Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Muzz on September 28, 2015, 04:25:09 AM
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On our local TradeMe site. He has started getting the hang of using the laptop that my darling works his business from. This is the first luxury item he has shouted himself since going out on his own a couple of years ago. The start bid was the reserve met price, it was pretty local and the price was considerably lower than most around. Had a Harris two in to one exhaust (loud but a lot nicer sound than potato) fork brace on the front, Ikons on the back, custom seat (with the original plus a solo) Screaming Eagle ignition module, leads and coils, carb has the thunderslide kit fitted and has been dyno'd while being rejetted, and a Hypercharger air intake with a K&N filter. He only likes the 1200 Sporties and this is a 2002 model with 22,000kms on the clock.
We gave him a lift out and then followed him the long way home (about 50kms). All the original parts came with the bike, as well as three sets of bars and a manual. He is one happy camper as it goes really well. There was one other person put in a couple of bids and then folded. Auction closed at 8pm on Saturday night so I guess most of prospective buyers were out socialising.
The guy had had back surgery and had to give it up. He just about had tears going down his face as the son rode off.
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Tell your son I said Congratulations!
I personally feel that the Sportster is the most under rated motorcycle out there. It's very reliable, makes decent horsepower and torque and handles fairly well stock. The real beauty is that it's easy to set up for the type of riding you want to do. There are endless accessories to personalize the bike so that it fits you and does what you want it to. With suspension improvements, it will surprise a lot of Sport Bikes. With a good seat and saddlebags, it makes a really nice touring mount.
Since May, I've ridden my '05 over 26,000 miles through 39 states, and the biggest problem I had was when the 10 year old belt snapped. There was a Harley dealer less than 10 miles away and he had the belt in stock. I changed out the belt in a parking lot, and that was it.
Here's a picture of mine:
(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y468/Crusty1950/image2%20copy_zps9pznphjy.jpg) (http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/Crusty1950/media/image2%20copy_zps9pznphjy.jpg.html)
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2002 was one of the best years for the Solidmount sportsters (that ended after 2003 with the introduction of the 2004 rubbermount).
The Rubbermount is a little bigger and heaver (about 50# give or take), but the trade-off is that it is also a bit more comfortable.
If you are going to own a Solidmount only the 00-03 models came with all the improvements they ever introduced to the line, including little things like 4-pot calipers and sealed wheel bearings (that don't need to be removed, repacked, and resealed with each tire replacement).
Hopefully he'll love it.
Guide him over the XLforum
www.xlforum.net and tell him to say "KevM" sent him.
It's a HUGE forum but he can basically get any conceivable Sportster question answered there in short time.
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With the Screaming Eagle, Thunderslide, and Hypercharger how can he go wrong?
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Now he has to buy the uniform.
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Now he has to buy the uniform.
Maybe he can REALLY fool 'em and buy some red suspenders!!
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Good luck to your son and his new bike. I had a 88 Sportster and put about 20,000 care free miles on the bike.
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Maybe he can REALLY fool 'em and buy some red suspenders!!
Now THAT'S an outlaw motorcyclist!
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If he puts apehangers on it, disown him.
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I've got a question about Harley Riders.....
Has anyone actually seen one with a full face Helmet? and I don't mean on TV or "think you have" :popcorn:
I know I'm old but it just hit me that I can't recall seeing a Harley rider with more than a 3/4's out here in California and those are very rare.
Rat's! Now I'm going to have to be on the look out for another "endangered specie", the full faced Helmeted Harley Rider - it's a California thing
Mark Not-a -Harley
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I've got a question about Harley Riders.....
Has anyone actually seen one with a full face Helmet? and I don't mean on TV or "think you have" :popcorn:
I know I'm old but it just hit me that I can't recall seeing a Harley rider with more than a 3/4's out here in California and those are very rare.
Rat's! Now I'm going to have to be on the look out for another "endangered specie", the full faced Helmeted Harley Rider - it's a California thing
Mark Not-a -Harley
Probably 10% of the Harley riders here (including bikes I can't tell from a Harley) are wearing full gear, and it's surprising-looking. A batwing fairing Harley rider with a day-glo yellow vest and a full helmet. I think I'm seeing more of them these days, although maybe it's because I've started looking for them .....
Lannis
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I've got a question about Harley Riders.....
Has anyone actually seen one with a full face Helmet? and I don't mean on TV or "think you have" :popcorn:
I was out on the V7 yesterday and passed a group of 5 or 6 Harleys - ALL WITH FF helmets on (some hi-vis).
I remember chuckling to myself thinking they and I were both "out of uniform".
That said, it's not uncommon for me to see a Harley rider with a FF...granted, they are a much lower percentage of Harley riders, but it's not uncommon.
Here's an example. A photo from a group ride about 10 years ago (a bunch of us in PA were headed to NJ - ironically I didn't know it at the time, but almost a decade later I'd move 5 miles from our destination that day). Anyway, there I am on the Jackal, and right behind me are two guys on Harleys with FF helmets.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/h2BOMfX_VQubt10OfzKeRPcnOjBFCnp8PXxuPpY63qBzVdc1qLFxzAj1thvEr-o7dsIOTh3qMYuvnUz-XIBY1iZoYVuKriDrStc2bCYxXRkvpWWAac-Jc98Vv-9sENu3jjNbUK2XELFHnV_GASuVAnp8g8dDe3on5xsQvpGgozc7h_j7X96c3vnVtgbHDMJr-SkC59Il2x7q-nOfcGeVt15zU0y9bWww9MtEJhpDG0XuQr1ODvPBOzTf44RmGZ4MR5PAFpUDOT4MrZf_lwdix7bjM_3Slr180Y6U5HO2nOoFA7oYSRWlsnPRVb_jGSggQZlXJ_VRdxEXzna0Q9aRxEhnmc6ZpSVL8bPTumW191I2AQ9CBLzYdv39X1CjdBYXsYHXPbTMHd3YfmmIALNARQ7KmJtFgQSc07wkc2liwX21h3JN4W5WsJaVRPAL1DHJjxcsdoa3hSl9BwnW9MLL3gfig2prtmYp7hJdDTU_6vitwyinkd_mHaO3CQZ6bmCRxWMAAmALWkTRpD4JMCzTqKyfWQtQlqmxz6WpqtJp7hE=w1008-h756-no)
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I've got a question about Harley Riders.....
Has anyone actually seen one with a full face Helmet? and I don't mean on TV or "think you have" :popcorn:
I know I'm old but it just hit me that I can't recall seeing a Harley rider with more than a 3/4's out here in California and those are very rare.
Rat's! Now I'm going to have to be on the look out for another "endangered specie", the full faced Helmeted Harley Rider - it's a California thing
Mark Not-a -Harley
Maybe it's because Harley riders are getting older, but here in Illinois--ironically, a no-helmet-law state--I'm seeing more Harley riders in full gear. Especially when riding with a passenger. But that means it's gone from near zero to maybe 15%.
PS congratulations to the Original Poster's son, I hope he enjoys his Sportster.
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.....and the biggest problem I had was when the 10 year old belt snapped. There was a Harley dealer less than 10 miles away and he had the belt in stock. I changed out the belt in a parking lot, and that was it.
You cannot beat the dealer network that Harley has.
Sounds like your son is on his way, good luck and enjoy.
kjf
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I've got a question about Harley Riders.....
Has anyone actually seen one with a full face Helmet? and I don't mean on TV or "think you have" :popcorn:
I know I'm old but it just hit me that I can't recall seeing a Harley rider with more than a 3/4's out here in California and those are very rare.
Rat's! Now I'm going to have to be on the look out for another "endangered specie", the full faced Helmeted Harley Rider - it's a California thing
Mark Not-a -Harley
https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Stormtrucker2-Storms-Cross/n-GTB7PN/i-V9VLm53/A
I was on KevM's Sporty, but yup, full face brain bucket.
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I have Guzzi's and Harleys and wear a full face/jacket/gloves always. My daughter and I took a 6 day trip on my superglide sidecar rig and we both were Atgatt, my jacket hi-viz. Not all Harley riders are posers :wink:
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I owned a rubber-mounted Sportster 1200 Custom for a few years. It was fun to ride and beautifully finished -- an "elemental" motorcycle ("we don't need no steenkin' ABS", or even a second disk up front). Even with aftermarket shocks (Progressive"), though, the ride was pretty punishing. I eventually got tired of it, and it went to a new home.
