View Full Version : I'm worried for what I may become
Gonna get real stick for this I bet.
I'm 23, and already I'm having to fight my secret attraction towards bikes such as this:
http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2009/07/harley-davidson-iron-883.jpg
I have no intention of growing long hair or a beard and becoming an outlaw. Also you just can not help think 'wannabe' when you see someone on one of these and they're not wearing real MC patches (ie most people).
I'm tyring to fight these urges, but I can't help it. Obviously I'm in no place financially or age wise to get me one, but if this attraction doesn't die soon, I'll be screwed when I graduate and start earning. No substitute for a real bike, but would be a real beaut to have and take out on nice summer days.
Does anyone else have an embarassing sweet spot for these, especially at 23 (cringe)!? Maybe this will pass, but its currently only getting stronger!..noooo
(Incidentally this is an Iron883, the Dyna's are pretty darn sweet too)!
DarrenSV650S
25-12-09, 11:32 PM
I think that looks bloody good but I've not heard anything good about their handling.
It would look so weird to see a biker in full power ranger suit on one of those.
hindle8907
25-12-09, 11:32 PM
lol sorry each to there own but looks like it should be on Heart beat to me .
Yuk yuk yuk. Are you serious? Go sit on the bottom step:D I have 26 years on you and I'm not attracted to that ugly boneshaker POS in the least. So it's not an age thing. What do you like about it? That assumes that there is something to like about it, which is assuming rather a lot I think. Fugly. Oh well I suppose someone has to like the strawberry creams:rolleyes:
Excuse me while I run off to throw up.
Antiquated piece of badly thrown together crap, in my varied experience of working on some of them. I wouldn't swop my 1981 Yamaha SR250 for any brand new Hardly, for fear of losing a good bike in favour of a bad one.
the_lone_wolf
25-12-09, 11:38 PM
Yuk yuk yuk. Are you serious? Go sit on the bottom step:D I have 26 years on you and I'm not attracted to that ugly boneshaker POS in the least. So it's not an age thing. What do you like about it? That assumes that there is something to like about it, which is assuming rather a lot I think. Fugly. Oh well I suppose someone has to like the strawberry creams:rolleyes:
Methinks the balding middle aged bloke doth protest too much;)
Filipe M.
25-12-09, 11:39 PM
I wouldn't swop my 1981 Yamaha SR250 for any brand new Hardly, for fear of losing a good bike in favour of a bad one.
Is yours a Classic? Mine managed to drag the former fat barsteward version of my person around for a while, so they can't be that bad. :D
Methinks the balding middle aged bloke doth protest too much;)
Balding? Only by choice, milord:D Middle aged? Age before beauty, me duck:D Anyway with age comes wisdom: I can ride through puddles and not fall off;)
Is yours a Classic? Mine managed to drag the former fat barsteward version of my person around for a while, so they can't be that bad. :D
Mines been a bit modified from the cruiser style abomination that it was, from this:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/359948045_0f67ac6876_o.jpg
To this:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/491492050_9b32a6598c_b.jpg
lol I knew it...I dunno what I like about it. There's just something! The majority of cruiser bikes are fugly, but some of the newer ones, I dunno, there is something about 'em!
Not too up on mechanics, so can't argue with ya ther Lozzo, but still find it has me in some sort of hypnotised attraction (not that I'd ever get one before a gixxer or a zx6r, but yeep, I've come out...I like the look of some Harleys)!
(Lozzo? Those pics ore only making that Harley look all the more sweeter! Thanks for making me feel less bad! ;-))
Filipe M.
26-12-09, 12:02 AM
Mines been a bit modified from the cruiser style abomination that it was, from this:
Okay, so you started out with a Special and finished with a Classic. Sounds about right (and looks less hideous!). Nice work on the colour scheme. ;)
the_lone_wolf
26-12-09, 12:50 AM
I can ride through puddles and not fall off;)
I'll just save this for later...
;)
rictus01
26-12-09, 01:18 AM
When it looked like I might not get enough bend back onto the knee I actually looked into this kind of thing, not really my cup of tea, but if I had to (and yet may have to in the future) I'd get one of these over a harley.
http://www.psndealer.com/powersportsdlr/images/NewVehicles/NV55583_1.jpg
Of course with the optional black pipes, 100cu, that's 1634cc.
