I'm worried for what I may become

Quite like the Harley looks but after I rode one I wouldn't by one. I ended up missing the SV.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

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!!!

Fighting words there. Did I hit a nerve?

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]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

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Or you could say bike is outdated.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

I guess a lot depends on what you want from a bike.

[yorkie_chris]

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.

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]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

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]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

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: