Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Adk.IBO on August 05, 2016, 06:04:24 AM
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...so my 2017 Roadster is on order. I'll be 60 in '17 and so will the Sportster, maybe it will be an anniversary model! The test ride proved to be the best handling Harley I had ever been on, for me and my riding style. It will be a different experience for sure. Does this mean I'll get more waves? :tongue:
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So... is this like a confession ? :shocked:
Seriously , the Roadster seems to be the best Sportster , longer shocks , rational handle bars , flat seat , hope you enjoy it :bike-037:
Dusty
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If you're gonna own one, that seems to be a good choice! :thumb:
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My wife asked if I was going to get "monkey bars", apes dear, apes and NO... :smiley:
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My wife asked if I was going to get "monkey bars", apes dear, apes and NO... :smiley:
I need to remember that :laugh:
Dusty
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More to the point, will you wave back?
Enjoy your new ride young man.
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Excellent choice !!
There should be at least one naked roadster in everyone's garage.
(Sounds like a good campaign slogan)..
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...so my 2017 Roadster is on order. I'll be 60 in '17 and so will the Sportster, maybe it will be an anniversary model! The test ride proved to be the best handling Harley I had ever been on, for me and my riding style. It will be a different experience for sure. Does this mean I'll get more waves? :tongue:
Sorry about your infirmity. I've managed to make it to 74 and haven't succumbed yet.
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...so my 2017 Roadster is on order. I'll be 60 in '17 and so will the Sportster, maybe it will be an anniversary model! The test ride proved to be the best handling Harley I had ever been on, for me and my riding style. It will be a different experience for sure. Does this mean I'll get more waves? :tongue:
I've certainly enjoyed mine:
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/5706E5A3-4B3B-4D18-81CB-D7DAC5439E92_zpsdyodof49.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/5706E5A3-4B3B-4D18-81CB-D7DAC5439E92_zpsdyodof49.jpg.html)
I have about 1,900 miles on it. Big improvement over my previous Sportster. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
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I had three H-Ds in 10 years, back in the day before it became more of a fashion statement than a motorcycle. Nowadays, I'd get a Gucci man-purse or be "rolling coal" in a diesel crew-cab F350 before I'd get a new Harley.
But that's just me.
Lannis
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Enjoy your new ride man! I know you're goal is to make all the opinionated suspender snappers on this forum happy with your choice ^^^^^^^^^
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Congrats! I was in the local HD shop the other day to specifically check that bike out and the new Low Rider S. The dealer is having a demo days but unfortunately I cannot attend. Maybe I'll get to try them next year. Unfortunately I cannot afford 2 bikes so if I did choose an HD the V7 would have to be sold. My test ride would have to be very convincing, because now that my suspension is dialed in I have really "become 1 with my Racer". It is so flickable and steady in corners that I doubt the HD even with it's improvements could match the ride. Perfect world: 2 bikes, the Racer and the Low Rider.
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Enjoy your new ride man! I know you're goal is to make all the opinionated suspender snappers on this forum happy with your choice ^^^^^^^^^
Yep , I'll bet when the OP was contemplating this purchase his main concern was if we were gonna approve or not :shocked:
Dusty
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If I ever got that thought, I would lie down 'til it passed...
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Does this mean I'll get more waves? :tongue:
I've found it depends somewhat on the helmet you wear. I had an '05 FXDX and wore a full face helmet. Often those H-D riders wearing the little skull cap helmets wouldn't wave.
Regarding the new H-D 1200 Roadster, congratulations! I believe it's a H-D for those that actually like to RIDE their bikes! At the National Rally in John Day I spoke with a guy from Oregon who rode there on one after buying it a week or so before. He was quite pleased with it. He mentioned he got it for under MSRP! Perhaps that H-D dealer felt the Roadster wouldn't appeal to the typical H-D buyer? Another XLCR perhaps. Time will tell.
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I've certainly enjoyed mine:
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/5706E5A3-4B3B-4D18-81CB-D7DAC5439E92_zpsdyodof49.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/5706E5A3-4B3B-4D18-81CB-D7DAC5439E92_zpsdyodof49.jpg.html)
I have about 1,900 miles on it. Big improvement over my previous Sportster. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
HD did a really nice job on the cosmetics, and it appears they also took some time dialing in the suspension. Nice ride!
Bob
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I agree...the Roadster is a good choice! Congrats! :thumb: :cool:
I like this model also...the Softail Slim. Very retro and low. If I bought another Harley...it would be this one. :cool:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kiiaaa/BJN41513.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kiiaaa)
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If you're gonna own one, that seems to be a good choice! :thumb:
:1:
My son has owned four Harleys :rolleyes: and the Sporty is the only variant he will consider.
A recent trip when we got mixed up with a gaggle big block Harleys reinforced to him that the small block was distinctly superior when it came to a corner. I must add though that my Breva is way quicker through a tight corner than his Sporty.
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Congrats! I was in the local HD shop the other day to specifically check that bike out and the new Low Rider S. The dealer is having a demo days but unfortunately I cannot attend. Maybe I'll get to try them next year. Unfortunately I cannot afford 2 bikes so if I did choose an HD the V7 would have to be sold. My test ride would have to be very convincing, because now that my suspension is dialed in I have really "become 1 with my Racer". It is so flickable and steady in corners that I doubt the HD even with it's improvements could match the ride. Perfect world: 2 bikes, the Racer and the Low Rider.
