Holy Harley!!!!! Two brand new bikes, 500 and 750!

[glhs837]

The kids, they have worn backpacks and messenger bags since birth, to them, integrated storage isnt a big thing. Young friend of mine, very practical guy, over six feet, would never look at my utilitarian Strom, with it's ability to pack a weeks worth of supplies in a little over 130 liters of baggage I can remove from the bike with no tools in under 15 seconds. Just doesn't do it for him.


He rides an old Honda CB-1 because to him, that style screams motorcycle. It has to work, but how it looks and feels as an object, that's crucial too. The image of himself on that machine is more important than the actual practicality of the machine.

 

[Gilligan]

Not my kind of scooter these days...but I could see getting excited about a model like those back when I wasn't so stuck on my road sofa. Back in the 70s I thought the Harley Cafe limited edition was the coolest thing ever..

Harley has tried to expand their market base before...with very limited success. But if the prices they report in that story pan out (similar to low-end Sportster 883 prices) and the bikes perform and hold up well, then who knows?

 

[Larry Gude]

Not my kind of scooter these days...but I could see getting excited about a model like those back when I wasn't so stuck on my road sofa. Back in the 70s I thought the Harley Cafe limited edition was the coolest thing ever..

Harley has tried to expand their market base before...with very limited success. But if the prices they report in that story pan out (similar to low-end Sportster 883 prices) and the bikes perform and hold up well, then who knows?

And where is the Harley Cafe today? We DO know.


This is one of the many bad things about corporate America to go along with the good things about corporate America, and they are corporate America, is the de-evolution of what got you 'there' where what you did no longer matters and becomes whatever it takes to keep you 'there' with 'there' becoming the primary thing over the thing you did.

Why not a Harley Davidson toaster oven/smart pad?

Obviously, that is an exaggeration in this case because even if these two new...things...are barely Harley, in any way, they ARE motorcycles but, I think it makes the point. There is, to me, a LOT they could be doing based on what they already are that doesn't involve simply selling bikes for more and more and more every year.

They completely sat on the sidelines all through the chopper craze.

 

[my-thyme]

There is market out there for sporty, cheap and PRACTICAL. Build those little 500's with some innovative storage so you can actually carry some stuff, besides a damn back pack, and USE the things. Make it so you can run to the store with it. Go to the bank. Grab a few items here and there, carry a laptop case, stash your helmet.

I will certainly go look at the 500, and if my short legs will touch the ground (and I mean flat foot, not just my toes), they just may make a sale.

My Suzuki left me on the side of the road AGAIN. Son says it needs a new/rebuilt carb, but in his opinion it's not worth fixing an '87.

I would ride every day if I had something dependable.

 

[aps45819]

I just looked at the 2014 lineup on HD's website. I don't see a radiator on any of them.

Harley-Davidson Liquid-Cooled 103-cubic-inch Big Twin Engine

But, that's part of the problem; if you're going after an economy buyer, the LAST thing they are going to do is spend $5,000 on pipes and chrome and farckle.

That's exactly why I bought a $7800 Bonneville If I'd have spent $5k more I wouldn't have had any money for "stuff"

ANY bike you buy you're going to spend $$$$ to make it your bike. First thing I added were some hard bags that would hold a gallon jug of milk

 

[glhs837]

I will certainly go look at the 500, and if my short legs will touch the ground (and I mean flat foot, not just my toes), they just may make a sale.

My Suzuki left me on the side of the road AGAIN. Son says it needs a new/rebuilt carb, but in his opinion it's not worth fixing an '87.

I would ride every day if I had something dependable.

Once i got one, I have been riding a helluva lot more. this morning was awesome, BTW, couldnt ask for a better morning to ride.

 

[GURPS]

My Suzuki left me on the side of the road AGAIN. Son says it needs a new/rebuilt carb, but in his opinion it's not worth fixing an '87.

that is a classic ....
just rebuild the carb ...
has to be cheaper than a bike payment

 

[Larry Gude]

ANY bike you buy you're going to spend $$$$ to make it your bike. First thing I added were some hard bags that would hold a gallon jug of milk

For my Strat, I have spent $100 on a set of lower air deflectors and another $50 for an oil filter guard. Oh, and $300 for crash bars and another $100 for highway pegs. I spend more money on helmets and sun glasses than I do on stuff for the bike.

I think I am up to 5 helmets right now. And I can't count the sunglasses.

BUT, I think I found THE one;

Viewing Images For HJC Sy-Max III Helmet :: MotorcycleGear.com


LOVE the flip up sun visor.

 

[Larry Gude]

that is a classic ....
just rebuild the carb ...
has to be cheaper than a bike payment

As far as I am concerned, EFI is worth never having to worry about a carb again. If that means a new bike, so be it. Her old one can be bought by some guy who is 'gonna' rebuild the carb so it can sit in his garage for years and every time someone asks about riding it he can say "Haven't gotten around to rebuilding the carb just yet..."

 

[Larry Gude]

That's exactly why I bought a $7800 Bonneville If I'd have spent $5k more I wouldn't have had any money for "stuff" k

And NO one is gonna buy an $8,000 baby sportster after getting one look at the Bonneville.

 

[glhs837]

For my Strat, I have spent $100 on a set of lower air deflectors and another $50 for an oil filter guard. Oh, and $300 for crash bars and another $100 for highway pegs. I spend more money on helmets and sun glasses than I do on stuff for the bike.

I think I am up to 5 helmets right now. And I can't count the sunglasses.

BUT, I think I found THE one;

Viewing Images For HJC Sy-Max III Helmet :: MotorcycleGear.com


LOVE the flip up sun visor.

I have a Sy-Max II I bought from APS, and it's been great. I figured that with the Transitions lenses on my prescription glasses, I wouldn't use the drop down, but I do use it a lot. Not just for sun reduction, but when I want some more facial airflow. Love being able to put my helmet on or take it off without removing my glasses first. Quick stops into stores, just flip it up, and nobody is reaching for a street sweeper under the counter.

Most of what I spent on mods actually came from the insurance money from my crash, I reallocated stuff like metal reworking for the scratched fork bottom and $100 for decals I didnt need into mods I did want, like lowering links and an adjustable windshield bracket.

 

[my-thyme]

Once i got one, I have been riding a helluva lot more. this morning was awesome, BTW, couldnt ask for a better morning to ride.

Yeah, I was cursing my bike this morning for NOT being able to be depended upon to take me out on this GORGEOUS day.

 

[glhs837]

Yeah, I was cursing my bike this morning for NOT being able to be depended upon to take me out on this GORGEOUS day.

Spent three years wrestling with the two 83 Nighthawks before hitting the "Cant get new fork tubes, and reworking the ones that are on there will cost more than I paid for both bikes" wall.

 

[GWguy]

As far as I am concerned, EFI is worth never having to worry about a carb again. If that means a new bike, so be it. Her old one can be bought by some guy who is 'gonna' rebuild the carb so it can sit in his garage for years and every time someone asks about riding it he can say "Haven't gotten around to rebuilding the carb just yet..."

Can't agree with this more. My GW is very finicky. I've rebuilt the carbs but there is still an issue somewhere. I am close to moving up from this '89 just so i don't have to fight the ride.

 

[glhs837]

Yep, do love me some injection. And the ABS too.

 

[my-thyme]

Advertisement - Vehicle Classifieds

Damn, so I went looking and look what I found.

Didn't need to buy a bike until today.

:lookingformycheckbook:

 

[Gilligan]

Yeah, I was cursing my bike this morning for NOT being able to be depended upon to take me out on this GORGEOUS day.

Think I'll take my reliable old 2001 carbureted dresser out for a ride today....or maybe even the carbureted 1947 flathead instead. Both are as reliable as a hammer.......

 

[GURPS]

Damn, so I went looking and look what I found.
Didn't need to buy a bike until today.
:lookingformycheckbook:

4500 will buy lots of spare carbs and parts


what are the specs on the 87 ?

 

[glhs837]

Think I'll take my reliable old 2001 carbureted dresser out for a ride today....or maybe even the carbureted 1947 flathead instead. Both are as reliable as a hammer.......

When owned and maintained by a skilled mechanic, of course they are. My table saw without it's silly ass blade guard is perfectly safe, when operated by a guy who thinks up safety grams in his sleep Reliability, like safety, is a funny thing. You can make it or buy it.

 

[Larry Gude]

I have a Sy-Max II I bought from APS, and it's been great. I figured that with the Transitions lenses on my prescription glasses, I wouldn't use the drop down, but I do use it a lot. Not just for sun reduction, but when I want some more facial airflow. Love being able to put my helmet on or take it off without removing my glasses first. Quick stops into stores, just flip it up, and nobody is reaching for a street sweeper under the counter. .

Yup.