Gen 3 is like a Harley

Mid controls on a Wide Glide, right? lol Let's see your scooter.

 

I just accepted the relationship between two wheels and other motorists for what it is - so I rode like I was invisible and/or like everyone was actively trying to kill me.

I would imagine people are less attentive and more insulated than they were 15 years ago. No one is going to change their ways until they personally hurt or kill someone (you), so you can act like it and look out for your own bacon..or pitch hissy fits and try to "make" people pay attention...so you can be inattentive instead, I guess?

 

Yeah, because as a rider I'm so concerned about a master planned community that's behind me making a left turn into me.

Learn to ride defensively, seek continous training, keep your lights on, wear hi viz and protective gear. Stop using the age old and frequently debated argument that a loud exhaust makes the rider safer.

 

Easy bro, we're in America and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

Street bob. It’s long gone.

 

lol!

It’s about time we have a “loud pipes save lives” thread!

I hope you aren’t wasting your money on synthetic oil!

 

Even flat earthers have a voice in the land of the free!

 

No.

 

nah, i would say jeep and harley have more in common, both in power, reliability, aftermarket accessories, tattoo's, and clothing.

 

...."hear"

 

The funny thing is how many refer to modern superbikes as crotch rockets. Typically an attempt to denigrate something with nonsensical derision to combat deep seated feelings of inequity, because in any true measure of performance or quality HD will not shine.

Interestingly the term "crotch rocket" came about honestly and somewhat accurately. At the end of World War II the United States and Russia acted swiftly in capturing Hitler's scientists that ran the V2 rocket program. Werner Von Braun famously ran the NASA rocket program designing the Titan rockets we used to put a man on the moon.

But not all of the rocket scientists were interested in working for "the enemy" Several chose to remain in Germany. One of Von Braun's colleagues was Walter Kaaden. After the war Germany was not allowed to continue rocket or jet development or to build military aircraft for many years. Walter Kaaden ended up working for MZ an East German motorcycle company, there he used his knowledge of resonance waves to calculate what became known as the scavenging loop principle that transformed 2 stroke engines from weak ineffecient slugs to high performance racing engines. By the late 50's/early 60's his MZ Racing 125 cc machines were making over 25 hp (3 hp per cubic inch)

MZ enjoyed much success racing in Europe winning several championships against the then dominant 4 strokes. In a bold and dangerous act Ernst Degner, MZ's lead rider defected to the West by being smuggled through the newly built Berlin wall in a hidden compartment of a car trunk. He stole drawings and special tools used to build the MZ racing engines. He took the drawings and tools to Suzuki and worked for them for several years. Soon every Japanese manufacture was building high performance 2 strokes and 4 stroke racing engines were so outclassed that from the 1970's until 2002 (MotoGP 4 stroke era) every World roadracing championship was won by a 2 stroke.

All because a Nazi rocket scientist - crotch rockets

Now you know

 

A friend of mine who owns motorcycles but no Harleys because he says that when they break down you have a choice of remortgaging your home or selling one of your kids .

 

That’s how you have to ride. Cages don’t give you space anymore. When you hear the radiator fan kick in, you know they are close.

 

This is true with new ones with all the electronics. You get anything age wise before the 110 motor, and you should be able to easily work on it.

 

What? I couldn't hear you, my ears are ringing because I don't wear a helmet with my open piped bike because freedom!

 

I have both a HD Sportster and a Yamaha hyper naked bike, a little different. Just got the model 48 over a year ago, but I can see some maintenance on the HD I can’t do down the road will be expensive, mean while, enjoying my old age. MT07 is a 2020, HD a 2022. The HD seems to be holding its value, but only 2700 miles on it, need to sell it so finances are better.
Duane

 

Well, your friend IS right in that aspect.

"HD" the acronym for Harley Davidson really means "Hundred Dollars". In todays economy it almost $1000 Dollars!

I've seen oil changes go for $139.00 (New Port Richey, Florida) a 1,000 mile service is $419.99 (same place). Heck, even Toyota gives your tire rotation (free) and first oil change free, although I'm sure that it's built into the price of the truck).

But just like boats and RVs, its a toy, a novelty something you dont have to have. I told a guy once that a Harley is not a "religious icon" and I thought his head was going to explode.

"Hey, where did you buy your Harley".... "At the Harley boutique, where they also sell a full line of clothes for the 'discriminating enthusiast'".

I heard that Harley was coming out with their own line of fragrances, too. "50SAE" for the males and "I'm not really a waitress" perfume for the gals.

(Edited to add boutique statement)

Oh... and yeah, I ride, and I wrench my own, too!

 

Like car dealerships, Harley dealers are helped on how to make money. How to sell GAP, extended warranties etc.
Duane

 

As a rider of both motorcycles and bicycles, having friends that own Harley’s, and generally thinking I can fit into about any clique, I have to say I have a very hard time with the loud Harley clique.

I especially hate when loud Harley riders buzz me at WOT, no muffler, 70 mph, and 12” away as I’m riding my bicycle down the side of the hiway. d00d, we are both non-cagers. It’s not my problem that a guy in spandex makes you feel homophobic. Give me some respect! No one on any other type of motorcycle has ever done that.