Hello from Oklahoma - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

ralford · 10-28-2009, 12:27 PM

Hi, intro is expected I understand so here's a blurb.

Came back to bikes in 05 with purchase of '01 BMW R1100S, another twin. Headed for Copper Canyon Mexico, fell in with wrong crowd and returned to purchase 05 KTM 950 Adventure for dual sport riding. Another v-twin but with a bit more suspension and power. Discovered a 500# bike is not ideal for learning to ride dirt, purchased 250 KTM, followed by a '05 BMW R1200RT for touring. Broke leg multiple times on Continental Divide ride on KTM Adventure which eventually healed (kinda...)

Did 8,000 mi ride up Rockies to BC, across to Vancover Isd, down via WA, OR, CA and across NV, UT, CO etc. averaged 500 mi days on RT with wonderful weather. (BC is spectacular! as is Utah).

Picked up '09 Ultra in June along with a great riding partner. Been two up for some 9000 mi since then on Ultra. Very comfortable for two, did SS1000 about a month ago w/o problems, felt like cheating to have partner to keep me company.

Finally, couldn't resist the bargain price for Honda CBR1000RR as they cleared out '08 inventory and added it to stable. (count is now at 6 bikes. need to reduce inventory!) Haven't turned the wick up past 8K rpm yet, haven't needed to.

Of course, I knew what I was getting into with the Ultra and got it for particular purpose and reason (new friend likes em

) Amazed by marketing at HD but really don't think its the best idea for function follows form engineering. Nevertheless, its a fun putter bike and traveling two up is a different deal than riding solo. Always have the superbike for boyz riding.

Cheers, sorry for the diatribe. I am still being amazed at what a crude piece of machinery the HD marketing has been able to capitalize on

Bought and enjoy the bike, but not ready to drink the kool aide...

XDixiecratX · 10-28-2009, 10:19 PM

Hum, Aint ready to drink, Then why are you here ? Welcome any damn way. Enjoy the forum.

ralford · 10-29-2009, 10:13 AM

Yep conflicted. Haven't drank the BMW juice either

Also amazed how BMW'rs buy a $20K bike then put a milk crate on the rear to serve as a tour pack???

Cheers

SoonerSoftail · 10-29-2009, 02:07 PM

Hello from down the turnpike. Harley doesn't have to market anything. The attraction to the bikes is the simplicity of old school, basic mechanicals mixed with the right amount of modern technology.

WebbHog · 10-29-2009, 02:39 PM

It's all about feeling good. When I ride my Harley I feel good and knowing that I'm riding alittle bit of History makes it even better. It's the real deal. It's what everyone trys to copy. It puts me in a relaxed mood after long busy day.

chris_lacey · 10-31-2009, 08:14 AM

Welcome from Hamilton, Ontario.

Everytime Harley tries to offer something more Hi-tech, the masses ignore them and buy the air cooled V-Twins. HD is just givin' the people what they want.

By the way, care for some Kool Aid?

ruby4me · 10-31-2009, 10:31 AM

Welcome from Colorado. HD nothing better been riding them for 40 yrs!

**Dave63** · 10-31-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralford

Finally, couldn't resist the bargain price for Honda CBR1000RR as they cleared out '08 inventory and added it to stable. (count is now at 6 bikes. need to reduce inventory!) Haven't turned the wick up past 8K rpm yet, haven't needed to.

Have ridden the 1K on the track. Redline is a scream.... That bike goes whether you go with it or not. I rode an RC51 on the street/track for almost 4 years.

Welcome.

**Dave63** · 10-31-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_lacey

By the way, care for some Kool Aid?

Purple?

The reality of HD's "Technology" isn't that glorious. The HD V-twin is WWII technology, adapted from WW-I radial airplane engines, to today's EPA requirements and standards, with a little EFI and 2 narrowband O2 sensors.

In order to be EPA compliant and make the most horsepwer all the time, watercooled is the way to go. Purists think otherwise....

Notice that a V-rod makes more HPs/torque then a stock Ultra and runs cooler?

Just sayin'.........

BMW is way ahead of that curve, and has been in business as long as HD, and has had a closed loop system with O2 sensors for years. HD... 2007 was the first O2 sensored year.

KTM is no slouch either. Even to the point of threatening and beating Honda and Harley in flat track and the big 4 in Motorcross.

Just when Buell was becoming a threatening entity in roadracing, (Rotax engine) the plug gets pulled.

I'd love to see HD take the V-rod engine and plant is tastefully in the Ultra or in a cruiser. Better yet...make something totally different and stop allowing the EPA to mandate how their bikes run, or allow customers to tune them.

Sorry to go off on a rant.......{{blush}} Welcome again ralford. Great selection of bikes you have.

JBONE · 10-31-2009, 10:44 AM

Welcome

..There's not another bike...Rice/German/Italian that compares or gives the thrill, ride a HD does. I have owned sportbikes, beside the looks & POWER, there the most uncomfortable machines out there! good for 1/2hr pops @ a time, then I need an alignment...had CBR, GSXR1000, NINJA ZX10 & SPYDER...HD's are stylish cruisers & if it's power you want..I would take my old Fatboy against a rice rocket

.When I sold my first HD I didn't think I would miss it, I was dead wrong, from that point it was really the only bike I would ride again..Wanna hang w/ the HERD better chug the whole damb bottle

...we don't use swear words like "CBR" in this neck of the woods

..But @ least ya made a smart move & added a Harley to your list of toys..seems you have a little of all worlds