Rode 3 Harleys today

[Raider]

A few local HD dealers work together to provide an opportunity to ride several new HDs and do some safety training.  Because I work with the motorcycle safety program on base, I got to help out with the instruction and ride along.  Rode an Ultra Limited, a Road Glide Ultra, and a TriGlide Ultra (trike).  Rode each for a little over 50 miles of combined city, highway, and country roads.

All had 107 cu in engines.  All had similar ride positions and similar controls.  The guage cluster on the Road glide was a bit different, but just as functional. 

107 engine: this is the first stock HD engine that I wasn't just flat disappointed with.  It still can't perform as well as our Valks, but it was reasonable compared to the 103 and previous engines.  It was also the smoothest HD engine I've ever rode.  Six speed trans was nice, although it wsa tough getting neutral on two of the three models.  Not sure why.  I imagine the 114" would be a bit more exciting, but you can only get that in the $40,000 Cvo models or pay thousands to upgrade to it.

Controls drive me crazy.  I couldn't get used to split turn signals.  I have an old habit of regularly pressing teh turn signal switch to make sure I'm not driving along with the indicator flashing.  Today, that meant that I kept activating the dang left turn signal or messing with the radio accidentally. 

Wind protection: All three bikes had better protection than my IS.  I still had some breeze, but the wind noise was far less than on my Valk despite the fact that the Ultra fairings were actually smaller than the IS.  I had no buffeting and a cigar I lit up on the Ultra lasted 45 minutes while riding along. 

Seating position: CRAMPED.  I'm 6' 1" with 34 inch inseam and size 13 feet.  The floorboards were in just the wrong position.  They put my feet a little further forward than the Valk do, but also closer to the seat.  I was close to the same position I'd use to squat in the woods, but all my 240 pounds was coming straight down on my butt.  Legs were cramped (didn't have highway pegs).  Highway pegs wouldn't completely solve the problem as I'd still have all my weight on the seat with little ability to shift around a bit. 

Trike:  This beat me to death.  It throws you around like an old wooden roller coaster with ever bump in the road.  I also really had to muscle it in turns.  I thought I may eventually have to go to a trike, but no way!  Just not an enjoyable ride.

Overall impression: good, refined bikes and I like the infotainment systems and wind protection.  The engines were acceptable, but I just can't deal with the ride position.  Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

[Rams]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

[Raider]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJRdINEjYotLbbvx1

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EuuWgIupljIk0Oy03

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cK2qWXFFEUYCRSWi1

I suck at posting pics, but here are links to pics of the bike I rode.

[Raider]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

I know what you mean.  I still just wish so badly that Honda would give us a REAL new Valk that looks like ours but has the 1800.  I'd buy one tonight!

[ridingron]

 HD needs to update what they produce.  

 

I doubt that will come close to happening until they have a major drop in sales. About the only kinda non-Harley clone was the V Rod and we know it was dropped from production.

[Rams]

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

I know what you mean.  I still just wish so badly that Honda would give us a REAL new Valk that looks like ours but has the 1800.  I'd buy one tonight!
[/quote]

Not sure which of us would be sitting in line at the bank first but, I agree.    If they'd build a retro-Valkyrie with out those side radiators and less Tupperware, I'd be seriously looking to buy one.

[John Schmidt]

Sounds like the trike had a solid axle rather than independent suspension. If so, HD is really missing the boat, can't understand why they'd use a solid axle. You didn't like it but you need to try out someone's triked Valkyrie with IS and at least a 6 deg. rake. You'll see a huge difference in both ride and handling.

[PAVALKER]

I have a 99 I/S SuperValk with the short tinted shield and Baker Air Wings that I love.  Man those Air Wings make a hell of a difference in riding that bike.  I can hear my stereo quite well at most speeds, esp with the AVC on.   If you don't have the Baker Wings..... you don't know what you are missing, it makes the IS a much more enjoyable ride in either warm, hot or even cold weather.  the wings can be adjusted to add air flow to cool off or block cold air....and might help with some of that wind noise....but I just crank up the music a bit louder and don't notice it.

