You Harley bashers just don't get. I have a 91 FLHTCU (think Honda Wing for you rice eaters
) and I love it.
Absolutely it does NOT go as FAST or HANDLE, or STOP as well as (most) metric bikes. The level of performance is based upon enjoying the ride, not to see how fast I get there.
The HD has a certain visceral ambience about it. It is about the slow, enjoyable ride. To really take in the scenery as you rumble by. Running two lane roads with big twin rumbling, the total comfort of the riding position, the healthy yet not obnoxious exhaust... it's really nice.
Compared to the FJR, I don't have to buy radiator guards for it. Or worry about an anemic charging system. Or valves starting to tick at 5000 miles. Or oil leaking. Or replacing rear tires every 6000. Or loss of resale (although the rate has gone from just freakin' ridiculous to above average in the last several years). No muss, no fuss valve adjustments. Parts that I can get to *if* they should go bad e.g. regulator, ignition module, etc. I can pull spark plugs in 20 seconds. Airfilter maintenance is easier than pulling plugs. Mounting aftermarket horns? No problem. Passenger to pillion, bike to bike communcation stock. Stereo stock. CB stock. Greatly reduced need to farkle! :bleh:
For the record, the bike still has original valves, tranny, rings, etc. The engine and tranny are original. The only items replaced have been consumable things like drive belts, cables, tires, filters, etc. No massive top end tear downs looking for Timex watch sounds or anything else. All original. The paint and chrome as still very very nice. Much better than any of the other older bikes I have. Mileage? Best guess is >70k. The Japanese made speedo died and I did have to replace that.
Also - I don't have a tattoo one, no piercings, and don't buy into the so-called HD LifeStyle crap. I wear protective clothing and an Arai X-Over helmet. To me the HD is just another bike created so some humanoid can get their face in the wind. Isn't that what it's about? :clap:
I guess what I'm trying to say is that under it all is a truly functional motorcycle. After 15 years of being on the road with this bike I would not hesitate a New York second to head out for a 6,000 mile run. My bet is that most throw-away, mass produced 15-year old metric bikes are not able make the same statement. Some Wings, some Euro bikes (Bmw) yes. But most, no. Additionally, 15 years from now, the FLH will still be running. Parts still available. No worries about not finding the ECU for the ABS or FI. Like older BMW's and others they are infinitely rebuildable.
Having said all that, I can't wait to get my 06A that's due THIS MONTH. I seriously considered selling the FLH to sponsor the FJR then decided who needs a new roof anyway?? :eh:
To me, both bikes are good at different things. When I get the speed itch I'll be on the FJR. Or if I need to haul the bacon to make the destination on time. Commuting will be on the FJR. It will be the daily ride. But when I'm looking for that slower pace, to cruise on 2 lane roads on that nice spring/summer day, it will be the HD. Even my long tours will most likely be on the HD. Time will tell on that issue. Each bike serves a different purpose and need.
Sorry for the rant, but all the anti-HD bashing lately pissed me off. From appearances, some on this board are just as bigoted and mulleted as those they describe in the HD crowd. If you want to experience the other side of the coin, ride a big twin to some sport bike events. It's the same old thing just reversed. Sad in a way.
Ride free, ride long. Ride what you want. If you are riding any freakin' thing with 2 wheels you are my friend and ally. Even bicycles. So there.
Flame on. :bigeyes:
PS if you really want to piss a 1% HD bigot off, tell him about all the Japanese/Euro parts on that 'Americun' machine. German pistons. Showa forks, Japanese instrument cluster, and the list goes on and on...
Have fun guys and gals, did not mean to offend my fellow FJR brothers with this post.
"Just Ride".
