 Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Alatamoc,, If I had that kind of problems with H.D. I would feel like you do, for sure. I can only speak to my own experience which has been just fine with my Harleys and Triumphs. I have bought 2 new Harley's and 3 used ones along with my Triumph America, all have been flawless. Just lucky I guess. P.S. Most of my friends ride Harley bikes and they seem happy with them. I bought the Triumph because it is lighter and I'm tired of just looking at the hoards of Harley's out there.
As my Beloved says
If it CAN go wrong on a bike, it WILL go wrong...on yours.
To be fair to HD 2 gearbox failures can't really be laid at their door....one had had a Lite Pull modification made to the clutch lifter which had been wrongly set up by the previous owner...and which gently milled itself away dropping it's swarf into the gearbox oil.
Another had been sold to me by an HD dealer....rode it 200 miles home to find it had no oil in the gearbox.....
Again many of my friends ride HDs and are happy ...but I also note these don't seem to ride that far or that often and usually make a steady progress at about 65 mph.
Each to their own
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have ridden with HD riders my entire life and I have never seen one go over 50,000 without being apart. Most far far less than that getting a top end.That being said the same goes for the old Triumphs.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
I have ridden with HD riders my entire life and I have never seen one go over 50,000 without being apart. Most far far less than that getting a top end.That being said the same goes for the old Triumphs.
Thank you, Ian, as always your views are realistic and taken from real life.
What it does trigger in me is a ' what's your most reliable bike?' question...but I'll make a separate post on that one.
Cheers
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I have ridden with HD riders my entire life and I have never seen one go over 50,000 without being apart. Most far far less than that getting a top end.That being said the same goes for the old Triumphs.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Maybe that's been my problem....I ride them fast and often and in all weathers and seasons.
I've owned many many HD's and not one of them has made it to 30k despite meticulous maintenance......I've had three , yes three failed big twin gearboxes for example.....and even my old Evo had the oil pump,er, ' fall off' mid flight.
Big twin EVOs went out of production over 17 years ago.
An Evo's oil pump is held on by 6 bolts and yours "fell off" "despite meticulous maintenance"
Incredible, literally.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
Only just catching up with this thread and I thought for a minute that you'd missed the Porsche comment Dwight 
I always thought the joke was that a Porsche was like hemorrhoids, sooner or later every ar**hole gets one.
Kidding, I'm kidding, ok? Sheesh
.
Yeah Ade, and I saw OB's earlier "porcupine" comment too.
Just kidding Dwight besides you said yours is a replica.
Still amazed how many people don't know that Ferdinand Porsche was a high ranking Nazi SS officer and personal friend of Adolph Hitler. They also don't know even the first "Porsche" the 356 was not designed by him because he was in prison for war crimes. Or that he stole the Volkswagen Beetle design from Czech manufacturer Tatra and took credit for it, VW had to pay a large settlement to the real designer after the war. Yea, Porsche is a proud marque alright.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Quote:
Maybe that's been my problem....I ride them fast and often and in all weathers and seasons.
I've owned many many HD's and not one of them has made it to 30k despite meticulous maintenance......I've had three , yes three failed big twin gearboxes for example.....and even my old Evo had the oil pump,er, ' fall off' mid flight.
Big twin EVOs went out of production over 17 years ago.
An Evo's oil pump is held on by 6 bolts and yours "fell off" "despite meticulous maintenance"
Incredible, literally.
I have seen that happen more than once. Not completely off but enough to cause failure.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Yes...it fell off..no getting round the fact...what maintenance was I supposed to do to it, then?
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Quote:
Yes...it fell off..no getting round the fact...what maintenance was I supposed to do to it, then?
Load it on a trailer, and get the road hazard clear for the safety of other drivers. That was my standard Harley on the roadside, maintenance protocol.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I would always stand behind my HD riding friends while they worked on thier bikes shaking m,y head asking "Howmuch did you pay for that thing again?"
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
I would always stand behind my HD riding friends while they worked on thier bikes shaking m,y head asking "Howmuch did you pay for that thing again?"
And I still do....at my mostly HD club on club nights I listen to the various tales of woe....and gently ask how much it cost them.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
Yes...it fell off..no getting round the fact...what maintenance was I supposed to do to it, then?
Load it on a trailer, and get the road hazard clear for the safety of other drivers. That was my standard Harley on the roadside, maintenance protocol.
And now back to reality; One of my friends and his lady just arrived back after riding his Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra From Virginia Beach to California and back on vacation. That's well over 6,000 miles in two weeks no problem with the bike at all. Meanwhile my two Harley Davidsons that I personally own run perfectly fine but I'm sure we'll hear more horror Stories from people who don't own them and don't like them.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have owned them and the biggest piece of crap I ever had was my 65 panhead. That junk bucket spent more time broken than running. I bought it because I couldn't afford insurance on a car and needed transpotation. I would have saved money if I had bought the car. I never bought another HD but shortly after selling that junk I rode my 66 TR6C straight through to Wyoming in 36 hrs, rode it all over Yellowstone then home and not a single issue. I still own that bike and it still runs but it does need to be completely rebuilt now, everything, not just the engine. I rode that bike all over the country, Niagra Falls, Florida Keys, Daytona, Disney, Madi Gras, Sturgis, Johnstown, Myrtle Beach, etc... If you saw me somewhere with that bike I rode it there.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Yes...it fell off..no getting round the fact...what maintenance was I supposed to do to it, then?
Load it on a trailer, and get the road hazard clear for the safety of other drivers. That was my standard Harley on the roadside, maintenance protocol.
And now back to reality; One of my friends and his lady just arrived back after riding his Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra From Virginia Beach to California and back on vacation. That's well over 6,000 miles in two weeks no problem with the bike at all. Meanwhile my two Harley Davidsons that I personally own run perfectly fine but I'm sure we'll hear more horror Stories from people who don't own them and don't like them.
I must have owned a dozen or so, at least.....then I got smart
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I only needed to own one, a brand spanking new, fresh out of the shipping crate, '76 full dresser. Harley owes me a public apology and a monetary rebate. Who said I can't let go of a grudge?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
Never understood why people always thought it costs too much to own an HD.Other brands of bikes just cost as much if not more.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
When you walk into my local Harley boutique they always have a CVO for 30K parked right in front, it scares off the riff raff. If you look hard enough in the back row you can find a few B/T's for 15K but most are up around 18 now. You can get a Sporty for the price of a Bonne but the Big Twins are just crazy. A nice Bagger is about 25K now but so is a Honda Gold Wing or most any big Bagger from a top tier manufacturer. The whole world has gone crazy!!
Tin Man 2
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
The cost factor came in with people in the used market. I have not shopped for a bike in a long time but used HD used to cost in the thousands while you could pick up a Honda for a couple hundred and have a far superior motorcycle. Could pick up a Triumph, BSA, or Norton for a few hundred too, that's how I got my collection.I could never amass so many bikes at todays prices.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
The cost factor came in with people in the used market. I have not shopped for a bike in a long time but used HD used to cost in the thousands while you could pick up a Honda for a couple hundred and have a far superior motorcycle. Could pick up a Triumph, BSA, or Norton for a few hundred too, that's how I got my collection.I could never amass so many bikes at todays prices.
Roughly how many bikes do you have at the minute? I know it's quite a few!
I've never had enough room for more than three at any one time (well, three and a twist and go scooter - not mine!).
I'd have some room if cleared out the crap I've accumulated in my garage, I suppose.
You're correct you can get a decent size collection together for not much money.
I'd be happy to have a garage full of bikes, even if I wasn't riding them all or if they weren't roadworthy.
I'm sitting in my garage now, chuffing a cigar, watching the rain and looking at my latest buy, 24,000 miles 2001 Honda Valkyrie (F6C, GL1500C depending where you are). It's big, comfy and smooth as butter to ride.
I like stuff that isn't necessarily popular. I have my eye on a cheap 1100 Kawasaki Zephyr. Not popular cause they're not considered great bikes and they rust while watching them but what can I say, I like big Jap bikes
Plus, I buy what I want, not what I'm 'supposed' to buy.
I want a Z1300 but I'm not paying the £13,000+ they're asking for them.
I've had a Fat Boy and a Road King.
Both good enough bikes but I like to change when I see the next shiney thing I fancy.
When someone else is paying for them, then I'll stick with one bike.
Maybe.
The place I've bought my last few bikes from is an independent. He usually has 80 or so bikes in and stocks everything from 250cc to Road Glides and every possible crotch rocket, cruiser or adventure bike in between.
I've told him to stop buying stuff I want !
I need to block his website I think !!
.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have 20 bikes at the moment not including a few Jap junkers floating around. Some need to be gone through, some are apart to be worked on. Like the head is off my Norton at the moment, my 72 Daytona has been rebuilt , frame sandblasted and everything. Engine back in the frame, rear wheel and fender on it, forks and front wheel on it and haven't gotten back to it because of where I have it stored right now.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
I'd love to have time just to tinker with stuff. I bought a US import '83 Goldwing a year or so ago but it half filled my garage! I just don't have time so I sold it on. Maybe I should use the 1-2hrs it takes to smoke my cigar to tinker  .
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
I'd love to have time just to tinker with stuff.
I bought a US import '83 Goldwing a year or so ago but it half filled my garage!
I just don't have time so I sold it on.
Maybe I should use the 1-2hrs it takes to smoke my cigar to tinker
.
Good Lord!
How could you even contemplate cutting down on cigar time?
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
I'd love to have time just to tinker with stuff.
I bought a US import '83 Goldwing a year or so ago but it half filled my garage!
I just don't have time so I sold it on.
Maybe I should use the 1-2hrs it takes to smoke my cigar to tinker
.
Do both at the same time. I used to have a squre of lenolium in my livingroom to park bikes on. I would work on them and watch TV while sitting on my couch. Now I have a TV in my shop!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Quote:
I'd love to have time just to tinker with stuff.
I bought a US import '83 Goldwing a year or so ago but it half filled my garage!
I just don't have time so I sold it on.
Maybe I should use the 1-2hrs it takes to smoke my cigar to tinker
.
Good Lord!
How could you even contemplate cutting down on cigar time?
God no, I meant as well as !
.
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Only just catching up with this thread and I thought for a minute that you'd missed the Porsche comment Dwight
I always thought the joke was that a Porsche was like hemorrhoids, sooner or later every ar**hole gets one.
Kidding, I'm kidding, ok? Sheesh
.
No, you got it 
Like the old comment about "What's the difference between a BMW and a cactus? A cactus has the pricks on the outside!"
Of course my Mini is built by BMW 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Quote:
I would always stand behind my HD riding friends while they worked on thier bikes shaking m,y head asking "Howmuch did you pay for that thing again?"
And I still do....at my mostly HD club on club nights I listen to the various tales of woe....and gently ask how much it cost them.
My baby brother and his wife now own six HD's. All bought either new or darn near. He always describes himself as a "Poor working man." Well I guess, with what he's spent on Harleys!  Funny how whenever we ride some place he always wants to swap bikes for awhile. I must admit, I did like his springer soft tail.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
A fellow I work with had an old Meriden Triumph 1972 I think rebuilt over and over through the years. That thing vibrated so hard tank and fender mounts would crack and have to be welded over and over. He had the engine out and apart so often he could probably assemble it blindfolded. When I had my new Triumph he showed little more than passing interest in it. He finally said "man I've had it I'd rather ride than wrench" so without hesitation or regret he bought a brand new Road King.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
A fellow I work with had an old Meriden Triumph 1972 I think rebuilt over and over through the years. That thing vibrated so hard tank and fender mounts would crack and have to be welded over and over. He had the engine out and apart so often he could probably assemble it blindfolded. When I had my new Triumph he showed little more than passing interest in it. He finally said "man I've had it I'd rather ride than wrench" so without hesitation or regret he bought a brand new Road King.
Hmmmm...so I take it this all happened before 2016 then, right OB?!
And before Indian came out with their Springfield model, which is pretty much a better Road King.
(...well, at least according to most of the magazine comparison tests I've read between the two of 'em, anyway)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
A fellow I work with had an old Meriden Triumph 1972 I think rebuilt over and over through the years. That thing vibrated so hard tank and fender mounts would crack and have to be welded over and over. He had the engine out and apart so often he could probably assemble it blindfolded. When I had my new Triumph he showed little more than passing interest in it. He finally said "man I've had it I'd rather ride than wrench" so without hesitation or regret he bought a brand new Road King.
Hmmmm...so I take it this all happened before 2016 then, right OB?!
And before Indian came out with their Springfield model, which is pretty much a better Road King.
(...well, at least according to most of the magazine comparison tests I've read between the two of 'em, anyway)
Yes it's been about 3 years ago now and that was before the latest Zombie Indian motorcycle company had any dealerships in the state of Virginia.
Magazine writers don't pick which bikes I buy, I do since I'm the one paying for the motorcycle.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Having to constantly wrench on an old Triumph is the sign of a poor Triumph mechanic. I rode my 66 all over the country. In did rebuild it a few times but it was completely dependable between rebuilds.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Having to constantly wrench on an old Triumph is the sign of a poor Triumph mechanic. I rode my 66 all over the country. In did rebuild it a few times but it was completely dependable between rebuilds.
Ha! The truth about an old Triumph being unreliable is the owner's fault but your stories about old Harleys being unreliable is Harley's fault. I call Bullfeces on that.
Actually he still has the Triumph, he's owned it over 30 years. The final straw was a cracked cylinder jug but of course he replaced it and it's up and running again. It's a second bike bar hopper now something to work on when he feels like it not something he has to get running again if he want's to ride.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
A fellow I work with had an old Meriden Triumph 1972 I think rebuilt over and over through the years. That thing vibrated so hard tank and fender mounts would crack and have to be welded over and over. He had the engine out and apart so often he could probably assemble it blindfolded. When I had my new Triumph he showed little more than passing interest in it. He finally said "man I've had it I'd rather ride than wrench" so without hesitation or regret he bought a brand new Road King.
Hmmmm...so I take it this all happened before 2016 then, right OB?!
And before Indian came out with their Springfield model, which is pretty much a better Road King.
(...well, at least according to most of the magazine comparison tests I've read between the two of 'em, anyway)
Yes it's been about 3 years ago now and that was before the latest Zombie Indian motorcycle company had any dealerships in the state of Virginia.
Magazine writers don't pick which bikes I buy, I do since I'm the one paying for the motorcycle.
Yeah, but wouldn't it be pretty cool if they DID?! For those motojournalists to pay for the bikes we choose to own and ride, that is.
So OB, I hope you're not saying here that when it comes to taking under advisement data supplied to you from some outside source, and even from a source which might hold some particular knowledge of the issue-at-hand, you're still inclined to disregard it and then proceed to make a decision sans such data?
Well, if you ARE, then have you perhaps considered sending your resume to our present Administration there in D.C.? 'Cause dude, it sounds like you'd fit RIGHT IN there! 
(...okay OKAY already guys!...SORRY I went there in this thing, but I JUST couldn't RESIST!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Yeah, but wouldn't it be pretty cool if they DID?! For those motojournalists to pay for the bikes we choose to own and ride, that is.
So OB, I hope you're not saying here that when it comes to taking under advisement data supplied to you from some outside source, and even from a source which might hold some particular knowledge of the issue-at-hand, you're still inclined to disregard it and then proceed to make a decision sans such data?
Well, if you ARE, then have you perhaps considered sending your resume to our present Administration there in D.C.? 'Cause dude, it sounds like you'd fit RIGHT IN there!
(...okay OKAY already guys!...SORRY I went there in this thing, but I JUST couldn't RESIST!!!)
Magazine writers like the bikes from which ever company writes the largest advertising check. And all of them have personal preferences (and personal dislikes) it is usually quite obvious when reading their articles which should only be considered entertainment.
When it comes to the full size Zombie Indians I cant get past the overdone styling and fugly fender skirts. Just not my style. But I suspect if the Polaris board doesn't see the profit margins they expect soon it will be gone yet again.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
When it comes to the full size Zombie Indians I cant get past the overdone styling and fugly fender skirts. Just not my style. But I suspect if the Polaris board doesn't see the profit margins they expect soon it will be gone yet again.
Sorry OB, but I think that whole "Such-and such company advertises a lot in this magazine and so the motojournalists are prone to be biased toward their product" thing isn't as true as you apparently believe it to be.
Take for instance the brouhaha that Motorcyclist Magazine kicked up a few years back when they published a fair and impartial review of various helmets, some manufactured by companies that advertised within the pages of their publication, and which some of then received less than glowing reviews. However, to their credit and after this dust-up, Motorcyclist stuck by their guns later on.
Nope, I think the most "biased" they ever get is when a motojournalist who might normally favor sportbikes is asked to review or compare cruisers, and then you might get some "bias" in regard to that sort of thing from them, but I've never noticed any of them in a case such as this ultimately being "brand-centric".
And re your thought that Polaris could eventually drop the Indian line and as they did the Victory brand if their return in its investment begins to fall short, well, you might have a point there.
