 rode my first harley
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well i rode my first harley last night. an 08 electra glide. air suspension, 6 speed, and 96ci. i only took it about 1/2 mile and came back. lets say i was very happy to get back on my america. maybe with seat time i would like it more, but initial impression was harleys are def not for me. even with the brembo brakes i was not impressed, power was blah, and the vibes made my legs tingle in that short ride. to each there own i will do the 1200 kit over buying a bigger bike anyday
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Frank, Those cement mixers are best appreciated on long hauls over open roads. If you ever feel the need to check out a Harley that will change your mind, take the ride to Westboro and I'll put you on my custom Fat Boy; that will make you need one. The softtail is a whole bunch more like the ride of our bikes.
Hope you'll be at the Larz Anderson Classic this weekend.
Strangler
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Re: rode my first harley
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Loquacious
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i dont think i can make the larz classic, but i will take you up on that offer sometime when i am in hopkington with the g/f
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I rode my buddies brand new Dyna Wide Glide. It was ok. I definately got that feeling of why people flock to those overpriced hunks of marketting Magic (I like to call Harley the Walt Disney of motorcycles). It was a rumbly thundery bit of fun though. But ultimately, I didnt see myself as a tool of the Harley marketing behemoth. I mean, they freaking sell furnature at the dealerships! Not to mention that the sales staff was really pushy. When I got on my America, It completely felt right in every conceivable way. Having said all that, I do plan on owning a vintage Harley iron head someday.
2007 Custom America with BUBs
I make my own parts cause I cant afford to buy theirs.
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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All I can say is the stock suspension of my 95 FXDS is superior to any other bike I've ridden and it's Evo engine has monster torque. The mechanicals are definitely not as smooth as the America so it doesn't lend itself to long days in the saddle but there's a spot in there around 2800 RPM where it's buttery smooth and strong and I know why it inspires loyalty. Doesn't make me not want to ride the America, I just see them having different roles in my riding life.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
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I would definately own a Harley, just because I like that "old timey" vibration and sound. But then again, I can just get on my "old" Trumpet, and get the same thing. Plus, it'll draw lots of looks and geezer conversations that I would never get with the HD.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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My 06 Deluxe I had rode like a dream one of the smoothest rides I ever owned.
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Re: rode my first harley
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You road it with a cardboard version of a seat and went about 4 blocks! It might not be for you but I assure you it won't vibrate as much with out the "i look good but I'm worthless" seat. Believe me....it has enough get up and go after you "learn" the power curve. AND it's in completely stock.  
-Tony
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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Only HD I'm interested in owning would be an old Knuckle or a flat head. I owned a pan but it isn't fair to judge by that bike. I had some elses old worn out nightmare that kept breaking. I rode with a guy for years that rode nothing but pans (he did have one monster shovel) and he never broke down. Thing is , even if I had the Knuckle or flat head I would still trade it for a 37 Speedtwin. Actually I would trade any of the bikes I have for the Speedtwin.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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I don't know why because they aren't that much heavier, but the HD tour bikes seem a lot slower than the Dyna and Softail lines. The rubber mount engines vibrate worse than the older bikes at idle, but they smooth out at around 2000 RPM.
The Softails have a different bottom end with balance shafts like the Triumph twins and they work about as well. It costs about 1 HP to spin the weights around, but you never miss it. In my opinion, this is the better setup because there is no idle shake like the rubber mounted engines. If nothing else, I find it hard to get used to feeling the air cleaner moving around next to my leg. Might just be because of all the bikes I've had with hard mounted engines but I'd rather have a normal level of shake all the time or none at all than lots at idle and none at speed.
Then, there's the OL's Nightster. That thing handles like the Velocette I used to have and it goes like stink!
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
I don't know why because they aren't that much heavier, but the HD tour bikes seem a lot slower than the Dyna and Softail lines. The rubber mount engines vibrate worse than the older bikes at idle, but they smooth out at around 2000 RPM.
The Softails have a different bottom end with balance shafts like the Triumph twins and they work about as well. It costs about 1 HP to spin the weights around, but you never miss it. In my opinion, this is the better setup because there is no idle shake like the rubber mounted engines. If nothing else, I find it hard to get used to feeling the air cleaner moving around next to my leg. Might just be because of all the bikes I've had with hard mounted engines but I'd rather have a normal level of shake all the time or none at all than lots at idle and none at speed.
Then, there's the OL's Nightster. That thing handles like the Velocette I used to have and it goes like stink!
Man, you ain't just whistlin' Dixie there..the Dyna does a complete hula dance at idle so you can't stay still for any length of time. Reminds me of those belt driven weight loss machines in the cartoons. Oh, and it's very vibey between 3K and 4K so the rubber mount business is only a mitigation of the violence, not a solution. On the other hand, our Americas run like a Swiss timepiece and there's a lot to be said for that.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I remember the first time I saw one of those rubber mounted engines. It was at a gas station and I went over to the guy to tell him his exhaust was falling off. Well it wasn't, the whole engine was jumping around that much taking the exhaust with it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2007
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The tourers (until 09 model year) only have 2 rubber mounts. Thats why they shake so ****** much. eric buell designed things to have 3 mounts. they didn't listen to him.
Just to correct what someone said. Yes, they DO shimmy and shake at a stop light but anything over 1100 to 1220 rpm, they are smooth as silk. not 2000rpm....or at least not my 2008 model. Nutta....nothing.
the new 09 frame has a much beefier frame and 3 mounts. much better at idle but some have reported that there is some vibes at certain rpm points. It's supposed to actually be quite flickable in the twisties.
I'm very happy with the 08. I am kicking around the idea of installing a bagger brace that will improve handling in the twisties. They are tried and true and are supposed to be better then the 09 stock frame.
These aren't a triumph speemaster in any respect but I'll tell you that the ride is VERY nice. They are actually easier to manage then the 07 speedmaster I had. that is probably due to the rake.
I DO miss my SM in some respects but they are 2 different animals....you are foolish to even compair. I WILL have another at some point but I'm quite happy with the tourer I just picked up.
-Tony
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Re: rode my first harley
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Loquacious
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tony no intention of sounding like a ding dong, sorry for that. again i did not ride it long at all. with some seat time i bet i would figure it all out, plus i have had this bike for 3 years so of course i am used to it. but thats why they have different brands out there, there is something for everyone.
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
That thing handles like the Velocette I used to have
They're similar in other ways, too. In the only Velocette road test I ever read (1967 or 68), the bike died in the Lincoln tunnel. They had to call a tow truck to get it out. 
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: rode my first harley
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Some time ago I rode my work buddy's Heritage Softtail across town (helping him move). I have to say I really liked it...only negative was that I was reluctant to lean it over even a little, felt like it was going to scrape everything if I did. Oddly enough, he was following me home last night and I heard him scrape something loudly on the curve to the on-ramp - I was taking that corner at half my usual speed and was at a (for our bikes) gentle lean angle, so maybe I was right. Anyway other than that cornering thing...I can see why people like them. Though currently there are five bikes outside my office, which sits on a main street; my America, the Heritage Softtail, an older Wide Glide, a Night Train, and a Yamaha R1. Guess which one gets all the attention? 
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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I rented a 08 street glide while on vacation this summer and I was very impressed. Plenty quick, smooth ride, cruise control, 6th gear, and the difference 2 up was night and day (as it should be). That being said, the America is a much more fun bike IMO. If I had an extra 25 grand laying around I wouldn't mind adding one to my stable.
06 America 904
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
the difference 2 up was night and day (as it should be).
That comment surprises me. My '82 HD TourGlide had nothing over this America except a vibrating seat. Properly equipped, I'd rather tour 2-up with the America any day. Maybe there's something about heavier bikes that you find more suited to highway travel. If so, you should be comparing the Rocket, not the America, to HD. Cruising range, comfort, torque, reliability - not much of a contest.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
That thing handles like the Velocette I used to have
They're similar in other ways, too. In the only Velocette road test I ever read (1967 or 68), the bike died in the Lincoln tunnel. They had to call a tow truck to get it out.
Jack
Yeah, in the 60's they got rid of the Bosch magneto and started using Lucas Ignition.... Mine was a '54.
Quote:
Just to correct what someone said. Yes, they DO shimmy and shake at a stop light but anything over 1100 to 1220 rpm, they are smooth as silk. not 2000rpm....or at least not my 2008 model. Nutta....nothing.
The '05 Lowrider smoothed out at 2000. It inspired me to go with the Softail because it has the hard mounted B engine with the counterbalance shafts. That's about as smooth as the America.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I didn't ride it, but this last weekend I was at the Destination Daytona HD Mega store and they had a 2009 Screaming Eagle Dresser (I was told HD only makes 1000 of these each year) and Bruce wanted $49,000 for the bike. I then walked over to the Triumph, Ducati, Arlen Ness store and for $15,000 I could get a Rocket III and then spend another $10,000 in accessories and would have a much superior riding bike.
I just cannot see spending more money on a bike than I ever would on a car.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
Quote:
the difference 2 up was night and day (as it should be).
