The Motorcycle Discussion Thread

[Dayze]

I figure there are some motorcycle guys/gals on CP, so I thought we could have a place to talk all things Motorcycles.

Tire Mount and Balance Prices (as of 10/29/16)

Prices based on if you remove the wheels yourself and bring the wheels and new tires with you:

Cycle Gear - $35 per wheel if you buy tires from them. $58 per wheel if you buy tires elsewhere
Rawhide - $65 per wheel (assuming it would be the same at other HD dealers. they book it at 1/2 hr per wheel)
C R Cycle Tires (DeSoto) - $30 per wheel

Cheapest I've found my Michelin Commander II's. Seem like they have good prices on other brands too.
http://www.jakewilson.com - Free 3 day shipping on orders over $75

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by vailpass

I take it you're handy with a wrench?

"somewhat". Enough to tackle stuff, then ask my brother to help me lol
Simple stuff, yes. Most I've done from a technical standpoint was to check valve clearances on a buddy of mines Ducati Monster..

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Dayze

"somewhat". Enough to tackle stuff, then ask my brother to help me lol
Simple stuff, yes. Most I've done from a technical standpoint was to check valve clearances on a buddy of mines Ducati Monster..

Ducati. Sweet. I had aBultaco 360 when I was a kid. Completely different animal, I know.
Beyond basic maintenance I'm no good at mechanics, have to take our quads to the shop for work.

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by vailpass

Ducati. Sweet. I had aBultaco 360 when I was a kid. Completely different animal, I know.
Beyond basic maintenance I'm no good at mechanics, have to take our quads to the shop for work.

Pretty much the same here. If I had a decent set of tools, I would be willing to try a lot more. As it is, my toolbox is anorexic.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Dayze

Pretty much the same here. If I had a decent set of tools, I would be willing to try a lot more. As it is, my toolbox is anorexic.

Oh well. It's more fun to ride em than fix em.

[Dayze]

That's no shit right there.

[Dayze]

So, a busy week on the motorcycle shopping front.

Over the past week I was able to ride a few models. Thursday was a super easy day to ride several in one visit during a bike night at my nearby dealership. Surprisingly, for the 2nd time I've experienced, the sales guy seemed more eager for me to go for a test ride than I did lol. While most of us would say "Duh...they want you to buy a bike", from my 10+ years in the Sportbike world, I've NEVER been able to test ride at any of the 'big' dealerships. Only Letko Cycles (before they moved to Martin City) was I offered to go for a ride. And even then, I arrived on my 600RR.

Thus far, the two HD dealerships I've visited in town, has been an exceptional experience. Though I'm not intimidated by dealerships having been around that block before, I would think that even a novice or first timer would feel comfortable.

Having said all that....on with my thoughts on some bikes.
I was able to ride a Street Bob, Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Night Train, and Seventy in that order.
Overall, the 'big' bikes were great. Fun to ride, and LOTs of torque. 6th gears were nice on the highway. Street Bob - did NOT like the mid mount controls. Though, very easily replaced to install forward controls. Did NOT like the Fat Boy. WHile the power and torque there was plenty, and it's weight and large front tire made for a nice ride on the highway, I didn't like how 'big' it felt in the city. I really liked the Dynas and they would be a great chocie......

But the winner is: HD Seventy Two. Wow. Ok, so we know I like the bobber look, and have a boner for the old school flake etc. I rode this bike last.

Of late, I had been considering going with a bigger bike for a 6th gear, and just overall practicality etc. Welp......**** that shit. I swung my leg ver the 72, and it felt tiny. I thought 'yep;.....a little small" before I started it up. Fired up, and off we went. That's where the fun begins. The bike is SO nimble. Flicks into turns with ease. And unlike a few times of scraping the pipes during some turns on the Dynas, the 72 seemed to easily lean in much further.

In the saddle, the 72 is skinny, skinny, skinnny. I think it's about 110lbs lighter than the other bikes, and the 1200cc puts you back into your seat. Or in this case, almost 'off' of your seat. The little bobber seat didn't hold my ass on during hard acceleration lol. But, I got used to it very quickly. I can tell, around town, this thing will get up and MOVE!

Onto the highway. This is where one of my biggest concerns were. Though I don't plan on taking large hauls for extended periods of time on the highway at speed, I was worried about 5th being too short. My V-Star 650 would be hummin' on the highway. Surprisingly, the 5th on the 1200 motor was not bad at ALL at 70; even 80. While the motor would run at 80+ all day long with zero problems, it would be a bit of work for long rides at that speed. Primarly because of the 72 being tiny, and light (comparatively speaking), skinny front wheel. But I could seriously do 45-60 minutes a pop in the saddle at 70-ish with not problem. Hell, after about an hour in the saddle on any bike I've owned, I'm ready for a break.

Obviously, the most impractical aspect of the 72 is the peanut tank. Probably expect about 100 miles per tank depending on how your throttle hand behaves. However, back to my general 'my ass is ready for a break' time of 45 minutes or so anyway, it wouldn't be a problem.

