My latest experience with Harley dudes...

[Shuriken]

.... and yesterday, while on the job, I took some radio repeaters to a guy to get fixed. While waiting, I attempted to strike up a conversation. I noticed a big Harley banner in his workshop and asked him if he rode. He said he did, and had 3 bikes in the back. I said, "when you are done with the radios, perhaps you can show me your bikes."

I then told him I rode a 79 Yamaha. He said, "oh." Then the conversation went dead so I just sat there and waited. When he was finished with the radios, he said, "ok, thanks, we'll see you later." I said, "can we look at your bikes?" He took me back in the back long enough to lift the tarp off of one fender to show me just the fender of one.

I could see the other two and attempted to talk to him about the engine design, etc. I asked him how much compression a stock Harley made and he said, "I have no idea." That seemed a little odd to me considering that he told me earlier that he worked on them and mods them for horsepower, etc.

I found out he let a bike shop in CA put on new pipes and fuel injection remap for him. He showed me a dyno sheet. His "dyno" bike had the 88 C.I. engine on it and, with a new set of pipes and fuel remap, he was making about 70hp and 80lb of torque.

Anyway, with that, he seemed too busy to chat about much else, so I left.

He did get one thing very right, though. He said, "Harley's never were made for performance." I wanted to say, "yep, but what were they made for, then?" I didn't want to tell him how much HP and torque a new, stock XS11 made.

I couldn't help but think how much money he had tied up in those three bikes, and how little he was able to get to them for riding.

Nice guy when it came to radios, though, and he did a good job with them.

Interesting day.
Ben

[MAXIMAN]

I know several guys that ride them (HD). They are very normal until they get on their Harley. Then they do some sort of Dr. Jekyl - Mr. Hyde transformation. It's really weird how that darn bikes affects their psyche.

Not all Hardley riders are like this though...just most.

The only real experience I ever had racing one of those P.O.S. was when I was about 20. I was on an 1981 Maxim XJ650. A friend of mine was on his new 1981 Hardly Worthitson Sportster. I am certain it was 1000cc. From the hole shot all the all out to 125 mph it was an utter disgrace how badly the little 650 stomped the massive V-Twin. And this guy was a good rider.

Recently I've been out on any number of Elevens and I think they know. Generally they don't even bother. The only one that ever acted like he wanted some riff was on a V-Rod recently. When he saw the four chrome pipes protruding from the from of Zeus he kinda smiled and turned down a side street at the following red light..

Oh he probably could've taken me on a V-Rod but it would've been close.

[Shuriken]

Yeah, I think I'd have to mod my bike heavy to beat a V-Rod.

Admittedly, that's the ONE and ONLY Harley I like. I think it's a beautiful bike and it certainly can perform.

XSives, don't think any less of me now, though.

Interestingly, about the 4 pipes thing.... I like my 79sf because it is a smaller bike than my 80g was. People might think I'm on a little 650 or something. I don't know how many people know it's an 1100 versus when people would see my 80g and tell me it looked like a big, hulking, tank of a brute machine.

The little special can surprise people with what it has under the tank.

Now if I could just get the bike dialed in just where I want....

Ben

[MAXIMAN]

A friend of mine that frequents this site has a totally tricked out '81SH. The bike is PRISTINE with a completely tricked head, cams, and pistons I believe. It is meticulously maintained and tuned to perfection. I would guess he's putting 96 to 97 hp to the pavement.

He tangled with a V-Rod a couple weeks ago and said it put the fear in him. But he did beat the guy. I think the "rod" had a running start at him when he looked up in his mirror and saw it coming. He didn't even downshift...just screwed the throttle open of the mighty Eleven (on steriods I might add) and slowly walked away. That's probably the ONLY V-Twin (stock) that could even give his bike a run for the money.

I am gathering up parts as I type to do something similar to Zeus. But you can bet I'll be leaning hard on him for advice. The guy has forgotten more about the internal combustion engine than most of us will ever know.

[Shawn27530]

Yeah, Same here I ride with alot of guys from work that ride harleys. We all ride together but that doesn't stop them from talking smack. We all met up one Saturday and while in the parking lot of a local resturant waiting on the rest of the pack to show up. One of the guys said "so how is that Jap Crap running these days". I said all over your softail custom anyday. And I also pointed out that his Softail was american made right down to the big MIKUNI carb Hanging off the side of the thing. He shut up right away. Of course he pulled up to next to me coming back from New Bern NC. on Highway 70. Speed limit was 70 and we were all doing that, so I came out of the pack next to him in the left lane (note I don't have an 1100 I have a 1980 XS850 triple) He nailed his bohemouth 1450cc , hypercharger and Rinehardt equipped soft tail, and I dropped the Triple to forth and snapped the butterflys open, Snapped her in 5th and opened the throttle and after the speedo needle was on the pin for a while I looked in the mirror he was fully cooked. At the next gas station one of the road king guys had the nerve to say " that old 850 will keep up with these big bikes?" I just laughed.....

