Harley?

[Hedgehog]

Ever tried a Harley?  :coolsmiley:I hadn't either until last weekend...

I've been put off by stories of poor reliability, bad brakes and rubbish handling .

But I figured that no site about Big Bikes would be complete without a few Harley tests, so I booked a ride on the least Harley-like Harley I could find - a brand new 2014 Fat Bob; straight bars, minimal chrome and double disc brakes up front. Didn't like the paint job (who ever heard of a bike in beige??) But the styling was actually pretty cool. Naked urban street fighter rather than sad sanitised custom clone.

I was pleasantly surprised - in fact I was amazed. This wasn't the bad handling, under braked bag of nails I'd been led to expect by the Motorcycle Press.

You can see how I got on here:

http://bigbikemad.com/harley-davidson-fat-bob---review.html

Did I buy one? Nope. Not at 12 grand.

But I'm booked into the dealership next weekend to try out a V-Rod... now that does look interesting..

[six2go #152]

The Fat Bob caught my attention when it was introduced('08 I believe) because it was available with a choice of "mid mounted foot controls" or the forward mounted ones. Well, that choice only lasted one year. In their infinate wisdom HD dropped the mid control option to cater exclusively to the crowd that likes bug splatters on the bottoms of their boots. So, I kinda forgot about it, although it is a nice HD. I'm now riding an F6B so all of the above means nothing.

[R J]

But I'm booked into the dealership next weekend to try out a V-Rod... now that does look interesting..

Remember, you are comparing apples to oranges judging the V-Rod against the one ya just rode.

The V-Rod engine is designed and built by Porshe.    It is a nasty little bike to mess with on the open road, however, it is a pain in the ass to work on.   Harley dealer says that harley buys these engines all put together by Porshe.    I have no idea how true that is.

To adjust the valves, it is easier to pull the engine to adjust them.    Almost anything ya want to do to the V-Rod, ya has to pull the engine except to change the oil & filter.    They got that one right.

My Grandson has a V-Rod.   Has around 40,000 miles on it.    He loves it to death, BUT, he doesn't have to work on it, that is his dad's or my job.     I'll only work on it IF the son is BUSY making $$$$ in the shop.

I've ridden it several times, it is wicked if ya really crank on the wick, other wise it is kind of a sleeper slouch.

I've raced my Grandson on it and me on MGM.   Close race.   0 to 60, pretty close, who is leading then is a toss up.    61 to 80, V-Rod will walk away from MGM.  81 to top end, give all credit to MGM as he waxes that little V-Rods arse.   V-Rod tops out about a dollar and a nickle.  Before MGM was converted to a Trike he topped out about a dollar and a quarter.    Haven't run it out to the top as a Trike.    Fastest I've seen on it was 85 passing a semi on the I-State a few weeks ago.   Hate to pass them and have a tire explode.     They leave snakes all over the road.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Harley Rider Here. Big AL

Dyna, which the Fat Bob's Family of type, is good for the twisty roads.

Sportster, still is one of the fastest and with rubber mounted engine. Smooth

Tourer is just that a  touring bike. But has more ground clearance before draggin pegs than a Valk.

Porsche, V-Rod, well the motors are made here. Will smoke most any power cruiser, except the

Yamaha based 1300. Terrible ergonomics for a big guy, so squirts and ladies should check this out.

PS on the VROD, you have to take the motor out of the Polaris Victory to do the same work. SO this

must be acceptable.

Harley has turned the corner on what quality is for them. If they had a V-4 we would not be having

this discussion. They would rule the roadways. But Harley Haters would still abound.

New Gold Wing with all the bells, 27,000 dollars.

New Ultra Classic with touch screen navigation, no water cooling. 26,000 dollars.

New Indian with Fairing about the same.

Dealer Support goes to Harley, as when going to GOTF, I saw at least 15 Harley Shops and 3 Honda

shops.

No Indian Dealerships.

If you have warranty on a Harley, have a problem, you have a trip going on, you stop drop, get

another ride,

keep going and on the way back pick up your bike.

A motorcycle company, not a Jet Ski, ATV, Generator company, just Motorcycles.

RIde a new one, it ain't you Dad's Harley anymore.

[Moonshot_1]

Got to ride a 13 ultra classic when we rented one out in California back in Feb.

Nice bike I guess. Wife wasn't as comfortable on the back as she is on the Valk but she said it wasn't too bad.
Bike had a lot of gizmos like a radio and other stuff. Never really got into that.