(...and btw, while you may not like those valanced fenders, since I was kid, I've thought the Deco look of those bikes was cool as hell, and I think the boys at Spirit Lake IA have done an excellent job not only recreating the looks of postwar Indians, but BOY is that Thunderstroke engine they designed not only beautiful in appearance, but it also effortlessly and smoothly produces torque by the boatload and so far seems as bulletproof as anything out there on two wheels)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
In UK there is a long tradition in the mag's of not rubbishing the shoddy products we used to make.....Readers were expected to read between the lines...e.g. of that notorious shaker the Norton Atlas we could read about what a fine motorcycle they'd produced though " some vibration was apparent.'
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have a 750 Atlas and the front tire almost hops off the ground at idle. Fun bike with plenty of power though when it's running.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
In UK there is a long tradition in the mag's of not rubbishing the shoddy products we used to make.....Readers were expected to read between the lines...e.g. of that notorious shaker the Norton Atlas we could read about what a fine motorcycle they'd produced though " some vibration was apparent.'
Yeah?! Well THAT of course can all be chalked up to "typical British understatement", Alan ol' boy.
(...along with that superfluous-'u' you guys over there, and for no good or logical reason I might add, still continue to include within the spelling of certain words in this language we share)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
When it comes to the full size Zombie Indians I cant get past the overdone styling and fugly fender skirts. Just not my style. But I suspect if the Polaris board doesn't see the profit margins they expect soon it will be gone yet again.
Sorry OB, but I think that whole "Such-and such company advertises a lot in this magazine and so the motojournalists are prone to be biased toward their product" thing isn't as true as you apparently believe it to be.
Take for instance the brouhaha that Motorcyclist Magazine kicked up a few years back when they published a fair and impartial review of various helmets, some manufactured by companies that advertised within the pages of their publication, and which some of then received less than glowing reviews. However, to their credit and after this dust-up, Motorcyclist stuck by their guns later on.
Nope, I think the most "biased" they ever get is when a motojournalist who might normally favor sportbikes is asked to review or compare cruisers, and then you might get some "bias" in regard to that sort of thing from them, but I've never noticed any of them in a case such as this ultimately being "brand-centric".
And re your thought that Polaris could eventually drop the Indian line and as they did the Victory brand if their return in its investment begins to fall short, well, you might have a point there.
(...and btw, while you may not like those valanced fenders, since I was kid, I've thought the Deco look of those bikes was cool as hell, and I think the boys at Spirit Lake IA have done an excellent job not only recreating the looks of postwar Indians, but BOY is that Thunderstroke engine they designed not only beautiful in appearance, but it also effortlessly and smoothly produces torque by the boatload and so far seems as bulletproof as anything out there on two wheels)
Riiight...
Everyone and I do mean everyone has a personal opinion and motorcycle enthusiasts especially become polarized. Just let me pick 4 from our cast of honorable members here and we will have them "test" a new Harley Davidson, a Triumph and an Indian. The resulting "winner" of the comparison would be oh so predictable. Then let's assemble a group from a Harley Davidson forum and repeat the same test...do you see my point? And that's normal and expected nothing wrong with it. But for anyone to actually go out and buy any motorcycle based on the biased rantings of any magazine would be...sheepish.
Oh, and about fender skirts. Well there's no accounting for taste. Curious though coming from someone also who likes minimalist roadster sports cars. Kind of like having a 1959 Cadillac in the same garage as your Porsche replica.
Last edited by outerbanks; 08/25/2017 7:57 PM.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5 |
I get what you're saying, I thought my next bike would be an 800 Tiger until I rode the Moto Guzzi Stelvio. Sometimes you have to throw a leg over something before you make a commitment. (bike or woman)
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: HD
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Oh, and about fender skirts. Well there's no accounting for taste. Curious though coming from someone also who likes minimalist roadster sports cars. Kind of like having a 1959 Cadillac in the same garage as your Porsche replica.
Why OB! Haven't you ever heard of someone possessing "eclectic tastes"???
In fact, I wouldn't mind at all owning a '59 Caddy too, and definitely don't see anything at all "incongruous" with the thought of ANY self-professed gearhead owing one of those AND a 550 Spyder, or for that matter, vehicles which might run the gamut from sporty to luxurious and made during various eras.
I dunno, but it sure seems to me as if it might now be YOU who is doing the "stereotyping"/"pigeonholing" around here, wouldn't ya say?!
And btw, I also like and can appreciate modern sportbikes made by the many different manufacturers out there. Although the problem THERE is that at 65 y/o, the riding position on those babies isn't exact comfortable for this old fart anymore, hence my reluctance to purchase one now days.
(...see how "eclectic" my tastes run?)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
|
|
