Long before I started spending too much time and money on coffee, I started spending too much time and money on motorbikes. Specifically Harleys. It started as a fun way to avoid the tube for my commute for years living in London where I rode Hackney to Soho basically every day unless it was snowing! Any other riders here? Here’s some of my bikes past and present: 2004 XL1200 [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/FsxibWe.jpg[/IMG] 1994 FXDL [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/vk8PQ16.jpg[/IMG] 2020 FXLRS [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/LnWdGnU.jpg[/IMG]

Yeah man. Although I think chrome is better on a coffee machine hahaha! Had Vespas in my teens, (with a lot of chrome, which may account for my statement above, having spent too much riding time with a cloth and polish). Then finally after a break got a full licence mid 90s. Kwak GPz500s, FZR600R, ZX6R J2, two FZS1000s one after the other due to serious mileage, and now I have one of the earlier Street Triple 675Rs, twin round lights, twin underseat pipes, short 1st gear ('factory streetfighter'). I rode the FZR600R round Snetterton, all the twisties within a 100 mile radius, and to work in London every day except snow. Also rode it to Denmark, Czech Republic and most of western Europe before realising I ought to get a more practical bike! Did much the same on the Fazer Thousands. Took one round the Nürburgring Nordschleife which was the only time I ever maxed it out. An indicated 160mph which probably was more like 145 if you allow for speedo error. I have 2 mates with Harleys though. One has had a Road King, then a Breakout, and now some kind of Heritage Softail Deluxe or something like that. Warning: May contain traces of tassels. My other Harley riding mate has quite a cool but rare-ish thing called a Switchback. 1700cc, removable hard luggage, big frame (not Sportster based). Within minutes you can turn it from CHiPs bagger to 1950s Duoglide lookalike. It is surprisingly quick, it's the steering and slowing down that take the time! (especially when he got ACF50 on the brakes!) He's had it painted in the same grey they used on war planes (he's pretty geeky about that kind of thing and knows the exact colour). He did look slightly crestfallen when he showed me, and due to my lack of knowledge of WWII planes I described it as "filing cabinet grey" 🤣 🤣 [URL=https://i.imgur.com/BxDOTnE.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/BxDOTnE.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Fazer 1000 Nürburgring [URL=https://i.imgur.com/qaVgqsj.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/qaVgqsj.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Me and the guys just setting off on tour of Germany. Mine was the white and purple FZR [URL=https://i.imgur.com/498FNcM.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/498FNcM.jpg[/IMG][/URL] My 1st Gen 1 Fazer 1000 on the way home from Spain (this is obviously Mont St Michel in France, nearly home after almost 3000 miles in baking weather. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/iBHeEPR.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/iBHeEPR.jpg[/IMG][/URL] ZX6R J2 [URL=https://i.imgur.com/0CUVAKs.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/0CUVAKs.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The Stripler

I had bikes a few years ago. First was a FSZ600 and that was unfortunately run over (fortunately with no one riding it) and I ended up with a 1250 Bandit for a while. I got fed up of refilling the tank on that so I got a Hornet 600 with the first bikes insurance moneys. Loved it but sadly the engine went bang in quite an expensive way so I ended up bikeless. I had been using it less and less with getting a work van so not needing to commute, and taking up running (a lot) so have not gotten one since. I miss it. My old commute was along a great Devon road that was about 2 miles through Plymouth and about 10 on a brilliant bit of road. Needless to say I could do the 10 almost as quickly as the 2 on a good day!

@"Hotmetal"#87 Nice! Love the ZX! Sounds like you’ve done some serious mileage! We do a fair few UK tours but yet to cross the channel. I have a long list of Europe rides I’d like to do. I had a very similar age Street Triple! 2010 model, red, under seat pipes and round lights. Always preferred that to the later fly-eye lights. Loved it, probably the best all round bike I’ve had. It was actually the last bike I had before Harleys. Living in Hackney when the Striple was just about the most stolen bike and a 20mph speed limit all the way to work meant a different bike was more appropriate. I know what you mean about the corners being the slow bit for Harley, that black one above is a 1900cc with engine work and remap. It’s an absolute rocket in a straight-line but a handful on twisties! I sold it after 6 months though, the new Harleys are comfy and smooth but for me they lack all the character of the older, carburetted models. I also like to be able to fix them without plugging them into a computer!

Street Triples were a "wunnnhunnndredandeiiiightyyy" for Triumph. A triumph one might say, 😂. Daytona chassis with class-leading handling, all day comfort (comparatively, for the rider at least), great riding position for road observation, streetfighter looks which hit the spot for their target market, and that fantastic 675 triple engine that delivers more torque than it has a right to, perfectly linearly and predictably, so that if you came from a 900 or 1 litre straight 4 you would miss nothing but the insane top end rush of a big 4IL, while being so linear that they were easy to ride for people getting their 'first big bike'. Instant power, loads of fun and it flatters the rider. They literally covered all bases with that bike which is why it sold so well, and also became a target for the scrotes who nick them. Certainly did a lot to boost the brand. I love mine even though its a bit long in the tooth. I don't mind that though, with only 36k on the clock it still feels almost new to me. About the only downside is the turning circle, because the frame is from the track focused Daytona and headstock is quite big and strong which limits the angle through which you can turn the bars (no issue for track bikes where stiffness is more important than turning circle). They improved it on the subsequent models 2013 on. That and the 'adequate' electrical system which is barely enough to run any accessories and can lead to burnt out stator. It's ironic, but I actually bought the Street Triple R because my commute was from Windsor to Kentish Town and I thought it would be easier to filter through central London rush hour on than the Thou. But then I discovered how desirable (to the wrong people) Streets were, so I never rode it to work until I moved jobs. I agree about the ability to do home servicing. My STR is the first fuel injected bike I've had, all the others in my bike history had carburettors (and the ZX6R used to get carb icing in winter!) Even so, the Street (as you know) didn't come with ABS until the later models, by which time it had lost its looks (IMO) and the short first gear. I like to be able to at least change oil, filters, brake pads and brake fluid without needing a computer, apparently you need to plug modern bikes in to disable or reset ABS if you change the brake fluid? I fancied a Ducati Supersport but they made it a 'dealer tools required' job just to tension the chain ffs! That's basic maintenance that you need to be able to do yourself, so it put me off. They obviously only want the sort of customer who can afford to have the shop do every stupid little thing, or who racks up 250 miles a year and trades in before first MoT. I have basically disregarded Ducati as a brand since then. But its inevitable. If I ever have spare cash I'll probably get a Triumph Tiger for more adventures and pillion comfort, or one of the Bonneville range, like a Speed Twin. No doubt that will need the dealer computer for loads of things too… sigh.

@"Hotmetal"#p10584 Exactly, I guess they’ve gone the same way as cars. These days what’s under the bonnet of most cars is barely recognisable as an engine. As you say, a way to get people back at the dealership spending service money. You’re right about the ABS. It’s another reason I got rid of the 2020 Harley. I wanted to put taller risers on as I’m quite tall. Half-hour job on previous bikes, maybe a couple of hours if I needed to do longer cables and internal wiring. But as soon as you change a cable or bleed brakes on the ABS system you have to plug it in to the dealer tool! With £85 of parts Harley wanted £750 to put new risers on… No thanks! Those Triumph 1200 Bonnie engines are really really good. Stacks of torque low-down and fun short wheelbase. I’ve had my eye on the Speed Twin too.

@"Ernie1"#p10585 £750 to fit a pair of bar risers? That's criminal. No wonder the accessory catalogue sells more than the actual bikes. Sheesh!

@"Hotmetal"#p10586 Indeed! Warr’s must’ve had a crystal ball when they opened their Harley dealership on the King’s Road in the 1920s!

My current 3 bikes [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/T7D3uyt.jpeg] [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/0ZfLWFQ.jpeg] [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/6YKsjiT.jpeg] ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dep2omPINz3n7XrgGPY8CwKoo86Q9OWZ2O-QJuPSxenwye3BnWwIeA4ejhk9_UKPq8PpOmkJyiOUC15Rn3voqTNhNtvocXPXhijRnMijZBJO37lYl9tv87nD1PS4RU4_ASJzler3RMC-LCBg2hbIDKwDzaJl10BjKfin4yQmCgPUSE8vuev0sA1ziVyyzyY9EyQp-z-NHedTWpcnb9cBbyK_NPHHQBQBD3ILSrMGhtf87DoNawqZ-Aw753KumtDjIMPOJYAb2s2xVTu8tdMzor-Anp5JuoDMdQEQsQt6zwubPDrl0PgYe-y3RaB3l6QueZ48oiREFnlvXF8pYtX7BissmdVQyewovo7s7N5okTzd1P1qAZY3bV-zPuTwS3GIVNWn4R4UgNkXcPG9WPRgcXkPMgdQWAaCqblCzi0kbZNYG3oykYuoTIoPa2vBn0OXCDliwj1EqyKEcNNUyt7e5Fv7M74ngpAHI2OsCP1ecxf3RdKrWcMLc6EXAdojnqMdzIe05WC-5CSnkBCEoXBV-svPtdcATY6HDv-O6sdwX1yJ1AaaQSeBNEoEg8EsvffrbqVFMA0QjCq9wXgqXXd_IFASi2NspddtYPh90FW0-48fbxqC_si875sQWTDj-ozxDf_56gqQj5KtsADn2fYN7sFuw2eHv0qOvi9Xtl26c6CyrDHzfHmZugIHs5W7VPM3ANRKQZEjq-Ioi5dI9kDcicqA=w2027-h1263-no?authuser=0)

My Harley (Fatboy) back in 2003 and I had a Honda CBR1000 FJ as well. Noawadays I no longer ride a motorcycle. [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/djMBKlc.jpeg]

@"DavecUK"#p10614 Look at that! Such an iconic bike. I know everyone raves about the Evolution version from the 90s but I love the twin-cam engines, fantastic looking bike.

Any fellow motorbiking coffee fans?

HarveyMushman

Tal

Nice bikes!

I had that exact Street Triple also! Very fun bike but was also sadly top of the list for thieves in Central London at the time so I didn’t have it for long.

The Father-in-Law had a ZZR1400, absolutely terrifying.

I don’t trust myself on fast bikes anymore hence the Harleys, always appreciate a nice fast bike though, especially the nakeds.

Tal

Those zzrs are literally missiles, not my cup of tea either.

Only ever ridden one cruiser, brother for his first big bike last year bought an intruder 800, I hated it riding it back for him, slow, heavy, awful brakes, vibey, hated the ergo! So not for me, but turned out it wasn’t for him either. He sold it after a few months and has just bought a z900! Which is rather nice. I think my preferences are 90s sports and nakeds.

Never ridden a Harley, but they have a large following so must be doing something right!

Tal

I did sell the street to a guy in London. He kept it outside and as far as I’m aware owned it for a few years. Unsure if it was ultimately stolen though…

HarveyMushman

Yeah Harleys are pretty much as you described, slow, terrible brakes, massive vibrations, especially on the older ones which would pretty much shake themselves apart. I love how they look though, and to me a late 60s Shovelhead is about the best sound a motor can make.

Mine’s a 1900cc but weighs almost 350kg so it’s about the closest you can get to driving a boat on land. So cofmrotable though and I just really like how they look. Loads of torque (126 lb/ft at 3500rpm) so there’s fun to be had up to about 60mph, as long as you don’t need to turn or stop quickly…

Really like those Z900s. Big fan of the 80s inspired XSR900 that Yamaha released a couple years ago too.

Tal

1900cc and 350kg is blimin massive on both counts! Fair play handling that around!

gordy53

bought a 2013 883 sportster Superlow last year and loved it as soon as I rode it and thought why did I not buy one years ago, I have always liked them, they are a money pit as I have spent a small fortune on it and bits and bobs over the winter and also had to buy Imperial spanners as well even though there are a mixture of both on the bike

HarveyMushman

gordy53

Nice!

I love the Sportsters, had a ‘04 1200 I used as a commuter in London. Perfect for nipping through traffic. Left it outside all year uncovered too, even in the snow. Quick hose down and it always looked good as new and never missed a beat.

And yep, always some upgrade or accessory to be purchased, I believe they call it the ‘Harley tax’!

HarveyMushman

This was my Sportster. Did loads to it, barely recognisable from when I bought it and then it got written off thanks to a guy who didn’t understand junctions…. Looking at it now I miss it, might have to get another!

gordy53

they are a great looking bike not so sure on the latest version though a bit FUGLY I reckon, I recently sold a 1997 FV VFR 750 and that was a great looking bike

HarveyMushman

gordy53

Yeah not at all a fan of the newer style HDs like the Sportster S and FXDR etc. Sadly they’re all being more and more diluted by ever-tightening emissions regulations. I love my ‘23 Heritage but the newer ones certainly don’t have the character the air-cooled ones do.

Norvin

In case anybody is interested I have just listed an EasyRizer motorcycle lift on ebay. Although it will take most heavy bikes with a twin rail frame they are mainly marketed at the Harley owner (Er, not that Harleys need more maintenance 😇).

HarveyMushman

Norvin

Good lifts!

I graduated to flatbed style lifts after what we shall just call a ‘little mishap’ with the frame lifts…

NHK295M

Today was the first trip out of this year for this old bird, 42 years young and in rude health🙂

With windchill the Temp gauge barely got above zero, reminded me why back in the 80s we used cardboard and silver tape to blank the radiator!

HarveyMushman

NHK295M

Looks great! MOT exempt too now right? I always feel very old when I realise plenty of bikes from the 80s now qualify!

NHK295M

HarveyMushman

Yes it is MOT and Road Tax exempt…or it will be next moth as I declared the wrong year of manufacture when I imported the bike back in 2003, a schoolboy error as I was not aware of the 40 year rule back then.🙄

HarveyMushman

Making the most of the fact it’s not 5 degrees and raining!

Tal

Got out Saturday morning with my brother, Chew Valley lake then on to Cheddar Gorge. With a return trip via Thatchers for my brother to stock up on cider (not my thing!).

Lovely morning to be out!

« Previous Page