The only thing I really didn't like at all about the bike was that at idle it would rattle and shake something awful. It would smooth out as you increased RPMs but stop lights and stop signs were pretty rough. Or it could have been earthquakes. It was California.

I just can't see these bikes shaking and not coming apart at some point.

[SANDMAN5]

"I wanted a harley til I rode one" is what I usually say. I've ridden
a couple of Sportsters, one old one new, an EVO, twin cam, and the
103. Not really impressed, although the 103 ain't too bad powerwise.
Just a short ride so no chance to really wring it out. Not impressed
with the bike, 13 Heritage, overall. I do like the fact that they have
6 gears. Much more maintenance than on our Valks. I'd be more
interested in the Triumph Thunderbird IF looking for a new ride.

[Serk]

A motorcycle company, not a Jet Ski, ATV, Generator company, just Motorcycles.

That's funny... I thought they were a t-shirt, safety do-rag, sunglasses, etc company that, in their spare time, cranks out a few motorcycles? 

[SANDMAN5]

That's funny... I thought they were a t-shirt, safety do-rag, sunglasses, etc company that, in their spare time, cranks out a few motorcycles?

Didn't I read a few years ago that about 2/3 of harleys income is
t-shirt and "lifestyle accessory" sales?

[Airedale]

Back in 1978 I purchased an anniversary model just like this one, it was a beautiful looking bike, black with gold pin striping. Rode it for a couple of years without any problems, engine performance not anything near to todays models. It handled better at low speeds for me than my Valkyrie.

Al

[weeder]

My fiend - oops sorry I meant friend  has a dyna something  ,  we went riding , I sat on it while running and hit the throttle and it was a delayed  acceleration   , no crap!
YA SLAM THE RIGHTHAND  throttle and lawnmower action.

(  THE USA IS DONE , FINISHED , HISTORY  ,   GOT THAT

[bill-jr]

My fiend - oops sorry I meant friend  has a dyna something  ,  we went riding , I sat on it while running and hit the throttle and it was a delayed  acceleration   , no crap!
YA SLAM THE RIGHTHAND  throttle and lawnmower action.

(  THE USA IS DONE , FINISHED , HISTORY  ,   GOT THAT DUMB FXXK!!!!!!!!!!  )

It reminded me of an old tractor  dad had...   


And ya know  I have a .0000001 tolerance for liers, braggarts and CALIFORIANS and 50 others usa staes of the non union ---- F U

Wow feel better?

[weeder]

     had to edit ,   LOl,   this is a HONDA VALKYRIE FORuM   ya know 

[Big Al of Tennessee]

"I wanted a harley til I rode one" is what I usually say. I've ridden
a couple of Sportsters, one old one new, an EVO, twin cam, and the
103. Not really impressed, although the 103 ain't too bad powerwise.
Just a short ride so no chance to really wring it out. Not impressed
with the bike, 13 Heritage, overall. I do like the fact that they have
6 gears. Much more maintenance than on our Valks. I'd be more
interested in the Triumph Thunderbird IF looking for a new ride.

Much More Maintenance, where do you get that?

[Big Al of Tennessee]

    had to edit ,   LOl,   this is a HONDA VALKYRIE FORuM   ya know 

A Valkyrie Rider started the Thread. SO what are you complaining about?

IF you don't like it, its ok. Just click on by.

[cookiedough]

A motorcycle company, not a Jet Ski, ATV, Generator company, just Motorcycles.

That's funny... I thought they were a t-shirt, safety do-rag, sunglasses, etc company that, in their spare time, cranks out a few motorcycles? 

You forgot lawnmowers.

This year I think the HD is coming out with a 500 and 750cc cycle partially liquid cooled they say.  Price is around 7 grand which is dirt cheap for a HD.  I think it will sell well for those not having 12 grand on up to blow and they claim they are very fast 13-14 seconds in the 1/4 mile. Great entry level bike for wanna be HD riders.  

[Bighead]

Personally I have zero problem with HD even owned a 2010 street glide put 29,000 on the clock then sold it in 2012. It handled well, rode smooth got incredible mpg's. The only thing that I considered a draw back was it just didn't have the giddy up I was used to and it didn't have quite enough room riding two up with the wife. Yes I am a large fella  wife is a normal size riding solo was fine.
I just prefer the Valk to all other machines I have owned. That's why I have two I guess
I have more of a problem with the people that ride them and act toward any other brand rider as sub-par .
Not all are that way but a ton are and I guess it goes both ways but I say if you like it and it has two wheels let's RIDE  

[Big Al of Tennessee]

A motorcycle company, not a Jet Ski, ATV, Generator company, just Motorcycles.

That's funny... I thought they were a t-shirt, safety do-rag, sunglasses, etc company that, in their spare time, cranks out a few motorcycles? 

You forgot lawnmowers.

This year I think the HD is coming out with a 500 and 750cc cycle partially liquid cooled they say.  Price is around 7 grand which is dirt cheap for a HD.  I think it will sell well for those not having 12 grand on up to blow and they claim they are very fast 13-14 seconds in the 1/4 mile. Great entry level bike for wanna be HD riders.  

Have a Honda Mower and my Wife Drives a Honda Car. No the Car does not have a HD Sticker on it.


Nor does my Truck, or Blazer (FULL SIZE), or Chrysler Convertible or my fishing boat. No HD

advertising from me.

[weeder]

My fiend - oops sorry I meant friend  has a dyna something  ,  we went riding , I sat on it while running and hit the throttle and it was a delayed  acceleration   , no crap!
YA SLAM THE RIGHTHAND  throttle and lawnmower action.

(  THE USA IS DONE , FINISHED , HISTORY  ,   GOT THAT DUMB FXXK!!!!!!!!!!  )

It reminded me of an old tractor  dad had...   


And ya know  I have a .0000001 tolerance for liers, braggarts and CALIFORIANS and 50 others usa staes of the non union ---- F U

Wow feel better?

Yes but it wears off in a few hours ya know . So 'HOW YOU DOIN?   

[Big Al of Tennessee]

I like this bike. Big Head.

Paint Job and Fairing all look great.

One suggestion, Kuryaken Transmission Cover in Chrome.

Rock on with the Power Cruiser of the Decade.

[Bighead]

Thanks Al and I agree and really want a set but just haven't pulled the trigger

[Ghost]

I rode an 2004 Ultra Classic for a few years, It handled great and rode like no other bike I have owned. I just like the Valkyrie Interstate better, I really can't say anything bad about the Harley Motorcycle but I don't understand a lot of the people that ride them. Ride what you want and respect what others want to ride.  

[Pappy!]

Can see ya' standing there and saying...."Yeah, I ride a Fat Bob"..................
Just seeing that in writing is like nails on a chalk board.

[Serk]

Can see ya' standing there and saying...."Yeah, I ride a Fat Bob"..................
Just seeing that in writing is like nails on a chalk board.

Presenting.....

Fat Bob:

[fudgie]

That's funny... I thought they were a t-shirt, safety do-rag, sunglasses, etc company that, in their spare time, cranks out a few motorcycles?

Didn't I read a few years ago that about 2/3 of harleys income is
t-shirt and "lifestyle accessory" sales?

Hey now, I wore my HD sleavless into town tonight on my Valk.  

[Moonshot_1]

Can see ya' standing there and saying...."Yeah, I ride a Fat Bob"..................
Just seeing that in writing is like nails on a chalk board.

Presenting.....

Fat Bob:

No reason for that, NO REASON. This is a family site. The kids will have nightmares. I will have nightmares.

No, no reason

[Crackerborn]

I have owned, ridden and worked on Harley's since the early 70's. As a ride they have come a long way from the old hardtails (but so have a lot of other makes). More creature comforts, less vibration, and yes, dealerships that are getting as common as Starbucks. An old riding partner and I were taking a weekend cruise down to the Nashville area some years ago when his 8 month old Road King blew a head gasket. Harley flew him home and shipped his repaired bike back to him in Morton Grove, IL. He still has that Road King, but now stays closer to home on the Harley.

He bought a Goldwing for extended trips.

[Serk]

No reason for that, NO REASON. This is a family site. The kids will have nightmares. I will have nightmares.

No, no reason

Hehehehehehe.... You should have seen the pics I DIDN'T use! Oh, the horror... the horror...

[G-Man]

There are a few H-D's that I like very much.  Up close, the fit and finish are excellent and the ride heights are just right.  Only thing is, all are just too damn small.  Makes me look like I'm riding a bicycle I outgrew.

