Shame on you Harley.

Just watched a program where they took a new 2010 Street Glide and bumped the horse power with air filter, exhaust and new tune. I could not believe that the HD comes stock with only 54 HP at the rear wheel. I am ashamed that their are so many Americans that put up with that BS. They took the bike from 54 hp to a whapping 74 hp. I can't believe so many guys will spend their hard earned $$$ on such a weak ass bike.
But I guess if thats all you have known you dont know what you are missing.

54 HP stock, I can't friekin believe it. Shame on you Harley Daivdson.

Big T

When you are working with an antique design(the V-twin) there is only so much the design is capable of doing. Ray Price of the Harley drag racing fame has a full blown nitro rig but it is an "controlled" explosion event when they crank it up. They, H-D sacrifice performance for sound. A Harley HAS to sound a certain way so that restricts any creative engineering. Once I believed that they might make a turn toward the future with a liquid cooled V-4 but that has not happened as yet. At least Victory is taking some design chances but only in style. I like a Harley for what they are, not what they represent. I prefer my Rocket, and I have always preferred Triumph. Distinctly Different.

Harley Buddies

Yeah, I gotta agree Harley riders do make a lot of the "sound of the rumble" , but that's all it is. They talk about torque, but they don't have it. I keep telling them it's not even apples and apples; they aren't even close. Marty.

The harley guys I still ride with occassionally don't even try anymore.
I'll let em lead then come blowing by them, then let em take the lead again,
its no contest and they all know it.
But they do sound good.

Ozzman,
Don't blame the V-Twin engine design... Ducati seems to be able to make them work just fine.

I also let the Harley guys lead...when I lead I sometimes forget about them and find myself riding alone and then stopping to waiting for them..They are a very loyal group of riders who have the chicks believing they are the coolest..I just go my own way!!!

When i ride with harley guys i ride my ninja 250, still fast enough to keep up and even pass them, for at least $16,000 less.

I also read where Harley is getting ready to open an assembly plant in India, I believe.. to cut back on shipping bikes to that part of the world.... Like Triumph having a plant in Thailand..

So, would that be an Indian Harley?.. lol

Power-Tripp said:

Ozzman,
Don't blame the V-Twin engine design... Ducati seems to be able to make them work just fine.

Click to expand...

A very GREAT point. Well said!!

oldsprint03

*Most* of the Harley crowd has no interest in power or speed. Their main focus is on personalizing their bikes to fit their tastes, including the sound. That said, there are some that are obcessed with trying to tweak out more power. Those are the guys that make me scratch my head.

I have a buddy that spent $38K on a Screaming Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide. He used to spend every waking moment yapping about how fast it was, blah blah blah. Another guy mentioned my R3T to him and he was actually stupid enough to come back with "I don't know, I think my Ultra would give it a run for its money". The next time we were out together, we ended up on a straight stretch of highway. I RARELY race my bikes or even ride them fast, for that matter. But, I made an exception this time and I looked over at him and gave him the nod.

He downshifted and took off. I hardley even rolled into the throttle. I rode beside him for about 10 seconds (one handed). He looked over and I grinned at him, rolled full throttle and waved goodbye. He was a small spot in my mirror soon after. He's never said a word about his bike being fast again, anytime I'm around.