I think some of the Japanese bike riders are as informed about the Harley's as the Harley riders are about the Japanese bikes.
Very true. I imagine the phrase "They all look alike" can be heard in both camps.
I think some of the Japanese bike riders are as informed about the Harley's as the Harley riders are about the Japanese bikes.
The panhead was the motor for 1948-1968. Not surprising that it would have issues.
I got nuthin' against Harley's. Truly, to each their own. (although a little quieter all around would be okay with me)
For me? I want Smooth, Quiet and Fast. I guess as far as Harley's are concerned I just don't get it.........
... you must be having a lot of fun the Harley Shop ....
That would be 1965....not 1968....which means it was somewhere between 46 and 63 years old. When was the last time you saw ANY 1965 Jap bike being ridden daily?......I know the answer or I would not have asked the question.
On this thread, one time I recall reading an interesting statistic...47% of the Harleys ever built are still licensed and on the road, and 84% of the BMW's ever built are still licensed and on the road. I can't say the same for Japanese bikes, but then again, they got in the game late.
And what is it with the "American Icon" designation, since they are no longer made in America? ( a goodly percentage of the castings, etc, as well as electronics are made "offshore", and assembled here) . I don't get it, but, to each their own. I wave to everyone, EVEN if I get snubbed....
I laugh every time I see the words "Shiny Cattle".
There are alot of cruiser converts as well as current HD and metric owners on this site.
You'ld be surprised at some of the old Japanese bikes still running in some of the Asian countries... and I do mean old.
There are alot of cruiser converts as well as current HD and metric owners on this site.
I've been known to occasionally bash Harleys.....well actually a lot but after riding my brothers brand new Tour Glide I find myself quite smitten! That new frame makes a hell of a difference. You're not going to canyon carve with it but I'd have to say it could be called a sport touring motorcycle if you took the floorboards off.
The ONLY reason the bike was that loud was because your buddy modified it. You know...those Vance/Hines or whatever he replaced the stock EPA/FED exhaust system with. Don't blame H-D for that.
Also, the engine on your guys bike is rubber mounted, so it will vibrate at idle...you really need to ride a NORTON...then sit in traffic and you will know what real vibration is all about. Take one of the counter balanced soft-tails out and try that. I did and it made the BMW feel like a buzz saw.
But you know what I've noticed....every Japanese brand has a Harley clone. Honda even named their first one the 'SHADOW'. What you may ask was it a shadow of? A Sportster. I thought they should have called it the pseudo, but hey, that's just my vocabulary. What I don't see is Harley building a UJM. You might also ask yourself what is the largest selling brand for the 34 and under crowd........you got it. H-D.
You don't have to like them. But when you BMC about one that has been modified and you don't like the mods, put that on the guy who changed it from stock.