hongda
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did you guys take classes to learn to ride? My friend took a 2 day session in California which he recommends.
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rohorn
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If 100,000 + miles/ 20 years of riding / 3 years of Harley shop time / 15 different motorcycles registered AND ridden are qualifiers, here it goes:
Try model specific web rings and websites.
DO take the MSF courses! I've yet to meet anybody who says they didn't learn anything from it.
Carb/jet/vibration problems are hardly unique to Japanese bikes. I could bore you with details about some of the crap that has come from Harley Davidson. But first my own experiences. My first Harley's (1984 XR1000) frame broke at around 6600 miles. Even though it only came with a 6000 mile warranty, they swapped it out. The engine leaked like a sieve - both before and after I rebuilt it. Then the oil tank cracked. My 1988 XL883 had its cam gears break off their teeth at around 1500 miles. My 1988 FXRS-sp had base gasket problems - ALL Evo motors need those about every 10,000 miles or so.
I made a decent living swapping out base gaskets, final drive pulleys (the splines strip off), charging systems (which self destruct regularly), frames (which on Softails, break around the "pogo stick tube" like clockwork around the 30,000 mile mark) and fifth gears on lots of Sotails (the shifter pawl spring breaks - and falls between the two gears directly below it while they're moving - guess which gear) and steering head bearings on those Springer Softails (they get HAMMERED like you wouldn't believe - and the "secret sauce" grease H-D came out with to "fix" the problem doesn't work). I also got a lot of business every spring from people who parked their bikes in the fall without draining their floatbowls - and wondered why they either ran like crap or wouldn't start at all. CLOGGED JETS, BRO!!!
Buells? My last bike was one - a 1999 M2! I LOVED it! But if you don't keep a real sharp eye on them, and/or don't have a good set of tools (along with the ability to use them), you are in for lots of misery.
The only people who don't have problems with their Harleys are the ones who live to park / park to live. Anything less than 10,000 miles a year ain't riding. Unfortunately, Harley's warranty (and engineering department) is counting on their customers buying their bikes to use as "lifestyle accessories" and not as a way of life - even though their bogus image and corporate propaganda says otherwise. In case you think oherwise, I love the bikes, but I have learned to hate the company and their customers from the last 10 years even more. Which is why....
If you look at what people ride who pack on LOTS of miles (20,000 + miles a year for years on end - and NOT on a trailer or the back of a truck), you will notice that they ride BMWs. My 1985 K100RT had over 140,000 miles on it when I sold it in 1999 (to buy the Buell). The inside of the engine/transmission never saw light since it was assembled. It still had high compression and used no oil - unless you used the side stand, a quirk any K-bike nut will be happy to explain.
Beginners bikes? The XL883 is darn near perfect. It doesn't have enough power OR brakes to hurt anybody. Having said that, it will kill you just as dead as one of those 200mph wonders. Stupidity kills - no matter if it is a Hayabusa, Electra Glide, Vespa, or SUV.
The best bike - and the safest bike - in the world is the one that maintains your attention to the task at hand.
I've left the road at highway speed before, and it hurts. It is even harder on the bike, seeing as how it won't heal itself. But none of them rolled over and crushed me to death.
Try model specific web rings and websites.
DO take the MSF courses! I've yet to meet anybody who says they didn't learn anything from it.
Carb/jet/vibration problems are hardly unique to Japanese bikes. I could bore you with details about some of the crap that has come from Harley Davidson. But first my own experiences. My first Harley's (1984 XR1000) frame broke at around 6600 miles. Even though it only came with a 6000 mile warranty, they swapped it out. The engine leaked like a sieve - both before and after I rebuilt it. Then the oil tank cracked. My 1988 XL883 had its cam gears break off their teeth at around 1500 miles. My 1988 FXRS-sp had base gasket problems - ALL Evo motors need those about every 10,000 miles or so.
I made a decent living swapping out base gaskets, final drive pulleys (the splines strip off), charging systems (which self destruct regularly), frames (which on Softails, break around the "pogo stick tube" like clockwork around the 30,000 mile mark) and fifth gears on lots of Sotails (the shifter pawl spring breaks - and falls between the two gears directly below it while they're moving - guess which gear) and steering head bearings on those Springer Softails (they get HAMMERED like you wouldn't believe - and the "secret sauce" grease H-D came out with to "fix" the problem doesn't work). I also got a lot of business every spring from people who parked their bikes in the fall without draining their floatbowls - and wondered why they either ran like crap or wouldn't start at all. CLOGGED JETS, BRO!!!
Buells? My last bike was one - a 1999 M2! I LOVED it! But if you don't keep a real sharp eye on them, and/or don't have a good set of tools (along with the ability to use them), you are in for lots of misery.
