Motorcycles

That's where a windscreen comes in.On my first Valykrie a Tourer model it had
a windshield as big as a barn.It really mussed up my hair.But I could even ride in the rain and wouldn't get wet in the face.I got about the same size big
windshield { Lexan} for my VTX 1800.I remember it costs $ 500.oo.
I thought that was a lot of dough back in 2003.But it was the Honda custom
model.A windshield for my Rune costs $999.oo.And their short.

 

I like fairings but on the blast it has this tiny little fly screen thing. lol Looking to order one of the "Cafe" fairings off the net for 70 and run that for a while BUT. not real sure still thinking.

 

My uncle got his license monday, finally rode his bike to work.

Dropped off tons of gear for him and loaned him my 3/4 helmet

 

[video=youtube;IJqut44z99M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJqut44z99M[/video]

 

You are being Lulled into some form of Macho Manliness.
Like how Obama accolites were conned.
Don't fall prey to shows like Orange County Chopper.Those Bikes are NOT
rideable.They are what is known as Boulevard bikes.Bikes to take out in the
best of weather and down the main drag.Take them out on for an afternoon ride including
the Interstate and twisty back roads and they are miserable companions for a
rider.If it Rains or is Cold those bikes are a virtual terror.
Those bikes are like Playboy Bunnies for Wives.
It's a Scam.A Ruse.A good motorcycle is dependable,very rideable and somethiing
that should be dependable.
Those CLONE Bikes or Show Bikes usually fail and fail Bigtime.
Look at all the Clone Bike makers who went Under.Like even Texas Ironhorse.

 

This is what I wanted (I called, it was sold).



This is the one I got, because it was cheap. It's like riding an easy chair around town.

 

It's up to you entirely.I've personally witnessed many who got sucked into mortgaging
their Homes in order to have a Dream Clone Muscle bike.I dare say not a one ever has their bike
today due to Recall problems or just quality issues,even with the S&S engines which are
touted as Dragstrip quality.It was a RUSE.A Con.Just appeal to the easy likeability of a loud
V-Twin on a makeshift design.Granted with good frames and even front ends { Forks }
those near Model Airplane experiments in Motorcycle engineering is kind of grade school.
Thatn is the problem.These nutjobs like Jessie James are into making money.
They aren't one lick concerned in the actual rideability or engineering of a Motorcycle.
In fact,they are kinda retarded.basically just Welders.NO ability to comprehend engineering.
A Quality motorcycle has to undergo extensive tests to see how they perform in real
world conditions.Can they turn and handle stress under load and then in different conditions
like Cold and Rain and heat.I say they Cannot.
That is why a BEEMER { BMW} is a quality bike.Honda { Goldwing } and Italian curvies
Like Aprilla and Ducati rule the pavement.
Even a Suzuki Hayabusa.
It's your money however.I don't cotton Harley's.An out of date Pushrod design
which makes little horsepower,but at least don't reguire that silly double twist of the
throttle grip in order to turn over.Which is even more silly.Now that ALL Harley's
finally have Fuel Injection their owners still never miss an opportunity to BLIP
their Throttles.
I find that THE Most RETARDED thing a Motorcycle owner can do.
I Never Blip my throttle.It means nothing.it's pure stupidity.It's why most harley
owners BUY their bikes.It's a juvenile form of machoism.

 

My scooter and it is paid for. You will hear me coming with the true dual Vance and Hines pipes

 

BTW that's 1300cc Honda VTX.because it has No Hydraulic Clutch box casing
on the left grip like a VTX 1800.
Meaning it's a cable clutch design vs. a Hydraulic.
However that model 1300 with the right Pipes {exhaust} can sound as sweet if
not sweeter than a Harley.
Because of the crankpin design.A Single-pin crankshaft design is what
gives Harley that deep exhaust growl.
The Honda 1300 Honda has that single-pin feature.
However the more torguey/horsepower VTX 1800 is an Offset DUAL Crankpin
design and it will never possess that deep throaty growl like a standard Harley.
I managed to acheive a bit of success with a VTX 1800 exhaust 10 years ago
by fine tuning an expensive set of hardKrome SIDEBURNERS exhaust which look
awesome.They are a 4" single turnout pipe like what the late 60's Ford Cobra
roadster used.At Idle my VTX managed to sound pretty one of a kind.
Like those old 60's Unlimited Hydro speedboat.