[prometheus578]

The "Parts Guy" came back today and told me that he just sold a tire to a guy and would I quickly mount it for him. I looked outside... ratty looking sportster and even rattier looking rider. "No, tell the guy that I only have metric wrenches and I only work on "Jap" bikes and wouldn't want to lower myself."
Geez, the harley superstore is less than a 1/4 mile away. Guess his bike wasn't good enough anymore for them to work on! That's a real unfriendly corner of the block.

[Renegade]

Originally posted by prometheus578
Geez, the harley superstore is less than a 1/4 mile away. Guess his bike wasn't good enough anymore for them to work on! That's a real unfriendly corner of the block.

I take it that you haven't been inside a Harley store recently. They sell t-shirts, trinkets, overpriced leathers, and every kind of chrome doodad that you can imagine. And that is all that you will find in stock. I'm not even sure that they sell bikes anymore. If you need a part (that doesn't come chrome plated) they have to order it. *IF* you can even get the parts guy to order something that doesn't have chrome on it.

I needed a voltage regulator for a Sportster that I was fixing for a friend. The local dealers don't even stock them... they had to special order it. Pretty sad when you realize that the same regulator fits all Sportsters from 1955 through 1984, and dressers from the early '50s to 1966. We ended up going to the local auto parts store and getting a regulator for a '55 Chevy. And they had it in stock. But they didn't have any black t-shirts for sale though.

[fxrer]

I’m amused with the ongoing debate in this thread about 11’s vs. HD’s (and their riders). First, doesn’t this thread more suitably belong in the Members Lounge, or Other Bike Discussion sections of this forum?

Regarding the issue, though, my position is that, when it comes to bikes, I’m "bi"!!

I have ridden since the early 60’s, have owned dozens of different bikes and driven hundreds of others - everything from Indian and Harley (side shifter), Triumph, Norton, Matchless, BSA, Ducati, BMW - 60’s Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki’s, 90’s crotch rockets, cruisers, and every model Harley makes, etc. When offered the chance, I ALWAYS say yes to take “a spin” on another bike. As a motorcycle purist, I feel they ALL have their charms, in one form or another.

I try not to take sides in disputes about which bike is best, ie, Harleys vs. Japs, Bimmers vs Ducati or Guzzis, or any other similar one-on-one comparison.

Way back, I remember riding a brand new, ’72 Sportster and thought to myself, “Who would ever want to own one of these?” It vibrated to the point of torture, and heck, my 350 RD could blow the doors off that 1000 HD, and was WAY smoother and more reliable. But, it had two wheels and a motor, so it was STILL a motorcycle.

During the 70’s, I owned Yamahas, the 350, a 750 triple and, finally the’80 SG. When I bought that bike, I was King of the Hill - nothing was faster!

But I kept my eye on the HD’s and followed the cycle mag articles when the employees (and founders families) bought the Motor Company back from AMF. In ’84 they introduced the Evo motor, and made other improvements (like the rubber mounted motor). The next year, even though the acceleration numbers were low in comparison to the field, a Low Rider got a very positive review in Cycle World - from journalists who had loathed Harleys to that point. So, I took notice.

The clincher for me was in ’90 when, on a 3 month job at a site in So. Illinois, I witnessed an “event” at bar, on a hot summer evening. A sizzling hot blond (call her “Shelly”) clad in skimpy hot pants and halter, clambered up on the queen seat of “Bubba’s” Wide Glide, and they thundered off to the next place (“Billy Bob’s), as she sipped her martini.

At that point, I was so impressed by the spectacle, I figured I’d like to get me one of those!

So I bought one a few months later, and have never regretted it. (I would never part with my beloved SG, though)

Sure, they aren’t as fast, but I can hop on the SG if I want fast - and sure, they don’t handle as well, but they are surprisingly nimble. And yes they vibrate, but at 60 mph, my FXR has less vibration than the SG. OK, I’d never win a race, but on the HD, you really do “Glide” down the road …… thump, thump, thump, 30 feet between thumps, and you can enjoy the scenery without 6000 rpm’s screaming between your legs.

Anyway, when SWMBO and I go riding, she gets the bulk of the time on the HD (she’s short, and it’s lower to the ground), and I have to “make do” with the SG. Needless to say, when I occasionally “get on it” away from a light, she can’t keep up. But, when it’s my turn on the HD, I savor the experience

So, when it comes to pros or cons of this bike versus that bike, I’m not a fanatic - they ALL have something good to offer, ………to a true biker!

As for the “attitude” of Harley riders, sure there ar a**holes owners of every brand of bike (and car). But over the years, I have seen the demographics of HD owners change considerably. Thirty years ago, an HD owner was typically a tattooed, surly, rebellious “wild one” , with a bad attitude. But, in the ensuing decades, as the prices of the bike rose precipitously (although they never outpaced inflation), fewer of the ruffians could afford a new one. Instead, today, the “average” HD first time buyer is 48 years old, with a median income of $65K/yr. Some of these new buyers are dealing with a mid-life crisis, and making a “statement” by buying a HD. In general, the legion of HDers are good, hard working, fun loving folks, men and women, (and there are a LOT of female riders these days).

