PS did you see the PRO stock harleys win on the drags this weekend on the NHRA on ESPN?
Hmmmm.....
Could that have something to do with a 160 ci displacement limit on the Harleys vs. a 101 ci displacement limit for the Suzuki's? That would be like saying my 360 is so competitive that the Chevys are allowed 493 ci? Come on man! Harleys are allowed 4 valve heads and and the Asian bikes have to run two valve heads? Harley's are allowed to run purpose built S&S engine but the Asian bikes are stuck with factory crankcases? Harley's can fuel injection but the Asian bikes have to run carbs?
I love all bikes, having been a motorcycle mechanic from '84 to '95. I've worked on Harleys, BSAs, Triumphs, Nortons, Indians, Ducatis, MotoGuzzis, the asian three, Bmws and some custom Italian exotics you most likely have never heard of.
All bikes have their strengths and weaknesses. Some do some things better than others. I remember that back in the 80's when AMF owned Harley, the techs used to call them "Hardley Doesanythings". Now this was back when Harley dominated flat track, but then again, the AMA, the keep things competitive, imposed a 500cc limit on the Asian bikes PLUS a restrictor plate.
Oh well, anything to keep Willie G. rollin' in dough, and the doctors and lawyers supplied with rolling art that they can tow to Sturgis and play dress up, I guess.
Now I know this sounds a bit a like a slam, but it's not. It's just the reality of the situation. I have no doubt that your bike does 10's, but could it drive across the country, carve the canyons, carry your luggage, idle like a kitty in 30 degree weather, sit in traffic in Chicago or Denver for an hour then drive to the strip and pull a 10? Some of the the Asian and Italian bikes can. The Suzuki Haybusa, Kawasaki zx1400 and Ducati Testastretta S4R S come to mind. How American are Harley's anyway? I know the Brakes (Nissin) and electrics are Japanese. Harleys been using Japanese electric starters (Matsushita) since the early 70's and maybe earlier.
Another fact you may not be aware of. The big Kawasaki's starting with the KZ1000 frames in 1976 are made in Nebraska! Honda Goldwings have been made in the states since the 70's too.
Like I said I like all bikes and have owned over 25 bikes in the last 28 years, including a '69 sporty (Boy, you just gotta love that twist-grip ignition advance! LOL!). I would definitely own a EVO engined harley some day, as their quality has jumped by leaps and bounds, but not at these prices. I'm sure a basket case will come my way. My next bike will most likely be a Ducati Monster or Sport Classic as I will get far more for my money and not succumb to some strange propensity for people to become a rolling billboard for some corporate entity. What's up with that? I've never bought a factory accesory, much less
clothes from a motorcycle factory.
Then, of course, you have the Asian sport bike riders wearing wife beaters and neon colored flip-flops, splitting lanes and doing wheelies in traffic, giving everyone a bad taste for Jap bikes.
Anyway, don't knock what other people ride, unless you've had the chance to ride one yourself, you just might be suprised.
