Rode a Harley today...

[CLB]

I hadn't ever been on one.

I left work the same time as a cohort with a 1200 Sportster. He had previously been curious about the Sprint and asked how the seating position might feel. I suggested that the best way to find out would be to climb on the bike. Next thing you know we're following each other around the parking lot on each others bikes.

The Sportster is his first bike and sole transportation. I have previously owned an R65, K100RT and FJ12.

I realize you can't tell much from a parking lot test but I was surprised by several things:
The bike really shakes a lot.
The clutch has a lot of shudder. I think this might be an issue with this machine. I can't imagine why it should be that much different than mine.
There was quite a bit of surge at low throttle but the bike was not up to operating temperature.
My biggest surprise was how much countersteer force I had to hold to keep the machine leaned over. It wanted to stand up *NOW*.

He thought the Sprint felt light and flickable.

I will probably organize a couple group rides over the summer.

[ This message was edited by: CLB on 2007-06-13 21:28 ]

[oldndumb]

Okay, now we've got to figure out an appropriate penance for you. :hammer:

[steventhechef]

He obviously won in that deal!!

I have had the "mis" pleasure of riding a couple of fatboys and wideglides back in the 80's.

They never feel like you are in total control of the machine or even is sync. Maybe it's me.

Yes, penance, but what type.

10 hail Mary's to the Triumph God

[bakwheeltango]

same feelings here.

I rode a couple harleys last year and I wanted my sprint back within seconds... unfortunately I couldn't catch them to get my bike back! so I had the "pleasure" of one for about 10-15 minutes.

never again!


:razz:

[ChuckofTahoe]

I am shocked you let him ride around on your new Sprint. :-D

[CLB]

He's a good guy.

Student interns have driven my M3. It was a safe bet.

[ This message was edited by: CLB on 2007-06-14 00:26 ]

[Tankman]

Tis a funny thing, the other day one of my non motorcycle mates asked me if I was going to buy a Harley. I said to him mate! If I had a really big boat then I'd need a really big anchor, but I don't so I wont be buying a Harley. Harley's and Blue cattle dogs are the
same, they both come home in the back of the Ute after a hard days work.

Cya The Tankman
:upthumb: :upthumb: :lgh: :lgh:

[DaveM]

+1 Tankman :hihi:

DaveM

[CLB]

I had not owned a bike for around 15 years. Back then a Harley was a rare sight and something of a novelty, at least among folks I knew.
Now it's rare to see anything else.

When I showed up at work with helmet & jacket, a number of people asked me when I bought my Harley.
I don't think the word "motorcycle" was mentioned.

Just one of those things I guess. I should have bought Microsoft stock too.

[dolson]

I had the same experience. My c0-pilot has a sporty and one day we went for a ride through the hills. At a rest stop we exchanged bikes.

I thought his was broken and running one one lung it vibrated so badly.
The rake and trail are a bit on the long side so it doesn't transition very well but with the top heaviness it turns in ok. But the tires are cruiser type and that was very limiting. Brakes are, well, not that good and faded easily. After we got back I talked him into trying DOT 5.1 brake fluid and he has since reported that they don't fade as quickly.

I was just recovering from a bulged disk in the L-4, L-5 area and the seating position didn't help that. With my feet at that angle it was difficult to properly support myself and my back took a beating.

Anyhow, I owned a 1949 Massey Ferguson OOPS Harley and still haven't seen the need to get another one. Besides, I don't consider them Harleys unless you have to shift with your hand and clutch with your foot :-D

But the K model that Johnny Depp rides in the movie "Cry Baby", I'd like to have that.

Don