The only people who don't have problems with their Harleys are the ones who live to park / park to live. Anything less than 10,000 miles a year ain't riding. Unfortunately, Harley's warranty (and engineering department) is counting on their customers buying their bikes to use as "lifestyle accessories" and not as a way of life - even though their bogus image and corporate propaganda says otherwise. In case you think oherwise, I love the bikes, but I have learned to hate the company and their customers from the last 10 years even more. Which is why....
If you look at what people ride who pack on LOTS of miles (20,000 + miles a year for years on end - and NOT on a trailer or the back of a truck), you will notice that they ride BMWs. My 1985 K100RT had over 140,000 miles on it when I sold it in 1999 (to buy the Buell). The inside of the engine/transmission never saw light since it was assembled. It still had high compression and used no oil - unless you used the side stand, a quirk any K-bike nut will be happy to explain.
Beginners bikes? The XL883 is darn near perfect. It doesn't have enough power OR brakes to hurt anybody. Having said that, it will kill you just as dead as one of those 200mph wonders. Stupidity kills - no matter if it is a Hayabusa, Electra Glide, Vespa, or SUV.
The best bike - and the safest bike - in the world is the one that maintains your attention to the task at hand.
I've left the road at highway speed before, and it hurts. It is even harder on the bike, seeing as how it won't heal itself. But none of them rolled over and crushed me to death.
rickcr42
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well said rohorn
knew you would jump in eventually
Rick
knew you would jump in eventually
Rick
bpm2000
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also check out www.sportbikes.ws if noone mentioned it yet.
LeonardSmalls
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Can heartily recommend as much training as you can get, including advanced rider training...
And as for entry level bikes, here in the UK most people go for something like a Honda CB500, a Kawasaki ER-5, a Suzuki Bandit 600 or Yamaha 600 Fazer..
Any of those will out accelerate just about any car on the road and do more than 100mph!
I've been riding for 19 years and currently have a highly modified classic Moto Guzzi (100 rear wheel bhp from a 1974 pushrod engine!). And for those who say Harleys make the best noise, try a decent Guzzi. Same level of bass, but without that lazy "potato potato" sound... Think Vance and Hines Buell crossed with 70s Ducati - glorious!
And as for entry level bikes, here in the UK most people go for something like a Honda CB500, a Kawasaki ER-5, a Suzuki Bandit 600 or Yamaha 600 Fazer..
Any of those will out accelerate just about any car on the road and do more than 100mph!
I've been riding for 19 years and currently have a highly modified classic Moto Guzzi (100 rear wheel bhp from a 1974 pushrod engine!). And for those who say Harleys make the best noise, try a decent Guzzi. Same level of bass, but without that lazy "potato potato" sound... Think Vance and Hines Buell crossed with 70s Ducati - glorious!
Deuce_Bigalow
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I highly recommend the safety courses having just taken one this last weekend. It was really worth it.
As for the Harley's again. I don't know. I've heard bad things about them from some people, but my dad's (1985 XLS Roadster 1000cc) had over 50000 miles on it and he didn't have any problems with it at all in over 10 years. My 2 uncles Electra Glides have almost 100000 miles on them and still run perfect.
I've heard a lot of bad things about Yamaha Viragos. My bike mechanic told me you can put $1000 into them one month and the next month they run like crap again. The starters sound like they aren't even turning the motor. Anyone confirm this?
As for the Harley's again. I don't know. I've heard bad things about them from some people, but my dad's (1985 XLS Roadster 1000cc) had over 50000 miles on it and he didn't have any problems with it at all in over 10 years. My 2 uncles Electra Glides have almost 100000 miles on them and still run perfect.
I've heard a lot of bad things about Yamaha Viragos. My bike mechanic told me you can put $1000 into them one month and the next month they run like crap again. The starters sound like they aren't even turning the motor. Anyone confirm this?
LeonardSmalls
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Quote:
Older Viragos had a starter clutch problem - I should know as I've got a TR1 which has the 1000cc version of the motor... It's allegedly been fixed on later versions.
Otherwise the engine is quite unstressed and hasn't any major problems, though I have had to renew an excessive amount of head bearings (those pesky wheelies! - easier with the TR1 as it's chain drive)... Plenty of power available in them though with some adjustments, as I know someone who drag races one!
And as for big mileages, my Guzzi's got 160000 on the clock (it has been rebuilt but only for tuning reasons), and I know a guy with a T3 Guzzi with approaching 400000 on the clock.... Remember, the Mr Ironbutt across US race has been won a number of times by a Guzzi Le Mans!
| Originally posted by Deuce_Bigalow I've heard a lot of bad things about Yamaha Viragos. My bike mechanic told me you can put $1000 into them one month and the next month they run like crap again. The starters sound like they aren't even turning the motor. Anyone confirm this? |
Older Viragos had a starter clutch problem - I should know as I've got a TR1 which has the 1000cc version of the motor... It's allegedly been fixed on later versions.
Otherwise the engine is quite unstressed and hasn't any major problems, though I have had to renew an excessive amount of head bearings (those pesky wheelies! - easier with the TR1 as it's chain drive)... Plenty of power available in them though with some adjustments, as I know someone who drag races one!
And as for big mileages, my Guzzi's got 160000 on the clock (it has been rebuilt but only for tuning reasons), and I know a guy with a T3 Guzzi with approaching 400000 on the clock.... Remember, the Mr Ironbutt across US race has been won a number of times by a Guzzi Le Mans!
Deuce_Bigalow
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No way in hell my Honda XL250R will make it to 150000miles. My uncles friend has a Harley with over 100000miles w/o a rebuild.
Do you know when they fixed the starter on the Viragos?
Everybody has different experiences with different bikes I just thought it would be helpful to compare the 4 different bikes my dad had throughout the years. I think most companies make some good bikes but I just prefer the look of non-Japanese bikes. My favorites are the black Electra Glides. Saw one the other day with fuel injection. Must have been one of the late model ones. The thing I don't like about Harley's is they are more expensive than they should be and parts are expensive from what I've heard.
Do you know when they fixed the starter on the Viragos?
Everybody has different experiences with different bikes I just thought it would be helpful to compare the 4 different bikes my dad had throughout the years. I think most companies make some good bikes but I just prefer the look of non-Japanese bikes. My favorites are the black Electra Glides. Saw one the other day with fuel injection. Must have been one of the late model ones. The thing I don't like about Harley's is they are more expensive than they should be and parts are expensive from what I've heard.
MacDEF
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Quote:
Of the Coney Island Smalls?
| LeonardSmalls |
Of the Coney Island Smalls?
LeonardSmalls
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Quote:
Not quite sure who the Coney Island Smalls are, what with being English 'n'all... [size=xx-small](think biker in Raising Arizona
)[/size]
Not sure when exactly the starter clutch mod was done - I'd say you were safe with 2 years old but it is possible to fix old ones by judicious use of shims (allegedly - I never worked out how on mine...)
You'd still be better off buying a Guzzi
(have a look at mine in my sig!)
| Originally posted by MacDEF Of the Coney Island Smalls?
|
Not quite sure who the Coney Island Smalls are, what with being English 'n'all... [size=xx-small](think biker in Raising Arizona
Not sure when exactly the starter clutch mod was done - I'd say you were safe with 2 years old but it is possible to fix old ones by judicious use of shims (allegedly - I never worked out how on mine...)
You'd still be better off buying a Guzzi
rohorn
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So that's where that name came from. I couldn't remember where I heard it before. Raising Arizona is one of my favorite movies. Ol' "Tex" Cobb rides a Honda Shadow in that one, by the way.
You can fix a Virago starter by drilling the planetary gear and pressing in a roll pin. Normally, that gear is a press fit in the housing, but it would eventually spin. A Virago has far more class than a cage with a Harley decal on the back window.
You can fix a Virago starter by drilling the planetary gear and pressing in a roll pin. Normally, that gear is a press fit in the housing, but it would eventually spin. A Virago has far more class than a cage with a Harley decal on the back window.
Deuce_Bigalow
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Leonard, that's one monster of a bike. I guess they last forever then. Probably nothing out like that these days. So the Viragos were only fixed about 2 years ago? Man, I wouldn't be able to buy anything newer than mid 80's in the next year or 2. My bike right now is an 86. From what my bike shop guy was saying it didn't sound like he knew of a fix for the viragos.
Rohorn, I hope a Virago has more class than a cage.
Rohorn, I hope a Virago has more class than a cage.
LeonardSmalls
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Deuce!
Found these ads for US Guzzis on www.umgweb.com - loads of ads there...
1975 MOTOGUZZI 850T, 13k rebld, great cond, fresh paint, clean, never seen rain, clip-ons w/bar end mirrors, new tires, starter, battery, turn signals, rare, beautiful rumble, reliable, nimble, fast, fun to ride. Moving must sell $4900
[Date=2001-08-07] Sam Issa, 651-690-9360, oissa_22@hotmail.com, [Msgid=148201]
'97 Moto Guzzi for Sale
'97 MotoGuzzi: 1100i California 75th Anniv. Ed., Red & Silver, 12K, Windshield, MG Hard Bags, Throttlemiester, Stainless Crossover, LaFranconia Mufflers, Crashbar, Cylinder protectors
[Date=2001-07-05] , , barrykelley@mindspring.com, [Msgid=137582]
moto guzzi california II
hello, message from milan italy. i sell a moto guzzi california II 1983 black and white really perfect $ 10.000 if you re interested in i can send you a photograph
[Date=2001-06-14] roberto, , robert.g@tiscalinet.it, [Msgid=132020]
moto guzzi red
1982 motoguzzi v50 monza, stayintune pipes, dyna ignition, 27000 miles excellent shape service records 1 owner for 10 years 3400.00
[Date=2001-07-31] , , darbyking@msn.com, [Msgid=145354]
There's even 1 like mine - the 850T but I doubt if he's done the same to his engine (even if he hasn't it'll still be quicker than a Harley
!... )
Found these ads for US Guzzis on www.umgweb.com - loads of ads there...
1975 MOTOGUZZI 850T, 13k rebld, great cond, fresh paint, clean, never seen rain, clip-ons w/bar end mirrors, new tires, starter, battery, turn signals, rare, beautiful rumble, reliable, nimble, fast, fun to ride. Moving must sell $4900
[Date=2001-08-07] Sam Issa, 651-690-9360, oissa_22@hotmail.com, [Msgid=148201]
'97 Moto Guzzi for Sale
'97 MotoGuzzi: 1100i California 75th Anniv. Ed., Red & Silver, 12K, Windshield, MG Hard Bags, Throttlemiester, Stainless Crossover, LaFranconia Mufflers, Crashbar, Cylinder protectors
[Date=2001-07-05] , , barrykelley@mindspring.com, [Msgid=137582]
moto guzzi california II
hello, message from milan italy. i sell a moto guzzi california II 1983 black and white really perfect $ 10.000 if you re interested in i can send you a photograph
[Date=2001-06-14] roberto, , robert.g@tiscalinet.it, [Msgid=132020]
moto guzzi red
1982 motoguzzi v50 monza, stayintune pipes, dyna ignition, 27000 miles excellent shape service records 1 owner for 10 years 3400.00
[Date=2001-07-31] , , darbyking@msn.com, [Msgid=145354]
There's even 1 like mine - the 850T but I doubt if he's done the same to his engine (even if he hasn't it'll still be quicker than a Harley
rohorn
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If I wanted a good cheap V-twin cruiser, I wouldn't hesitate getting a Virago from any year. That starter problem is easy to fix. A lot of people sell them for dirt cheap because the price of a new starter scares them off and most of the "mechanics" have never tried to take one apart and fix it.
The TR-1 was sold here as the XV-920 for only a year or two. It had an enclosed chain. Unlike the 980cc version sold over there, it had a 920cc engine instead. It was a real showroom dud over here.
An '85 XLS? I always thought that was a neat bike. It's a shame they only made it for two years with that tank. The earlier XLSs had longer forks, "turtle" tanks, and didn't look nearly as good - to me, anyway. I sure hope he has a good 3rd gear set in the tranny. I've seen them blow for no good reason, and I didn't like the results. Actually, the reason is due to an oil groove machined in the ID and the back whick acts as a stress riser. It all depends where those grooves are positioned. I had a row of exploded 3rd gear sets hanging from the conduit over my tool box at the shop, sort of like morbid Christmas ornaments....
Early "evo" motors were built a bit differently than the later (after '86) ones. They had Mahle pistons (German), MUCH better base gaskets, etc... The rocker box bottom gaskets still blow out on them. I have seen a few "clocked over" 'Glides that still ran like tops. They are also very rare. A smart owner does wonders.....
The TR-1 was sold here as the XV-920 for only a year or two. It had an enclosed chain. Unlike the 980cc version sold over there, it had a 920cc engine instead. It was a real showroom dud over here.
An '85 XLS? I always thought that was a neat bike. It's a shame they only made it for two years with that tank. The earlier XLSs had longer forks, "turtle" tanks, and didn't look nearly as good - to me, anyway. I sure hope he has a good 3rd gear set in the tranny. I've seen them blow for no good reason, and I didn't like the results. Actually, the reason is due to an oil groove machined in the ID and the back whick acts as a stress riser. It all depends where those grooves are positioned. I had a row of exploded 3rd gear sets hanging from the conduit over my tool box at the shop, sort of like morbid Christmas ornaments....
Early "evo" motors were built a bit differently than the later (after '86) ones. They had Mahle pistons (German), MUCH better base gaskets, etc... The rocker box bottom gaskets still blow out on them. I have seen a few "clocked over" 'Glides that still ran like tops. They are also very rare. A smart owner does wonders.....
MacDEF
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Quote:
Oh, nuttin'... just a movie joke
| Not quite sure who the Coney Island Smalls are, what with being English 'n'all... |
Oh, nuttin'... just a movie joke
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