I also have a 2014 Valkyrie with a Gustafson 15in shield, Corbin seat and bags.  It's no IS, but it's very comfortable, damn quick and super easy quick handling.  The 1832cc is impressive, especially on this bike with a lower weight total and center of gravity.   It doesn't have any kind of wind protection to speak of and no hope for a traditional type fairing and fairing amenities, that would be on the F6B or Wing.  A much different ride than my other Valk, but very enjoyable in its own way.

The ride on either one of my Valkyries, surpasses that of any of the HD's I have test rode.  But..... HD has that traditional look, sound, lifestyle and following that some are looking for.  I believe the Valkyrie is fairly respected by the HD community, and they sure do seem to ogle over it when I take to HD events.    

I do go to organized Test Ride events for HD and Indian, and the Valkyrie "still" gets its share of attention and respect......and I always look forward to riding my own bike home after riding the others.

[old2soon]

Sounds like the trike had a solid axle rather than independent suspension. If so, HD is really missing the boat, can't understand why they'd use a solid axle. You didn't like it but you need to try out someone's triked Valkyrie with IS and at least a 6 deg. rake. You'll see a huge difference in both ride and handling.

            IF I had the wherewithal there was a reverse I/S trike on our classifieds awhile back that I'd like to try/have. BUT as a Lot of us iz aware-social insecurity dasn't stretch very fer at all!  What I do notice at my Honda dealer he is getting quite a few H/D trade ins on G/Ws!  Thinkin here the Phatt Ghurl I currently own likely my last M/C. RIDE SAFE.

[solo1]

Looks like 'adequate' describes adequately a motorcycle that costs over 20k.

It's been awhile since I had my Valk but I do remember that it was more than 'adequate"  As another mentioned, Baker Air Wings did wonders for the air protection.  When I converted it to a 'rig' I, too, found that a rig, just like a straight axle trike, also will beat your bod and wrists because of the uneven geometry, even with a reduced trail triple clamp.  I gave up the Valk because of the weight, my knees didn't like the weight. I gave up the rig because it was like hitching a beer wagon to a race horse. Not the Valk's fault.

If Honda would've made the Valk with the injected 1800 and reverse, I might still be riding one.....but they didn't.   The 'new' Valkyrie doesn't hit the mark , too much Tupperwear.  The old Valkyrie was like a clean canvas, you could change and do anything to it to make it what you wanted.



Just my .02, not worth much since I no longer ride.  However, don't forget. The VRCC is for those who own and ride Valks AND also for those who LIKE Valks.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

you didnt modify your valk to fit you? hiway boards? different seat? baker air wings, exhaust mods? and the list goes on and on,,

[Rams]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

you didnt modify your valk to fit you? hiway boards? different seat? baker air wings, exhaust mods? and the list goes on and on,,

Well, heck yes.   Most folks do "personalize" their bikes.
I'm just not sure it would be worth it to re-engineer and put a flat six Honda engine on an HD. 

[Raider]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

you didnt modify your valk to fit you? hiway boards? different seat? baker air wings, exhaust mods? and the list goes on and on,,

Ultimate Seat and highway pegs are the only things that I did that would deal with the ride position, but the IS fit much better before the mods.  Plus, I split my time between pegs and hwy pegs on long rides, but the stock HD position was nowhere close to roomy enough.  I couldn't possibly adjust it enough to make it workable.

[PhoenixRizing]

When I visited my dad in good ol MO sometime ago I rode his Harley Electra glide from st
 Roberts to Springfield and back. I couldn't wait to get off that thing. Yes it's purty, but I hated the vibration of the motor bouncing around, didn't like how it shook the handle bars, didn't like the heat that it gave off or the ride position. Wife felt like she was on my back the whole time. Too cramped. When we got back on my bike it was heaven. That told me I won't ever get one. If I ever get another bike it's gonna be a gold wing. Love all the gadgets and the ride quality

[fudgie]

Do tell me your thghts on the Road Glide. Rode one yrs ago and like it. Everything was 'out in front of you' unlike a ultra where its 'in your face'. I like RG's.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

you didnt modify your valk to fit you? hiway boards? different seat? baker air wings, exhaust mods? and the list goes on and on,,

Well, heck yes.   Most folks do "personalize" their bikes.
I'm just not sure it would be worth it to re-engineer and put a flat six Honda engine on an HD. 

actaully, back in the late 70's in tyler tx. i saw a harley with a 1000 gold wing running gear on it. that was the best looking bike i ever saw...probably still running today..

[Rams]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

you didnt modify your valk to fit you? hiway boards? different seat? baker air wings, exhaust mods? and the list goes on and on,,

Well, heck yes.   Most folks do "personalize" their bikes.
I'm just not sure it would be worth it to re-engineer and put a flat six Honda engine on an HD. 

actaully, back in the late 70's in tyler tx. i saw a harley with a 1000 gold wing running gear on it. that was the best looking bike i ever saw...probably still running today..

Maybe with the Honda engine..............   

[Raider]

Do tell me your thghts on the Road Glide. Rode one yrs ago and like it. Everything was 'out in front of you' unlike a ultra where its 'in your face'. I like RG's.

It was a nice ride also.  Same frame as the Ultra, so seating position was identical.  The guage cluster was organized differently from the Ultra, too.  This was only problematic when switching from one bike to another, but neither was necessarily better than the other.  Many people say that the frame mounted fairing provides better wind protection, but I didn't think so.  I tried with the vents all open and closed.  I'd guess it had to do with my height.

As for the stuff way out in front of you, even with my long arms, reaching the touch screen was a chore for me.  Once you get used to using the grip mounted joysticks, touching the screen really isn't necessary. 

If the bike fit, it would be worth considering, but I still have a hard time getting over the fact that even the brand new 107s can't do what my 1999 ride can. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

Do tell me your thghts on the Road Glide. Rode one yrs ago and like it. Everything was 'out in front of you' unlike a ultra where its 'in your face'. I like RG's.

It was a nice ride also.  Same frame as the Ultra, so seating position was identical.  The guage cluster was organized differently from the Ultra, too.  This was only problematic when switching from one bike to another, but neither was necessarily better than the other.  Many people say that the frame mounted fairing provides better wind protection, but I didn't think so.  I tried with the vents all open and closed.  I'd guess it had to do with my height.

As for the stuff way out in front of you, even with my long arms, reaching the touch screen was a chore for me.  Once you get used to using the grip mounted joysticks, touching the screen really isn't necessary. 

If the bike fit, it would be worth considering, but I still have a hard time getting over the fact that even the brand new 107s can't do what my 1999 ride can. 

you are going to find that there arent very many bikes out there that can do what your 99 can do..honda shot their wad when that made the valkyrie and now they cant top it..if honda was to make another valkyrie even with the exact same styling like the old valks i would buy another..

[Popeye]

I had an Valk Interstate when I bought my first Harley, Electra Glide Classic.


I found the seating position on the Valk more cramped thean the Harley.  After riding the Harley
then getting back on the Valk, didn't like the riding position.

Sold the Valk, haven't looked back.

I know I am in the minority here and I am ok with that.   I had 7 Honda's, all great bikes.  I
just went to the dark side.  Am happy with my decision.

[Oss]

Give Harley credit if you have big feet their boards, like those on the new Indians are tremendous improvements even over the cobra floorboards and the kickshiters as well

Good friend has a road king and we have in the past switched for brief periods.  Even I could scrape pegs on that, it is not as easy for me on the Valkyrie, but that is my problem not the bikes  Big chicken after the last 2 falls

Sitting on the russell seat on my interstate is like riding a big layzboy with power out the wazoo and I still love it after all these years

When its hot I take apart the front plexi on the wings and put them in the saddlebag for more air.  If its gonna pour on my travels I take the 2 minutes to put them back in and get back on and ride some more.  

[hubcapsc]

Do tell me your thghts on the Road Glide. Rode one yrs ago and like it. Everything was 'out in front of you' unlike a ultra where its 'in your face'. I like RG's.

I've always felt that the OEM seating position on the 1800 Valkyrie
made me feel like I was "sitting in the back seat"... maybe you'd like
the riding position of one...

-Mike

[Hooter]

Popeye, Jess... I to fall in the minority here. I own 3 bikes , 2 of which are Harleys. 1, 96 Springer that I rebuilt and an Ultra Classic. Both are nice bikes, but so is my Valkyrie!  To mention Harley here is like farting in church. Might feel better but no one else likes it. Any v-twin comparison on this board is always to Harley, never any slam or comparison made in regards to any other v-twin. You never hear anything bad said about Indian or any other v-twinky as is the usual reference.  

It never ceases to amaze me when someone buys a metric then spends a ton of money trying to make it sound and look like like a Harley. It's very obvious when someone tries to do it.  I've seen it attempted a bunch of times
on metric boards. It won't happen, and by the time the attempt is done, money wasted, it would have been just as cost effective to have bought a Harley!

Go to a Harley board and mention a Honda. Same response as you see here but not as prevelent. I never understood this brand specific thing no matter which direction someone goes. But to want a Harley and buy a Yamaha (just an illustration, I like Yamaha's)     and think you make or turn it into a Harley won't happen. Then to bash the brand you really want and are trying to clone makes no sense to me.

Then there is the cost comparison. Always Harley is so expensive.  That boat don't float anymore. All top of the line bikes are costly. What's a new Wing cost? Do the comparison pertaining to all top of the line  brands of bikes, you will be surprised.  Then there is the vibration thing. Yes the do, at idle. 1200 RPMS or so and they smooth right out. Not a big deal at all. Other than a Wing nothing much compares to the Valkyrie.  It's smooth and leads the way in that category even for a 20 year old bike!

I could go on but it won't change anyone's mind and I'm not trying to. But its always comes out the same here when the devil brand is mentioned. My comparison is by experience not just blatant statements. I like my Harleys or I wouldn't have them. But, I will never part  with my Valkyrie. The thing is an animal! If you like what you have ride it. If you don't find something you do like.

[davit]

Popeye, Jess... I to fall in the minority here. I own 3 bikes , 2 of which are Harleys. 1, 96 Springer that I rebuilt and an Ultra Classic. Both are nice bikes, but so is my Valkyrie!  To mention Harley here is like farting in church. Might feel better but no one else likes it. Any v-twin comparison on this board is always to Harley, never any slam or comparison made in regards to any other v-twin. You never hear anything bad said about Indian or any other v-twinky as is the usual reference.  

It never ceases to amaze me when someone buys a metric then spends a ton of money trying to make it sound and look like like a Harley. It's very obvious when someone tries to do it.  I've seen it attempted a bunch of times
on metric boards. It won't happen, and by the time the attempt is done, money wasted, it would have been just as cost effective to have bought a Harley!

Go to a Harley board and mention a Honda. Same response as you see here but not as prevelent. I never understood this brand specific thing no matter which direction someone goes. But to want a Harley and buy a Yamaha (just an illustration, I like Yamaha's)     and think you make or turn it into a Harley won't happen. Then to bash the brand you really want and are trying to clone makes no sense to me.

Then there is the cost comparison. Always Harley is so expensive.  That boat don't float anymore. All top of the line bikes a costly. What's a new Wing cost? Do the comparison pertaining to all top of the line  brands of bikes, you will be surprised.  Then there is the vibration thing. Other than a Wing nothing much compares to the Valkyrie.  It's smooth and leads the way in that category.

I could go on but it won't change anyone's mind. But its always the same here. My comparison is by experience not just blatant statements. I like my Harleys or I wouldn't have them. But, I will never part  with my Valkyrie. The thing is an animal! If you like what you have ride it. If you don't find something you do like.

Well said.

[doubletee]

Ultimately, I just couldn't wait to get back on my IS with my Ultimate Seat and highway pegs.  Wish the IS  fairing provided a bit quieter ride (wind noise), but I can't imagine replacing the Valk with one of those.  Still think we've got one of the best bikes on the road!

I won't say to never ride another bike but, in HD's case, I knew the outcome before I read the entire post.     It is, what it is.  HD needs to update what they produce.

I know what you mean.  I still just wish so badly that Honda would give us a REAL new Valk that looks like ours but has the 1800.  I'd buy one tonight!

In a heartbeat!