That comment surprises me. My '82 HD TourGlide had nothing over this America except a vibrating seat. Properly equipped, I'd rather tour 2-up with the America any day. Maybe there's something about heavier bikes that you find more suited to highway travel. If so, you should be comparing the Rocket, not the America, to HD. Cruising range, comfort, torque, reliability - not much of a contest.
Jack
an 82 and modern HD are 2 different animals. AT A LIGHT there are vibes. Anything over 1200rpm or so, it is VERY smooth. It's an HD btw---it's actually kind of fun.
Reliability isn't such an issue anymore. and reliability to ANY bike can be an issue. Ask around about the rocket's TP sensors. Was a big issue awhile back. They worked through it and seemed to over come it but the point is that the reliability argument is really not an issue.
The rocket has nissen in the front and brembo in the back, the HD has brembo all around, the HD is shorter and lighter and it's seat height is lower. The passanger comfort department has many more options. I believe the passanger has more room too. I'm not sure about that because when I got to that argument I had pretty much ruled out the rocket.
The Rocket tourer IS a "better" bike is some ways but not so in others. They are different. My first choice was to get a rocket tourer but they are WAY to bulky for me and much heavier off the stand. I'm 5'8" and 160lbs. It would have been just too ****** frustrating for me to commute with in Boston traffic.
The hd I got was actually cheaper then the rocket tourer's msrp and I can throw it around pretty well for a large bike. It takes some getting used to but EVERY bike does.
When I picked up my SM from the dealer I fealt very cramped and The bike fealt top heavy. It wasn't so by the time I put about 100 miles on it. It was actually the best bike I've owned to date but it didn't do what I needed it to do right now. We'll see if the H-D lives up to that.
Oh-and even in stock form, I can assure you the 96ci has plenty of trq for me and my pillion. Nope, not a rocket but certainly nothing to worry about.
(hey frank---who loves ya buddy?.....I know YOU and it's hard to gage what some people write on the net....I got it and no worries.....I just wish I had nitros to keep up with your little rocket! Time for us to slow down a bit, my friend?.............NNNNNAW! LOL)
-Tony
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
I didn't ride it, but this last weekend I was at the Destination Daytona HD Mega store and they had a 2009 Screaming Eagle Dresser (I was told HD only makes 1000 of these each year) and Bruce wanted $49,000 for the bike. I then walked over to the Triumph, Ducati, Arlen Ness store and for $15,000 I could get a Rocket III and then spend another $10,000 in accessories and would have a much superior riding bike.
I just cannot see spending more money on a bike than I ever would on a car.
Tom
I payed under 16k for an electra glide standard. I added a far more superior radio then the stock one for about 450 bucks and got some farkles for free. Added the extra gauges for free as well. Bruce rossmeiyer's (or whatever his name is) at Boston of Harley wants to sell bikes. My brother inlaw just bought an 09 street glide as well.
BTW-stay away from the cvo's. Junk.
The rocket's price wasn't really budging when I went to the local dealer and it just isn't the right bike for ME.
-Tony
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Quote:
Some time ago I rode my work buddy's Heritage Softtail across town. ...only negative was that I was reluctant to lean it over even a little, felt like it was going to scrape everything if I did.
Agreed. We rented one in Tahoe on our honeymoon and I was scraping on just about every turn from Reno down to the lake. My wife was NOT happy - it was a new sound to her since the America can lay over like a sport bike and never scrape. I hated having to slow down and work around the turns instead of just leaning through them.
And the power was nonexistent. I thought having nearly twice the displacement as my America would give it some nuts, but I was wrong.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
the difference 2 up was night and day (as it should be).
That comment surprises me. My '82 HD TourGlide had nothing over this America except a vibrating seat. Properly equipped, I'd rather tour 2-up with the America any day. Maybe there's something about heavier bikes that you find more suited to highway travel. If so, you should be comparing the Rocket, not the America, to HD. Cruising range, comfort, torque, reliability - not much of a contest.
Jack
Well, the wifey and me are over 5 bills combined, so the heavier bike definitely handled the 2 of us better than the america. Haven't ridden a R3 2 up yet. Either way, I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon. 
06 America 904
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Jan 2005
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slow down you crazy? you need to pump up that harley thats what you need to do
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: rode my first harley
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 512
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Quote:
Quote:
That thing handles like the Velocette I used to have
They're similar in other ways, too. In the only Velocette road test I ever read (1967 or 68), the bike died in the Lincoln tunnel. They had to call a tow truck to get it out.
Jack
Probably from lack of oxygen. 
Just an old Hippie and I don"t know what to do.
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