Can't afford two bikes? You don't need to eat three meals a day!
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Looks like a fun bike. :thumb:
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Enjoy your new ride man! I know you're goal is to make all the opinionated suspender snappers on this forum happy with your choice ^^^^^^^^^
I've never quite figured out why the word "opinionated" only applies to people with an opinion different from yours .... If people didn't have opinions of some sort, the board would be blank.
And if (heaven forfend) they were all the SAME opinion, all you'd hear would be Kum Bah Ya My Lord, Kum Bah Yah endlessly repeated .... and that wouldn't be very interesting ... desirable according to some, but uninteresting ....
Lannis
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and yet....I beg to differ. :grin: :grin: :grin:
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I had one for a year. Got over it.
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Websters says "conceitedly assertive and dogmatic about ones opinions"
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Websters says "conceitedly assertive and dogmatic about ones opinions"
That doesn't clear it up any.
Again, it's always "The Other Guy" who is "assertive" and "dogmatic" - one is NEVER assertive and dogmatic about one's OWN opinions, but always flexible and agreeable and perfectly willing to accept another point of view, no matter what ... eh?
And some folks have the ability to make sure that their OWN dogmatic opinions are the ones that are expressed, or not ... doesn't seem quite fair that they would also participate in the discussions, but no one said the world was fair.
Lannis
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I had one for a year. Got over it.
For a certain type of riding, and a certain laid-back attitude, the big ol' V-twin can be a lot of fun.
I enjoyed mine - you could go a long way in a long time, they were "lazy" on the road, parts like the clutch from a 1948 would fit a 1984 model, parts and service available everywhere, there was a lot to be said for them. But I suppose I got over it too.
Lannis
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My wife asked if I was going to get "monkey bars", apes dear, apes and NO... :smiley:
"monkey bars"
I like that.
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Yeah....mini-apes. :cheesy:
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Websters says "conceitedly assertive and dogmatic about ones opinions"
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/526a7cefe4b0f35a9f00357c/t/52793b0ce4b0e33e3924a340/1383676698508/You+talking+to+me.jpg)
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"monkey bars"
I like that.
Sometimes women come up with some apt terminology that happens to be appropriate .... When we were looking for a mini-van back in 1994, we happened to look at a VW Eurovan ... Fay looked at it and said "That's not one of those chain-drive VW vans is it?" I couldn't figure out what she meant until I realized that she was referring to the ringing of the cylinder fins on the old rear-engined air-cooled buses.
I did have sense enough to realize that a Eurovan was now a non-starter for our purposes and we moved on to an Aerostar ....
Lannis
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I too like the Roadster. I've tried it out on the showroom. May have to test ride that puppy at Daytona next year.
I've never owned a Sportster, only Big Twins. If H-D does introduce 4-Valve heads on the new models as leaked photos predict, they may migrate the technology down to the Sportster series ... eventually.
In the mean time, a new Roadster with fresh Ohlins shocks and fork treatment up front along with the $2200 Screamin Eagle engine upgrade kit for 100 rwhp, could make a sweet machine!
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Damn Lannis, you just make me wanna diss Aerostars but I just don't know all there is to know about them. Even had to outdo my wife story... Funny that, seems to be only a few that know all there is to know about incredible amounts of things, one being my 7 year old grandson, but at least he's funny and cute about it...and family besides. :huh: It ain't the suspenders, I have some red ones and use another pair on my tool belt. I can appreciate their usefulness.
Thanks to all that appreciate and get that this new Roadster has potential to be good at stopping and turning, looking forward to it...
Ever wonder if your words look the same to others as they do to you when you spit them out on a keyboard? That's why my post count is low for how long I've been hangin' out here.
Wildguzzi seems to have more folks that ride other brands than any other brand specific forum. Kudos! This will be my 14th brand out of 27 motorcycles, only a couple of them were ones I wished I had something else instead. Didn't keep 'em long. Still enjoyed most every mile I ever rode. My Norge will break a personal record for most miles on a single bike, it's been good. Could not have owned a Guzzi without the incredible amounts of info here, just need to wade through some of the drivel to get to it. The jury will remain out for a while to decide if the Roadster will replace the Norge or become a stablemate. I've generally only kept one motorcycle at a time.
Stay safe, John
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Our states Grand Pohbah and I visited the worlds largest Harley dealer a few weeks back. I had no idea there was such a thing as a Roadster and they had two.
Sat on it after it grabbed my eyes. I liked it. But it was an HD Griso and since I have a Griso, and I think it's a better bike than the Roadster - for that niche, I had to pass. But she was tempting. If I win the lottery....
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But in my highly opinionated opinion; those fenders are too damn small...... :rolleyes:
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But in my highly opinionated opinion; those fenders are too damn small...... :rolleyes:
Agreed, biggest complaint, that and the small fuel tank... That's why it will take a while to decide what stays and what goes. My luck and lack of patience will undoubtedly equate to the release of a more traditional 'Roadster' that has fenders, a real fuel tank, and the ability to easily add bags and such...
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Damn Lannis, you just make me wanna diss Aerostars but I just don't know all there is to know about them.
It's perfectly fine with me if you want to diss Aerostars, whether you "know all there is to know about them" or not.
Never have understood why it bothers people so bad when it's revealed, on a discussion board, that not everyone likes the same motorcycles, beer, or cars.
Is everyone just supposed to agree on their favorite everything? I've owned Harleys, I've got over 100,000 miles on them, and I have an opinion about them. I just don't understand why it should hurt anyone's feelings or burst anyone's bubbles if opinions are expressed on a discussion board when the subject is brought up ... ?
Oh well. That's life.
Lannis
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Hey mods, how about a merged threadfest of all Lannis' posts bitching about other people being taken aback at his "opinions" and defining "discussion board" for us.
Or would that just be tantamount to hitting the "see his posts" button.
:evil:. :kiss:. :boozing:
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I guess we all have a "right" to be as negative as we want to be. The op has 389 posts. It wouldn't hurt to just be nice to the guy would it?
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Hey mods, how about a merged threadfest of all Lannis' posts bitching about other people being taken aback at his "opinions" and defining "discussion board" for us.
Or would that just be tantamount to hitting the "see his posts" button.
:evil:. :kiss:. :boozing:
OR we could do a merged threadfest of all of KevM's posts bitching about people bitching about .... no, there's probably not enough link storage for all of that ... :grin: Sorry Kev, I just went back and (in the spirit of self-evaluation) read my last 100 posts, and your assessment is complete B.S. As they often are. :bow:
Guzzistajohn, tell me honestly now - HOW is saying "I've owned Harleys and I won't own any more" on a Guzzi discussion board seen as being "Not Nice" to someone? Really. I have no reason to not be nice to people. Well, except for Kev and he's got the same BB tools as I do ...
Lannis
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For what I have into a new Norge with all the fixings I could have spent the same amount of money on a used Harley (forget the Sporty). The Harley would run way slower, have a 5 speed tranny and handle poorly. Beside every Tom DICK and Harry owns one. :boozing:
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I had three H-Ds in 10 years, back in the day before it became more of a fashion statement than a motorcycle. Nowadays, I'd get a Gucci man-purse or be "rolling coal" in a diesel crew-cab F350 before I'd get a new Harley.
But that's just me.
Lannis
The implication is this Lannis . Back when Lannis rode a Harley it was cool because no one else was riding Harleys , but now only a person interested in making a fashion statement or acting a Richard would ride one . The emphasis being on "Lannis" .This is not a statement on how you feel about Harleys , rather an insult directed at the OP for choosing to purchase one . Or at least most members here are perceiving it thus . This is a discussion board , not a vehicle to deliver thinly veiled insults .
Dusty
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The implication is this Lannis . Back when Lannis rode a Harley it was cool because no one else was riding Harleys , but now only a person interested in making a fashion statement or acting a Richard would ride one . The emphasis being on "Lannis" .This is not a statement on how you feel about Harleys , rather an insult directed at the OP for choosing to purchase one . Or at least most members here are perceiving it thus . This is a discussion board , not a vehicle to deliver thinly veiled insults .
Dusty
So as long as you're "moderating", how about go back and look to see where the thread went from discussing Harleys to discussion the opinion writers? That seems like a good place to start moderating.
And how about the posts where someone considering a Harley should "lie down until it went away" or "Tom DICK and Harry" would own one? Perhaps thinly veiled "insults" on the sanity or dickishness of anyone considering a Harley? I guess not, according to whatever 'standard' is being applied. I do realize that it doesn't have to be "fair", and accept it.
Lannis
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Thanks for taking the bait. :grin:
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Thanks for taking the bait. :grin:
I HAVE noticed that our conversations at rallies sound nothing like our exchanges on this list.
There's probably a subclause of Godwin's Law that explains that .....
Lannis
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So as long as you're "moderating", how about go back and look to see where the thread went from discussing Harleys to discussion the opinion writers? That seems like a good place to start moderating.
And how about the posts where someone considering a Harley should "lie down until it went away" or "Tom DICK and Harry" would own one? Perhaps thinly veiled "insults" on the sanity or dickishness of anyone considering a Harley? I guess not, according to whatever 'standard' is being applied. I do realize that it doesn't have to be "fair", and accept it.
Lannis
I have no problem with you expressing opinions , what I do have a problem with is the need to belittle other members for making a choice . The OP's deciding to purchase a new Sportster has nothing to do with Lannis , until Lannis decides that the OP needs to be insulted for his purchase.
Dusty
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Hey mods, how about a merged threadfest of all Lannis' posts bitching about other people being taken aback at his "opinions" and defining "discussion board" for us.
Or would that just be tantamount to hitting the "see his posts" button.
:evil:. :kiss:. :boozing:
I'd like to combine Kev's and Lannis' posts all under one thread.
Then Dusty would have to get a big shovel and some tall rubber boots to clean it all up........:shocked:
But at least it would be all be in once place!
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Come on now, you guys are making it real hard for me to keep up!!!! I thought man purses and loafers were the standard Ducati slam, not Harley. Next are you're gonna start sayin' The Ducati riders will be sporting Jack Boots and big wallets with chains and "get back" whips? Of course there is the Hipster thing, so I may not have a clue anymore! A little help there Dusty!