[cookiedough]

There are a few H-D's that I like very much.  Up close, the fit and finish are excellent and the ride heights are just right.  Only thing is, all are just too damn small.  Makes me look like I'm riding a bicycle I outgrew.

Same here,  guy at work let me sit on his newer HD.  Was nicely laid out the the 'boyz' upfront felt a tad too crowded it seems the seat upfront tails upward way too much for my liking.  Am sure HD has an answer for that in terms of a 1,000 dollar different seat config.    Gotta admit though, he is technically retired working part time is all and he rides about 25K miles per year which to me, is totally unheard of to have that much free time to put on even 10K miles per year.

[MP]

There are a few H-D's that I like very much.  Up close, the fit and finish are excellent and the ride heights are just right.  Only thing is, all are just too damn small.  Makes me look like I'm riding a bicycle I outgrew.

I agree!  Makes one look like one of those monkeys on a bike!

When I first got my 97 std, i rode into town, and happened to run into my daughters boyfriend there.  He was riding a Fat Boy.  We pulled up beside each other, and talked.

First thing out was "that is a big bike".

His looked so small next to the valk.  And, that was before I added the hard side bags and a trunk!

MP

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

PS on the VROD, you have to take the motor out of the Polaris Victory to do the same work. SO this

must be acceptable.

Perhaps on the older Victory engines but not on the Freedom 106's. They have hydraulic lifters.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

PS on the VROD, you have to take the motor out of the Polaris Victory to do the same work. SO this

must be acceptable.

Perhaps on the older Victory engines but not on the Freedom 106's. They have hydraulic lifters.

If you want to upgrade the cams, it has to come out. On the Victory. Yes and all other Harleys have

hydraulic lifters as well. For about the last 35 years.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

There are a few H-D's that I like very much.  Up close, the fit and finish are excellent and the ride heights are just right.  Only thing is, all are just too damn small.  Makes me look like I'm riding a bicycle I outgrew.

Same here,  guy at work let me sit on his newer HD.  Was nicely laid out the the 'boyz' upfront felt a tad too crowded it seems the seat upfront tails upward way too much for my liking.  Am sure HD has an answer for that in terms of a 1,000 dollar different seat config.    Gotta admit though, he is technically retired working part time is all and he rides about 25K miles per year which to me, is totally unheard of to have that much free time to put on even 10K miles per year.

I bought a Tall Boy seat from Harley for 275 dollars new and it is the best seat I have ever owned.

Fixed the nut crowding problem.

No But Burn, No Backaches, even has the logo made into it.

Most misconceptions about a Harley are just prejudice or ignorance of the facts.

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

PS on the VROD, you have to take the motor out of the Polaris Victory to do the same work. SO this

must be acceptable.

Perhaps on the older Victory engines but not on the Freedom 106's. They have hydraulic lifters.

If you want to upgrade the cams, it has to come out. On the Victory. Yes and all other Harleys have

hydraulic lifters as well. For about the last 35 years.

I don't believe the OP mentioned anything about upgrading cams but rather the engine needing to be removed from V-Rod to adjust valves.... To which you implied the same needs to be done on the Vicotorys. 

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Harley, I know what I said.



V-Rod is totally rod-a-ble. Will smoke the Victory in any form.

You do not have to remove the V-Rod engine to adjust the valves.

This got started by a You Tube Video that stated a bolt had frozen on the front valve pan and the

motor may have to be removed to get the stuck bolt out.

Not for valve adjustment. You only remove the breather cover and valve covers.

http://www.ask.com/youtube?q=harley+v-rod+valve+adjustment&v=5eGcEuXASWk&qsrc=472

SO there you have it, more ignorance about anything Harley.

Question, how many knew the Valkyrie has to have valve adjustments as well?

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

OK, I get it. You dislike Victorys. I happen to like 'em... To each their own! I'm not ignorant at all about Harleys... I've ridden them (883, 1200 XLs, Shovels, Evos, TC88's 96's & 103s), worked on them just never owned one. Well aware that Valkyrie needs valves checked too. Both in 1500 (screw & lock-nut) & 1800 (shim & bucket) versions.

[Hedgehog]

Well I went and bought it - the V-Rod is coming on Saturday..

Here's the test ride..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlJk3xGef1I

What a beast!

Compared with the Valk its as rough as a Badger's hind parts though....

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

Wow sounds really kick ass! Wishing you many safe, happy (s)miles!!!