Harley power

[Sensfan]

The only thing a Harley can beat, is another Harley. But if you want more power, they will gladly take your $$$$$, and in the end, you can still only beat another Harley. But each to their own, my wife enjoys her's very much, and when she leads, I get my best MPG.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

I too have owned and rented some Harleys. The day I test rode my first rocket I was on a rented 2009 Electra Glide Classic on my way back from Laconia. Was absolutely floored by the power. Forgot all about that stereo and cruise control ! I've found the newer E Glides to be underpowered and terrifyingly top heavy. Maybe cause they were rented and had $2000.00 deductible insurance ? It seemed like every stop was a white knuckle adventure as the bike constantly wanted to lay down and play dead. The first time I picked a rocket up off the kickstand I was amazed at how well balanced it felt. Not sure if it was "governed" being a rental bike, but the 09' E Glide would go 100 mph flat out.

 

[R3Tex]

I own two an Ultra Classic Limited and a Softail Breakout. Each has their purpose. The Ultra was very comfy on the recent trip to Florida when we rode two days in the pouring rain and the Breakout is just plain fun to ride around town. Will either out perform my Roadster? Not on their best day. However, all bikes are not about performance. By having all three I have the best of all worlds IMHO. The Ultra provides the missus with a comfy seat on long trips, the Breakout is good for running around town, and the Rocket helps me maintain my sanity.

 

[Steel]

If you want a fun Harley for playing in town, try a VRod. They wont out run a R3, but they are powerful for a 1200, low to the ground, and light too. Comfortable seating position for a grownup. Good for scooting around in traffic, since not everyone likes splitting lanes with an 800 lb gorilla.

 

[mr hunt]

in sales parlance it's called 'buying the sizzle not the sausage'....I know too many Harley owners who bought their bikes because of how they believed other people conceived of the brand not because they wanted a functional motorcycle...image image image...

 

[1olbull]

Harley is a fine motor with unmatched dealer support availability.
Not everyone needs speed and power or cares if a 600cc can grease you ass.
My first Harley was like my high school sweetheart. Thought I had died and gone to heaven;
AND THEN . . .
I went to my first whore house!

 

[Molinoman]

When I had the best of both worlds I had the 2007 Rocket III Classic and my 2006 Honda Gold Wing. Most of you know my thoughts on the Harley I gladly just got rid of...nice bike, good rumble on the exhaust and I enjoyed the cruise, stereo (stock sound system is not all that great...I had a $2,200 upgrade in mine) and the trunk...other than that the Gold Wing buried it for all it's intents and purposes with HP, torque, comfort and that reverse gear (I really do miss that) and I have grown to appreciate the quietness of the ride when I am not one with my stereo system (these days...a mini Ipod and a Sena SMH-5 Bluetooth system...times have changed).

Harley has sort of seen the light, the stereo on all the fairing bikes is a big improvement and the "Rushmore" upgrade (water cooled heads in three out of, guessing here, 33 models...well let's just say it's a start so those three models will have some improvement in HP and Torque...except one of them is the trike).

I did meet a lot of good guys in the HOG Chapter and our chapter did do a lot of rides to a wide variety of places but I've mostly been a loner and like riding that type of experience (though I did ride with two other Rockets and a Harley on one of my trips to Nashville in 2007).

Harley is not hurting and the "upgrades as have been mentioned are needed if you want to get above the mediocre "stock" Harley ride...another way for Harley to make money. But a point was brought up...and it's a good one...what is Harley going to do in 10 to 20 years when the older guys are dead or no longer riding?

Dennis

 

[Pres10]

Harley Davidson's air cooled V Twin has a helluva time meeting emission standards. It's days are numbered. It seems most Harley riders want nothing to do with a water cooled engine, probably brain washed by decades of HD marketing. Marketing is what HD is best at. Every new bike they sell needs new exhaust to even sound like a Harley and that is just the beginning of accessory sales.

Even Sonny Barger said they picked the wrong brand bike.

I was looking to spend $5,000 to get the performance of my Wide Glide up to a respectable level. That got me to looking at other bikes and I "discovered" a Triumph Rocket III. My first ride I loved the brakes and the way the Rocket was so balanced for a large bike, loved the way it laid into the corners. First time I hit the highway it felt like the aerodynamics were way different and I didn't know if I liked that. I had simply took off, not watching the tach or speedo, just riding and shifting by feel. My jacket was blowing up like a parachute. Looked down at the speedo expecting 70 MPH. It was showing 115 MPH and still very smooth.
I bought the bike. Still love it as much as I did the first day. After putting about 750 miles on the Rocket, I took the HD for one more ride before selling it. The first stop sign I came to my thoughts were, oh sh*t I should have hit the brakes a lot sooner. Wasn't sure that I was going to get it stopped.

I don't anticipate ever parting with my Triumph. I wouldn't mind possibly adding a V-Rod to the stable though.

 

[steve59]

I had a 145 mph harley dyna. very exciting power surge from 3200 rpm up to redline, outran my buddy's 1050 tiger!!! 200 lbs lighter than the rocket classic I ride now, but the rocket handles and brakes better and has loads more power under 3500 rpm. did i mention the dyna grenaded at 32000 miles!!! maybe cause I changed the amsoil every 1200 miles. I think the "hardcore" bikers are going S&S leaving harley to the weekend warrior.

 

[ksquared]

I had a 145 mph harley dyna. very exciting power surge from 3200 rpm up to redline, outran my buddy's 1050 tiger!!! 200 lbs lighter than the rocket classic I ride now, but the rocket handles and brakes better and has loads more power under 3500 rpm. did i mention the dyna grenaded at 32000 miles!!! maybe cause I changed the amsoil every 1200 miles. I think the "hardcore" bikers are going S&S leaving harley to the weekend warrior.

Good Grief! What did you do to it to get that kind of power out of it? Which engine did you start with, 88, 96, 103, 110 and what did you do to it? Finally, what did it cost?