 

Actually that top bike is a disaster.No rear suspension not even a swingarm.
Spoke wheel have to eventually be tightened and are a pain to clean.
The front suspension is a springer design and not exactly smooth.Can anyone explain what type
engine that is.Surely it must be a V-twin that sits parallel like a Triumph or BSA.
But then it could be a single cylinder thumper and probably is.Thumper's were good for those
mountain climb runs were only torque was necessary.I guess there's a battery in there somewhere
because there is no kickstart lever.Plus there seem's to be one rather large carburetor which
also translates in a single cylinder engine.I don't see a rear brake at least no discs but there
appears to be some caliper { black thing on the left side } and it's not a drum brake.
There is also no brake lever on the right handlebar but there is a foot pedal on
the right side { for braking } and I don't see any clutch lever on the left side of the handlebar.
But it must be there somewhere.It isn't a suicide clutch design.They have devices that can
switch gears by twisting the grips ... ?
All an all the top motorcycle with the nice brown Seat and clean lines is a Track Bobber
and a good-looking bike but 10 minutes in the saddle and yer Pooped.
Not even good for going off to Grandma's House on Sunday.

 

I'll stick with my 50th Anniversery Sportster. Agile enough to enjoy on the "twisties" and comfortable enough for an 800 mile a day 'iron-ass' touring ride when required.

 

Yes, us Harley riders do swear by our rides but we also recognize other manufactures. Ducati and Yamaha have produced some great racing machines for example and they are a wonder to behold on the racetrack but these motorcycles aren't very good on the street. Yes, these other manufacturers also produce good street bikes such as the Honda Goldwing but a Goldwing just isn't a Road King or Electraglide.

We just feel sorry for someone that can't afford a Harley but anyone on two wheels is respected with the possible exception of the 'cafe-racers' that don't realize they're not racers and their bikes aren't really designed for road use. They can't ride at 140 mph on the streets and being bent over for 8 hours when touring is very hard on the body.

What the hey, I also drive a Mercedes and feel sorry for BMW owners because they couldn't afford the costs of owning Mercedes. That doesn't make a BMW a bad car, just an inferior choice, but they're both better than owning a Toyota LOL.

 

I'm prejudice AGAINST Harley types.because with them it's ALL about Harley.
Forget the old saying " You meet the nicest people on a Honda ".
Harley owners are rude and seldom even look at other bikes.Just test yerself on that.
Watch an see how Harley riders almost refuse to look or go over to other
Bike Owners who don't have Harley's.Harley owners are snobs who, live to BLIP
their throttles.That right there is proof of their IGNURNCE.Eventually all that Blipping of a throttle
causes problems.With a carburetor is means fouling and also Bluing of the exhaust pipes.
It means flooding of the engine and spark plugs that need replacing because of getting wet
and building-up carbon.But Harley knuckleheads don't care.it's all about appearing
Macho.
God ... I Hate Harley types.They are so base and immature.
Plus a motorcycle is basically an Engine.The Harley's of the 1990's and 1980's
leaked oil and their 80 cubic inches was good for no more than a little over 60 h.p.
if that.The TC88 was an upgrade but still produced less than 70 h.p.
Now they have their 96 c.i. models and dropped the carbs.With the 6 speed.
My Buddy has a Dyna model he customized and put the big bore 113" kit on.
With a nice expensive air cleaner kit and special Vance & Hines 2-into 1
competition headers ,blacked out.It is way loud.Plus he added a tach { most harley
don't have Tachs} and tricked out his turn signal and rear lights with neat LED's.
But that 113" can't make Horsepower like he expected because he didn't address how
make Horsepower.Meaning with Revs.So even after dismantling his rev limiter { Harley's
are set at around 5500 which is where the Torque/Horsepower curve intersects.
Actually 5250.To get Horsepower you have to have increased fuel delievery
and a higher compression engine and DOHC to quicker ignite the fuel and burn.
Just having a bigger bore ain't gonna cut it.
I say both my Bikes can lick his 2010 Dyna which he traded his 2006 Road King in for.
He also has his first Harley { refuses to sell } which is a shovelhead.
yes,he's a typical Harley butthole but he doesn't blip his throttle.I cured him of that.

 

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I am familiar with the top design but I don't ride any distance anymore. I just don't have time and have nowhere to really go and am not into long trips anymore I like unique and the top design is the Buell single cylinder design that is a (*)(*)(*)(*)(*) on vibration but I like the single cylinder look.

I ended up picking up the Honda at a pawn shop for a good price and it really suits my lifestyle now as I really don't have time to work on a bike anymore. Too busy at work. I am keeping it the way it is and only replacing something if it needs it. If you are old enough you will remember this from early Honda ads. I tell people I bought a Honda because "you meet the nicest people on a Honda".

I had Harley's back in the 70's and still like them but just not enough to shell out the kind of money they want for them now. My first one was a combo of a 74 Superglide with a 72 Electra Glide engine (no kickstart). Vibrated like hell. It also had an extended front end fork.

I ended up shunning Harley's because of the "accountant by day, biker by night" look that I see everywhere now. I used to ride the last Harley I had around wearing workpants and white socks, just to be different. LOL

The last bike I had before this one was a Suzuki TL1000. Awesome bike. My gf was glad I sold it because she thought I would get myself killed on it. She was probably right.

 

I wonder what they were asking for that Thumper { Single cylinder }.
I believe the Biggest single cylinder I ever knew produced was either Yamaha or
Suzuki at 650cc.That blacked out engine is some clone engine.Maybe it's
a custom engine with ported head.
Nevertheless it can't be worth a whole lot.Fancy little headlamp and sturdy items
like a coated hardtail frame and gearbox and little oil tank.Stainless steel
exhaust wrapped so that ya don't get burn because it's right in line with
where your leg/thigh will be.
I'm trying to think of the clone Motorcycle maker who has mostly thick black
bikes that are really sturdy looking and plain yet they ask $30 Grand for.
Von Dutch has really fantastic engines by Patrick Racing.I would love a
an all aluminum square engine from Patrick cut from a single billet of Aluminum.

 

The frame is an off the shelf sportster frame with the Buell 500cc engine. The builder had to modify the mounting for it.

I have thought of building my own, but again, don't really have the time, maybe when I am retired. I am just not going to shell out that kind of money for a bike but would not mind buying something used or wrecked and building something from it. I hold an aircraft mechanics license but don't do that for a living.

I talked to a guy with an all billet engine and he said the engine cost him $15K alone.

 

Just curious ... as to what they were asking for that Rigid frame.
So you didn't get to actually sit on it or take it for a drive.
Normally thumpers are buzzy but the latest Suzuki Boulevard singles are
starter bikes and don't vibrate too much.Then again due no doubt to engine
counterbalancing.
Harley's finally adopted Counterbalancers with their Reinvention from the
Old " Evo" 80 c.i. design to the 2000 decade of TC88's.As in TC88B{balancers}
My M109 has counterbalancers and they are noisy.

 

I never got around to asking since it was sold, but I think probably more than I really wanted to pay for anything. Then I would have had to go out of state and get it. I just wanted to get on a bike this summer and looked through craigslist and around and ran into the Honda for a good price.

 

Wow, reading this it appears that the prejudice is against Harley owners as opposed to by Harley owners. I often stop along the road to talk with other riders regardless of what they're riding. They're on two wheels and not four and that gives us commonality. I wave to all approaching riders without regard to what they're riding. No prejudice at all on my part. I do feel sorry for those that can't afford a Harley but I'm glad they're riding nonetheless.

The riding is more important than what is being ridden.

A quick story to show this point. In 1971 I was in college and riding a Yamaha 70. I went with a friend of mine (he owned an old Harley 50) to see my brother who happened to be at his old house that a Harley owner had purchased. The guy had his Harley torn down at the time. He started to give us a little (*)(*)(*)(*) about our motorcycles to which my brother calmly replied, "They're riding and you're not." That instantly shut him up. LOL

 

That 1300 VTX is an excellent bike.It has the same engine as their chopper model
or the Fury.A lot of guys get the 1300 VTX because it has that harley " potato Potato "
sticcato.The VTX 1800 at best sounds like an elephant farting under water.
But the VTX1800 is a Torque monster like my 1800 Rune.
I too like Bobbers.The only thing I don't like about a Bobber is no front fender.
That means a lot of little debris or pebbles flying up off the pavement right smack into
yer front area or face.
A true Bobber or flat track bike also has the same width tire rear as front.
So a 180 series tire is actually too fat.I prefer the 180 size.
My M109 has a 240 rear tire and my Rune has a Low profile 180 tire.
A bobber should have around a 130 front tire and 130 rear.

 

That's the 2nd time you've mentioned " NOT being able to afford a Harley ".Which is half of the
almost KKK style mindset of Harley owners.Like Gee look at me Mom,I finally afforded
a Harley.
Most Harley owners can't even tell you why they bought a Harley.
Surely it isn't because of Value.Maybe in the 90's when Harley's were at a shortage
and new models were going on average for $4,ooo OVER list.Therefore their claim
to great Resale value.NO More.Harley Overproduced.I own harley stock - Hog - but
would never buy a Harley.For what.An outdated Pushrod design with rocker arms.
BOTH my Bikes,yes can you count up to TWO ... can lick the noodle of any
Harley cruiser even the V-rod. I was dope enough to put my name on a list for the original
V-Rod back when it had those anodized aluminum-looking tanks.My local Harley dealer had a
seriously bad reputation.I had a VTX 1800 then.THE reason Harley entered the Power Cruiser
market.Owning a Harley is just about getting INTO THE CLUB.
An almost Right of passage to be declared some Macho Guy.
Of course clone Bikers snub their noses at Harley guys.
Whether Ultra Motorcycles or American Ironhorse and now *Big Dog,they go under
eventually,Like Indian.Even though I see Indian is back,again.I test rode a Chief
in the early 2000's.It was a Joke.Too long {wheelbase} wouldn't corner and had really
unsafe brakes.Plus they tended to not want to turn over.
A Metric turns over like clockwork,every time.
Near half the parts on a Harley are from Japan.Like Curtis Mathis was such a Great TV.
It's all a myth.A Real Macho man won't tolerate Ignurance.
BTW My limited production {just 2 years} - RUNE - cost $26,ooo, 9 years ago this July.
A couple grand more with Polished Chrome wheels.It''s engine is bulletproof.
No it isn't LOUD.In fact it is almost quiet,like a fine tuned Porsche 911.
Loud is what Harley owners are all about.That and their near retarded devotion to
BLIPPING their numbskull throttles.

* I predict their going under sometime this summer.

 

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To each their own, but I quit Harley when it became a status symbol and everyone went to the dealer to mod their bike. I know of one guy that has "everything Harley" including his underwear. That is just a bit much for me.

 

Did you even look at the photo? There IS a brake on the right side...the lever and brake fluid reservoir are clearly visible, the lever is level with the bottom of the headlight.
There is a single rear brake on the opposite side.

Last year, someone rode 1000+ miles on something almost that radical: ran the Power Tour (Cocoa Beach to Detroit) on a chopper...a 1958 Harley hardtail with no windshield.

 

Before you git all uppity.I acknowledged the front brake where it is clearly visible the
Disc rotor { perforated { and I guess a single caliper } or do you want to
harzard a guess and insist a dual caliper {4 piston}
Still I see no Brake lever on the right grip.
As far as the rear ... There is No Drum Brake but I see some
kind of black device I assume is a Caliper.Most Bobbers { and that was surely meant
a Bobber } have very limited brakes.It is not unknown for a Bobber to have No Brakes
at all.

 

You are living in the past. We have bike nites at several places here and there is many different kind of bikes and all kinds of people