[Rams]

Popeye, Jess... I to fall in the minority here. I own 3 bikes , 2 of which are Harleys. 1, 96 Springer that I rebuilt and an Ultra Classic. Both are nice bikes, but so is my Valkyrie!  To mention Harley here is like farting in church. Might feel better but no one else likes it. Any v-twin comparison on this board is always to Harley, never any slam or comparison made in regards to any other v-twin. You never hear anything bad said about Indian or any other v-twinky as is the usual reference.  

It never ceases to amaze me when someone buys a metric then spends a ton of money trying to make it sound and look like like a Harley. It's very obvious when someone tries to do it.  I've seen it attempted a bunch of times
on metric boards. It won't happen, and by the time the attempt is done, money wasted, it would have been just as cost effective to have bought a Harley!

Go to a Harley board and mention a Honda. Same response as you see here but not as prevelent. I never understood this brand specific thing no matter which direction someone goes. But to want a Harley and buy a Yamaha (just an illustration, I like Yamaha's)     and think you make or turn it into a Harley won't happen. Then to bash the brand you really want and are trying to clone makes no sense to me.

Then there is the cost comparison. Always Harley is so expensive.  That boat don't float anymore. All top of the line bikes are costly. What's a new Wing cost? Do the comparison pertaining to all top of the line  brands of bikes, you will be surprised.  Then there is the vibration thing. Yes the do, at idle. 1200 RPMS or so and they smooth right out. Not a big deal at all. Other than a Wing nothing much compares to the Valkyrie.  It's smooth and leads the way in that category even for a 20 year old bike!

I could go on but it won't change anyone's mind and I'm not trying to. But its always comes out the same here when the devil brand is mentioned. My comparison is by experience not just blatant statements. I like my Harleys or I wouldn't have them. But, I will never part  with my Valkyrie. The thing is an animal! If you like what you have ride it. If you don't find something you do like.

Interesting post.   I'll agree that no one is likely to change their mind.   But, to be clear, I ride with HD folks frequently and we have a good relationship unless that HD attitude comes up.   My life long best friend rides a Fat Boy.   (I think that is what it's called)   I really don't care what anyone else rides and I most surely am not trying to make my Valkyrie look anything like an HD.   The Fat Lady is IMHO, the finest looking bike on the road, I'll also agree that she can be a beast.    As to other V Twin bike products and owners making their bikes look like an HD, (again IMHO) that is because HD has done such a good job marketing and building a culture or niche for that type of bike.   I assure you, the last bike I'd buy is a V Twin of any brand (though I might consider a V 4 on the right cruiser.   I would consider any brand that produces a comparable engine to the flat six.  

I also don't agree with Jess that Honda "shot their wad" with the Valkyrie.   They could always do more, better and build a better cruiser if they wanted to but selling it to a diminishing niche of riders makes if a very difficult task.    Had they done a retro-Valkyrie instead of the end result they did offer, I'd own one.  

[rudymsmith]

I rode the street glide /road glide CVO with the 117 engine.
great improvement on the engines - much smoother but they felt very front heavy.
Also I am short legged so that primary spreads me out like a busy new Orleans hooker.
Was giving up my Valkyrie for one.

[Raider]

Popeye, Jess... I to fall in the minority here. I own 3 bikes , 2 of which are Harleys. 1, 96 Springer that I rebuilt and an Ultra Classic. Both are nice bikes, but so is my Valkyrie!  To mention Harley here is like farting in church. Might feel better but no one else likes it. Any v-twin comparison on this board is always to Harley, never any slam or comparison made in regards to any other v-twin. You never hear anything bad said about Indian or any other v-twinky as is the usual reference.  

It never ceases to amaze me when someone buys a metric then spends a ton of money trying to make it sound and look like like a Harley. It's very obvious when someone tries to do it.  I've seen it attempted a bunch of times
on metric boards. It won't happen, and by the time the attempt is done, money wasted, it would have been just as cost effective to have bought a Harley!

Go to a Harley board and mention a Honda. Same response as you see here but not as prevelent. I never understood this brand specific thing no matter which direction someone goes. But to want a Harley and buy a Yamaha (just an illustration, I like Yamaha's)     and think you make or turn it into a Harley won't happen. Then to bash the brand you really want and are trying to clone makes no sense to me.

Then there is the cost comparison. Always Harley is so expensive.  That boat don't float anymore. All top of the line bikes are costly. What's a new Wing cost? Do the comparison pertaining to all top of the line  brands of bikes, you will be surprised.  Then there is the vibration thing. Yes the do, at idle. 1200 RPMS or so and they smooth right out. Not a big deal at all. Other than a Wing nothing much compares to the Valkyrie.  It's smooth and leads the way in that category even for a 20 year old bike!

I could go on but it won't change anyone's mind and I'm not trying to. But its always comes out the same here when the devil brand is mentioned. My comparison is by experience not just blatant statements. I like my Harleys or I wouldn't have them. But, I will never part  with my Valkyrie. The thing is an animal! If you like what you have ride it. If you don't find something you do like.

Hope I didn't come across as a anti-HD guy.  I actually like their bikes, but have never appreciated their stock engine performance.  I thought I had a cool opportunity to ride three different Hogs (and my Valk) in a single day and figured people might like to hear thoughts on them.  They aren't for me, primarily due to seating position, but with the 107 and upcoming 114, it's something that I would strongly consider as a Valk replacement when the time comes.

[Hooter]

Basically when I see others making an effort to off brand clone a Harley, it's another V-Twin. The badges go, they openly admit they want the same sound (potato -potato ) tombstones tail light, and other add ons. As for the Valkyrie,  it will never look, sound or even come close to mimicking a Harley. Who would want it to.  IMHO, the Valk is the complete package. All bikes have their strong and weak points. People buy into Harley. The MOCO has done an excellent job of promoting their product. BUT there are people just as dedicated to other brands as well. That's what all manufacturers depend on. So my point being, Harley, Indian, Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki's are no different than one another. Just that Harley openly promotes their ptoduct. We don't  see many adds for many of the aforementioned brands. HARLEY is in your face.

As for a Harley attitude, do we not see Honda attitudes as well right here on this board and other metric boards specific to other brands?  I belong to some of these boards and see it. So, is there a difference? Not so much. I've owned most brands. Have my likes and dislikes about most. On the flip side, these same brands also have their strengths as well. I just like motorcycles,  specially old bike's.

[Jambriwal]

Raider, if you happen to end up on a 3 wheeler as I might. I'm going tiltingmotorworks.com I rode one in  Nashua New Hampshire during Laconia Rally week . Took a ride down to Nashua NH and contacted rocketmoto.com Owner Adam and wife Jeanette are very pleasant to deal with. Adam took me out in the NH back roads for 30 to 40 min. What a riot , still leans and handles like a mptorcycle only better. Handles better, stops faster, leans enough to drag floorboards. It was a HD Road King but they do Harleys & Hondas so far. Check it out if yoy get tge chance. Or if somewas has a 2 wheeler offering test rides, call me.
Jim

[Willow]

Basically when I see others making an effort to off brand clone a Harley, it's another V-Twin. ...

As for a Harley attitude, do we not see Honda attitudes as well right here on this board and other metric boards specific to other brands?  ...

Hooter, I think you're blowing smoke up your own skirt.  I've never heard a Honda rider say, "If it's not a Honda it isn't a motorcycle."  I don't hear riders of Hondas belittling so much Yamaha riders, Kawasaki riders, Triumph riders, or really any other brand but Harley.

There are good riders out there who ride Harleys.  Unfortunately there are a significant number who have their primary or only manner of promoting their own motorcycle as belittling, demeaning other brands.

I'm not sure where you are encountering riders who want their V-twin to sound like potato-potato or vibrate like it's coming apart.  Perhaps you're hanging out too much with guys who have bikes in their garages that only get out for short trips to the bar.

Mimicking a Harley?  You do realize Harley Davidson was not original with the V-twin?  I haven't seen Honda attempting to build a motorcycle whose engine needs to be overhauled below 100,000 miles.

Personally I will never own a Harley Davidson.  It's not because I  think they're technologically inferior and highly over price, although I do.  It's because of the negative experience I've had with some fifty percent of Harley owners, most non-riding owners.

