Back on two...
 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to ride again. My shattered kneecap had kept me away from riding for a solid year... well... it was my shattered kneecap and some projects around the house that have kept me from doing some maintenence on my bike.

Anyway, over the past month or so I have REALLY been itching to ride and finally had the confidence in my fucked up leg to be willing to do it. My family was congregating in SW Florida for Christmas and the day before ONSSP and I left, my aunt emailed me about riding. My father and uncle both have Harley Electra Glide Standards and live within about a mile of eachother... and my uncle was storing a friend's Electra Glide Ultra Classic, like so:

http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/...traClassic.jpg

I was a bit apprehensive about riding... 1) it's been a year and I've never ridden a bike that big... 2) it's someone elses bike... an expensive one at that...

Fuck it. I did it and it was GLORIOUS.

Taking off from the driveway I was quite nervous... this was a BIG machine. Quite a departure from what I was accustomed to. Everything on this bike was big. The grips had to be 2" in diameter. The bars were huge. The seat was huge. The tank was mammouth. The levers were the size of foot pegs and the rear brake pedal seemed to be borrowed off a mid-70's Caddy. Low speed manuevering was an exercise in brow sweat, shakey knees, and a lot of puckering... perhaps even a non-pavement skidmark or two.

Anyway, after several stop and go's I was back in action... everything felt comfortable, albeit foreign, but comfortable. Speaking of comfortable. Riding along for a while I look down at the odometer... Yeah, first time on a bike in a year and my ass is just starting to get uncomfortable at 80 miles. I'm thinking if I would have been on the TL, my ass would have been DONE at 80 miles. Now I'm starting to get the whole touring bike thing.

We ended the day with only two stops in 170 miles. The first was to get gas on the way out and the 2nd was about 100 miles into the ride to get some BK. Long straight boring SW FL roads, but a DAMN good time just being back on two.

Overall, I liked the big ol' Harley. It was huge, but VERY comfortable. I could definitely see knocking out a 4-500 mile day like nothing on a bike like this.

I was really surprised at how it handled too. Yeah, I wasn't going to win any races, but the steering was very neutral and the suspension, while soft, held strong in the turns. Scraping the kickstand on just about every left sucked, but what would you expect? The bike was very stable and surprisingly agile, for weighing half a ton.

Power was what I expected... absent. Off the line the v-twin torque did it's job and it had no problem getting all that weight moving. At speed however, the throttle was more of a 'make loud noise' switch than any sort of linkage to the rear tire. I found myself down shifting and revving the balls off the thing when I felt the need to accellerate hard. That being said, on a bike like that you don't NEED to do all that... It's a relax, be comfortable, and watch the miles tick by sort of machine.

The gearbox was suprisingly smooth... much smoother than my drop-kick the lever, clunk into place Buell had been. Granted, it's nothing like any of my Jap bikes as far as smoothness, but it was wayyyyy smoother than the Buell. If I had one of these bikes however, I would REALLY want the 6-speed tranny. That would have been nice on the short stretch of highway we rode.

The brakes stopped the bike, but that's about it. I remember reading a review in one of the MC rags about how the front brake did nothing, but in concert with the rear it stopped these machines well. I didn't really notice that, but I didn't have any panic braking opportunities either. The front brake seemed to stop the bike reasonably well and I didn't notice much difference using both the brakes at the same time. Perhaps that's just because I didn't HAVE to use them both as an emergency measure and just out of habit I don't usually apply much pressure to the rear.

Prior to riding this machine, I thought I got the whole Harley thing. Fit and finish is always superb, they look and sound great (IMHO), and there's a ton of history that it's neat to be a part of. However, after riding this bike I see that there is MUCH more to these machines than I previously thought. If someone's looking for a machine to rape the corners, triple the speed limit, and to push their own personal abilities to the limit, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a high quality comfortable machine that you can ride for NOTHING else than to simply enjoy the ride. Go buy a Harley... one's now on my short list.

Good write up and congrats for finally being able to get out and ride again, Any soreness in your knee after you finished?

Awesome! Welcome back.

Absolutely none. Given the riding position, I'm not surprised either. On my bike though, I imagine I will be quite uncomfortable.

One thing I forgot to mention in my first post was the fact that the highway pegs were sooooo comfortable. When my ass started getting a bit fatigued, I put my feet up on the highway pegs to shift some of the pressure. I didn't think it was going to make that big of a difference, but holy shit it was fantastic. I was VERY surprised at how much weight it took off my ass. 10 miles on the highway pegs and I could have done another 50 on the floorboards with no ill effects on my sensitive keester.

Welcome back, OSP!

GREAT write up. I am a BIG fan of the Ultra, it is definitely a machine that can help the non-believers "get it."

I'm glad to see you enjoyed the hog. My dad has the exact Ultra you have pictured. Once you learn to drag the rear brake, slow speed manuevers are a cinch.

Honestly, the low speed stuff wasn't even that bad. I was draggin' the brake, just as I do on my TL. The problem was, I KNEW I had like 900lbs of bike and 260lbs of fat guy in the seat which made me think too much... Give me a couple hours in the parking lot on that thing and I think I would have been 100% better... well, and make ME the owner. It's one thing crashing your bike. It's another thing crashing someone else's bike.. especially one that cost that much.

Oh, speaking of bikes that can change the opinion of HD... There's an article in one of the more recent issues of Motorcyclist where Jack Lewis admits to hating HD prior to riding a Road King, which he ends up loving. If I were to get an HD, it would probably be a Road King.

I love the Road King. Especially the Classic with the leather bags and white wall tires.

After spending 10 days aboard an Ultra touring the Western US it is nice to have the hard bags and the extra storage. When we ride my old man's bike, the wife loves the rear seat/arm rests/etc.

For me or local jaunts, I'd take the Road King. For two-up or touring I'd go Ultra every time.

Thats awesome man, glad to see you riding again. You going to go straight cruiser or keep the SB as well?

Yeah, I could see how the Electra would be better for two-up touring, but recognize that you are talking to a guy who thinks riding a Buell across the country, then riding a 954 back is a good idea... and would do it again.

I'm always going to be on a sportbike... maybe someday I will move to more of a sport-tourer, but for now I couldn't imagine JUST having a cruiser. Something of that sort would be a great 2nd bike. I'd probably be most likely to get a used Jap cruiser just because they are cheap... that is, if I was going to buy any sort of cruiser now, which I am not.

Nice to see you able to ride again. And wonderful write up. I really like the Ultra Classic. Gas Man's is gorgeous...especially with the trunk off. I absolutely considered buying one...but not now, with what HD did to my beloved Buell.

Congrats on riding again. I'm always nervous riding someone else's bike, even a demo bike.

Next time you'll avoid Kansas, and will make it across the Rockies. West of Denver, you don't have several miles to make a pass around cars. So it's nice to have a powerful sport/tourer. But there is a shop nearby that tunes turboed Harleys on their dyno. That's what I'd want if I had a big Harley.

Welcome back to the two-wheeled world.

I'd owned a new AMF Sporty way back in the when for a VERY short period of time as it was prone to fragging gearboxes, blowing off carbs during startup and shaking and shedding parts non-stop, so my opinion of Harleys had been very low. Then I picked up an 05 1200 Sporty a couple years ago and was really impressed with both the overall build quality and the way the bike ran. I rode it pretty much all summer (But still sold it, just like everything else but the Bimota).

They are nice bikes.....

Glad to hear you are back to riding again. Congrats.

Welcome back to the two wheel world and that you had the opportunity to ride something you not have considered in the past.

I learned when I rode my first SB that there is a time and place for all kinds of bikes.

Glad you got to ride again. I try to catch an HD demo day whenever possible, just to be able to ride.

Glad to hear you're back on two!

Great to see you back on two, and I enjoyed reading what you had to say about the bike.

damn u always write so well, it leaves u wanting to read more u should become a motorcyclist writer,editor nway glad ya bck im still bikeless but also plan on getting a sport bike and jap cruiser later on. I fought and fight with so many people about dif bikes and benefits including chrome and phat tires etc... i love em all. I'm glad u had the experience I have ridden several harley's and dif cruisers and they are very comfy and my dad has a goldwing three wheeler i like that too music,comfort, shit cup holder, u can't beat it. now go find a lowered shiny busa so u can stop hating on those guys. lol

Ha we are old! I had an AMF Sporty too and after I broke down for the third time in 6 months, I traded it for the 1200 Sporty and it broke within 1,000 miles...Old Mr Barnett, let me trade it in for a '81 Yamaha Seca 750. A couple more Yamaha standards/cruisers and then I got my '88 V-Max....I was done with Harley, I don't know if I'll ever go back.

I'm glad you're riding again Zach! I still want you to come visit even if we're not going whoring....

I'm glad you're riding again Zach! I still want you to come visit even if we're not going whoring


awwww a lil man love to start off 2010

Homo

lmao, just to clarify that's qouted from tigger I should have quoted it.

How did you fuck up your knee? Crashed?

I rode an HD once. Loved the motor, didn't like anything else.

Yea he crashed a 50cc pit bike....

110cc motherfucker... well, it was at least 70...:gofurslf: :lol:

nice to see you on two again, are you planning any trips to TN this year? is deals gap calling your name?

Let's work on riding consistently first... anyway, I saw you called me... what's up?

Wish a happy new year and merry christmas and see if you wanted a chain or if a set of new brake pads I have would fit ur bike

Chain you say...

OSP... great write up. Its funny how much people say about HDs when they really know nothing about them. What year was that Ultra? If its pre 2009, you would really like the 2009 + . A whole new frame to make it much more agile and nuetral. The bike will stand straight up with no lean, very well balanced. The new brembo brakes with optional abs (Ihave) are great for stopping. Especially like you said when you're most of the time over a half ton. The bike alone weights in at like 970#.

Very true on the rear brake... that is a must on any big cruiser.

I love RKs. They are a great middle ground touring bike. Doesn't have all the greatness of that large fairing, stereo, etc. But you can still pack in the side bags and go.

You can get the RK with the hard side bags. Hell if you want to spend the $$ you can put on a quick disconnected tourpack.

Why thank you sir. I love the no tourpack look
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...ly/NE09020.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...ly/NE09029.jpg

But when it comes to haulin around a gal and more stuff... can't beat that huge tourpack.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...sic/OBW029.jpg
You should check out a post 2007 Sporty. The FI, tweaked frame, better mouting on the motor, and wider rear tire did huge improvements to their old models.

Both of you should really reformulate your opinion on a newer HD. Much like the American cars, they have come real far in the last couple years.

Oh trust me, I understand that HD makes a much better bike these days but to be honest, I don't see any real reason to come back... No offense to the Ultra but I'd imagine that the Goldwing or another big touring bike is just as good. I don't know but I'd have a hard time choosing a Sportster 1200 over a M109R, for example. Maybe a V-Rod... but of course that's not really a Harley any more than the new Buells were.

I hear ya. But have you ever even sat on a goldwing? Way different. Not as different as say my Ultra compared to say Trips Beemer. But different.

My BIL wants a touring bike on his next one. big and comfy. He said my floor boards aren't forward enough. He kept saying goldwing here he comes. He sat on one... NOPE. Worse with no chance of modification where as the HD you can move em forward a bit.

And yes the Vroads are really sweet. But true... not really intergrated well into the rest of the lineup. Kinda sits out there as something different. But I love em! but I admit, I'm not the normal hd owner.

You're probably right. My main problem is I'm VERY brand loyal! I rode Harleys until they completely pissed me off and then Yamahas until I got two lemons in a row and now I'm on my 7th Suzuki and (knock on wood) I've had absolutely zero mechanical problems and that's the truth! I know people want to throw up a bunch of negativity about frames or whatever but I've never had that problem and I've never personally known anyone who had a frame "fall apart" as the rumor has it. Shit, I'm on three GSXR type forums and I've never even seen a first hand report of a frame problem.

I hear ya. I'm the same way. Maybe its a michigan boy thing?

Could be! All my cars/trucks have been GM and all my bikes, including ATVs and Dirt have been Suzuki for the last decade or so. I would have been going on 25 years or so with Yamaha but they fucked up!!!!

Really... GM... I didn't see you as a GM guy.

Yep, every car that I've ever owned minus 5 (Alfa Romero, RX7, Mustang, Dodge Daytona (pos), crappy Porsche 924) have been GM, mostly Chevy trucks and Pontiac cars.

I'm sure you have noticed a significant improvement over the years on your GM cars.

It was an '04 I think... Looked IDENTICAL to the one I had in the pic except it had fringe hanging from the levers and laced wheels. I read about the upgrades on the new Electra's when the bike rags were swooning over them. Honestly though, as long as I had that 6th gear I would have been real happy with the one I rode.

Trust me... night and day improvement on the 2009 + years. You would be surprised. They look the same... but way no, they aren't. That is a HD thing. Make it look like it always has, but perform better. Also, yes, they have a standard 6speed now... I think 2007 or 08

Nice that you're back riding....

gotten on your TL lately?


any chance you'll make it to the Rally in May? it's about time you make an appearance

No and no. The TL has been sitting over a year so I have some maintenance that needs to be done and other projects have been in the way. I started taking a supplement with condroitant amd glucosumene that's been working wonders for my knee so riding cramped up should be no issue... Its just a matter of prepping the bike.

I start a new job on Monday and I'm looking to buy a house so I fear it will be on hold for a bit while longer. I have the itch BAD but my priorities just aren't lining up.... Yet.

damn well good luck... i'm fuck'n going crazy with out my bike... but I'm going next week to pick it up so... I'll have my fix again soon...

gonna suck though... moving with only a bike... gotta get every damn thing done in two days with the moving truck...

You're moving again? where to now?

just apartments... my current 1 bedroom joby is 780 a month... I can renew it at 750 a month...

or

I can get a newer 2 bedroom (same exact floor plan, same company) for 750... and get $100 off my pro rated rent for march... AND April is free... hummm...

now I'll have a room for my girl's kids when they come down... or family.

Sweet write up OSP. One of my general manager's her in the city is trying hard to sell me his HD Sportster. I know its not even close to what you rode, but it might be worth atleast coaxing a test ride out of the guy....

BTW.... there is way too much love in this thread. Did everybody's significant other put out today or something??? :scratch:

bah, kick the kids to the curb. you didn't make 'em, and you have business to attend to when she's around! :lol:

congrats on being back on 2 wheels. It always surprises the crap out of me when I get the opportunity to ride one of those big HD's and it corners like there's no tomorrow.

One day I'll have one in the stable (like after the little one is through college)