THe 10" apes on the particular bike I rode, had the bars basically following the rake of the front end. My arms would definitely benefit from rotating them slightly more forward. But these adjustments would be made to any bike for the riders tastes.

When I rolled back into the dealership, my brother had arrived at this point (he's also shopping). Knowing I was a fan of the 72's looks and apprehension of the 5th gear and overall size, he asked "So....how was it". I had a huge shit eating grin on my face and said "Man. this thing is FUN". Personally, for the riding I plan on doing, the 72 kicks ass. WAY more maneuverable at low speed / parking lot speed. It seemed like the bars would achieve steering lock further than the 'big' bikes. Not sure if it's a fact, but it felt like it. The bikes size, and weight, added to the maneuverability.

Overall - the 72 wins for me. And would encourage anyone who rides in the city, doesn't take long long road trips, and doesn't ride two up often, to check them out.

I'm headed out tomorrow morning to look at one again up north at Worth; and a Rawhide. Both have been hounding me so I could use that to my advantage. The sales guy at Rawhide made the mistake of casually mentioning to my brother and I long after the ride that "These are the hardest bikes to sell". and the sales guy at Worth said "We need to get these 2013s out of here. We get 2 bikes from HD for the next model year for each one they sell". Worth had probably 15 in stock in the 2013 year; and Rawhide only two. Benefit of Rawhide is they have the Blue that I like. Worth has the flaked colors. I LOVE the silver flake paint scheme, but it's only in the '14 line. The Green Flake looks sick, as well as the Gold/rusty looking color. Getting any of the candy flake paint jobs, would definitely be a 'look at me' scenario lol. I was riding a yellow one and get tons of looks. Almost a 'what the **** is that"? kind of look lol

MSRP on these is about 10.6k - 11k (depending on paint). Worth mentioned a smokin' deal on the '13's o get rid of them; something in the range of sub-10k. I'm betting they would let them go for 9k - 9.5k; at least that's what I"m shooting for, given the number of 2013s left and with winter approaching.

So....I could possibly be riding again tomorrow on my own ride
Stay tuned.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Dayze

So, a busy week on the motorcycle shopping front.

Over the past week I was able to ride a few models. Thursday was a super easy day to ride several in one visit during a bike night at my nearby dealership. Surprisingly, for the 2nd time I've experienced, the sales guy seemed more eager for me to go for a test ride than I did lol. While most of us would say "Duh...they want you to buy a bike", from my 10+ years in the Sportbike world, I've NEVER been able to test ride at any of the 'big' dealerships. Only Letko Cycles (before they moved to Martin City) was I offered to go for a ride. And even then, I arrived on my 600RR.

Thus far, the two HD dealerships I've visited in town, has been an exceptional experience. Though I'm not intimidated by dealerships having been around that block before, I would think that even a novice or first timer would feel comfortable.

Having said all that....on with my thoughts on some bikes.
I was able to ride a Street Bob, Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Night Train, and Seventy in that order.
Overall, the 'big' bikes were great. Fun to ride, and LOTs of torque. 6th gears were nice on the highway. Street Bob - did NOT like the mid mount controls. Though, very easily replaced to install forward controls. Did NOT like the Fat Boy. WHile the power and torque there was plenty, and it's weight and large front tire made for a nice ride on the highway, I didn't like how 'big' it felt in the city. I really liked the Dynas and they would be a great chocie......

But the winner is: HD Seventy Two. Wow. Ok, so we know I like the bobber look, and have a boner for the old school flake etc. I rode this bike last.

Of late, I had been considering going with a bigger bike for a 6th gear, and just overall practicality etc. Welp......**** that shit. I swung my leg ver the 72, and it felt tiny. I thought 'yep;.....a little small" before I started it up. Fired up, and off we went. That's where the fun begins. The bike is SO nimble. Flicks into turns with ease. And unlike a few times of scraping the pipes during some turns on the Dynas, the 72 seemed to easily lean in much further.

In the saddle, the 72 is skinny, skinny, skinnny. I think it's about 110lbs lighter than the other bikes, and the 1200cc puts you back into your seat. Or in this case, almost 'off' of your seat. The little bobber seat didn't hold my ass on during hard acceleration lol. But, I got used to it very quickly. I can tell, around town, this thing will get up and MOVE!

Onto the highway. This is where one of my biggest concerns were. Though I don't plan on taking large hauls for extended periods of time on the highway at speed, I was worried about 5th being too short. My V-Star 650 would be hummin' on the highway. Surprisingly, the 5th on the 1200 motor was not bad at ALL at 70; even 80. While the motor would run at 80+ all day long with zero problems, it would be a bit of work for long rides at that speed. Primarly because of the 72 being tiny, and light (comparatively speaking), skinny front wheel. But I could seriously do 45-60 minutes a pop in the saddle at 70-ish with not problem. Hell, after about an hour in the saddle on any bike I've owned, I'm ready for a break.

