Why would someone do something like that ?
Last April, I bought tix for Laguna AMA and WSB races for myself and my son. I was very ill at the time. I said I was determined to get better in time to go to those races. After a long trying summer I was getting close being fit enough. I started riding every day to build up endurance. Not riding and chair sitting can take its toll. Time growing short but ability getting better, and suddenly shoulder pain!
I decided that it would be easier to ride a cruizer the 250 miles, than the 14. I was reading about Indians, exciting, looked them up on the net... price not exciting, this bike, about 900lbs., IS too big for me! So, what else is there... Oh look... a Harley. Lame bidding... I only rode one a long time ago. Wow, I could get that cheap...
So I bid it and won it. (I have a method and [u]never[u] loose a bid if I want it.)
Arranging shipping is another story. It arrived a week before the races. It woln't take long to learn this bike.
Just like the bike I rode in 1965.

This bike is BEAUTIFUL!! It's a 2005 Dyna Low Rider. All steel, no plasticat all, pearl blue paint, and lots of chrome with Gold overlays. Less than 4K miles and spotless. Like brand new! I paid about 1/3 of book.

Saying to myself ... This ain't so bad. I hopped on twisted my wrist, released the clutch and with a mighty roar the big blue potatoe crept foreward. Shortly it was going fast enough to pick my feet up. Seems to pick up a little here at 4K and... oh crap... redline at 5K. Shift... twist... I kept looking down to see if half the motor had fallen off. Damn... it didn't...

Sure is pretty. And solid, like my old 55 Ford, not as fast though.

* Last updated by: Sharkey on 10/8/2013 @ 8:28 PM *

Well...did you get to the race or not? Typical Harley guy only telling half of the story.

I am not embarassed by owning a Harley

It was a good story with bad ending. I made it half way before I couldn't move my arm from pain. Had to turn around. My son went on to have a great time. He gave my regards to the guys, and brought me some things from the race.

I got a Cortizone shot today. Two weeks after I asked the Doc for it.
Going to ride tomorrow. Guess which bike I'll choose.

I like how he says it is "Just like the bike I rode in 1965." Another typical harley trait, only thing that has changed in 60 years is the price! :)

I'd love to buy another 2000 zx9 (my first sports bike) but I'm sure it would disappointing compared to the ZX-14

My nephew scored buying swap meet parts. He built 4 bikes [2-evo/shovel/pan], crashed the evo, bought it back from the insurance co., rebuilt it and sold it for 8? Sold the shov for I forget? Still ha$ the pan, 'cause I need an old look.' Between both bikes sold, the insurance to the bodily, he buys a twinky for practically nothing, if not broke even, as in a free bike.

Now, the swap floor rotation is nothing but torn down twinkies at the meet. Sure there are bits of pan/shove/flat/knuckle/evo scattered about, but not like the twinkies. I'm thinking, man, sure are a lot of downed twinks for some reason? I talk to a twinkie owner and sure enough, he knew the model's problem.

See, you are lucky yours is a low miler. Since the day of production, their cam chain system is not lasting as long as the bike itself. The guy said the tensioner system was about to let go at about the 30K range. What was first year twinkie? Say 2000 or 2001 till 2008, you are sitting on a bad cam chain design that needs a revamping.

There are two ways to go if you plan to put on those miles in the condition you are in or if you get close to it? One is the upgrade 'screaming eagle' brand of harley's kit. I told my nephew to find an '09 or later, being the upgrade was resolved. But I didn't research till later about the upgrades. He found an immaculate '09 with a 103" performance mod. The guy gave him the stock engine parts, and the stock cams along with the bike. It's got bags, quick release back rest, large front shield with a radio, plus the, ' I gotta have that look' he wanted.

So your second choice is all gear drive by one of the aftermarket engine suppliers like s&s if I recall? Other than that, it has a few miles on it, not like how you scored with yours. His does not leak a drop I might add. And yes, ass long ass you are sitting on a 45 degree, same old bore if not bored out some, it putts the same as, name the year.

I was reading about Indians, exciting, looked them up on the net... price not exciting, this bike, about 900lbs., IS too big for me! So, what else is there..

Engine Type: 1470cc, liquid-cooled, V-Twin
Curb Weight: 644 pounds
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2005/kawasaki/vulcan_1500/drifter/pictures/1698/05/

Indian styling with Jap engineering and price.

This was my father's last bike and I am kicking myself for not buying it off him cheap.

* Last updated by: Rook on 10/9/2013 @ 11:29 AM *

"I am not embarassed by owning a Harley"...why should you be?You like it...fuck em.Totally different bike...nothing wrong with that;)

BTW...good to hear from you again Sharkmaster;)

Some of us clown em sometimes...but really...tearing the arse off a Harley out there is really a hollow victory...they aint supposed to outrun out ride a Ninja....Some rock on pretty darn good though;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/9/2013 @ 11:52 AM *

In the time it took you to get half way on the Hardley you could have gone there and BACK on the 14.
What were you thinking??? Just kidding. At least you tried. My wife and I got free tickets and camping for all 3 days because she volunteered to take surveys for 2 hours on Sunday morning. The fact that everybody seems to have forgotten all about WSB meant that is wasn't crowded and was really pleasant. But since they cancelled MGP we're waiting to see if they transfer our 14 year campsite to WSB. They had BETTER!

Mad

Dude I ride with that I've known since grade school has one exactly like you describe yours. He hammers the piss out of it and it doesn't leak a drop of oil and he hasn't had a bit of trouble with it. We've ridden thousands of miles together and while he backs off a bit in the turns (who wouldn't with that skinny 21" tire leading?) he keeps up pretty good on the straights.

Hey if you decide you don't like ,you should be able to sell and make a profit

What's wrong with an HD. If you love it enjoy! The best bike is the one in your garage!
PS
I rolled up behind a formation of 6 gold top OPP HD cops, riding in formation on 400 North, doing about 140 km. I joined the formation and hung with them for 60km. They didn't say a thing and I quite enjoyed breading the speed limit without fear of reprisal. As I broke away to catch my exit, they gave me a salute. Even the cops give the King of the Street it's due rez!
Mad Love,
W

PS, I should add in that I'm glad that you're still riding at least, I don't care WHAT you ride as long as you get out and ride. I'll wave to pretty much anything on 2 wheels (I draw the line at Segways), I just don't get how harlies cost SO much money. And, while I'm not saying you are one, I can't stand the "bad boy" persona that a lot of "HD" owners get.

Just promise me you won't leave either of them sitting in your garage while you spend more time polishing/waxing than riding!

I agree with Night. Ride em!!!!

"Even the cops give the King of the Street it's due rez!"..yes..they do..all motor cops LOVE the 14R..long as ya don't jam it down their their throat;)

SHARKEY...you da man my brother..always welcome..you know that I hope!!!;)

Thanks Green!!
When I started a thread about buying my first Harley, I expected the usual onslaught of Harley bashing.
In the first reply postI was called a Harley Guy... know it was in fun but I still felt strange.
I've never used that term about someone else without feeling a little superior. Under the guise of kidding, there is some true distain.
However, there must be a reason all those guys get so overwhelmed as to pledge allegiance to the HD. There must be something it gives you, like a rush, or a Soma Holiday, or an opium dream, or something. I think it worth following up to see if I can get this magic feeling. It's been a long time since I've had a good buzz.
Speculating will not help. I must do some first hand observations and experiences. I'm going to make installments on (almost) daily Harley rides. If there's something in it, I'll find it. I mean something besides the brotherhood thing.

The bad boy personna? Some guys get Harleys and think it helps them be Bad. I know some guys in gangs and they are Bad. We're friends now. Too many Posers on Harleys and I don't want to be mistaken for one. I guess that's why I feel strange being called "Harley Guy." How about "NINJA Guy" YEAAAAAAA

* Last updated by: Sharkey on 10/10/2013 @ 11:32 PM *

Hey Sharkey, I called you a Harley guy as a complete joke, no distain here or feeling that myself or my bike is superior to you or yours. I think all things with two wheels and a motor are equal on many levels. I have many friends with HD's and all is well...although we don't wave to each other when we cross paths on our bikes... even if we just left the dinner we ate breakfast at together. Anyway sorry you didn't make it to the race and hope your feeling better, still trying to figure out how riding half way to the race and then returning home is shorter than just riding to the race.lol (that's another one of those jokes)

Wolf, I thought I said I knew you was kidding? THIS IS NOT THE PLACE WHERE MEMBERS PUT MEAN HEARTED POSTS!! That's why I'm back here. And It never crossed my mind that you would be malicious.

Laguna was not a matter of not being able to ride there, but buy a sudden realization that I wasn't really strong enough to go the 3 days of activity yet. When I was on the ski patrol they preached to us, "don't become a victum!" I was expecting too much thinking I could heal up that quickly.... I was 3 months with pneumonia and an operation two weeks ago, but determined. I guess I won a minor battle. The logistics to get there aren't sittin with your feet up stuff!

I've always waved to everyone, no matter what their ride. It's the act and not the bike make that makes us Brothers. Well, except for a few Harley Guys who have it backwards. I feel it's up to me to be an example.( didn't say good) I feel like a person who makes others want to be like me!

I can put up with a non waive back, but why doesn't anyone give me a return wheelie?

What's up Sharkey. I think you misunderstood my intentions. I agree with the idea that having two bikes is awesome as long as you "ride em," that was the extent of my agreement. I had a Harley 2010 Road King loved it and I mad appreciate all bikes. No malicious stuff intended. Mad love sharky!!!

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 10/12/2013 @ 8:51 AM *

Ps Sharkey glad your here.

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 10/12/2013 @ 8:51 AM *

Hey wolf I think he was talking about me and he just got confused...you know how those Harley guys are. Lol

Oh okay, no worries, I was wondering why Sharkey was so mad, Sharkey I sent you a pm, please ignore.
W

My wife has a thing for Harleys, but whatever floats her boat. She doesn't ride yet but she probably will at some point so it is likely that I'll have to deal with one in the future.

Coming from being a 'Kawi Guy' my concerns are about what you'd have to start with and what you'd have to do to it to get reasonable acceleration, braking, handling and reliability and cornering clearance (Besides going metric lol). She will probably want a scoot for herself and I would not feel good about her being stuck with a shopping cart full of bricks with a bad wheel and no experience to know differently. Lots of time and money for that to happen, but better to have some idea of the landscape.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 10/13/2013 @ 9:16 AM *

2 > 4

Two wheels is greater than four wheels - Progressive Insurance coined this term.

I bought a 2002 Heritage Softail Springer to try out the brand a month ago. A late friend loved his 1972 FLH so I thought I give it a try. Its a nice ride but for me the Vance and Hines pipes are just too loud and harsh. Its like a 4 cylinder car with a fart pipe. I like the V8 sound of a car and a Kawasaki 4 cylinder but I digress. Its good to try another brand of bike. Sitting at a traffic light being messaged by the shake of the motor is great for the ladies.... I let any and all non-Kawasaki riders try my Connie. So far I am responsible for 3 Harley people jumping the fence and two Ducati's riders.

There is one draw back in selling the Harley. There are 80,000 of them on the used market at the moment. Its a buyers market right now. Enjoy it now and sell it on come April. Just a thought.

Like I said. The best bike is the one you ride! Go HD!!!