On topic, I had a 2007 XL1200R a while back and other than what the PO did to it, it was a good well made solid bike. Even with taller shocks in back it would drag the mid pegs too early even with a mild lean, took a lot of effort to turn (heavy steering) and every time I rode it anywhere, I always wished I was on a different bike at some point in the ride. My 25 YO son liked it better than I did and wasn't happy when I sold it on. I knew I wouldn't ride it much.
Even with that experience, I still want to ride one of the new Roadsters, because I don't know why.
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...so my 2017 Roadster is on order. I'll be 60 in '17 and so will the Sportster, maybe it will be an anniversary model! The test ride proved to be the best handling Harley I had ever been on, for me and my riding style. It will be a different experience for sure. Does this mean I'll get more waves? :tongue:
Congratulations on placing the order! It would be really interesting to hear about your experiences with the Norge vs. the Roadster once you get it delivered. Will the Roadster come with windshield, saddlebags, etc?
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I used to ride my Ducati with a chain drive wallet
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Congratulations on placing the order! It would be really interesting to hear about your experiences with the Norge vs. the Roadster once you get it delivered. Will the Roadster come with windshield, saddlebags, etc?
Thanks! Ultimately I'd like the Harley 1/4 fairing. Bags will be a surprise hopefully after thanksgiving.
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I'd like to combine Kev's and Lannis' posts all under one thread.
Then Dusty would have to get a big shovel and some tall rubber boots to clean it all up........:shocked:
But at least it would be all be in once place!
That would be around 43,000 posts.
What a thought! Forty Three Thousand! No shovel big enough nor boots tall enough for that.
Lannis
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I used to ride my Ducati with a chain drive wallet
fashion plate.
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1) It does seem to me that the moderators are a bit sensitive here.
2) 59 bikes in 51 years of riding have taught me that no other marque supports their riders more than Harley. (I used to make fun of them & only acquired my 1st one in 2008.)
3) Just finished a 6800K lap of the U. S. On a '13 Switchback to pick up 7 states leaving only Alaska. 70-80 mph when on I-40 or I-90. Local speeds most of the trip. Bike never faltered in any way.
4) Example referring to #2: 1941 or so a boy graduated from high school & was given a HD as a present. He became a gunner on a bomber & never came home. Mom bundled up his sport & riding misc & put in the corner of the garage. Later she built a shed out back & put it all in there. She passed, willing it to a non-riding nephew who tried to ride it a couple times but decided to sell. He contacted a couple museums who wanted to cherry pick the collection so he declined. HD found out about the collection, bought it all & diplayed the bike & riding gear in the foyer of their museum or hdqtrs (I don't remember) during the Memorial Day period a few years ago. That means something to me.
5) Observe a HD parking lot on Saturday compared to any other marque. (I will say the Triumph-Piaggio-new MG dealer here n Reno comes close)
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Agreed, biggest complaint, that and the small fuel tank... That's why it will take a while to decide what stays and what goes. My luck and lack of patience will undoubtedly equate to the release of a more traditional 'Roadster' that has fenders, a real fuel tank, and the ability to easily add bags and such...
Yes! I forgot about that dang tank! I'm pretty sure there are Harley tanks that would bolt on there as well as after market fenders (or perhaps one off another model). It appears to me that it may be too short to go for a FenderExtender (brand name spelling?).
Normally I would say that no one would be foolish enough to tour on such a machine but coming home from a Guzzi rally in Ely Nevada this summer I ran across two guys on Sportsters in Ash Springs. Tiny peanut tanks. They said the one bike got 100 miles and the other got 80 between fill ups. They were from California. I my mind you need a good 150 mile tank when you take on Nevada.
They also had this odd habit of shooting down the road at 95+ (I paced them for a bit) then pulling over and stopping. No mechanical issues, maybe they just needed to warm up. Young people (shakes fists in air)!
Maybe you could do what one of the kids had done, haul a rotopack fuel cell along for your longer rides (unless you find yourself enjoying the bike and want to tank longer rides without the hassle of hauling extra gas).
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That would be around 43,000 posts.
What a thought! Forty Three Thousand! No shovel big enough nor boots tall enough for that.
Lannis
yes, but the bright side it would keep Dusty pretty busy and the rest of us could into mischief. :evil:
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Lannis, I for one am glad you are back here. Hope you and the family are fine. I had a 79 Sportster for two years. Liked the look but always was worried it was going to get stolen. Ninety miles to an empty gas tank.
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(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/1_zps905d1f77.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/1_zps905d1f77.jpg.html)
but I do make exceptions for Sportsters
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Lannis, I for one am glad you are back here. Hope you and the family are fine. I had a 79 Sportster for two years. Liked the look but always was worried it was going to get stolen. Ninety miles to an empty gas tank.
Bob -
All fine here, thanks!!
I always thought that a Sportster (properly prepped and fettled) would make a good All Around Bike like a Triumph Tiger, BSA Thunderbolt, or Suzuki Titan back in the day. Fit it up with some panniers and a windshield and go touring or mountain road scratching, it would be simple and basic and easy to work on ....
.... You could almost solve the gas tank problem with an old style Sportster "H" tank, at least have 3.5 gallons. But no one could solve the vibration problem. I've had several 650 BSAs (have two now) that with dynamic crank balancing and an EI are as smooth as they need to be, almost as smooth as an old Guzzi.