[Popeye]

Popeye, Jess... I to fall in the minority here. I own 3 bikes , 2 of which are Harleys. 1, 96 Springer that I rebuilt and an Ultra Classic. Both are nice bikes, but so is my Valkyrie!  To mention Harley here is like farting in church. Might feel better but no one else likes it. Any v-twin comparison on this board is always to Harley, never any slam or comparison made in regards to any other v-twin. You never hear anything bad said about Indian or any other v-twinky as is the usual reference.  

It never ceases to amaze me when someone buys a metric then spends a ton of money trying to make it sound and look like like a Harley. It's very obvious when someone tries to do it.  I've seen it attempted a bunch of times
on metric boards. It won't happen, and by the time the attempt is done, money wasted, it would have been just as cost effective to have bought a Harley!

Go to a Harley board and mention a Honda. Same response as you see here but not as prevelent. I never understood this brand specific thing no matter which direction someone goes. But to want a Harley and buy a Yamaha (just an illustration, I like Yamaha's)     and think you make or turn it into a Harley won't happen. Then to bash the brand you really want and are trying to clone makes no sense to me.

Then there is the cost comparison. Always Harley is so expensive.  That boat don't float anymore. All top of the line bikes are costly. What's a new Wing cost? Do the comparison pertaining to all top of the line  brands of bikes, you will be surprised.  Then there is the vibration thing. Yes the do, at idle. 1200 RPMS or so and they smooth right out. Not a big deal at all. Other than a Wing nothing much compares to the Valkyrie.  It's smooth and leads the way in that category even for a 20 year old bike!

I could go on but it won't change anyone's mind and I'm not trying to. But its always comes out the same here when the devil brand is mentioned. My comparison is by experience not just blatant statements. I like my Harleys or I wouldn't have them. But, I will never part  with my Valkyrie. The thing is an animal! If you like what you have ride it. If you don't find something you do like.

Agree

[MarkT]

My problem with HD, besides the attitudes, is they are unreliable.  Harley rides have to have a chase vehicle with trailer to pick up the broken ones.  Don't like HD riders to join our rides because they will break down and ruin the ride. That has happened nearly EVERY TIME I've had friends on Harleys join my rides.  I can cite LOTS of occurrences.  Apart from that, I don't care.  I will never own an overpriced under-engineered underpowered leaking vibrator that has to be overhauled really soon so I can't ride much; have to join 40 mile 5+ bar poker runs so I can hang with a few buds who TALK about riding. And that's the BIG RIDE of the season. Not for me.  So I miss out on the great breakdown stories.

[Rams]

Hooter, I think you're blowing smoke up your own skirt. 

Hopefully, not while he's riding.   

This is not a picture I want in my head....   

[G-Man]

MY problem with H-D......

Size matters.  They are just too small overall.  The OP says he was cramped at 6'1".  I'm 6'4".

H-Ds are just too darn small.

[Raider]

Raider, if you happen to end up on a 3 wheeler as I might. I'm going tiltingmotorworks.com I rode one in  Nashua New Hampshire during Laconia Rally week . Took a ride down to Nashua NH and contacted rocketmoto.com Owner Adam and wife Jeanette are very pleasant to deal with. Adam took me out in the NH back roads for 30 to 40 min. What a riot , still leans and handles like a mptorcycle only better. Handles better, stops faster, leans enough to drag floorboards. It was a HD Road King but they do Harleys & Hondas so far. Check it out if yoy get tge chance. Or if somewas has a 2 wheeler offering test rides, call me.
Jim

Thanks!  Looks pretty dang functional for a trike!

[cookiedough]

sat on a few HD newer ones a guy had 3 of them he drove to work at will.  I can usually tell ASAP if like the ergos or not.  I did not say much to him since he spent am sure well over 50K on 3 newer HD's (one being a decked out trike), but did not like one of the seats hurt my nads the front raises way too upward putting pressure on my family jewels.

I must admit though the controls and gadgets and electronics were far more technologically advanced than our Valks but then again,  I always buy on my cars the BASE model since is plenty enough equipped for my liking needing just a/c, pwr. windows/locks, cruise control, and pwr. seat.  All the crap they put on cars in their mid to upper level trims just add 5-10K or more of NO value to me like braking sensors and speed sensors and steering sensors that basically drive the vehicle for me which I will NEVER allow.