got a "standard" oil filter from Pep Boys and Castrol Synthethic MC oil 20/50. Oil change is ridiculously easy!

Make sure you 'burp' the oil line when you change oil; after draining/refilling the tank, pull the line off the frame stub momentarily until you see oil. If you don't, sometimes it can 'air lock' and you won't get oil to the motor.

I've been running the 'Ford' oil filter almost since I got mine. Half the cost of a 'Harley' filter, twice the filter media, and adds 1/2 quart of oil to the total (a good thing); someplace to put the 'extra' oil left over when doing a change. A well-known trick, and 'proven' by hundreds of users. The guy I learned it from holds several land speed records at Bonneville...

One thing nice about these 'versions'; Harley built these pretty much with only minor changes from 1991 through 2003 (and some parts even older/newer will fit), so parts are super easy to find. It does pay to shop around for 'goodies' too, so don't just go to the dealer; you now have a huge aftermarket available.

[11Rider]

Good reveiw of my review! Thanks Steve. BTW, I already got a "standard" oil filter from Pep Boys and Castrol Synthethic MC oil 20/50. Oil change is ridiculously easy!

... Just for fun, here's a few things that stand out to me, again, as a metric bike rider new to Harleys:

1. Being the solid mounted engine style, this thing VIBRATES! I'm not necessarily against it, as a matter of fact I kinda like it. However, for really long rides or light touring this may be an issue.

Yep, they vibrate, but for the record not nearly as badly as My XS2 did... Do perform a fastner check from time to time, and use blue locktite on everything.

2. Overall quality seems to be right up there with the Jap bikes, if not a tiny bit better. This was a surprise to me. All components seem real nice, fit and finish is excellent and paint is excellent!

Sorry guys, but quality is MUCH better.

3. Reliability - don't know yet. Came with one slightly leaky fork seal but other than that she seems to run perfectly and strong. Everything works and has a solid feel to it - I like it!

These are very reliable bikes (my '93 has been the most reliable I've owned, including the XS). One thing you do need to do different; make sure you thoroughly warm up the bike before hammering the throttle. Failure to do so will result in oil leaks.

4. Power is quite good. Of course my son's FZ! leaves it in the dust, but I can hole shot him for 50 to 100 feet on a good launch. Mine came with a stage one kit and moves quite well. She only turns 2500 RPM at 60 mph and still has more than ample passing power in top gear.

If you want more, go to the NRHS site; lots of power options...

5. Sound - can't beat it in my opinion

Potato potato....

6. Handling - mixed bag. Now that the tires have air in them she handles quite well although it can be a bit "squirrily" at highway speeds. No signs of the "Harley wobble" in sweepers, even high speed. Light, quick handling at lower speeds.

Run about 38 in the rear and 40 in the front, that will 'crisp' the handling quite a bit. If it still has the factory 'rocklops' on it, look for some Metzlers next time. Seriously think about replacing the rear shocks with a set of Progressive 412s (stock length). You have a 'standard' Sporty (not the ill-handling 'Custom' or Hugger), I love the way mine handles...

One more pleasant surprise you'll get is the mileage; you should get about 60 mpg on the highway.

One very useful tip; for oil changes, rather than getting hosed at the dealer for a filter, use a FL-1A Motorcraft/Napa 21515 (or equivilent) oil filter. This was used on Ford/Mopar cars/trucks from 1957 well into the 90s, you can buy them virtually anywhere. Fits right on, adds oil capacity, and if you want chrome, pick up a reusable chrome slip-on cover...

Enjoy!

[jetmechmarty]

I'd be willing to bet the handling is exemplary with this setup. I thought any Sportster I ever rode handled quite well, except for the forward controls.

I had a friend who had a 1980 Low Rider that came from the factory with a handprint in the paint on the tank. Other than that, I think Harley Davidson fit & finish is the gold standard.

I don't own one. I don't own stock in the company. I don't really aspire to own one. These are just my observations.

[crazy steve]

... Just for fun, here's a few things that stand out to me, again, as a metric bike rider new to Harleys:

1. Being the solid mounted engine style, this thing VIBRATES! I'm not necessarily against it, as a matter of fact I kinda like it. However, for really long rides or light touring this may be an issue.

Yep, they vibrate, but for the record not nearly as badly as My XS2 did... Do perform a fastner check from time to time, and use blue locktite on everything.

2. Overall quality seems to be right up there with the Jap bikes, if not a tiny bit better. This was a surprise to me. All components seem real nice, fit and finish is excellent and paint is excellent!

Sorry guys, but quality is MUCH better.

3. Reliability - don't know yet. Came with one slightly leaky fork seal but other than that she seems to run perfectly and strong. Everything works and has a solid feel to it - I like it!

These are very reliable bikes (my '93 has been the most reliable I've owned, including the XS). One thing you do need to do different; make sure you thoroughly warm up the bike before hammering the throttle. Failure to do so will result in oil leaks.

4. Power is quite good. Of course my son's FZ! leaves it in the dust, but I can hole shot him for 50 to 100 feet on a good launch. Mine came with a stage one kit and moves quite well. She only turns 2500 RPM at 60 mph and still has more than ample passing power in top gear.

If you want more, go to the NRHS site; lots of power options...

5. Sound - can't beat it in my opinion

Potato potato....

6. Handling - mixed bag. Now that the tires have air in them she handles quite well although it can be a bit "squirrily" at highway speeds. No signs of the "Harley wobble" in sweepers, even high speed. Light, quick handling at lower speeds.

Run about 38 in the rear and 40 in the front, that will 'crisp' the handling quite a bit. If it still has the factory 'rocklops' on it, look for some Metzlers next time. Seriously think about replacing the rear shocks with a set of Progressive 412s (stock length). You have a 'standard' Sporty (not the ill-handling 'Custom' or Hugger), I love the way mine handles...

One more pleasant surprise you'll get is the mileage; you should get about 60 mpg on the highway.

One very useful tip; for oil changes, rather than getting hosed at the dealer for a filter, use a FL-1A Motorcraft/Napa 21515 (or equivilent) oil filter. This was used on Ford/Mopar cars/trucks from 1957 well into the 90s, you can buy them virtually anywhere. Fits right on, adds oil capacity, and if you want chrome, pick up a reusable chrome slip-on cover...

Enjoy!