Originally Posted by mikesouth (Post 20184390)

My days of riding like that are long gone truth is head gasket leaks are common on many harleys that are ridden a lot, most people don't even notice them, except that it will backfire a bit.

Originally Posted by mikesouth (Post 20184390)

My days of riding like that are long gone truth is head gasket leaks are common on many harleys that are ridden a lot, most people don't even notice them, except that it will backfire a bit.
It happens because of the air cooling mostly, the rapid expansion and compression of the metal.

Originally Posted by mikesouth (Post 20184390)

Bikes are my primary means of transpo I actually have a Suzuki Burgman 650 that has almost 100 K miles all I have ever done to it are brakes tires and fluid changes....chicks like riding the Harley the first time, after that they always wanna go on the Burgman more comfy and quieter and burn guards on the pipes so no heat there...

Originally Posted by baddog (Post 20184393)

We will have to agree that you don't know WTF you are talking about.

Originally Posted by MK Ultra (Post 20184430)

This is the first I've ever heard of this issue on a modern Harley, my bike has 30k miles and just passed a compression check so I can get an extended factory warranty, if the motors were such a repair problem I don't think Harley would be selling a 5 year warranty on any Harley that's under 12 years old and less than 75,000 miles.




Wow! the Burgman certainly is the epitome of cool :thumbsup

http://members.modernvespa.net/cfarg...urgman_209.jpg
:1orglaugh

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20184455)

I have been on my 2012 HD Road King Classic just about every day since spring. Love it!!


Its a 103 and i have a lot of work done to it trough Harley. 62 horses stock, got it up to 118.


Now what I really notice is the way I drive at 43 is way different than the way I drove in my 20's.


In my 20's, and riding a raced out rice rocket, it seemed that I would have a close call to a serious accident once a week. Speeding, splitting traffic at high speeds, Cars turning left in front of me, cars moving into my lane, etc.


And now being 43 i don't do the dumb shit I did in my 20's. But now that I ride a very loud Harley, Im heard and felt by all of the cars around me. Cars split 20+ cars ahead of me before I reach them, because I am heard.


Also since riding a Harley, I have had Zero close calls in the last 5 years. Knock on wood!


Loud Bike, not being young, dumb and never going more than 10 miles over the sped limit has beed the safety difference maker from my experience.


Just Dave

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20184462)

I am wondering what speed could be +- fatal in case of cars making a left and you crashing there? Lets say you drive at 50kmh and you are with your helmet and full gear.
Just wondering how many fatalities happen at city speed and driving with helmet/gear.

Originally Posted by L-Pink (Post 20184457)

Great post. :thumbsup


.

Originally Posted by MK Ultra (Post 20184476)

This has happened to me twice, almost exactly the way you see it in the video



The first time was around 45 mph and I wasn't wearing a helmet (CA didn't have a helmet law at the time, a lot of things changed here while I was away :( ) I was in jeans and a t-shirt.

It cost me some knee issues when I put it through the passenger window and bent the frame.

The second time I was going almost 60, I flew about three times the distance as the guy in the video and landed flat on my back, I didn't get up as fast as he did that time.
Also in jeans and t-shirt, road rash won't kill you but shit if fucking STINGS!
I also didn't get a single scratch on my helmet.

The second one I feel in my lower back every single day, I quit riding for 20 years because of that accident.

But then I realized that life was too short to worry about "what if it happened again?"

So now I am a super defensive rider, but I still don't like riding in town in traffic.

Originally Posted by MK Ultra (Post 20184476)

This has happened to me twice, almost exactly the way you see it in the video



The first time was around 45 mph and I wasn't wearing a helmet (CA didn't have a helmet law at the time, a lot of things changed here while I was away :( ) I was in jeans and a t-shirt.

It cost me some knee issues when I put it through the passenger window and bent the frame.

The second time I was going almost 60, I flew about three times the distance as the guy in the video and landed flat on my back, I didn't get up as fast as he did that time.
Also in jeans and t-shirt, road rash won't kill you but shit if fucking STINGS!
I also didn't get a single scratch on my helmet.

The second one I feel in my lower back every single day, I quit riding for 20 years because of that accident.

But then I realized that life was too short to worry about "what if it happened again?"

So now I am a super defensive rider, but I still don't like riding in town in traffic.

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20182864)

I always wanted 2 wheels, but was reluctant because I always hear about deaths and so on.. Pretty dangerous hobby. Anyway I decided to give it a go as I know myself that I am careful driver/rider and not much into over speeding or any other antics.
So I am reading that the first bike should be sterrtbike/roadster as it is easiest one to ride on the city streets.
Something like XJ6 is easy to handle and recommended for beginners:
Do you agree?

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20182864)

Second question - Am I right that the core difference between streetbike like this and sport bike like R6 is that R6 is more for speed on highway + not that comfortable sitting position + clipons instead of real "wheel" which make it harder to navigate (takes more space to turn around for example?)on the streets?

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20182864)

Third question: Besides steet bikes I also fancy cruiser style bikes:
How do they compare to street/roadsters? I assume it is completely different driving style? And not as easy to handle for beginners?
Thanks

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20184818)

One more question about accidents, how come not many bikers crush their legs when lets say they fall down and 400 pounds of bike falls on them? Is it not as heavy impact as it looks (when heavy bike drops on you/your legs when you fall).

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20185296)

Yeah, what about smaller bikes, they are somewhat heavy enough? Or crushing is not that common at all? Just a random thought as I was always wondering - I mean even if bike is 200 pounds it is still heavy, especially when it drops on you with some power.

Originally Posted by scuba steve (Post 20185310)

if you lay your bike down, your leg most likely not get caught it in. yeah they weigh a decent amount, but it's not all located in one spot, spread out on the bike. if it just tips over and falls on you that will prolly hurt. but if you're riding and going down, the momentum will keep the bike going and you'll be separated pretty easily

Originally Posted by dyna mo (Post 20184010)

It's a huge assumption to assume a loud exhaust is a safety measure such that it alerts drivers to where you are and altering their path/speed, Etc. Typically loud pipes just startle other drivers and or piss them off. Neither of those makes things safer.

Originally Posted by dyna mo (Post 20183956)

If I see/hear another SOA-themed dyna blappin down PCH I'm going to throw a banana peel out in front of it. If I can stop lolling @ em.
FYI.

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20184455)

I have been on my 2012 HD Road King Classic just about every day since spring. Love it!!


Its a 103 and i have a lot of work done to it trough Harley. 62 horses stock, got it up to 118.


Now what I really notice is the way I drive at 43 is way different than the way I drove in my 20's.


In my 20's, and riding a raced out rice rocket, it seemed that I would have a close call to a serious accident once a week. Speeding, splitting traffic at high speeds, Cars turning left in front of me, cars moving into my lane, etc.


And now being 43 i don't do the dumb shit I did in my 20's. But now that I ride a very loud Harley, Im heard and felt by all of the cars around me. Cars split 20+ cars ahead of me before I reach them, because I am heard.


Also since riding a Harley, I have had Zero close calls in the last 5 years. Knock on wood!


Loud Bike, not being young, dumb and never going more than 10 miles over the sped limit has beed the safety difference maker from my experience.




Just Dave

Originally Posted by scuba steve (Post 20185310)

if you lay your bike down, your leg most likely not get caught it in. yeah they weigh a decent amount, but it's not all located in one spot, spread out on the bike. if it just tips over and falls on you that will prolly hurt. but if you're riding and going down, the momentum will keep the bike going and you'll be separated pretty easily

Originally Posted by PR_Glen (Post 20185388)

this never computed with me either.. I can hear 250cc no problem from a block and a half away with normal exhausts so the louder is safer bullshit is blown far out of proportion and more people wanting their bikes to sound like a roar..which is kind of telling..

..

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20185394)

Yes, you are correct, but the handlebar and the pegs on a smaller bike also gives you enough space to not crush your leg. Also the sport bikes are pretty light.


Dropping(Not getting hit by a car) a small bike is going to hurt your wallet more than your body if you have the right jacket, gloves, boots and jeans.


If you ware the right gear, follow the rules of the road and never go faster than 10 miles over the limit, you should be pretty good. Bad Shit happens when you ignore any of the above.


Knowing and respecting the Speed limit is so important!! If you are roughly riding at the speed limit, you will have more than enough time to react to another cars mistake. The faster you go, the less reaction time you will have when someone else makes a mistake.


The dreaded left "turn head on crash" can dramatically be reduced if you are at the speed limit or if you slow down before the intersection when you see a car in the left turn lane.


With all of the above followed properly, you can dramatically reduce your chances of getting hit, dropping your bike and or dying on a motorcycle.


Anyone who rides will agree with me. Hope that helps. :thumbsup


Just Dave

Originally Posted by PR_Glen (Post 20185388)

this actually reminded me of something pretty hilarious. while taking my motorcycle course there was this guy sitting in front of me who was probably in his early 40's at the youngest. had S.O.A on the back of his neck. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and figured it meant something else.. but getting a better look at it later i noticed it had the soa reaper underneath it and everything! I mean i thought he was a poser enough sporting one of those bell cobra helmets with the gi joe looking face mask on it but damn.. this guy took it to a whole new level.. I mean i love that show but shit...


..wonder if he has a C.H.I.P.S. tattoo on his arm as well..

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20185394)

Yes, you are correct, but the handlebar and the pegs on a smaller bike also gives you enough space to not crush your leg. Also the sport bikes are pretty light.


Dropping(Not getting hit by a car) a small bike is going to hurt your wallet more than your body if you have the right jacket, gloves, boots and jeans.


If you ware the right gear, follow the rules of the road and never go faster than 10 miles over the limit, you should be pretty good. Bad Shit happens when you ignore any of the above.


Knowing and respecting the Speed limit is so important!! If you are roughly riding at the speed limit, you will have more than enough time to react to another cars mistake. The faster you go, the less reaction time you will have when someone else makes a mistake.


The dreaded left "turn head on crash" can dramatically be reduced if you are at the speed limit or if you slow down before the intersection when you see a car in the left turn lane.


With all of the above followed properly, you can dramatically reduce your chances of getting hit, dropping your bike and or dying on a motorcycle.


Anyone who rides will agree with me. Hope that helps. :thumbsup


Just Dave

Originally Posted by L-Pink (Post 20185377)

http://s3.postimg.org/gqmz53ttf/IMG_2873.jpg

http://s21.postimg.org/d38qdnaiv/IMG_3193.jpg


Top, my Road King weighing in at almost 800 pounds vs the Honda at 350 pounds, one hell of a difference.

The girl I'm dating is 5' 1" and weighs about 115. She has ridden since a kid, not bad but I wouldn't ride in the same lane at speed like I do with some friends. No way she could handle my bike because of the weight.

She was riding an old Suzuki that kept breaking down, this is a 2012 Honda Rebel 250. We found it in Orlando, only 600 miles for $3000.00 plus tax. Bike was a starter bike for a man that decided motorcycle riding wasn't for him.

They are inexpensive, get 80 miles a gallon, dependable as hell, parts available everywhere, easy to ride upright sitting position.


edit, mine has a true dual exhaust and is pretty loud, hers sounds like a sewing machine lol.


.

Originally Posted by dyna mo (Post 20185389)

you're getting 118 hp from a 103" motor?

I built my previous dyna to get 100hp and lose 100 pounds. it took A LOT of money and a 107" build + to barely hit 100hp.

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20185471)

Hey Dyno, I forgot you ride!! Call me up lets do this!! You still got my number?


Just Dave

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20185471)

Nice!!






Yes!

Had it Dyno tuned and re-mapped. When I put the headers on. Got the print out somewhere around here.


I have a 7 year tire to tire warranty on everything I had done to it. Harley will warranty everything they do if you get it all done within 3 months of purchase.


I bought my bike in 2012 and 2 months later HD came out with a stage 4 jet kit. Costed 6k just in parts. Was the very 1st one in Cali put in. New pistons, bigger throttle body, Cams, springs, bigger oil pump and a few other things.


I dropped 20K after I bought the bike and did everything so not to fuck my warranty. Thats why I went through Harley. Got everything that could be done, done.


One thing I did that would void my warranty, but I felt it needed to be done was I went with a Vance and Hines Race headers to go with my race pipes. That voids the heads gasket warranty.


But when I got the engine race mapped that voices my engine warranty. But I picked up a Master Tune 2 and I keep the stock map that Harley assigned all of my engine upgrades on a memory stick, so when I go to the Harley shop to get anything done, It takes 5 min. to load in the stock Harley Tune so to not void my warranty. When I get beach from the shop, I then load in my Race Map. Think of a "Map" as a program on how everything on the motorcycle is told how to work. Engine Revs, full to air mixtures, injectors, compression, timing, etc.


For me, reliability and dependability was the most important thing. I have worked on every motorcycle I have ever owned. But now I rather hop on it and go.


Im friends with all of the mechanics at Simi Valley Harley. I guess loading my saddle bags full of Porn really helps on getting me deals. lol


Everything I did that could fuck with my warranty, the lead mechanic suggested it and suggested the spot that does the best race running. They know not to pug my bike into the machine without asking me if my map was changed.


And yes 118 horses. The showed the Mechanics at Simi Valley Harley the print out paper work from the Dyno Machine. They all doubted the Stage 4 before the instal, but after it was put in and they rode it even they were impressed. I also got the 1, 2 and 3 before the 4.


Hey Dyno, I forgot you ride!! Call me up lets do this!! You still got my number?



Just Dave

Originally Posted by scuba steve (Post 20185406)

haha agreed, you emphasized everything i was trying to say :thumbsup

i've lost my back wheel before, slid out from under me on a turn and went down right when i first started riding. didn't have the right gear on, arm was total road rash. and i considered myself lucky, could've been 1000x worse. (no helmet, not the right shoes on)

honestly kind of glad i did cause i realized how easy it is and respected bikes a lot more. knock on wood haven't had any other accidents, 2 bikes later. control what you can, do your best to watch out for shitty drivers ( i swear i have a spidy sense now, can predict when dickheads aren't looking or are going to merge), and don't take stupid chances

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20185451)

Sounds good enough as I am not the type of person who likes to run fast and dumb etc.
Ps: when you talk about clothing gear you mention "jeans". Are jeans good enough as far as riding gear goes?

Originally Posted by MediumPimpin (Post 20185790)

The XJ6 is a great choice, perfect to learn on and it has great brakes, great handling, there is no downside for a new rider to this bike.

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20185805)

Any close alternatives? :)

Originally Posted by JustDaveXxx (Post 20185471)

Nice!!






Yes!

Had it Dyno tuned and re-mapped. When I put the headers on. Got the print out somewhere around here.


I have a 7 year tire to tire warranty on everything I had done to it. Harley will warranty everything they do if you get it all done within 3 months of purchase.


I bought my bike in 2012 and 2 months later HD came out with a stage 4 jet kit. Costed 6k just in parts. Was the very 1st one in Cali put in. New pistons, bigger throttle body, Cams, springs, bigger oil pump and a few other things.


I dropped 20K after I bought the bike and did everything so not to fuck my warranty. Thats why I went through Harley. Got everything that could be done, done.


One thing I did that would void my warranty, but I felt it needed to be done was I went with a Vance and Hines Race headers to go with my race pipes. That voids the heads gasket warranty.


But when I got the engine race mapped that voices my engine warranty. But I picked up a Master Tune 2 and I keep the stock map that Harley assigned all of my engine upgrades on a memory stick, so when I go to the Harley shop to get anything done, It takes 5 min. to load in the stock Harley Tune so to not void my warranty. When I get beach from the shop, I then load in my Race Map. Think of a "Map" as a program on how everything on the motorcycle is told how to work. Engine Revs, full to air mixtures, injectors, compression, timing, etc.


For me, reliability and dependability was the most important thing. I have worked on every motorcycle I have ever owned. But now I rather hop on it and go.


Im friends with all of the mechanics at Simi Valley Harley. I guess loading my saddle bags full of Porn really helps on getting me deals. lol


Everything I did that could fuck with my warranty, the lead mechanic suggested it and suggested the spot that does the best race running. They know not to pug my bike into the machine without asking me if my map was changed.


And yes 118 horses. The showed the Mechanics at Simi Valley Harley the print out paper work from the Dyno Machine. They all doubted the Stage 4 before the instal, but after it was put in and they rode it even they were impressed. I also got the 1, 2 and 3 before the 4.


Hey Dyno, I forgot you ride!! Call me up lets do this!! You still got my number?



Just Dave

Originally Posted by mineistaken (Post 20185563)

That is the reason I do not want sports bike - too fast and dangerous. So I will stick with streetfighter/roadster/sports touring/standard (they have too many names, lol).

Originally Posted by MediumPimpin (Post 20185790)

a Harley is just a go slow poser bike, that has no braking or no handling at all.

But when you are stopped at a light on a Harley people will go...

"Hey man nice ride" so there is that.

Originally Posted by MK Ultra (Post 20185446)

I saw something like that a couple of months ago.
I'm cruising north on the 101 when a couple of street glides pass me, the first one was basic stock but the second one had a very intricate and expensive looking skulls paint job, but the funny part was the chubby, middle-aged guy on the skulls bike was sporting one of these:

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thin...l&tid=59815843

:1orglaugh

Originally Posted by dyna mo (Post 20186288)

riiiiiiiiiiight.

plenty of guys who can ride like this proof you wrong.



and I know as a "motorcyclist" you certainly cannot claim these skills are not valuable street riding skills, unlike being able to counter-steer or brake hard at @ 175mph on a track.

In fact, for the purpose of this thread and trying to relay real and safe and practical infos to a potential new rider, the skills at the speeds in this vid are head and shoulders more important.

Originally Posted by MediumPimpin (Post 20186341)

Going through pylons at a walking pace is impressive to you? To be safe on the road you need a responsive ride, one that is light, not top heavy and has stopping power. Name one Harley that has that besides maybe a Vrod? I could do better then that guy on a Goped. Yes those riders do have skills, but put them on a better ride and what would happen then?

I was a mechanic for the City of Ft lauderdale police motorcycle fleet back then they had Kawasaki KZ1000 loaded up with all the gear that they needed. They were death traps anything over 60 MPH and it was a wild ride, the cops fucking hated them.

Then they switch to Harleys, they could not believe how much worse they were, they were stunned.