If you ever want to witness this group first hand, come to Bike Week in Daytona some time. You’ll see 500,000 bikers, 90% of which are on HD, but probably only 2% have bad ass attitudes - and the rest will welcome all riders, no matter what they are on.

But they won’t wave at you - nobody does, because you’d spend all day waving!

[Dragonrider]

Hey fxrer Rick!

Well put. Ride on!

[mitch]

my answer to you !!

Well said..............MITCH

[Shuriken]

So, when it comes to pros or cons of this bike versus that bike, I’m not a fanatic - they ALL have something good to offer, ………to a true biker!

Yes, well said. I agree with that. I too never pass up the chance to ride something else when offered. I love that. I usually have to trade, though, and let the other biker ride mine. Somewhere hundreds of messages ago I posted a list of all the bikes I had ridden...

As for the “attitude” of Harley riders, sure there ar a**holes owners of every brand of bike (and car). But over the years, I have seen the demographics of HD owners change considerably. Thirty years ago, an HD owner was typically a tattooed, surly, rebellious “wild one” , with a bad attitude. But, in the ensuing decades, as the prices of the bike rose precipitously (although they never outpaced inflation), fewer of the ruffians could afford a new one. Instead, today, the “average” HD first time buyer is 48 years old, with a median income of $65K/yr. Some of these new buyers are dealing with a mid-life crisis, and making a “statement” by buying a HD. In general, the legion of HDers are good, hard working, fun loving folks, men and women, (and there are a LOT of female riders these days).

The above is something I've (also) read and gathered from various publications, especially the mid life crisis part.

I hate to say it but maybe some of those who've waived to me in the past and are happy to talk to me about bikes were the rebellious, wild, ruffians!

I guess I have an issue with the statement that is being made if it goes like, "I have all this money and I bought this bike that you can't afford, so go ride your $400 dollar Jap junk, dweeb."

Is having a Harley a right of passage? Does one gain the respect desired only by owning a Harley?

Even if I owned a V-Rod (the only Harley I like), it wouldn't be because I wanted to make a statement. It would be because I like the way it looks and (probably) the way it rides and performs. For me, it would have nothing to do with making a statement.

I can't think of a time where I've owned or ridden a bike to make a statement. I ride because I love to ride.

If a nice Harley Dude offered to trade bikes for around the block, I'd take him up on it not because it's a Harley, but because it's another bike I could ride.

:-D

Ben

[81xsproject]

I went on my first group ride this spring. It was about 80% hardlys, 10% Victories, and a mix of others. There was maybe 80 something of us. Other that this older guy on a mid '70 beemer, I was the only one on an old metric. When the group first met, I too quickly decided that they were all snobs, and in a way they were. I talked to a couple guys with some newish rice burners and that was about it. We stopped about every half hour or so (probably so they could all give their sore butts a rest) and every stop a different one would sneak over and ask about Roketto. Many would offer up a story about a time they rode one and remembered how scream'n' fast it was. Others would ask about it's performance out of curiosity and I would tell what it could do on a 1/4. I could tell they were pretty much all secretly impressed, but would never admitt it. My opinion of HD riders was formed through there actions... Individually, they were OK. As, a group I could care less about them. It's is after all the rider who waves, not the bike. Besides, when I graduated high school, a smart uncle bought me 2 shares in HD. They were around $28 at the time. Since then, they have split twice and go for about $56 a share. It isn't much, but they can buy all the HD crap they want

[pggg]

Someone said that V-rods are about the only V-twins to match a Yamaha XS1100. Don't underestimate these modern V-twins - the SV and older TL Suzukis have stonking crazy motors in lightweight chassis. One litre VTR's are similar, not quite as manic, but the SP2 is a complete bloody rocket. I've outdragged a TL on the open road on my tricked XS, but the TL dragged me in and spat me out at 130mph! Still, these things are hard-core performance machines - an XS11 is just a 'plodding' shaftdrive tourer no?

[prometheus578]

. A sizzling hot blond (call her “Shelly”) clad in skimpy hot pants and halter, clambered up on the queen seat of “Bubba’s” Wide Glide

I was so impressed by the spectacle, I figured I’d like to get me one of those!

So would I. Does she have an older sister?

[xs650mike]

When I lived in Frisco there were so many bikes that no one waved. Where I live now there's mostly Harleys. Nearly everyone waves even when I'm riding my little 400. I'm talking Harleys, sportbikers, metric cruisers and tourers. The only ones who don't wave are guys running apes (who don't even wave at each other) and a few snobby old farts on late model Gold Wings who always look like they're dressed to play golf. On weekends there's so many people waving that it actually becomes annoying, I mean I do like to at least touch the left handgrip once in a while! I'm almost tired of all the good will and camraderie. When I first started riding (yep, a Harley) in '58 most riders waved, even the cops, but there were damned few of us then. The latest trend amongst local riders in these parts is to wait until the absolute last second when you're just about side by side and then drop your left arm at a 45 degree angle with two fingers extended, dunno how this got started but it means that both riders wave at exactly the same moment and ends that embarassing wait for the return wave.