Obviously, the most impractical aspect of the 72 is the peanut tank. Probably expect about 100 miles per tank depending on how your throttle hand behaves. However, back to my general 'my ass is ready for a break' time of 45 minutes or so anyway, it wouldn't be a problem.

THe 10" apes on the particular bike I rode, had the bars basically following the rake of the front end. My arms would definitely benefit from rotating them slightly more forward. But these adjustments would be made to any bike for the riders tastes.

When I rolled back into the dealership, my brother had arrived at this point (he's also shopping). Knowing I was a fan of the 72's looks and apprehension of the 5th gear and overall size, he asked "So....how was it". I had a huge shit eating grin on my face and said "Man. this thing is FUN". Personally, for the riding I plan on doing, the 72 kicks ass. WAY more maneuverable at low speed / parking lot speed. It seemed like the bars would achieve steering lock further than the 'big' bikes. Not sure if it's a fact, but it felt like it. The bikes size, and weight, added to the maneuverability.

Overall - the 72 wins for me. And would encourage anyone who rides in the city, doesn't take long long road trips, and doesn't ride two up often, to check them out.

I'm headed out tomorrow morning to look at one again up north at Worth; and a Rawhide. Both have been hounding me so I could use that to my advantage. The sales guy at Rawhide made the mistake of casually mentioning to my brother and I long after the ride that "These are the hardest bikes to sell". and the sales guy at Worth said "We need to get these 2013s out of here. We get 2 bikes from HD for the next model year for each one they sell". Worth had probably 15 in stock in the 2013 year; and Rawhide only two. Benefit of Rawhide is they have the Blue that I like. Worth has the flaked colors. I LOVE the silver flake paint scheme, but it's only in the '14 line. The Green Flake looks sick, as well as the Gold/rusty looking color. Getting any of the candy flake paint jobs, would definitely be a 'look at me' scenario lol. I was riding a yellow one and get tons of looks. Almost a 'what the **** is that"? kind of look lol

MSRP on these is about 10.6k - 11k (depending on paint). Worth mentioned a smokin' deal on the '13's o get rid of them; something in the range of sub-10k. I'm betting they would let them go for 9k - 9.5k; at least that's what I"m shooting for, given the number of 2013s left and with winter approaching.

So....I could possibly be riding again tomorrow on my own ride
Stay tuned.

72 sounds sweet. Everything I've heard says you'll have to work on it a lot though. What have you heard?

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by vailpass

72 sounds sweet. Everything I've heard says you'll have to work on it a lot though. What have you heard?

The only things I think that would relate to is the bobber style seat (especially the stock seat), and the highway.

Seemed to slide on the seat a bit, but primarily under hard acceleration. and this thing pulls hard through the gears.

I really didn't notice the highway issue potential etc. Like most bikes, particularly 'light' ones, it does require work to work through the wind etc. Windscreen would help immensely, but where's the fun in that?

Other than that, it really did fit like a glove.

**EDIT**...you might have meant 'work' as in wrenching etc. I haven't heard of any expected wrenching.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Dayze

The only things I think that would relate to is the bobber style seat (especially the stock seat), and the highway.

Seemed to slide on the seat a bit, but primarily under hard acceleration. and this thing pulls hard through the gears.

I really didn't notice the highway issue potential etc. Like most bikes, particularly 'light' ones, it does require work to work through the wind etc. Windscreen would help immensely, but where's the fun in that?

Other than that, it really did fit like a glove.

**EDIT**...you might have meant 'work' as in wrenching etc. I haven't heard of any expected wrenching.

**** the wind screen for sure. If you can't feel the wind in your face...

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by vailpass

**** the wind screen for sure. If you can't feel the wind in your face...

I've never been a fan of them. short of a cool fairing on the Ultras / Street Glides etc.....meh. Sure, if I were planning a long ass haul and didn't want to battle the wind for hours on end, then yeah. but 99% of the time, I thing they completely **** up the look of a bike

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Dayze

I've never been a fan of them. short of a cool fairing on the Ultras / Street Glides etc.....meh. Sure, if I were planning a long ass haul and didn't want to battle the wind for hours on end, then yeah. but 99% of the time, I thing they completely **** up the look of a bike

I was being extreme. For extended rides a screen is a good thing. I live where it's warm, when we ride it's off road and I like the feeling, especially at night.

[Dayze]

YEP!


though, I hate you for the roads you have lol.

[Dayze]

So, Dayze purchased a lovely 2013 Harley Davison Seventy Two in the candied green. After about a half hour of shrewd negotiating, I walked out paying 10k for the scoot.

Being delivered to my door on Tuesday.

[Tombstone RJ]

dude, an HD 72 for about $10k, yah, I think that sounds like a solid deal. You know you will probably put a little more $ into it but that can come later.

[Tombstone RJ]