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When we were kids growing up Dad used to tell us how great Harleys were, we never believed him and rode mainly English bikes with an NSU thrown in for good measure.
Now my older brother has a Sportster, he's taken over from Dad preaching the word to us youngsters, we ignore him too, Kiwikev and I are trying our best to save him.
I have to agree that a Sportster is a real motorcycle though.
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Bet your son is thrilled. He got a great bike, something he'll no doubt make his own. As part of the deal he gets factory supported dealerships open 7 days a week in lots of places, even if he wrenches it himself.
Nice to see someone's kid get what they wanted instead of what got pushed on them. One thing for sure, no matter where he rides, he'll be doing it first class. Support coast to coast will add to his enjoyment.
Bet you're proud of him, rightly so!
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I'm certainly diggin' the bejeepers outa my 2003.
Single, exceptionally well adjusted carb.
Single, very capable front brake.
Belt... 'nuff said!
Somewhere solidly around 51 MPG in town.
Fairly leaps to life even under choke when cold.
Limited heat rise at stop lights in Phoenix... in August.
Low weight carry and low seat height.
Tiny presentation in negotiating heavy traffic or parking lots.
So much more.
Aside from the very limited "Hugger" suspension and the very limited range of the tank... those being simple credit card/garage time fixes, an outstanding all 'rounder.
Mine (my second "new/evo(?)" Sportster, really got me thinking about one of these as one of my last ever motorcycles: http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/police-fire-shrine/police.html
Todd.
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Not all Harley riders are posers :wink:
The consensus seems to range in the 10 - 15% area.
Some of the longest-distance riders I know ride Harleys. Friend of mine from high school used to put 60,000 miles a year on his, traded every two years or so. EVERY YEAR, this dude rode to Daytona (twice), Laconia, Sturgis, the Grand Canyon, from Virginia. Every weekend, every spare day on the bike.
Killed in an industrial accident a couple years back, when a bale of paper tipped back off of his forklift onto him ... Really nice guy, no "pose" about him.
Lannis
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Thankfully, he is no poser. :thumb: I of course gave him heaps about needing a bandana first up so he can be a gay pirate, followed by the obligatory face mask with a skull on it. First up will be a full face helmet. Does not know whether to do the leather jacket or Cordura riding suit. Wants to do some research on that. It is the 4th Harley he has owned (all 1200's) as well as various BSA's and Trumpo's.
http://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/tq/412914352.jpg
http://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/412915914.jpg
Not sure if the photos will show.
edit; the bullet holes hide a dent in the tank. fortunately he does a lot of work for a panel beating firm and does the odd job for friends he has there. Dent removal and touch up are listed in the to do list.
I see he has started putting things on watchlist as he contemplates how he wants it to look. I think the first thing will be the original back guard going back on.
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Tell your son I said Congratulations!
:1:
I've been enjoying my Sportster '48' a little over a year now...
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12002907_146529302358983_3073431069437669990_n.jpg?oh=d02967fd7d453841ea76bb62a2ac52db&oe=56958AD6)
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Posers... How do you know it's a poser and not a rider who just likes "traditional" bike leathers? And what is a poser? Because they ride a new Harley? Or because there appears to be more Harleys than any other brand ? How about riders on Japanese Harley clone bikes, are they posers?
To be honest, the poser term is overdone and ,in my opinion, those who use it come off as snobs...
I like the look of the Sporty above...
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Posers... How do you know it's a poser and not a rider who just likes "traditional" bike leathers? And what is a poser? Because they ride a new Harley? Or because there appears to be more Harleys than any other brand ? How about riders on Japanese Harley clone bikes, are they posers?
To be honest, the poser term is overdone and ,in my opinion, those who use it come off as snobs...
I like the look of the Sporty above...
+1 Brazilian, but I've been fighting that battle on this board for a decade and it's not won me any friends.
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I prefer leather most of the time too. I even have a set of chaps! And they are great for travel.
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Posers... How do you know it's a poser and not a rider who just likes "traditional" bike leathers? And what is a poser? Because they ride a new Harley? Or because there appears to be more Harleys than any other brand ? How about riders on Japanese Harley clone bikes, are they posers?
To be honest, the poser term is overdone and ,in my opinion, those who use it come off as snobs...
I like the look of the Sporty above...
Well, I might have to come off as a "snob" under those rules, even though I ride everything from nice Guzzis to raggedy old Brits ....
You can't be sure someone's a Poser until you talk to them, generally. You might make a guess or a "prejudgment" (the basis of "prejudice") when you SEE someone. If they are acting Tough, and Scary, and Threatening by their choice of gear, and costumes, and masks, and get-back whips, and a Bad Look on their face, then they MIGHT be a poser, you can't be sure. Normal people don't act like that.
After you Talk to them, you can be pretty sure. If they're obviously full of BS about motorcycling (and after 43 years and 10,000 times that many miles, I can generally detect whether they speak with forked tongue or not) and trying to convince you of The Thing That Is Not ....
.... then I'll use the "P" word, whether people here recoil in tolerant, diverse horror or not .....
If they're just a regular guy who happens to like fringed leather jackets and blacked-out Vtwins, it'll be obvious pretty quick.
Lannis
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I had a dream .......
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic047/Bobberforca_zps2cl80dcj.jpg)
:grin:
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Well, I might have to come off as a "snob" under those rules, even though I ride everything from nice Guzzis to raggedy old Brits ....
You can't be sure someone's a Poser until you talk to them, generally. You might make a guess or a "prejudgment" (the basis of "prejudice") when you SEE someone. If they are acting Tough, and Scary, and Threatening by their choice of gear, and costumes, and masks, and get-back whips, and a Bad Look on their face, then they MIGHT be a poser, you can't be sure. Normal people don't act like that.
After you Talk to them, you can be pretty sure. If they're obviously full of BS about motorcycling (and after 43 years and 10,000 times that many miles, I can generally detect whether they speak with forked tongue or not) and trying to convince you of The Thing That Is Not ....
.... then I'll use the "P" word, whether people here recoil in tolerant, diverse horror or not .....
If they're just a regular guy who happens to like fringed leather jackets and blacked-out Vtwins, it'll be obvious pretty quick.
Lannis
You're not a snob because you give them the benefit of the doubt.. A "poser" on a Harley is no different than a "poser" who drives a one ton pick truck that never hauls anything, or a person who drives an expensive German car for image or a rider in fancy leathers on a sport bike who never races or people who wear fancy footwear and shirts with brand names on them...
I can jump to judgement but on occasion I have found some "posers" to be ok people...
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Loud pipes = look at me look at me = a pose. That's my rule of thumb for identifying genus poseur.
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I work at a Harley dealership and there are definitely all kinds of people, every imaginable type of person on Harleys. Some fit the stereotypes to the letter, some would surprise you. Some ride 50k a year, some haven't been out of town. One thing I will say, the Harley folks are passionate about the brand and they are loyal to it. There is definitely something to be said for that. Tell your son "welcome to the family"
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He does like his Harleys, but only the 1200's. Has no interest in the big blocks at all.
Actually, that's a bit like me... :rolleyes: Small blocks rule, ok? :undecided:
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Loud pipes = look at me look at me = a pose. That's my rule of thumb for identifying genus poseur.
Not always...The guy who rides my LSR Triumph also races a 1000 cc Suzuki in circuit racing ,off road bikes and ATV's also. He likes loud pipes and some might call him a Hipster...
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Not always...The guy who rides my LSR Triumph also races a 1000 cc Suzuki in circuit racing ,off road bikes and ATV's also. He likes loud pipes and some might call him a Hipster...
Hipster Piper
Dusty
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He does like his Harleys, but only the 1200's. Has no interest in the big blocks at all.
Actually, that's a bit like me... :rolleyes: Small blocks rule, ok? :undecided:
:thumb: :boozing:
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Not always...The guy who rides my LSR Triumph also races a 1000 cc Suzuki in circuit racing ,off road bikes and ATV's also. He likes loud pipes and some might call him a Hipster...
Hipster - the newest pejorative.
I had a weirdo up Sun Valley, Idaho last July 4th, imply that I was some particular sub-set of Hipster (wish I could remember the title) for using - and enthusiastically - mini-plugs while fly fishing.
When I asked him about the title he and his gal set out telling me about several sub-sets of hipsters in various activities...
Funny thing was - were one to ask me what they looked like, I'da said "kinda Hipster oddballs" for grooming, clothing and accessories. After we were done talking - in order to reconcile their position and appearance, I came to realize that within hipsterdom, there is a contempt for posers as well.
Here all the while, I thought hipsters were posing.
Any how.... Loud pipes? I only really care with the gratuitous revving of the throttle.... Geeze, already... we SEE you!
Perhaps though, it's all about "Exhaustile Dysfunction": http://tinyurl.com/pb9msjn
Todd.
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It took me a long time to get here, but I might just be starting to respect the hipsters and the posers for at least just pursuing what they want other's (especially the snobs) opinions be dammed.
It is a might better than worrying whose standards I'm not meeting.
Hell, I always rejected standards just on principle. When did I start caring. Did I start getting old in my 40's? Was it hanging out here listening to some of the curmudgeons?
I don't honestly care anymore... Throw your aspersions around. I'm gonna like what I want to like, no apologies.
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It took me a long time to get here, but I might just be starting to respect the hipsters and the posers for at least just pursuing what they want other's (especially the snobs) opinions be dammed.
It is a might better than worrying whose standards I'm not meeting.
Hell, I always rejected standards just on principle. When did I start caring. Did I start getting old in my 40's? Was it hanging out here listening to some of the curmudgeons?
I don't honestly care anymore... Throw your aspersions around. I'm gonna like what I want to like, no apologies.
Enlightenment is often painful .
Dusty
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It took me a long time to get here, but I might just be starting to respect the hipsters and the posers for at least just pursuing what they want other's (especially the snobs) opinions be dammed.
A poser/hipster (pipster? Hoser? HOSER! That's it, thanks Bob and Doug; put that one up there with plugIndian ...) is someone who's pursuing what someone ELSE wants, not what they want.
If you're pursuing what YOU want, you're not a hoser .....
Lannis
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I have a loud Harley Sportster (XLCR), a loud Buell, loud FZ750, loud RZ350 and the loudest of all is my V11 LeMans with titanium race pipes. I like to hear my bikes! I try to not offend people around town, so I do my best to keep it quiet, but I let 'er rip on the highway.
I wear the same black leather jacket and pants on all of my bikes, from Stelvio to Harley to DR650. I am too old to be called a hipster. I have had the same beard and long hair for 20 years, and I have a few tattoos, but I predate hipsters! LOL
I was given a Bell half helmet by a Harley buddy and wear that (and sometimes a classic red bandana over my face on the highway to keep the bugs off and for warmth) on some Harley rides with Harley buddies. It's a different frame of mind riding with them- usually much closer to the speed limit, with more stops...but when I am out by myself I wear my LS2 FF393 convert modular, the same one I wear on the Stelvio and the DR and the LeMans.
I ride all kinds of bikes, and I ride 11 (sometimes 12) months of the year...as long as there is no snow or black ice on the highway, I am riding. so I hope you wouldn't call me a poser, despite how I may look to you.
More than a few of my Harley buddies live on their bikes. These are not posers. These are serious bikers/motorcyclists...definitely not posing. In my experience, the most standup, selfless, coolest guys tend to be on Harleys (or Guzzis), and they will be the guys that stop to help you on the side of the road. Yep, there are plenty of posers/knobs on Harleys, but there are just as many on BMW GSs! I can appreciate most bikes, Harleys included (my Buell X1 is really just a a hot rod Sportster after all). In fact I am pretty sure there is a V-rod in my near future.
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A poser/hipster <snip> is someone who's pursuing what someone ELSE wants, not what they want.
Jokes aside, what makes you think you can always tell what another person really wants?
Not that it matters, even if you could that doesn't change the nature of my objection.
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Can a poser be someone who "belongs" to another group and looks down their nose at someone who rides, say a Harley? Kinda like many, (some) of the Guzzi faithful belonging to "their"group and making disparaging remarks about others? Does anyone really give a shit about what I (you) think about what they ride? If so, wouldn't that make many of us "pseudo posers"? If you can sort out my thoughts you're doing better than me. Is it winter already?
I say good on the young man with the Harley and wish him many, many miles of safe, delightful riding.
Just sold my Eldo, hmmmm maybe I'll go look at an Electraglide.
Tom
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Jokes aside, what makes you think you can always tell what another person really wants?
Not that it matters, even if you could that doesn't change the nature of my objection.
Kev,they can tell because they are always correct, just ask :grin:
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Can a poser be someone who "belongs" to another group and looks down their nose at someone who rides, say a Harley? Kinda like many, (some) of the Guzzi faithful belonging to "their"group and making disparaging remarks about others? Does anyone really give a shit about what I (you) think about what they ride? If so, wouldn't that make many of us "pseudo posers"? If you can sort out my thoughts you're doing better than me. Is it winter already?
I say good on the young man with the Harley and wish him many, many miles of safe, delightful riding.
Just sold my Eldo, hmmmm maybe I'll go look at an Electraglide.
Tom
I'm gonna need more :coffee: :grin:
Dusty
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Jokes aside, what makes you think you can always tell what another person really wants?
Not that it matters, even if you could that doesn't change the nature of my objection.
We could look at it in terms of probabilities.
If I see an army of identical motorcycles going down the road, with everyone in the outlaw non-conformist uniform, with many of the same logos on their T-shirt, with the same kinds of shades and masks and vests ....
.... I generally don't assume that it's a massive coincidence that everyone is independently doing just what THEY want to do, independent of the others.
When I look at a Guzzi rally, I see a LOT of variation. Sport bikes, old bikes, new bikes, textile jackets, leather jackets, Aerostich, skinny guys, fat guys, full helmets, half-helmets ....
Almost all of them are either bald or gray, though, so there's that ....
Lannis
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I'm gonna need more :coffee: :grin:
Dusty
I don't know how to put this. my wife rides a HD softail. my user name is myway an has a lot to do with this one sided crap fest. the crap flows from one side. an I personally hope that this is not the norm around here. I would not want to be part of a group known for bashing HD's. I've owned hd's an I would again. in my opinion it should be a banned subject. but I don't write the rules or anything like that.
the only reason I posted this was to suport the side I'm on. I figure there's more of us than the other really, there's bikes siting in museums not being ridden at all. when I was young I did all sorts of look at me crap. hmm might be on to something here. Dan
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I don't know how to put this. my wife rides a HD softail. my user name is myway an has a lot to do with this one sided crap fest. the crap flows from one side. an I personally hope that this is not the norm around here. I would not want to be part of a group known for bashing HD's. I've owned hd's an I would again. in my opinion it should be a banned subject. but I don't write the rules or anything like that.
the only reason I posted this was to suport the side I'm on. I figure there's more of us than the other really, there's bikes siting in museums not being ridden at all. when I was young I did all sorts of look at me crap. hmm might be on to something here. Dan
Me, I like Harley Davidson motorcycles. I've had three of them. They sort of have the same characteristics that I do - and I enjoyed riding the ones I had.
And for the older ones (for those of us who like older motorcycles), I think it's great that the SAME clutch will fit a 1948 through 1984 Big Twin (just as an example). They're the cheapest, easiest bike to get parts for, and easiest to work on, that I've ever had .....
Lannis
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Your opinion of me matters as much to me as my opinion of you matters to you.
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I don't know how to put this. my wife rides a HD softail. my user name is myway an has a lot to do with this one sided crap fest. the crap flows from one side. an I personally hope that this is not the norm around here. I would not want to be part of a group known for bashing HD's. I've owned hd's an I would again. in my opinion it should be a banned subject. but I don't write the rules or anything like that.
the only reason I posted this was to suport the side I'm on. I figure there's more of us than the other really, there's bikes siting in museums not being ridden at all. when I was young I did all sorts of look at me crap. hmm might be on to something here. Dan
I think you may have misunderstood , more :coffee: was a reference to Maq's funny post , not any bashing of another brand or lifestyle . I fit into the MC fanatic category , and am friendly to riders of all brands , even HDs :grin:
Dusty
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There was no doubt, when I wanted to start biking again after 30 years or so, it would be with a Sportster. A "real" bike, not too strong, just right, very good looking, dependable, and with real tradition. Not a retro bike, but something that has been built and enhanced for decades now. The only thing that came near was that small Guzzi, V7 Classic. Only this bike had a plastic tank, I did not like the the shape of the cylinders, no spoked wheels with tubed tyres, and so on. Only Guzzi got all these things right with the V7 Stone....
I enjoy my Stone, but I know I would enjoy a nice Sportster the same way. Congrats to your son!
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There was no doubt, when I wanted to start biking again after 30 years or so, it would be with a Sportster. A "real" bike, not too strong, just right, very good looking, dependable, and with real tradition. Not a retro bike, but something that has been built and enhanced for decades now. The only thing that came near was that small Guzzi, V7 Classic. Only this bike had a plastic tank, I did not like the the shape of the cylinders, no spoked wheels with tubed tyres, and so on. Only Guzzi got all these things right with the V7 Stone....
I enjoy my Stone, but I know I would enjoy a nice Sportster the same way. Congrats to your son!
I use my BSA A10 with Craven panniers for my 60's touring bike ....
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/LannisSelz/2010%20OVBSAOC/100_0904.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/LannisSelz/media/2010%20OVBSAOC/100_0904.jpg.html)
.... but I'd LOVE to have an early Sportster CH of the same vintage and do the same thing with it. There's something so bare and spare and elemental about those old magneto fired bikes that I'd have one in a minute.
BUT ... whereas my A10 is a 44-year-old magneto-fired bike with a reputation for vibrating badly, my engine guy proved that a carefully assembled engine, with the ignition timing set properly, can be a smooth and easy runner, and many 1200 mile weekends have proved it.
However, nobody has ever been able to show me an old Sportster that didn't vibrate madly at highway speeds. I'm told that the 45 degree cylinder angle and the weight of the engine and bike precludes being able to balance and tune it for all-day highway comfort like the BSA ...... So I guess it is not to be.....
Lannis
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Well Mr Lannis we may have something in common....I built this 55 A10 with bits and pieces from from Ebay and swap meets around 2002. 10-1 pistons, #357 cam, oversize carb, blah blah. It ran quite nicely and was smoother at high speeds than any of my Triumphs...It's the only bike I regretted selling and would buy in back if found...
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8048/8119728129_f95cdd22bb_z.jpg)
And the Harley attitude... This is me in my " poser" clothes and tough guy look about 15 years ago on my kick start only Superglide. My grand daughter is nutty happy after a no helmet ride.... At low speed on my own property.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2815/10233131374_d475d00c36_o.jpg)
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I thought hosers were Canadian, eh?
Take off!... Eh?
Above photo looks like Kurt Russell... lookin' like Elvis with who... a bitty Kate Hudson on back?
Todd.
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:1:
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12002907_146529302358983_3073431069437669990_n.jpg?oh=d02967fd7d453841ea76bb62a2ac52db&oe=56958AD6)
NICE..! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
That, right there, is one of my favorite looks for a HD... :cool:
If I ever got bit by the HD bug and decided to get one of the Harley Davidson bikes, it would likely be either a Bobbed Sportster or one of the XLCR Café Racer models ( 1977 - '79 ) as seen in the pic, below..
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ij5hdYKvl0/UBpAchFGpfI/AAAAAAAAA20/h3b0G6W9SAk/s1600/Harley+XLCR+77..jpg)
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NICE..! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
That, right there, is one of my favorite looks for a HD... :cool:
If I ever got bit by the HD bug and decided to get one of the Harley Davidson bikes, it would likely be either a Bobbed Sportster or one of the XLCR Caf� Racer models ( 1977 - '79 ) as seen in the pic, below..
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ij5hdYKvl0/UBpAchFGpfI/AAAAAAAAA20/h3b0G6W9SAk/s1600/Harley+XLCR+77..jpg)
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I love my XLCR, but damn does it vibrate!
I picked a tube frame 99 Buell over a late model Sportster. Significantly more power, very little vibration, and it is my most comfortable bike. It's a glorified Sportster engine...101 hp stock, and it really handles. Goes good with the Guzzis.
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The update. He went out and got leather stuff. Have not seen it yet but I suspect it will be pretty standard looking but pretty good stuff. Finalising the helmet now; currently doing the research on mid range bang-for-the-buck full face. The bike came with forward pegs fitted as well as the standard ones but not forward controls. So far in the Harleys that he has owned, two had normal and one had forward. He quite likes the forward but the Harris pipes which are a two in to one design do not allow the conventional forward kit to be used. The Harris pipes are made sort of locally out in the boonies on the edge of the Hurunui district and do make a difference in the performance and to me anyway give a nicer sound. He is loathe to drop them so at the moment that is in the wait and see basket.
He wants to get rid of the rear fender that was mounted on it and fit the original, but has found a slight problem with that. Will start a new thread for that.