I don't think you can do that with a solid mount 45 degree V Sportster, at least no one I've talked to has ever owned one, and no shop has ever said they could do it .... And then the Cult took over and it was a moot point ....
Lannis
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Yes! I forgot about that dang tank! I'm pretty sure there are Harley tanks that would bolt on there as well as after market fenders (or perhaps one off another model). It appears to me that it may be too short to go for a FenderExtender (brand name spelling?).
Normally I would say that no one would be foolish enough to tour on such a machine but coming home from a Guzzi rally in Ely Nevada this summer I ran across two guys on Sportsters in Ash Springs. Tiny peanut tanks. They said the one bike got 100 miles and the other got 80 between fill ups. They were from California. I my mind you need a good 150 mile tank when you take on Nevada.
They also had this odd habit of shooting down the road at 95+ (I paced them for a bit) then pulling over and stopping. No mechanical issues, maybe they just needed to warm up. Young people (shakes fists in air)!
Maybe you could do what one of the kids had done, haul a rotopack fuel cell along for your longer rides (unless you find yourself enjoying the bike and want to tank longer rides without the hassle of hauling extra gas).
The Roadster has a 3.3 gallon tank. H-D says fuel economy is average 48 MPG combined city/highway.
Could be worse.
.
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Best Sportster I have ridden or owned is the Buell S3 Thunderbolt. :thumb:
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Well the Sportsters have been rubbermounted for a dozen years now so vibration solved.
Yeah the 3.3 gallon tank should be good for about 120-130 miles before the light comes on, and another 20 at least to find fuel.
But I would assume the 4.5 g OEM Sportster walnut tank would fit too, and that's generally good for 150-175 miles.
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Best Sportster I have ridden or owned is the Buell S3 Thunderbolt. :thumb:
That's cheating
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Sportsters are highly under-rated...late model sporty has a solid motor, excellent transmission, lousy suspension, a total blast to ride...I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun on it....
My slightly mofified 06 custom.....
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii224/stripah/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-06/3176FF8E-C8D7-41C1-95E5-7F1195DE990E.jpg) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/stripah/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-06/3176FF8E-C8D7-41C1-95E5-7F1195DE990E.jpg.html)
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Nice color Mark! Hopefully the suspension woes are solved with the new upside down forks and upgraded rear shock. Sure seemed that way on the test ride.
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I lusted for a Sportster Sport from its intro and finally bought an unmolested 2000 a year ago. It was a very sweet runner and the expected vibration didn't overly bother me. I liked looking at it, but I couldn't ride it comfortably in windy Iowa even with the smaller windshield from my Cal III. The blast on my legs w/the mid controls was just too tiring for my old fat body so I traded it for Quota that takes me almost a full minute to get on and off so I don't ride it as much as I'd like. Sold the Cal III to outfit the Quota...those Sportsters are the sirens on the seas of motorcycling for me, a '68 XLCH diverted me once too.
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Congrats on the new Roadster. I thoroughly enjoy my '04 version and, from what I hear, the new one is an even better machine. They make an excellent complement to a Norge (I've had one of those also). This one has stayed with me longer than any other bike I've owned in the last 55 years.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Marques/Harley-Davidson/XL1200R/i-KrtSH9m/0/XL/DSCN0006-XL.jpg)
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Me and my 1960 XLCH around 1962.
Bob
(http://thumb.ibb.co/n5DYva/1960_Sportster.png) (http://ibb.co/n5DYva)
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This Sportster, which I call an XL1200Lr (it's a "Low" that I converted to "Roadster" specs and a little more) recently took over the title "the bike I've owned the longest" from my old Guzzi Jackal:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FTLIofLvFJtZUrB7G0_DG3wAen9N9fujc0rlf_hGt31ZG8vl-VJvMGu8FqXNxh5kCv55Ht-hTA2D59zHfgnbgA1uF1xWa53VJxgMTCMGcqdpkJRVOL6XXXq5kXPuAoiAxXQi2NSiSCE-oLnmYElsKJM329QveakwZSwu7O9BeLqxBwItNExwXSNxLLnjd8oK2byL1cH8RTWVpbKGc4KqsKXH2k4xwei25erGU5qYHDoQ5jDPbrI4iFKtMxal2qBuQ6nMHQ24lePaoHuP-nETWXt-KQ9ZPWbqRWNL6RnrOJzA-r95jlpkY62d3z1kgIy2EPMka6UaHjZt_qmysVz7SdOPMEISzDR4OQ4MzMxqWnN4-pRt5Lh1ZLKSqTEuaLHtrC2lHkK8EFDO-vU7-DvE16KQqTfuEnqFj5_L3mv9Wf1jwgw8pieNrBfBg76crk3Sq9su0MKo_AhG_QSUaviwx56zNWI38lFsrkBdfaHTLvG5_tsJD8cFh2uyXcMwyMcd-bzj6PMaGg9p1JyUattFxUC6316M-5sRHuX3vFmfk-6ehFjQxH_rLMpvlzHmar97XYj8Lo-GEcMCk6Lwz2dDE3RAsSD4UZE=w1577-h923-no)
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I like that Sportster! I also like the XR 1200 X . My son has a 2006 dyna street bob, and it has been a great bike, always fires up when it should, and has required minimal maintenance. If I were to get an HD,one of the sportsters would be my choice. :thumb:
Good luck with your new bike,
Rick.
