New Harley - - "Blackline"

[donaldcc]

 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/02/harley-davidson-blackline.html  

  Reviewer calls it "understated badass"  

[Hoser]

Notice the lack of horsepower numbers in the ride report? 93 cubic inches, Valkyries rule!
 

[Hook#3287]

Where is 16K in this stripped down hog?  I have a hard time taking any bike with one front disk, seriously.

[Serk]

Notice the lack of horsepower numbers in the ride report?

Horsepower is just calculated from the torque and the RPM, so we know it has 89 pound-feet at 3,250 rpm from the report, so...

HP = Torque X RPM / 5252

Plus in the values, and...

At max torque, the horsepower is 55.... Now, that value might go up at a higher RPM, it depends on how fast the torque drops off as the RPMs go up, but..... Gives ya' an idea at least...

[bigfish_Oh]

Where is 16K in this stripped down hog?  I have a hard time taking any bike with one front disk, seriously.

ditto

before I remembered Honda made another 6 I was looking at harley. first must was dual frt brakes, if not for perf for looks. Dyna t sport made the cut, then I remembered the 3rd six(250,1047,1520)

[highcountry]

Yawn!  Another overpriced HD.

[old2soon]

Yawn!  Another overpriced HD.

So how much more OVERPRICED will it be if you want to go fast-stop good-be comfortable :crazy2:Oh wait-i already got a mot er valk.

[SANDMAN5]

Just another boring, overpriced, underpowered vibrator.

[Valkahuna]

I am not a "Harley Hater".  But they are running out of ideas, and technology is biting them in the a$$!

This is just another example of another bike, designed with less for more $$$.

[Mikey]

When I sold Harley's, they have plenty of technology. If you ever get a chance to ride a new Limited, you'll know what I'm talking about. The problem Harley is having is that their crowd only wants air-cooled v-twins. They have a killer motor in the V-Rod, but when they hinted at putting it in a touring model, most of their riders turned up their noses. Harley is stuck in tradition, that's why they are running outta ideas, kinda like the other "H" brand...

[G-Man]

Yawn!  Another overpriced HD.

Every motorcycle is overpriced!  Why should a 1300 Honda, that looks as bareboned as the H-D cost $12K?  

[hubcapsc]

They have a killer motor in the V-Rod, but when they hinted at putting it in a touring model

That's what I want to see...

But it will probably make The Harley Sound and vibrate on purpose at stop signs...

-Mike

[alph]

i think if you added four more cyclinders, tuned up the engine, it'd be a nice bike!!! 

maybe if someone could get a hold of some honda engineers we'd get that going!! 

[Kaiser]

After reading the posts about the 2012 'Wing that'll set you back an estimated $28K, I don't think any of us Honda-lovers have a leg to stand on when it comes to talking about overpriced bikes.

Each person has their own frame of reference, but in my book $28K for a bike - ANY bike, regardless of manufacturer - is too much.  Unless, of course, I win the lottery (which I don't play, so that would be an amazing feat) in which case I won't care how much my bike cost.

[ILcruiser]

That Harley doesn't do much for me.  In fact, there aren't many bikes out there that do much for me these days.  Guess the Valk has spoiled me.  Hard to beat a Valk's combination of grins and versatility.  I hope Honda keeps on tweaking the Wing's tupperware to try to justify jacking up the price; it'll just increase the value of our bikes.

[Mikey]

maybe if someone could get a hold of some honda engineers we'd get that going!! 

In the last 10 years, what has Honda come out with??

[RainMaker]

maybe if someone could get a hold of some honda engineers we'd get that going!! 

In the last 10 years, what has Honda come out with??

+1

[VALKIFIED]

I think if HD would have kept Eric Buell and replaced their top engineer's with forward thinking ones, they would be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

[Black Dog]

Smaller engine, but starting at $7999, this is pretty cool...



Honda Shadow Phantom...  All blacked out, laced wheels...  Saw one in person, this past weekend.  Tough looking lil scoot 

Black Dog

[Tropic traveler]

Smaller engine, but starting at $7999, this is pretty cool...



Honda Shadow Phantom...  All blacked out, laced wheels...  Saw one in person, this past weekend.  Tough looking lil scoot 

Black Dog

Yeah but... It doesn't have any of that "mystique, heritage, & tradition" that the Blackline has! 

[Mikey]

The biggest difference I've noticed between HD's and Metric bikes is the finish quality. The motors are definately antiquated, but it is nice to have chromed metal on your turn signals than chromed plastic... IMHO

[Dubsvalk]

My dad owned seven Harleys in his day.  No other choice was available.  If it wasn't for Harley there would have been no motorcycles in the U.S. until years later.  They are still the only ones that build a bike in America.  Honda pulled out.  Harley invests money in American interprise unlike any other bike manufacturer.  Yes, my Valk has spoiled me but I'm thinking about trading both my Jap bikes on a Harley because they put their money back into the American economy and their customer service cannot be beat by any other brand out there.  At least where I live.  I have not and will not bash another brand and certainly not the one who put motorcycles in American hands first.  My humble opinion. 
Dubs

[Serk]

My dad owned seven Harleys in his day.  No other choice was available.  If it wasn't for Harley there would have been no motorcycles in the U.S. until years later.

Harley - Founded 1903
Inidian - Founded 1901

They are still the only ones that build a bike in America. 

Victory


I won't dispute your position that we should support US companies that do work for and in the US, but had to point out those slight inaccuracies...

[G-Man]

Smaller engine, but starting at $7999, this is pretty cool...



Honda Shadow Phantom...  All blacked out, laced wheels...  Saw one in person, this past weekend.  Tough looking lil scoot 

Black Dog

I dig this one as well, but.....it is very small.  I had a 750 ACE and I tried everything on to make that bike "bigger".  Forward controls, new seat, higher bars, and I still got rid of it after only 6 months.  Felt like I was riding something I outgrew.  Powerwise the 750 really isn't too bad, it's just a matter of overall size.

[Dubsvalk]

I agree!  I was refering to the one that endured.  Thanks!
Dubs

[stude31]

My dad owned seven Harleys in his day.  No other choice was available.  If it wasn't for Harley there would have been no motorcycles in the U.S. until years later.  They are still the only ones that build a bike in America.  Honda pulled out.  Harley invests money in American interprise unlike any other bike manufacturer.  Yes, my Valk has spoiled me but I'm thinking about trading both my Jap bikes on a Harley because they put their money back into the American economy and their customer service cannot be beat by any other brand out there.  At least where I live.  I have not and will not bash another brand and certainly not the one who put motorcycles in American hands first.  My humble opinion. 
Dubs

Dubs,

Not to sway you one way or another.... But, I do recall that Harley is "putting their bikes together" in the USA.  I do recall from posts in the past that their wheels and many other parts are being built in other country's.   I believe their wheels are being built in Australia (correct me if I am wrong.)   I also know that my valkyrie is stamped on the block and on the VIN that it was "MADE IN THE USA".  Now you stand correct that they have moved back to Japan.  But, my two valks were built by Americans and for that I will probably never sell my valks.  Let's not kid ourselves Harley is going to kill themselves by keeping the air cooled engine for the sound and vibration of the bike.  I don't want that nor like the attention of the "sound" of a loud bike.  The engineering of our valk speaks for itself.  I have seen (as many have) all kinds of Harley's and not one has caused me to consider one.  Heck most of my Harley buddies want to buy my valks.   Thanks but no thanks...

Dubs, Thank you Sir for your service to our great country.  And to all the other members of the VRCC.  This month is a time of reflection for me.  I had lost one of the best uncles a boy could have to PTSD.  Uncle Roy took his life four years ago.  He served with honor and helped raise me to understand and respect Veterans of our armed forces.  Thanks again Dubs. 

[Crazyhorse]

I like my Harley and it has several features I wish I had on my Valk.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

My dad owned seven Harleys in his day.  No other choice was available.  If it wasn't for Harley there would have been no motorcycles in the U.S. until years later.  They are still the only ones that build a bike in America.  Honda pulled out.  Harley invests money in American interprise unlike any other bike manufacturer.  Yes, my Valk has spoiled me but I'm thinking about trading both my Jap bikes on a Harley because they put their money back into the American economy and their customer service cannot be beat by any other brand out there.  At least where I live.  I have not and will not bash another brand and certainly not the one who put motorcycles in American hands first.  My humble opinion. 
Dubs

Sell the Valkyrie  ???  Dude you've been hangin' out too much at the Harley shop the fumes off the China made $50.00 t-shirts and all those " Be American , Ride American " accessories thats made in Taiwan are getting to you 

[Garry 2r's]

My wife's favorite t-shirt I wear. For sale at Nopork.com

I Eat Pork With My Rice!!!

[Skeeter (Va)]

That Harley doesn't do much for me.  In fact, there aren't many bikes out there that do much for me these days.  Guess the Valk has spoiled me.  Hard to beat a Valk's combination of grins and versatility.  I hope Honda keeps on tweaking the Wing's tupperware to try to justify jacking up the price; it'll just increase the value of our bikes.

The value of our Valks may tweek upward, but I'm looking at 100K plus miles on my '98 Baby and how long can I ride thru the deserts and the Fl Everglades and mentally wonder what is wearing and will fail from the age of my very well kept Dragon....There is no replacement suitable for me at this time and I know whoever is reading this, understands....Skeeter In Va

[Dogg]

the only reason harley survived was because of the son of the schwinn family, who owned and built excelsior henderson motorcycles, died while board racing. eh owned back then, indian stole designs from them on thier inline four cylinder bike. eh was the baddest bad ass bikes around and harley could do nothing to compete. they were dieing off by 1932 and as far as anyone was concerned, hd was going by the wayside.
with WWII on its way, idian was asked to build motorcycles for the military to be able to handle the terrain and temps of europe, africa and asia. they tried desparately but hd pulled one out of their as and delivered. pat on the back for them but, if eh would have kept building bikes, hd would have been dead a long long time ago. it isnt the market that kept them alive, it was luck. and because they care more about tradtion than actually prducing a dependable ridable bike, the technology is limited to a few of their bikes. of course, the v-rod aint their idea. its german born not american. cant use that as grounds for anything.
The designers at victory are the original designers from the failed attempt of bringing eh back from the grave. unfortuantely, budget restraints and idiotic choices from the upper management(as well as limited funding) put eh in the tank again and folded after only 2 years of production. that super X, if built with more quality than they were, might have been the victory of today or even more. its just a matter of choice and hd stays aircooled because they are choosing to stay air cooled. their choice. they can have them too...

[Bobbo]

the only reason harley survived was because of the son of the schwinn family, who owned and built excelsior henderson motorcycles, died while board racing. eh owned back then, indian stole designs from them on thier inline four cylinder bike. eh was the baddest bad ass bikes around and harley could do nothing to compete. they were dieing off by 1932 and as far as anyone was concerned, hd was going by the wayside.
with WWII on its way, idian was asked to build motorcycles for the military to be able to handle the terrain and temps of europe, africa and asia. they tried desparately but hd pulled one out of their as and delivered. pat on the back for them but, if eh would have kept building bikes, hd would have been dead a long long time ago. it isnt the market that kept them alive, it was luck. and because they care more about tradtion than actually prducing a dependable ridable bike, the technology is limited to a few of their bikes. of course, the v-rod aint their idea. its german born not american. cant use that as grounds for anything.
The designers at victory are the original designers from the failed attempt of bringing eh back from the grave. unfortuantely, budget restraints and idiotic choices from the upper management(as well as limited funding) put eh in the tank again and folded after only 2 years of production. that super X, if built with more quality than they were, might have been the victory of today or even more. its just a matter of choice and hd stays aircooled because they are choosing to stay air cooled. their choice. they can have them too...

You should actually read the history of H-D.  Here's their link, there are many other sources:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US

The V-Rod is an adaptation of their VR-1000 racing engine, which was designed by H-D, with Porsche consultants.  H-D consulted Porsche again to make a streetable version.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/track-test-harley-davidson-vr1000-13024.html

[RoadKill]

I have always wondered...And now I KNOW I have found the right man to answer this unsolvable riddle. So...Bobbo,Why the hell did that chicken cross the road?  ???

[Dubsvalk]

Stude31,  I realize that Harley buys a lot of parts from overseas to build their bikes, just as Honda did when before they wrote off the American market.  The point is that the dollars generated by Harley stays in the U.S.  Dollars generated by foreign corportations got back to their respective countries.   I drive a '95 Chevy S10, a '94 Jeep Cherokee and a '92 Corvette.  The only foreign vehicles I own are my Valk and my 1500 Vulcan; both great bikes.  I do believe in spending my dollars with American owned companies whenever possible.  Harley Davidson is building their bikes like their customers want them.  The Harley diehards want Vee twin air cooled engines.  I do wish that harley would build their bikes with the option of a liquid cooled engine for riders wanting more performance, longevity and reliability.  But, unlike Honda, they do listen to their customers and taylor their bikes to them.  Honda stopped building the best bike ever produced (The Valkyrie) because they felt the Valk would hurt the sale of their more expensive GoldWing.  Neither Honda or their dealers will support their bikes that are over 20 years old.  These things are very irratating to me. 
Stude,  Thanks for the nice compliment but the thanks should go to all those heros that did not make it home defending freedom in other lands.  I am fortunate to have known and served with some of them.
And Joe, you're a crap!  Can't wait to ride with The Wild Bunch again!
Dubs

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

    Honda stopped building the best bike ever produced (The Valkyrie) because they felt the Valk would hurt the sale of their more expensive GoldWing.   And Joe, you're a crap!  Can't wait to ride with The Wild Bunch again!
Dubs

The Valkyrie pretty much died with Joe Boyd and the fact they was running out of 1500 cc motors from the old Wing fleet .
Add-in facts like I can remember the local Honda shop still having 1998 models on the showroom floor in 2000.

[wdvalk]

Better check the drive trane on that s10,alot of it is isuzu,used to have one,surprised me too

[Hook#3287]

In the last 10 years, what has Honda come out with??

They have been busy!

[Mikey]

In the last 10 years, what has Honda come out with??

They have been busy!

None of these compete in the Motorcycle market. The best "new" motorcycle, from what I've seen, is the Victory Cross Country. Otherwise, if, for some reason, I had to find a replacement for the Valk, I'd be going with a Road King. Just my opinion, but there's nothing wrong with any bike as long as you're riding.

[Hook#3287]

Okay, maybe not our "cup of tea" but Honda has still been busy in the motorcycle world.  That also includes dirt bikes, atvs and utility vehicles.  Just so many geezers out there to sell cruizers to.  

I ride with HD owners all the time.  They don't care what I ride and I don't mind waiting for them.  At one time I considered buying a second bike and told my buddy who owns a Road King (he also has a Duc, a MV and a Guzzy)  that I was considering a HD RK.  He told me to forget it.  Looking a my Valk he said "It will drive you crazy".   I listened and bought another Valk.

[G-Man]

I have always wondered...And now I KNOW I have found the right man to answer this unsolvable riddle. So...Bobbo,Why the hell did that chicken cross the road?  ???

LOL!