Biker hits semi

strange you say that, I have a fairly warmed over 5.0 in my 84 capri. and my bike will run 11's all day long at colorado elevation... the only ticket I ever got was in a full size van...

 

I've been riding Harleys since 1974. (thats 35 years) I have only laid one of my bikes over because a kickstand failed on a slight decline, another time the asphalt was gooey and dropped it, oh... and a u turn in sand. I have laid down one at speed, a rented Honda Shadow 600, in a foreign country, Jamaica. I laid it down and surfed it standing on the frame and tank to the side of the road, because a stupid minivan/bus stopped in the middle of the highway to drop its passengers, who got OUT of the bus and walked around it. I was not wearing a helmet, but I did handle the drop well, and survived without significant injury. I got back on the bike, started it, and rode back to my cabin in Negril, with the NEW knowledge that busses in Jamaica do NOT use bus stops.

My current Road King weighs 720 lbs. The bike will peg the speedo at 125. I can get to 95 mph before an on ramp ends. I can, if I want, burn out at intersections. I don't, because it's pretty stupid. Given that, for a touring/road bike, why would anyone trash Harleys as underpowered, etc. etc.? Hey stupid, HDs are purpose built for good low end torque, and safely cruising the highways. They are not built for, nor do they compete with bikes designed for racing. They are in their element on public roadways. Sport bikes are not. So to the idiot who thinks HDs are somehow lesser motorcycles, I will only agree to that if we are talking about a race track.

Sport bikes are designed for race tracks, and running the twisties on public highways at reasonable over-speed. You want to go faster, take more risks, get on a track and don't endager others. Why do sport bike guys think it's necessary to go 90+mph and do wheelies on the freeway7? Because they can, and they are (usually) young and stupid enough to do it. Should THEY always wear helmets and full riding leathers, designed for a race track? YES... because riding them IS fun, and they are either immature or being stupid, and apparently can't resist pushing the limits of reason on public roadways. I understand, but it's still stupid.

1 Liter+ sport bikes are pretty much overkill on city streets and highways, with the exception of long lonely highways and twisty mountain roads somewhere way out west, where you can see forever, they are more than you need. They are powered well beyond the skill level of your average rider. The same is true of WAAAAY too many aging yuppy pukes on Harleys who ride their bikes less than 5000 miles a year. Mine has over 50K in 5 years. It's no garage ornament.

I ride without a helmet. I wear leathers when it's COLD, they will only keep me warm, or keep me from getting a road rash if I DO go over. I don't need a spine protector in the back, I don't need hockey knee and shin guards. I'm NOT RACING. I never wear shorts or sandals. I don't act like an ### very often on my bike, much. OK, maybe leaving an HA party or something... but... Most sport bike riders ride as though they are trick riders, or in a race, ready for anything at any time. Clues: Traffic. Unseen obstacles. Other moving idiots. The OPs pics provide my argument. He was probably late for work.

 

Absolutly agree with the first part, a 600 class is overkill for highway use, but it sure puts a smile on my face when I crack that throttle, even just for a second or two.

By not wearing a helmet you are endangering yourself much more than any sportbike rider is endangering you.

 

I classify that as personal prerogative. Not hurting much of nothing to crack it open a second, and probably won't kill you, or anyone else.

I classify that as personal prerogative as well. Same reason I wear a 9mm when I ride: in MY non-nanny state, it's legal, and I trust myself to use good judgement. Is it a risk? Yep. Mine. I'm good with that.

Riding the way that far too many sport bike riders do all too often, is NOT legal. It's also more likely to kill THEM than anyone else, helmet or not. Pay the money, take the ride. I don't care what they do. I bet their mom and dad, or their wife and kids do, though.

 

dont be so stereotypical, mine is a standard (or sport touring according to some) you sit upright rather than folded down like a crotch rocket. it does just fine both in town and out on the highway, but dont get me wrong if its wasn't for the cost of a harley (any harley is not cheap, not to mention insurance for a 22 year old) there would be one in my driveway, and there will be eventually. mostly cause I would like to get into touring more. it won't tour like your harley, and it wont carve like an R1, but its not gonna fail at either...

but it is also a 575 pound 1100cc v4 that makes over 120 horsepower... the speedo goes to 160 and i believe it has plenty of power to make it happen, I spend more time trying to keep it at the speed limit than above it. it matches your harley both as far as torque per cubic inch and torque per pound (with almost twice the horses) plus its quiet...

but there is alot of pleasure in knowing that your 25 year old bike can still whip most new bikes at thier own game...

but in all honesty i would like to add a wide glide and around a 600-700cc dual sport to my collection. and maybe a sporty power buell too...

my usual riding gear is my everyday red wing boots, jeans, my joe rocket jacket and a full faced helmet (my eyes can't take the wind and NE has helmet laws anyways) and knock on wood i have not laid one over yet!

 

Just the other day, while driving 65 MPH on WI HWY 29, I was passed by a bike that was going at least 100 MPH faster than what I was doing. It scared the crap out of me. If my 22 year old son wasn't riding with me, I believe I would have gotten out to see why my car had stopped.

 

I've seen that, but as a wheelie as well

 

Same old argument, same perspective. Most hog riders are older and their contenance is that of enthusiast and enjoyment of scenery rather than always trying to prove things to themselves and others.
My fantasy garage?
Harley 750 racer.
Heritage classic, midsize shield and leather hang bags, some lights and a springer.
Kayabusa, just for boredom.
KTM 250 enduro.

I'd give it all up to keep the Heritage.

 

Nice Garage, RedFox. All I want is a nice bobber. One just like this:



To go with my current scoot:



I'm too old to go play in the dirt, and knee draggin' doesn't much appeal to me. I'd only do wheelies if I was nuts.
(don't have any pics on my computer of my scoot, so I found this one, which is close, mine has significant customization tho.)

 

We're saving for the Harley as soon as possible, but that means it has to look like yours. She won't let me have just a boulevard cruiser!
Just because she's helping me pay for it...women! They just want everything!