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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Is "brand" worth the price? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1449928410 Message started by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 05:53:30 |
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Title: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 05:53:30 I'm looking at a bigger bike. I like the HD Dyna & 883 styling. I also like the Honda Shadow Spirit styling. Looking at the 2008 & up models, comparing both "brands" and HOLY $#!t what a price difference. 2008 Harley Davidson Dyna: $6000 - $15,500 vs. 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit: $2999 - $4499 Similar mileage and stuff, but a price difference that is baffling. :o How do owners justify the pricing difference? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by KennyG on 12/12/15 at 06:17:55 Rat, I like Harleys but the cost of ownership is out of this world. If you can afford a Harley their service departments are by far the best and most knowledgeable of any brand, and they stock parts for their products. Most Hondas are about as trouble free as anything you can buy and that results in really low cost of ownership. About the only thing you have to do to a Honda is change the oil, spark plugs and tires. If you are buying a used bike try to buy one that was stored in a garage. Most bikes don't weather well when stored outdoors. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by MMRanch on 12/12/15 at 07:11:26 the Sportster 883 is the better bike and the better price ... get the modle with forward controls to begin with or you'll pay extra later. ;) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by springman on 12/12/15 at 08:07:07 In my mind there is no way to justify the HD over the Honda Shadow Spirit with that type of price differential. The Spirit is a very good looking bike and everything I have read about it is good. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/12/15 at 08:46:03 The Harley name matters, when you buy it, and when you sell it... The 883 wins hands down over the Dyna... reliability wise. That said,.. as much as I hate the added complexity of water cooling,... my Sportster hates Arizona summer heat... Not a big fan of the Honda 750 either, but if you like it, buy it... Shaft drives are trouble free, until they aren't... (you generally don't fix them, you replace them... oouchie price).... IIRC, some Shadows are chain drive, some are shaft... A gamble or a PIA... :-? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 09:03:39 I'm not planning on riding in our Arizona summers Bot. It's just too hot for me. I sweat my arse off just riding in my truck with the A/C maxed out with shorts and flip flops. No way I could handle riding in full leathers. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/12/15 at 09:25:19 In that case, a Sporty 06' to 12' can be bought for $3,500 to $5,500,... and will hold that value much longer than a Honda... About $1,000 premium over a Honda, but it will hold that value... Mine is FI,.. I would have preferred a carb, because I know carbs... but, the FI is fairly good. 2-up riding is not standard and is kinda' pricey... People that don't ride, will like your bike... ;D... JMHO,.. lot's of Honda fans out there. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 09:32:27 no 2-up riding for me! Not going for the ooh ahh factor either, just reliability and some decent power when I need it. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 09:32:49 what is it about those model year sportsters that doesn't command the huge difference in price? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/12/15 at 09:58:21 Sportster is, or was, the "entry level" Harley... The Super-Low lists at $8500 new... Some "real" Harley guys, don't even think of them a "real" Harleys. ... but,.. they are mechanically better, and they are the performance engine of choice,... The big Harley "Twin Cam" engines have top-end problems. Stay away, unless you have money to burn... http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/beforeyoubuyharley.html |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 10:07:02 thanks for the link Bot, I'll be back after reading |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/12/15 at 11:39:27 great info in the article Bot. Thanks for sharing! Honda Shadow Spirit it is, for now! |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by pg on 12/12/15 at 14:23:23 The 1100 Shadow is an outstanding motorcycle and I don't know why Honda quit making it. If I could find one with reasonable low miles I would be very interested. I see them for sale and they are always have 40k - 50k. Best regards, |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/12/15 at 16:46:34 I think that James Russell dude favors the 1200 Custom Sportster. If I was going to buy a newer Sportster, I would favor it. Bigger gas tank and more power. That gas tank is around the size of a Savage gas tank. I doubt you'll get far on that tank with the bigger engine and heavier bike. Harleys generally aren't known for fuel mileage (probably not as bad as the big twins, though ;)). What is worse is the tank shape and that stinkin' Harley air cleaner >:(. I sat on an 883, and one annoying thing is that I can't really hug the tank with my knees, and that stupid air cleaner is sticking out to bash your shin. The 1200 tank is at least wider, I think. I've never sat on one, though. I've never ridden a Harley, and I am guessing that Serowbot owns an 883, or something, so he would be a better judge than I am. From what I gather, it's not all that much faster than a well-tuned Savage, so if speed or acceleration is a concern, then you certainly want a 1200. If I ever buy a Harley, my first choice would be a Sportster-- Ironhead or Evo, but I'd really consider an Ironhead because I like kickstart :D. Sportsters are small, light(er) and, amongst Harleys-- dirt cheap ;). If I bought a big twin, it would probably be an old, cheap blockhead (Evo) or shovelhead. No twin cam crap for me! ;) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Paladin. on 12/12/15 at 17:14:56 664751475056704356220 wrote:
Comparing apples and cherries -- the Dana is 1,573cc originally about $14K, the Spirit is 745cc and sold for less than $7K. Look at 2008 Sportsters, 883cc or 1200, and you can see bikes for $3K-6K. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by springman on 12/12/15 at 17:44:50 After reading all this I have to say that I was talking about the Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 not the 750. The 1100 is the bike all the good stuff is written about. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/12/15 at 19:10:13 Hate to burst Cheapnewb's bubble, but me and Springman have seen a Tour Gide (yup, big twin with tupperware) knock out 55MPG on the freeway to be fair, that was at 55 MPH My Savage won't do that mileage at highway speeds |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by springman on 12/12/15 at 20:08:31 That's true that Steve got that MPG on that one leg from the campground heading to Atlanta. But if I recall correctly I got over 60 mpg on that same stretch on me thumper. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by WD on 12/12/15 at 20:15:43 Your average Big Twin gets at least 50 mpg. Even old Pans. My 1920 HD Sportwin (fore and aft flat twin) averaged in the mid 70s. Even the 93 Evo that kept grenading engines and gear boxes averaged 54 mpg. My 2003 Savage has turned in a best of 59.5 on the highway. My 98 averaged 75 mpg with stock jetting and handlebar, dropped to a high of 36 mpg with oversize jets and handlebar. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/12/15 at 21:56:06 Considering the engine size and weight comparison, why on earth does the Savage gas mileage suck so badly? You'd think that a lighter bike with a smaller engine would do better than a big twin. Are big singles at an efficiency disadvantage, or is it something else? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by MMRanch on 12/12/15 at 22:09:05 DesertRat you should know that ... pre 04 Sportsters are NOT rubber mounted motors and will "Vibrate-your-A$$-OFF", you should also know a 1200 is just an 883 with bigger Pistons and a taller primary gear. you should also know those bigger pistons are not as well balanced as the 883 pistons. 04-06 = carbed with rubber mount 07-15 = FI with rubber mount The taller primary can be had on Ebay cheep Some folks will tell you an 883 converted to 1200 is better ... Thats because they have the lower 883 primary and the 1200 power , they are QUICK ! :o :o :o but are geared to redline 5th gear about 115mph the taller gear would redline 5th about 150mph. Those Honda's with 40-50K miles have or will soon have cam-chains rattling (X-2 of them) --- Harleys have pushrods and Hydrolic lifters that never need anything but clean oil. Just things to contemplate ... :-? The S-40 cam chain is easy ! :) I get about the same MPG on my Sportster and my S-40 --- but they have simulator windshields . ;) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/12/15 at 22:13:56 Here is some mpg data (Fuelly) on various HD models and the Savage/S40 I have noticed that Fuelly is not exactly optimistic, but I think it's supposed to be real or something. Feel free to share your experiences or opinions with this