Cheers Mark.
barwel1992
26-12-09, 01:42 AM
^ id have that :D
now that is a sweet cruiser Mark
ArtyLady
26-12-09, 09:07 AM
I must admit the Sportster is the only Harley I like the look of but wouldn't have one because I a. don't need one b. love my SV c. can't afford one d. love my SV :smt080
Specialone
26-12-09, 10:54 AM
Thulfi, im with you ( some, anyway), i love the look of customs and suchlike they look so much more mechanical and beautiful to look at,
But...
The reason i probably wouldnt own one is generally they are not that great, for the size of motor these things have, they are slow, not very torquey, slow to stop, crap handling, very uneconomical, massively vibratey(?).
I just love the amount of effort they look like somebody has taken to build them.
Phil
thedonal
26-12-09, 11:00 AM
I do quite like the V-Rods (the Night Rod in particular) and as they're soft-tails, they'll be a little less uncomfortable on our badly kept British roads.
However, they really are built for straight roads through the desert, so I don't think I'd have any particular need for one for a good few years (maybe once I turn 60- nar 70!).
Further to that- are they really built for all our british weather. You'd need powder-coated pipes etc just so you aren't polishing it every time you get off the thing!!
ThEGr33k
26-12-09, 11:32 AM
Erm, I guess they look ok... But thats pretty much as far as any praise goes for them.
Mmmm. Depends what you like doing. If you like throwing a bike around the twisties the cruiser isn't gonna do it. But if you want to cruise along Camden high street, or Brighton sea front, prior to stopping for a cup of tea and a scone with the other coffin dodgers...
Nah... I tried to be nice but, to me, a cruiser defeats the object of having a bike.
How do you filter on something like that?
How do you go for a blast on the twisties?
How do you blast up the motorway at 70 (honest officer, only 70)?
Dave20046
26-12-09, 12:28 PM
Mmmm. Depends what you like doing. If you like throwing a bike around the twisties the cruiser isn't gonna do it. But if you want to cruise along Camden high street, or Brighton sea front, prior to stopping for a cup of tea and a scone with the other coffin dodgers...
Nah... I tried to be nice but, to me, a cruiser defeats the object of having a bike.
How do you filter on something like that?
How do you go for a blast on the twisties?
How do you blast up the motorway at 70 (honest officer, only 70)?
You'd be surprised,
My mate owns a (amongs many other different bikes) fat boy, terminator's bike I think. And he filters fine (without defying the laws of physics), gets up to speed fine (ok has to redline it to keep up with the SV and won't sit much over 85mph but most guys on nakeds do) and will leave me through the twisties (in a shower of sparks, grinding away foot plates and exhaust pipes), and it's not just cause I'm slow we've gone past point & squirt riders through the twisties many times.
If you know the bike and enjoy riding it I think most things come naturally. As bizarre as it looks! It's like following a runaway canal boat.
wyrdness
26-12-09, 12:29 PM
I like the look of that Sportster, but having ridden Sportsters in the past, I wouldn't want to actually own one. I owned a Harley big twin (1340cc Evo Dyna) for about 7 years and enjoyed that. Harleys do have a charm of their own and are quite fun as long as you don't expect too much from them, though they're certainly a minority appeal. I really don't think that there's anything wrong with being a 20-something and wanting one, just so long as you don't want to accessorise with leather chaps.
...wouldn't have one because I a. don't need one b. love my SV c. can't afford one d. love my SV :smt080
Yep same here. I'd never sell a proper bike to get one of these, but would make a great toy when earning a bit more dosh (or in my case, simply earning)!
I just love the amount of effort they look like somebody has taken to build them
That's real true Phil. Common knowledge of the downsides to riding 'em but even if its just sitting idle in the garage for 10/12ths of the year, would still be sweet to know you have it just sitting there along with your other bikes.
I read somewhere that the V-Rods (sweetest being the VRSCDX Night Rod Special)
http://images.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/xl+2007_Harley-Davidson_VRSCDX_Night_Rod_Special_right_front.jpg
are capable of 0-60 in 3.35 seconds. Not superb in terms of bikes, but better than my er6f, and undoubtedly a loada fun! Uneconomical perhaps, but for 'uneconomical' is not something that deters me away from any bike/car unless im looking for high usage/commuting purposes!
yorkie_chris
26-12-09, 02:40 PM
Mmmm. Depends what you like doing. If you like throwing a bike around the twisties the cruiser isn't gonna do it. But if you want to cruise along Camden high street, or Brighton sea front,
Full of poofs, you'll fit right in on one.
and won't sit much over 85mph but most guys on nakeds do) and will leave me through the twisties (in a shower of sparks, grinding away foot plates and exhaust pipes), and it's not just cause I'm slow we've gone past point & squirt riders through the twisties many times.
That is the definition of "pwned". I think I'd have to be prescribed some anti-depressants and have my boot laces taken off me if I was overtaken by one of those "bikes".
Dunno about the 85 bit though, we were quite happily cruising at 120 (kph, cough) all way up to Scotland other year. SV motor won't grenade itself from doing that either! :-P Man up you pointy riding poofter.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/491492050_9b32a6598c_b.jpg
Lozzo, I really Like what you've done to that SR250, Looks have improved over 100%.
i wouldnt have a harley but i did think about a hyosung aquila before i got my pointy http://www.hyosung.co.uk/detail.php?id=20 but couldnt find one.
Lozzo, I really Like what you've done to that SR250, Looks have improved over 100%.
Thank you - It's for sale if you want it?
Dave20046
26-12-09, 07:59 PM
That is the definition of "pwned". I think I'd have to be prescribed some anti-depressants and have my boot laces taken off me if I was overtaken by one of those "bikes".
Dunno about the 85 bit though, we were quite happily cruising at 120 (kph, cough) all way up to Scotland other year. SV motor won't grenade itself from doing that either! :-P Man up you pointy riding poofter.
I know I was happily sat at restrictor washers mph, but I know some naked riders don't like sitting much over 80.
It is ****in hilarious, they seem to pick up the pace once we've gone past but still don't keep up - always wondered what they must think :)
Can't think the old push rod tractor engines like being ridden like that much but meh! He's got some pretty cool and 'different' bikes, z1000, streetfightered bandit 1440, lc350 etc. but prefers to hoon on the harley :scratch: tis a good laugh, knee down looks hilarious.
MattCollins
27-12-09, 06:25 AM
Full of poofs, you'll fit right in on one.
Poofs? I wonder when I see a grown man dressed in tight multi-coloured leather and riding a candy coloured crotch rocket... That is probably only one small step up the masculinity scale from an adult male cyclist waxed and dressed in lycra.
There is a lot to be said for a company and the concept when they have manufactured the Sportie (with revisions) for no less than 52 years.
I looked into one of these a while back but only cos of the low seat height, my next door neighbour has one, he went from an R6 to an 883 and loves it, I seem to remember reading somewhere that the iron model was a better handling bike than might be expected, horses for courses I suppose, they must have got something right though they,ve been making em since 1957, Id go for the 1200 myself though.
N8te rider
27-12-09, 03:21 PM
Quite like the Harley looks but after I rode one I wouldn't by one. I ended up missing the SV.
SoulKiss
28-12-09, 09:21 AM
Poofs? I wonder when I see a grown man dressed in tight multi-coloured leather and riding a candy coloured crotch rocket... That is probably only one small step up the masculinity scale from an adult male cyclist waxed and dressed in lycra.
There is a lot to be said for a company and the concept when they have manufactured the Sportie (with revisions) for no less than 52 years.
Anyone using the term "Crotch Rocket" is automatically a poof - FACT!!!
MattCollins
28-12-09, 09:43 AM
Fighting words there. Did I hit a nerve?
xXBADGERXx
28-12-09, 09:45 AM
Thulfi , if it is what you want then get one . I have seen plenty of people riding on these and they are not Patch wearers or Outlaw types . In fact I have seen some pretty hot chicks . Get yerself down the Ace Cafe on some days and you will see some pretty sexy girls on them ......... you will also see some pretty grim ones and some downright nasty looking Harleys too . All I can say is follow your heart and get as many test rides as you can on various versions .
I longed for a Ducati 916 until the day I sat on one and then reality kicked in . I realised they are not built for 6ft 2 bruisers like me . I settled for an SV for my first big bike and modified it to my needs . I love the V-Twin character and the bike suits my character quite nicely but I have outgrown it in so many ways yet I cannot bear to part with it . I have gotten so used to its foibles and shenanigans and what it can and can`t do but it has also taught me what kind of bike I could be comfortable on from now on and what kind of biker I am . I have ridden for the best part of 19 years and it took me til 2 years ago to realise I would never be at home on a compact and sportier bike and to be honest ..... my next bike will probably be a Tuono Factory once I have saved the pennies . Anyhoo the point I was rambling to was that to follow your heart and mind and you may not arrive at the dream of owning that specific model but may have to take a sideways step into an avenue you had not thought about before .
yorkie_chris
28-12-09, 10:28 AM
There is a lot to be said for a company and the concept when they have manufactured the Sportie (with revisions) for no less than 52 years.