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That's cheating
It was that or buy a Sportster and put on the suspension that Buell put on it. A shorter straight line with buying a Buell.
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I bought my Buell S3T shortly after riding my first Griso, and I came to the conclusion that it was a Harley Griso (with a huge fuel tank and an integrated fairing).
And I'll admit that mechanically and performance wise the Buell was superior to my beloved Sportster. But when it came to my preferred ergonomics and riding style, my Sportster won out. I sold the Buell, but kept the Sportster.
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I just had too much fun doing day rides that I kept it.
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....Sat on it after it grabbed my eyes. I liked it. But it was an HD Griso and since I have a Griso, and I think it's a better bike than the Roadster - for that niche, I had to pass. But she was tempting. If I win the lottery....
Well, it ain't a Griso, not even in the same league. But that doesn't mean it isn't a blast to ride, because it is :azn:
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...Yeah the 3.3 gallon tank should be good for about 120-130 miles before the light comes on, and another 20 at least to find fuel.
But I would assume the 4.5 g OEM Sportster walnut tank would fit too, and that's generally good for 150-175 miles.
Gas light on my Roadster comes on consistently at about 90 miles. I wouldn't ride much past 120 miles unless I planned to push it.
I'm sure the 4.5 gallon tank would bolt on (HD even offers a kit to mount the larger tank), you might have some interference from the bars.
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This Kev m seems to continually talk about his sportster. :boozing:
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Gas light on my Roadster comes on consistently at about 90 miles. I wouldn't ride much past 120 miles unless I planned to push it.
I'm sure the 4.5 gallon tank would bolt on (HD even offers a kit to mount the larger tank), you might have some interference from the bars.
Wow, that seems early, what kind of mileage you getting? At least 40?
Cool R, yeah, I'm a bit of a Sportster fan.
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Wow, that seems early, what kind of mileage you getting? At least 40?
Cool R, yeah, I'm a bit of a Sportster fan.
Not a big mans bike. :boozing:
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Maybe Fay is a VW expert and was referring to the little reduction boxes on the ends of the axles of old "Type 2" micro buses. Ever seen them? They were popular for dune buggies
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Wow, that seems early, what kind of mileage you getting? At least 40?
Cool R, yeah, I'm a bit of a Sportster fan.
Seems to be consistently around 43-45 mpg, unless I'm doing a lot of in town riding then it's 39-40 mpg.
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Not a big mans bike. :boozing:
I guess I'm only a medium sized man.
But wait, really?
I mean here are some stats:
~580-600# wet
~1200cc motor
~65-70 hp
~4.5 g tank
100/90-19 front wheel
~130/90-16 to 150/80-16 rear wheel
Ya know what those numbers just described - both the rubbermount XL1200 or the 1973-79 FX/FXE series the papa to the FXR (considered by many to be the finest handling BT ever built).
It's my contention that the current Sportster series is, for all intents and purposes, the actual heir to the legacy of the FXR (granted the lowered models need a little more suspension to match the cornering but it's easily done with taller shocks and even the stock forks on most models with longer damper rods). Still as it sits my Sportster feels like a big comfortable bike, certainly big enough for me, even if I am equally at home on a Cali or RK.
Speaking of Cali's, my Jackal and my Sportster were also more similar than not in terms of size, comfort, and performance. Were Tonti California's "not a big man's bike" too? Crap, I keep buying the wrong bikes. I guess judging from numbers my V7 is for a child no?
I realize that so many of today's bikes have become oversized caricatures of what they once were, so in a sea of 800#, 1.6-1.8L motorcycles a 1200cc bike seems "small" to some, but call me Goldilocks (despite the lack of hair) cause I think this size is "just right."
Of course I'm funny that way and enjoy going my own way on things, which is weird, cause I would expect a lot more Guzzisti to get that than it sometimes seems like they do.
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Seems to be consistently around 43-45 mpg, unless I'm doing a lot of in town riding then it's 39-40 mpg.
Ya know, I think I had a total brain fart when I posted that low fuel light estimate.
Come to think of it, the last 2 rubbermounts I had with a 3.3 g tank were carbureted 883s that regularly gave us 50+ mpg, and that was the kind of range we had to reserve, but it was because of that higher mileage.
My current EFI 1200Lr tends to give me mpg numbers more similar to you, and the low fuel light comes on generally in the 130 range BUT ON A 4.5 g tank that extra 1.2 g is good for a comfortable 150 and occasional up to 170 or more if you're sure there's gas ahead.
But I can see why you're getting the light when you are on the 3.3 g.
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Cool R- good thing I'm not choosing a "big man's bike" cuz at 5'3" 132# I just don't qualify :smiley:
Mike- MPGs are a little disappointing, HD rates it at 48 combined, guess ya can't believe everything ya read :huh:.
KevM- always count on you for statistics :thumb:
Some more reasons for heading in this direction: a bit tired of the plastic (bodywork and tank) of my last 6 or so road bikes (read sport tourers), I now have an Aerostitch that holds the weather at bay quite nicely (and vents well).
I will install risers (2-3") from Dennis Kirk ($30-40!) which if I decide to will accommodate the 4.5 gallon tank. More for reach to the bars as I have done this on 4 of my sport tourers.
Options galore! Dealer network!
It's just fun to personalize a motorcycle!
V7II ABS was right there in the running, 6 hrs to a dealer probably the biggest objection (gettin' lazy that way I guess). I would rather ride to a fun destination rather than a dealership. I did enjoy the one test ride I had!
Did I mention I always thought I should have one Harley?
Anyhow, enough ramblings, have a safe day, John
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Maybe Fay is a VW expert and was referring to the little reduction boxes on the ends of the axles of old "Type 2" micro buses. Ever seen them? They were popular for dune buggies
It's possible; she's always surprising me. Married 40 years today, and I still don't know everything she knows ... !
Lannis
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It's possible; she's always surprising me. Married 40 years today, and I still don't know everything she knows ... !
Lannis
Congrats...that calls for a celebratory moto ride for sure!!
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Congrats...that calls for a celebratory moto ride for sure!!
We just got back! 2000 miles and a week on the roads of Eastern Kentucky. I'll post pics on another thread.
Lannis
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Mike- MPGs are a little disappointing, HD rates it at 48 combined, guess ya can't believe everything ya read :huh:.
I'm sure you could get 48 mpg out of a Roadster, but not the way I ride it :grin:
Some more reasons for heading in this direction: a bit tired of the plastic (bodywork and tank) of my last 6 or so road bikes (read sport tourers), I now have an Aerostitch that holds the weather at bay quite nicely (and vents well).
I've never been into the sport tourers. Maybe if I tried one I'd change my mind.
I will install risers (2-3") from Dennis Kirk ($30-40!) which if I decide to will accommodate the 4.5 gallon tank. More for reach to the bars as I have done this on 4 of my sport tourers.
Options galore! Dealer network!
It's just fun to personalize a motorcycle!
Risers should do the trick, clearing the tank.
Did I mention I always thought I should have one Harley?
IMHO, every serious motorcyclist needs to have owned at least one Sportster and one Bonneville.
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IMHO, every serious motorcyclist needs to have owned at least one Sportster and one Bonneville.
Do old ones count ? There was a K model and several old Triumphs in my history . The K model was a hoot , at least the few times I rode it , even in 1976 it seemed 50 years old
Dusty
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IMHO, every serious motorcyclist needs to have owned at least one Sportster and one Bonneville.
My trial by fire came in the form of a well used 1974 XLCH, in 1988.
Good Fun. Sorta...
:bike-037:
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IMHO, every serious motorcyclist needs to have owned at least one Sportster and one Bonneville.
My first road bike in 1975 (at 17 yrs old) was a 1972 Tiger (a single carb Bonneville if you will), rode it to Florida from Syracuse to attend AMI for their motorcycle mechanics course right after high school. Great bike! Taken me a while to get around to the Sportster. We went to some motorcycle drags in Tampa while we were there and one of the most memorable runs was a Sportster, I became a believer!
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anyone interested. New issue of Cycle World has the Harley in a comparison test with Roadster vs Beemer, Triumph and Yammie.
Haven't bothered to read it yet.
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Can't get Cycle World locally w/o a subscription, may have to take a ride for that one! Is the Beemer an R1200R? Went to the MOA national in Hamburg, they gave my bike (an R1200R) to someone else! Used to do the BMW scene, 2 very good friends still do.
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Everyone should ride a Sportster XLCH or Norton Commando. Kickstart. Gives one a good base of reference to work from. :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :wink:
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Can't get Cycle World locally w/o a subscription, may have to take a ride for that one! Is the Beemer an R1200R? Went to the MOA national in Hamburg, they gave my bike (an R1200R) to someone else! Used to do the BMW scene, 2 very good friends still do.
Thruxton R, Beemer 9T, Yamaha 900 Triple. Not much of substance since the bikes are quite a bit different.
In all performance categories the Harley lost but won for character- not surprisingly.
And the most favored bike was the brand new Thurxton- not surprisingly.
And the Yammie had the best performance- not surprisingly.
It was one of those articles for low information riders. I certainly didn't learn much.
Having ridden the Beemer 1200RS, I think it would be head shoulders above all of them but even more expensive that the Triumph. As I've said, the water cooled Beemers are in a whole 'nother category.
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Do old ones count ? There was a K model and several old Triumphs in my history . The K model was a hoot , at least the few times I rode it , even in 1976 it seemed 50 years old
Dusty
In some case the old ones count double :thumb:
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All this talk about opinions....I get the impression opinions are good when it's the opinion of the person making the opinion...Rubber mount Sportsters are under rated...The main problem is 550 pounds....same with big block Guzzis, too heavy for my taste...
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All this talk about opinions....I get the impression opinions are good when it's the opinion of the person making the opinion
No I think it is a case that we are all entitled to our opinions, but it's possible to disagree without being a jerk.
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No I think it is a case that we are all entitled to our opinions, but it's possible to disagree without being a jerk.
Agreed! Timing and delivery (good and bad) are the difference between welcome and unwelcome opinions. I may find the Roadster to heavy, to slow, to H a r l e y..., to...something, but it seems good enough to give it a shot and like my Ducati, I won't know unless I give it a try. It was to fast for the street and what I didn't like about that was, I liked that :shocked:. Don't regret most of my 2 wheelers, powered or not.
Stay safe, John
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Well I clearly am not a serious motorcyclist yet!
My opinion is you're not a serious motorcyclist unless you have held a competition licnce and used it.
Only joking!!!! :violent1:
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No I think it is a case that we are all entitled to our opinions, but it's possible to disagree without being a jerk.
I find people are less of a jerk in person than on the Internet.... :laugh: Bikes are are very personal and subject to strong opinions..Many have strong opinions of Harleys based the commonly repeated stereotypes...A Harley rider told me my Buell was a fake Harley..
If I was looking for a newer bike I would consider a late model rubber mount 1200 Sportster...Then strip it down as much as possible... :evil:
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with all this Sportster talk, no mention of the XR?
Not that I am that interested but I would like to test ride one of those.
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I find people are less of a jerk in person than on the Internet.... :laugh:
Yeah, but that's mostly cause they're pussies... :wink:
Me, I'm pretty much what you see is what you get. :boozing: :evil: :boozing: Meaning some people think I'm a big freakin' teddy bear...and others rightly do not. :boozing: :boxing: :boozing:
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I think you're a BEEG TEDDY BEAR! A wet one at times. :grin: :grin: :grin: (reference to when he went swimming in his tent) I'm running to hide. :boozing:
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A wet one at times. :grin: :grin: :grin: (reference to when he went swimming in his tent)
I wish I didn't have to actually ask WHICH TIME I WENT SWIMMING IN MY TENT? :shocked: :embarrassed: :embarrassed:
You'll be happy to know that just a few weeks ago I finally left that tent (at the New York Safety Track) with a note: "Free To Good Home, Not Particularly Waterproof". :grin:
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Swimming in one's tent is preferable to swimming on one's Harley ...
Dusty
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I almost went swimming with V11 Sport Nero Corsa at Money Creek. Zoom Zoom, my brother from another mother did with his EV.
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It is my humble opinion, but it's a rather strong one, that swimming in the tent should be forbidden.
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He had no choice. Ended up in the laundromat to dry things out.
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Rboe is right, a man should never swim in his tent. :embarrassed:
He had no choice. Ended up in the laundromat to dry things out.
THAT TIME... There was a worse time in Heath, MA where the rain poured all night and actively dripped on me so bad I slept in my Aerostich, then left for a 500 mile ride home in the rain the next morning. That sucked even more. I wish there had been a laundromat! 😭
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:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: BTDT Not fun at the time. :sad: I had that and the bike swim at Money Creek, MN. :shocked: :shocked:
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Everyone should ride a Sportster XLCH or Norton Commando. Kickstart. Gives one a good base of reference to work from. :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :wink:
no thanks, i've already had two ankle surgeries because of my old bonnie and sr500 kickers. The norton i almost bought was a joy by comparison. Worst $700 I never spent. :(
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Yeah, don't want to use those bikes in a bank robbery. :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy:
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Did the tent swim/laundromat next day in 1988 at my 1st or 2nd BMW rally. Gave that freebie to me tent away right quick. +side of that little rally, I won the 50/50 :cheesy:. Those days BMW rallies were about the size of Moto Guzzi rallies now. The BMW MOA this year was too big for my tastes anymore.
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Buy an Italian Harley
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nBqk8v/13340290_287370024984263_451400061278081063_o.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nBqk8v)
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Kudos! You guys are having friendly useless banter just as if you were ummmmmmmm. Sitting around a campfire together? Works nicely eh?
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The past 3 out of 4 bikes I've owned have been Italian. All wonderful bikes. Italian Harley? 2 stroke (premix?) with points? Could be wrong about all that but I'll still pass.
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The past 3 out of 4 bikes I've owned have been Italian. All wonderful bikes. Italian Harley? 2 stroke (premix?) with points? Could be wrong about all that but I'll still pass.
Actually that one's a 4-stroke
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Did the tent swim/laundromat next day in 1988 at my 1st or 2nd BMW rally. Gave that freebie to me tent away right quick.
You see you're smarter than me.
I had that dang tent since the 90's, though to be fair maybe I was lucky with it the first decade.
But I first swam in it at my first Guzzi rally in the early 00's so I should have learned quicker.
Maybe I'm just the Guzzi cheap sometimes. :grin:. :boozing:
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Buy an Italian Harley
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nBqk8v/13340290_287370024984263_451400061278081063_o.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nBqk8v)
Spaghetti Harlette .
Dusty
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Spaghetti Harlot .
Dusty
FIXORED
:shocked:
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Does anyone know if the Roadster has the star wheel throttle lock? Also assuming alternator output will not have changed from the previous 1200s on the Roadster? Thanks.
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Does anyone know if the Roadster has the star wheel throttle lock? Also assuming alternator output will not have changed from the previous 1200s on the Roadster? Thanks.
The 2016 still has the throttle lock. I'm surprised this handy little device hasn't fallen fate to the lawyers.
Engine is pretty standard 1200 cc Sportster.
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The 2016 still has the throttle lock. I'm surprised this handy little device hasn't fallen fate to the lawyers.
Engine is pretty standard 1200 cc Sportster.
Yeah that grip tension adjuster has been used for decades.
As for the motor, it appears to be rated with a few more hp than the rest of the 1200's.