site. http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/harley_davidson/sportster_xl1200_custom http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/harley_davidson/xl_883n_iron http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/harley_davidson/flhtk http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/harley_davidson/dyna_lowrider_fxdl http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/suzuki/s40_boulevard http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/suzuki/ls650_savage The thumpers, on the average, report higher fuel mileage. The Harleys tend to hover in the 30's and 40's, typically. The Sportys hover somewhere around 45 mpg. It does appear to show that thumper mileage varies widely. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by KennyG on 12/12/15 at 22:48:24 Since changing to the Dyna muffler and rejetting, my 2013 S40 I am only getting about 45 MPG. I ride mostly rural roads and seldom get above 60 MPH. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/13/15 at 06:20:21 3E35383C2D33382A3F6F695D0 wrote:
I think that's a reasonable question, and one that I don't Know the answer to. I'm trying to envision Why, ahhh, here,,I may have a clue. The big single has a counter balance that is separate from the crank, and it doesn't swing itself. It's a parasitic load. A twin uses a HP producing piston and rod to counter the other, along with weight on the crank. I'd think that,ideally, the engine design that requires the least amount of weight for balancing would be a good engine, in terms of efficiency. Now, Dave may have some ideas and maybe they will agree with mine, or, maybe not. I Would suggest, though, that If Dave comes in, disagrees, explains it all, as long as he can do that and not just rub my nose in it, I won't be forced to go scrape about fifty stars off his column on the scoreboard. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 06:42:47 I hate buying stuff. Now with this additional info from y'all, I'm back on the fence. 883 vs. 48 vs. Spirit the 48 is way too much money, beautiful bike, but cost prohibitive right now. Sportster/Iron 883 vs. Spirit I may just go by price if I can find a really low mile '08 and newer for a smokin' deal. Not interested in joining the HD fanboy club, just looking for reliability and more power. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 07:02:10 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 07:02:53 HD Sportster |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 07:03:50 XL883N |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 07:46:02 arrgh ... maybe just get a newer model Triumph Bonneville http://images.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/Triumph-Bonneville-2015.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by oldNslow on 12/13/15 at 07:53:49 DesertRat, If you are looking for a used rather than new bike, you might want to take a look at a low mileage Honda VTX1300C if you can find one. My son has had one for the past three years, and it's a really nice bike. I think Honda stopped making that exact model in 2008, but they use the same motor in a few current bikes. Clean 06,07 and 08 models show up on craigslist around here in the 4 to 5 thousand dollar range. It's a physically a much bigger bike than either the Shadow or the Sportster, although I don't think its any heavier than the HD. One carb, shaft final drive, and the C version, which I think is the better looking variation, has cast wheels with tubeless tires, smaller fenders, and footpegs instead of boards. http://cruiser.mototribe.com/motorcycles/honda-vtx-1300-c/specs ' |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 08:05:11 oldNslow, Good looking bike. But, I'm 5'8" and 160-180 lbs (before/after morning constitution). I like the smaller/lighter bikes that I don't have to rassle around with during commutes. No "touring" for me as my hands and arms go numb from multiple thoracic vertebrae injuries from off-roading. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/13/15 at 08:34:41 2C272A2E3F212A382D7D7B4F0 wrote:
Cheapnewb have you ever heard a big twin at highway speed? that big boy is ticking over around 1500-200 RPM, at a guess The Savage is spinning along at 4000 or thereabouts my fuelly dashboard (when I kept up with it) had my MPG anywhere from 35-48, depending what I did with that tank of gas gears make MPG if you have the power to push them the S40 doesn't |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/13/15 at 08:37:11 The Honda is lighter than a Sporty... The Honda is only about a 8 or 10 pony jump from a stock Savage.. A Sporty is about a 20 pony jump... Torque?... the Sporty is a freight train... :-?... I'm not making this any easier, am I... ;D... EDIT,... wrist trouble?... go with the Honda... Even with rubber engine mounting, the Sporty does vvvvibrate. PS, cheap.... I do get 54 to 60mpg on the Sporty, even at 75+ highway.... and I have a 4.5 gallon tank.... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/13/15 at 08:50:23 Sero what flavor of sporty you got that has a 4.5 gallon tank? I see so many 'peanut' tanks on sproties I boggle at the thought of a 4.5 |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 08:55:50 yeah Bot, you're making it worse ;) I forgot I broke my right wrist playing cowboy stagecoach shotgunner. Single handed, 12GA 3" Magnum shells. :-? Dumbass move I know |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by oldNslow on 12/13/15 at 08:57:58 19382E382F290F3C295D0 wrote:
Yup. I'm 5'6", 170 with my gear on, and older than dirt. The VTX is a real handful at parking lot speeds and/or pushing it around the garage. Out on the road it's a different story, but it's still too big for me. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/13/15 at 09:20:47 23303635272020420 wrote:
Super-Low... my buddies Shadow 750 behind it... http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/b%20IMG_0306_zpsivqbnkvl.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/13/15 at 09:27:35 On the whole mpg thing, it might be nice to add that the Royal Enfield Bullet seems to get a little better mpg. It has a bit smaller displacement and a taller 5th gear. http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/royal_enfield/bullet At 6500, the Savage is going 97 or so mph whereas the bullet is doing 108 or so mph. I think the Bullet peaks hp a little lower rpm than the Savage, but I don't think that matters quite so much, does it? Considering the difference in displacement, the Enfield really seems to kick the Savage's butt when it comes to power. If I remember correctly, about 27hp and torque at least 30 ft lbs or more. Yeah, its less than the Savage is rated but--sheesh :P-- for 150 cc difference, that sure makes the Savage look bad! Maybe there are some design issues that hurt our thumper's fuel efficiency besides the counterbalancer? Maybe there's some hope for a fuel efficient Savage? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/13/15 at 09:39:39 4A6B7D6B7C7A5C6F7A0E0 wrote:
Wow! :o :o :oI'll remember that the next time I entertain the thought of shooting a 12 Ga. single handed! :o |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/13/15 at 09:41:00 Current Bullets are FI and 500 CC IIRC Nice Sporty Sero |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/13/15 at 09:48:16 Geared to redline at 108, don't mean it'll go 108... Maybe off a tall cliff... :-/... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/13/15 at 09:50:06 Maybe not, but it might get better fuel mileage at 60 mph ;) I used 6500 rpm as a reference point. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 09:50:10 Art, you bring up a great point. One of the reasons I'm looking at another bike, '08 and newer, is for the FI. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by cheapnewb24 on 12/13/15 at 09:54:46 How about maintenance? Are typical EFIs cheap and easy to maintain and repair? How much trouble/$$$$ is it to tune an EFI, assuming all are tunable? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 09:58:28 53585551405E5547520204300 wrote:
can't be any worse than trying to tune our savage! Or tune to get rid of that annoying backfire and shutoff fart we have! |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/13/15 at 10:03:44 FI,.. cheap to maintain, expensive to repair. Tuning will cost you $200 to $300 for a Power Commander. I'd rather have a carb... :-?... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 10:06:24 I like carbs too, Bot. It's what I grew up with. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by verslagen1 on 12/13/15 at 10:58:17 644553455254724154200 wrote:
What?!? you don't burst thru the door and yell 'honey, I'm home!' |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 11:05:00 nope, she hears the fart and just knows I am home. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/13/15 at 13:46:31 Why do people seem to hate the v rod and revolution engine? Is it just because it's too modern, too powerful, too reliable and looks like an asian harley competitor? They haul ass and don't shake too much. What's not to like? On the second hand market you seem to be able to buy a lot more HD for your dollar if you're looking for a v rod compared with the twin cam, sportster etc. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 15:14:39 gizzo, the vrod is way outta my price range. Besides it doesn't do it for me aesthetically! |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/13/15 at 18:27:21 But, is it considered a good bike and is it a proper HD? Seems not to be the case, over here at least. I can't afford one either |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by WD on 12/13/15 at 18:30:57 362C282A2B15243731372C212220450 wrote:
Because if you bought one and decide you don't like it, you are stuck with it. No resale market for them except in the ghetto or barrio. You can usually offload an air cooled pretty readily. Best bang for the buck is a Vulcan 800-900-1500. Harley power with Honda reliability. The 1600-1700 is alright, but doesn't have the soul of the other ones. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 18:59:44 79636765645A6B787E78636E6D6F0A0 wrote:
Is the Buell a proper HD? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 19:03:12 584B0F0 wrote:
Great, throw another bike in the mix. And here I thought I had it narrowed down. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/13/15 at 19:15:01 4F6E786E797F596A7F0B0 wrote:
Is the Buell a proper HD?[/quote] I wouldn't know about that. I never seen an outlaw or a pirate riding one though... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/13/15 at 19:18:52 1C0F4B0 wrote:
Yeah, but why? What's wrong with them? They seem like a pretty functional motorbike. Not very good looking but still...and the people with them seem to love them but are looked down on by the air cooled crowd. I'm guessing it's because they don't fit the HD image. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 19:20:31 gizzo, http://www.ozebook.com/cpotw/extimages/Leiche-06.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/13/15 at 19:21:45 gizzo, this Buell is purdy: http://https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/32/34/1f3234ede901affe1f77ab45ff158c35.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/13/15 at 23:09:49 Haha! Thanks DesertRat, now I've seen it all :D And that Blast engine: Stupidest looking engine in a long time. It looks like an oil lamp or a giant spark plug or something. It needs a rear cylinder..... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/14/15 at 08:31:30 No one likes the V-rod for the same reason no one like the New Beetle If you'r a purist, you know that ain't a real one if you're not, it's got an association you don't like Although there are ditzes that like both, anyway |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/14/15 at 12:05:28 Good point, Art. You're probably right. The v rod might be an alll time great bike if it were made by someone else. V rod owners would be chufffed to hear their bike being compared with the New Beetle! ;D |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Dave on 12/14/15 at 12:27:25 I may be a bit "old school" - but I don't like the Harley V-Rod because it doesn't look like a real motorcycle to me. It looks like a childs toy that was made by some manufacturer that sort of new what a motorcycle is supposed to look like - but altered the length/size/shape to suit the toddlers ergonomics and the need to cast it out of plastic. The shape of the V-Rod just looks weird to me.....is it a drag bike, cruiser....does it corner or just go well in straight lines? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/14/15 at 12:45:32 I'd take the power plant outta the vrod and stuff it in this: http://https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/32/34/1f3234ede901affe1f77ab45ff158c35.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by verslagen1 on 12/14/15 at 12:45:39 73484552434F545249414C53200 wrote:
You don't get the v-rod cause it's better than the old school HD's. You get it cause it was designed by porche and pisses off the old school hog riders. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/14/15 at 14:02:41 765741574046605346320 wrote:
Oh hell yeah.! |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by gizzo on 12/14/15 at 14:04:09 172C2136272B30362D252837440 wrote:
They actually do corner pretty darn well if they're ridden well. I've seen a couple of guys going nuts in the hills. Not pirate riders, the one piece suit with sliders type of guy. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Gus on 12/14/15 at 15:09:59 I used to own a Harley FLH, that said, my big bike days are just over . . .for now anyway. I've ridden with 883's and they are a serious improvement over the Sportys of old . . .and maybe even the the biggies they make now. Even if I wanted another touring machine I wouldn't get a Harley. I'd probably go with a Beamer or big Ricer. Just less maintenance. That's just me. Maybe it is an itch you just need to scratch. I DID love my FLH tho. That thing would eat interstate and . . . Ahhhh those were the days[ch55357][ch56847] |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by WD on 12/14/15 at 22:35:04 Harley Davidson was 1903-1964. 6 volt kick only. Hardly Ableson was 1965-1969, 12 volt slabside engine. Nose cone engine, 12 volt with fail prone everything 1970-current. Evo and Twinkie engines, though designed by Kawasaki and built with 90 percent Asian content, are junk. Don't feel right, look right, sound right, last... The last Sporty I would buy left the factory as a 1974 model. Last year with right side shift. They lost something with the change over for 1975 federal compliance. If I wanted a brand new classic HD, I would order a replica chassis, Baker 6 in a 4 kick start tranmission, and an S&S 120 cubic inch Knuckle, Pan or BT Flattie. Would prefer one of Kiwi's replica BT Flattie Chiefs to be honest. I should drag out the Super Beetle and go mess with the stealership this weekend... ;D |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/15/15 at 05:17:13 WD, my brother is restoring his '74 right side shift. Looking to convert to left side (proper). |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by old_rider on 12/16/15 at 18:37:23 Yup, the old HD's needed more "love" than the newer ones, but you got to "know" your ride and what it needed the most. The newer electronics and fuel control systems leaves most backyard mechanics in a tizzy. Me personally, I sold the Road Glide only because of the weight.... and got the savage instead (and still broke my back). Truthfully, if I could put this engine on a full aluminum frame, i'd do it in a heartbeat. I suppose since I have the Ninja I could do a project out of the savage and see what I can come up with... although I've never welded aluminum (barely welded steel just a few times), I would be attempted to try to build a frame suitable for one person and the LS650 engine.... Hmmmm.... i'll ask a few shops around here about frames.... |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/16/15 at 19:08:41 old_rider, I thought about doing an all stainless steel frame or aluminum. I think the stainless, polished would looked bada$$ |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by WD on 12/17/15 at 10:15:31 260711071016300316620 wrote:
Left is only "proper" for pre-75 Big Twins, BMWs and Japanese (not all of them at that). It takes all of 5 minutes to learn to ride a right side Sporty or Brit bike. Takes 10 minutes to figure out a tank shifter and rocker clutch. Takes 20 minutes to figure out the left hand throttle, right side tank shift, left foot clutch right foot brake on a properly set up flathead Chief or Scout. Wish it would only take me that long to rewire the 69 Dodge truck. It is going back on the road, 9mpg on a good day. Fuel infested electronic ignition 21-25mpg piece of junk left me on the side of the road again on the way to work yesterday. Last time was over a grand to fix that 4 popper Ranger. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Dave on 12/17/15 at 11:55:43 4152160 wrote:
I guess I must qualify as a having a "learning disability". ;) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by HovisPresley on 12/17/15 at 12:18:12 I find that with an old Brit bike, I can change gear (rhs) without a problem. But when I need to brake in a hurry, I always seem to try and apply the back brake using the gear lever :-[ ;D |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Dave on 12/17/15 at 12:22:35 45627B647E5D7F687E6168740D0 wrote:
Zackly. When I have time to think....I can ride a right side shift. When things happen in a hurry......I have 50 years of muscle memory I can't keep under control, and I end up with my right foot using the shift lever to apply the rear brake! |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Serowbot on 12/17/15 at 13:43:42 Easy enough... just ride cross-legged... :-? |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/17/15 at 14:41:40 no way I could operate one of them old fangled machines. :D and NO Bot, I ain't riding side saddle either! ;D BUT, side saddle is HOT http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKa2c4TsbiY/UWRD79eUKAI/AAAAAAAAIV0/ksCvH99E644/s1600/Angie.jpg |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Gus on 12/17/15 at 15:04:12 406177617670566570040 wrote:
I guess it CAN be! [ch55357][ch56844] |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by MMRanch on 12/17/15 at 18:34:01 Last July 4th our CMA group carried all the State Flags in the union . We did not have enough bikes so we got everybody we could to help (50 states) to carry flags. One of the guys showed up on an old Triumph or BSA 650. It was so old the shifter was on the wrong side. After the parade we went to his house and me and him swapped bikes for 30 miles . So he rode my Sportster and I rode the old british bike (1963 :-???). It was a first for me. WD. said a few minutes to get used to the reversed pedals - took me about 4 stop / take-off's cycles. I was more surprised with the performance . It was powered similar to our beloved Savages It was geared like my old 450 Honda 4000/RPM=50MPH And It vibrated like a "Pre-rubber mount Sportster" But I was Grinning all the way ! :) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by KennyG on 12/17/15 at 19:58:44 MM, I rode my 1973 Norton Interstate for 30 years and I still regret ever selling it. It was the best handling bike that I ever rode and with the Isolastic Suspension there was no vibration reaching me or the seat or handlebars. It has as much horsepower as I ever needed. The gearshift and rear brake position was perfect. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by MMRanch on 12/17/15 at 20:41:39 Seems like it was a Triumph 650 w/one carb. ?? Back in the 70's I wanted a Commando -- :P -- but I never got one :-[ . I liked the way the clyinders slanted forward like the Honda CD175 I was driving at the time. ::) I kinda liked the one carb. simplicity and the fuel millage was up in the 80's. On flat ground I could even cruse up to 60 mph. ;D But those flared fenders and smooth ride was nice . I'd still like to have a Commando --- but not the points and condenser to go with it. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by thumperclone on 12/17/15 at 21:47:34 Indian 60 |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by KennyG on 12/17/15 at 23:10:50 MM, I never had any trouble with the points & condenser. My brother had a manifold cast and we switched from the dual Amal carbs to one big Mikuni carburetor. The shims in the Isolator Suspension had to be adjusted/changed about every 10,000 miles. I should have bought two of them when I went to England for the one that I rode for 30 years. I sold it for twice what it originally cost me. It would have been a great investment. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by old.indian on 12/18/15 at 07:21:33 'Rat, did you ever decide between the Harley and the Honda you were originally asking about ????? :-/ |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Art Webb on 12/18/15 at 07:55:42 6E6D657368656473010 wrote:
Did they go to aluminum on the Ninja 300? because the 250 and 500 were steel framed |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/18/15 at 09:24:35 60636B2166616B666E610F0 wrote:
I'm still on the fence. A lot of great info in this thread, but I'm beginning to get overwhelmed with TOO MUCH DATA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_overload Just $hit or get off the pot I'm guessing at this point. Whatever comes up that is a smoking deal is what I'll probably end up buying between the 2 brands. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by old.indian on 12/18/15 at 09:39:02 012036203731172431450 wrote:
I'm still on the fence. A lot of great info in this thread, but I'm beginning to get overwhelmed with TOO MUCH DATA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_overload Just $hit or get off the pot I'm guessing at this point. Whatever comes up that is a smoking deal is what I'll probably end up buying between the 2 brands. [/quote] My advice... #1) The best bike to suit your needs/ desires.. #2) The best "bang for the buck" ... :)I wanted a thumper for a couple of years, but had never considered an S40... A year ago I saw a single along the road 3,981 miles for under $2K.... I couldn't be happier.. :) |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/18/15 at 09:49:33 old.indian, As soon as I STOP looking and researching, that low mileage beast will appear for a smokin' price and I will have a sweet ride to add to the stable. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by DesertRat on 12/18/15 at 09:51:58 at least I've narrowed down the years, styling and models that interest me. Might have to save a search on craigslist that narrows this decision. |
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Title: Re: Is "brand" worth the price? Post by Gus on 12/18/15 at 10:52:10 There is a 1995 MZ with the 500 Rotax single in it for sale at a motorcycle shop here in town. I've been lusting after it for a long time but I really don't need it for a collector and as a rider parts for the motorcycle are getting hard to find. Parts for the motor are all over the place; but the motorcycle not so much. A very, very nice bike indeed with only 10 K on it. An old guy bought it new and took real good care of it. It was his baby. It's nice. I love those German bikes. |
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