Or you could say bike is outdated.
20 year old GSXR or even older GS is nicer to ride than a new h*rl*y. Only thing those engines have going for them is lots of low-end torque, yet they then disappoint by not backing it up with anything higher up. SVthou motor gets same stonking torque with 450cc less than some of h*rl*ys and actually has some poke above 200rpm :-P
MattCollins
28-12-09, 10:50 AM
I guess a lot depends on what you want from a bike.
yorkie_chris
28-12-09, 11:04 AM
Only advantage I can see to a h*rl*y is if you want a bike to pose on.
Or you are dave numbers mate and enjoy humiliating other bikes on one.
-Ralph-
28-12-09, 11:12 AM
If that's what you want mate, go for it, who gives a **** what anyone else thinks!
I have an air cooled single cylinder XT600, 45bhp, vibey as hell, and it really is the motorcycling equivalent of a tractor. I love it.
SoulKiss
28-12-09, 11:30 AM
Fighting words there. Did I hit a nerve?
Well as my bike is black, not even remotely like a sports bike in looks, and my leathers are also pure black, no nerve hit at all.
I just dislike many stupid Americanisms, which I guess tend to infect the other colonies...
yorkie_chris
28-12-09, 11:36 AM
Poofs? I wonder when I see a grown man dressed in tight multi-coloured leather and riding a candy coloured crotch rocket... That is probably only one small step up the masculinity scale from an adult male cyclist waxed and dressed in lycra.
Heh. compared to bottom-less chaps with tassels on I feel secure in my multicoloured race leathers. even though my crotch rocket is pink at least I don't look like this guy: :smt005
http://www.flagshipfancydress.co.uk/ekmps/shops/flagshipenterp/images/biker-fancy-dress-costume-xl-158-p%5Bekm%5D278x350%5Bekm%5D.jpg
Specialone
28-12-09, 11:38 AM
Heh. compared to bottom-less chaps with tassels on I feel secure in my multicoloured race leathers. even though my crotch rocket is pink at least I don't look like this guy: :smt005
http://www.flagshipfancydress.co.uk/ekmps/shops/flagshipenterp/images/biker-fancy-dress-costume-xl-158-p%5Bekm%5D278x350%5Bekm%5D.jpg
Where Did you get that picture of me ???
My tans fading now though;)
MattCollins
28-12-09, 04:16 PM
Heh. compared to bottom-less chaps with tassels on I feel secure in my multicoloured race leathers. even though my crotch rocket is pink at least I don't look like this guy: :smt005
http://www.flagshipfancydress.co.uk/ekmps/shops/flagshipenterp/images/biker-fancy-dress-costume-xl-158-p%5Bekm%5D278x350%5Bekm%5D.jpg
:smt046 You dug deep for that one.
yorkie_chris
28-12-09, 04:51 PM
No it was on specialone's facebook :-P
MattCollins
28-12-09, 08:39 PM
:smt046 Pure Gold! :)
Thulfi , if it is what you want then get one . I have seen plenty of people riding on these and they are not Patch wearers or Outlaw types . In fact I have seen some pretty hot chicks . Get yerself down the Ace Cafe on some days and you will see some pretty sexy girls on them ......... you will also see some pretty grim ones and some downright nasty looking Harleys too . All I can say is follow your heart and get as many test rides as you can on various versions .
I longed for a Ducati 916 until the day I sat on one and then reality kicked in . I realised they are not built for 6ft 2 bruisers like me . I settled for an SV for my first big bike and modified it to my needs . I love the V-Twin character and the bike suits my character quite nicely but I have outgrown it in so many ways yet I cannot bear to part with it . I have gotten so used to its foibles and shenanigans and what it can and can`t do but it has also taught me what kind of bike I could be comfortable on from now on and what kind of biker I am . I have ridden for the best part of 19 years and it took me til 2 years ago to realise I would never be at home on a compact and sportier bike and to be honest ..... my next bike will probably be a Tuono Factory once I have saved the pennies . Anyhoo the point I was rambling to was that to follow your heart and mind and you may not arrive at the dream of owning that specific model but may have to take a sideways step into an avenue you had not thought about before .
Very true! Nothing worse than bigging something up in your head to then find out its not all that. I'm expecting their handling to be naff. That's why if ever it would just be a toy alongside more serious bikes.
Wouldn't mind test riding, but they always seem to have deposits that I couldn't afford to lose, hence not worth it:(!
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