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View Full Version : Thank You, Harley Davidson!

pagan_flame
27-03-2010, 12:40 AM
So yesterday (Friday) afternoon, I took a ride over to Black Bear HD in Newmarket, principally to drop off some flyers for my classic rock nights.

Interstellar Overdrive classic rock night club in Cambridge from 2nd April, --> click HERE (http://www.100-biker.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=41406) <--

Now once there, my head was turned by the XR1200X...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/254582/images/XR1200X.jpg
Now I didn't fancy her when she first arrived at the dealerships in 2006 --- but dressed up in all her black gear... corrr... and then just inside the showroom is an ex-demo one with the Stage 1 kit / Vance & Hines pipes.

My dribbling was of course noticed and soon I found myself working the possibilities of a trade-in on my 2006 Night Rod Special... but no matter what he did with his 'Creative Harley Finance', he couldn't come up with a deal better than taking in my Night Rod and me giving him 1500 notes on top. No thanks!

So of course I left it for the possibility of getting a better price with a private sale and then going back to him with cash - but can I have a test ride on the XR to make my mind up on it?

'Sure' he sez, and off I go onto the twistys and straights around the outskirts of Newmarket.

Big Fun - but a feeling of Deja V crept over me...

High riding position (but bars needed pushing forwards to lock your arms out straight, thanks to Taff for that lifetime tip) --- excellent brakes and handling --- Deceptively Quick.

Now that 'Deceptively Quick' was the clincher - torqueing in through the gears, it pulled well enough but not that hard... and then you look down and realise you have topped the ton without trying or realising that you were going that fast.

Took it back to dealers, went home - and on the way it became clear!

"...High riding position --- excellent brakes and handling --- Deceptively Quick..."

This is EXACTLY the riding experience of a Triumph T509 Speed Triple... and I have one of those in the garage already, that's been standing while my wife has been unable to ride it.

So instead of taking my Night Rod and a fat wad of cash to HD, I'll keep me Rod and bung a hundred quid to some tax and MoT for the Triumph.

Thank You, HD, for making me realise what I am missing (and for letting me have thrash on yer XR1200 X!)
Borg
27-03-2010, 01:56 AM
Cool another one who rode a Harley then picked a Triumph :)
baldybongo
27-03-2010, 07:04 AM
Yup. Cant fault that man. Now you got the choice of two with less expense.
Like it.
gothtec
27-03-2010, 08:08 AM
I like this :thumbsu:
droid
27-03-2010, 02:00 PM
Had a look at an XR last summer. Superb looking bike, excellent riding position, but....

A low mileage s/h one in the HD main dealership showroom had rust on the exhaust and some of the fasteners were looking distinctly shoddy. Given that HDs aren't exactly bargain prices, I'm reluctant to shell out for one that's going to turn out to be a rot-box. My bikes have to live outside, and they get ridden in winter.

Real shame.
John Hopkins
27-03-2010, 02:21 PM
The XR1200x doesn't look like a Harley to me, seems the sort of thing Volvo did to their estate cars when they lost the boxy look with the 2 ton bumpers.

Just an opinion but I can forgive the loose nuts and bolts if it looks the way I like it.

My old bike has no brakes or steering but I can forgive that for the classic one off look.

John
4_stroke
27-03-2010, 03:52 PM
You may be able to test ride the new Norton Commando soon. Now that is something I am looking forward to!

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Norton_Commando_961_SS.jpg
gothtec
27-03-2010, 04:55 PM
You may be able to test ride the new Norton Commando soon. Now that is something I am looking forward to!

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Norton_Commando_961_SS.jpg

I like that but not the twin shocks on the back end!!!
Grav
27-03-2010, 07:59 PM
I think the new Norton looks bloody fabulous, especially the twin shock back end. I would love to have a test ride to see if the reality matches the potential. :D
4_stroke
28-03-2010, 07:09 AM
I have sat on one. The riding position is very similar to the Buell X1. It does feel good. Can't wait to try one on the road. They did experiment with a mono-shock. Pity they never had it as an option.
gothtec
28-03-2010, 08:33 AM
I have sat on one. The riding position is very similar to the Buell X1. It does feel good. Can't wait to try one on the road. They did experiment with a mono-shock. Pity they never had it as an option.

I think it would look so much better as a mono, would have to convert if I had the cash tto buy one...
ChopperFXR
29-03-2010, 10:07 AM
Why keep knocking Harley?

You pay your money and take your choice.

My missus bought me a Harley Sportster Sport for my 50th birthday in November last year. Feels like half the weight of my FXR and my Heritage Softail. Goes like the clappers, handles, stops and has a grin factor off the scale. I love it, can't fault it for looks or performance.

Before you slate a bike you do not own, maybe you should learn to ride what you buy or alter it to your own tastes.

Chopper
hellkat
29-03-2010, 11:12 AM
Thats interesting, cos if it has that riding position I might actually get interested back in Harleys.

I can't hack that traditional "forward pegs" riding position of Harleys, and Buells are too racy for me, with a seat that doesnt suit my fat arse.

But I'm used to the whole "sit forward" riding position of trail bikes and assorted other old bangers, but I like a bike with a bit of grunt and I LIKE the look of that Harley.

- although not so sure about the black. Does it come in postbox red?

:p
hellkat
29-03-2010, 11:14 AM
Althoughhhhhhhh ... that Norton .... :drool:
I would marry that.
:cool:
4_stroke
29-03-2010, 05:45 PM
Try they early Buell X1. I have got one with the Corbin seat fitted. It even has a removable back rest for the Mrs. It is far more comfortable than the later XB series.
droid
29-03-2010, 05:53 PM
Why keep knocking Harley?

You pay your money and take your choice.

My missus bought me a Harley Sportster Sport for my 50th birthday in November last year. Feels like half the weight of my FXR and my Heritage Softail. Goes like the clappers, handles, stops and has a grin factor off the scale. I love it, can't fault it for looks or performance.

Before you slate a bike you do not own, maybe you should learn to ride what you buy or alter it to your own tastes.

Chopper

Who's knocking Harleys?

You could (if you use a lot of imagination) interpret my post as 'knocking', but if I pay premium prices I expect premiun build quality.
pagan_flame
30-03-2010, 07:35 PM
Why keep knocking Harley?

You pay your money and take your choice.

Before you slate a bike you do not own, maybe you should learn to ride what you buy or alter it to your own tastes.

Chopper

I'm not knocking Harley, and am keeping the 'Rod.

The T509, on the other hand, is a special case; I bought it for her in the first place, I maintain it, I fix it, I wash, clean and polish it, I get it through the MoT every year, and most of the time I ride it and put fuel in it.

But of course I have to ask permission before I take it out, as it's officially 'Hers'... so it's less aggravation and earache to let the thing sit in the garage! :rolleyes: