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Anyone heading to Sturgis ?

jimmyjones

jimmyjones

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2005
Messages
4,080
sturgis_hog.jpg


Title says it all.

It'd be cool to connect up with some fellow Busseholics up in the badlands.

I'll be leaving Wed. Aug 8, coming back on the 12th. It's only 400 miles from here, usually get up there mid-day. Staying in Rapid with friends.

Anybody heading up I-25 from the south and feels like taking a stop in CO, give me a yell. Boulder's northwest of Denver (north of I-70, west of I-25) on highway 36. I got room.

No worries about your knife budget, Sturgis is notorious for it's lack of quality cutlery, "Anything on the table for $10" :eek::barf: I usually have more invested in edged tools on my person then the inventories of many of the "cutlery" vendors. It's fun looking at the knock offs and junk. Although I did score a Mel Pardue BM auto it the Full Throttle a couple of years back, so it's not a total desert.
 
Hey, Jimmy! You may be the perfect person to ask... I started to post something on G&G but, since you broached the subject here, I want a HOGs opinion of Hogs.

Alright... I had a lil bike twenty years ago in High School. A 1980 Honda 550 - shaft drive, water cooled, four cylinder. Thing is... I want a bike again. This may have to wait until the move is over so finances can recover, but I see one coming in the future. More than likely, I see trips around town and some commuting to work.

I have no interest in a crotch rocket but want either a standard or cruiser. I've looked at inexpensive Magnas, Viragos, Shadows and Maxims. Even a new (clearance - last model year) Shadow Spirit. I haven't looked at Harleys, Victorys, or Indians due to the co$t.

So, my Busse related question: Busses are hard to explain to some newbies. The expense is on the higher end but the tradeoff is unmatched performance and a lifetime warranty. The Busse HOGs are a bonus!

In Busse terms, explain the Harley to me. I think I know, but I am hoping you can enlighten me in Busse terms. I do think Fat Boys are beautiful - I would rather have torquey cruising than hi-revving performance.

Should I go for simple, cheap Honda maintenance or, based on my cruiser desire, go for a Hog?

Thanks!
 
Paddling HOG, I haven't ridden in awhile and I'm certainly not JJ, but I will say with a little authority, Fat Boys RULE! HD is more than a legend and a chunk 'o' history. It's a way of life. Good luck in your search and whatever you ride, enjoy!
 
Paddling Man- I know I'm going to suffer for this, and you didn't direct your question to me, but I have been riding for over 30 years and grew up wanting a Harley, so, as a "brother in Busse" I've got to tell you- there are some similarities and some differences between Busses and Harleys.

Both have a dedicated following, both need to be experienced to be "gotten", both are expensive and unique, and both have their own mystique. Now the difference (as I see it) is that Busses really are the top of the line when it comes to performing- they are the real deal.

Harleys are the real deal only as far as being Harleys- Nothing looks like, sounds like, or rides like a Harley. If that is what you want, you really need to buy a Harley. With that said, even though they have made some progress, as far as motorcycles go, they are overpriced, underperforming, and comparatively unreliable. They are heavy, feature out-of-date engineering, and have terrible customer service- just spend some time Googling "Harley+service issues" for a real wake-up call. They don't go, stop or handle near as well as bikes costing 1/3 as much.

To me, that is NOT in line with Busse- although they both appeal to the same people. I would LOVE to have a Harley, but I ride my bikes too much and too hard to deal with their shortcomings, especially at a premium price.

It boils down to what you want out of a bike- would you buy a knife you liked the looks of if it was made from "Surgical Stainless"? I don't mean to be harsh, but Harley just really never kept up- they used to be one of the best. Like MMIAM says, though, they do have that whole "way of life" image thing going, if that appeals to you.
 
I'll add one more comment that separates Harley owners from Busse owners. I'd say 95% of the Harley owners are RUBs (poseur rich urban bikers). Probably 0% of Busse owners are mall ninjas.

That said, I'm still wrenching on my troublehead so I won't be making it to ANY rallies until October, at the earliest. :(
 
Interesting question, in Busse terms.

First the lecture :eek:

The current median age for serious motorcycle injuries is 47, and rising.

The story goes, I rode dirtbikes as a teenager, and I had a mid sized during my college days, after I met the missus, got rid of the bike, raised kids... The kids are on their own, I've got a little extra money and I'd like to start riding again.
Due to all their prior riding experience they don't see the need for rider safety training, certainly not the beginners course (I take both courses regularly).

They're over their heads and wind up getting injured. It just happened to a friend of mine, who I've told this story to :(. He still had his MC license, so he rode it home from the dealership, made it half way crashed and screwed up his leg. He's got a new bike but he won't be riding it this season, I had to ride it home from impound, brand new Suzuki C90 :rolleyes:

Taking the safety course prior to bike shopping is the way to go, if it's been awhile and your rusty, you don't have as keen a sense of how it feels. After taking the course you can walk in with confidence, enjoy the demo ride and have a better idea of what you want.

I highly recommend a motorcycle safety training course, check out ABATE of Indiana, great folks.

[/lecture];)


Busse content: GW on Main Street across from Gunner's.
warden_on_main_1.jpg


Eventually everybody (I'm talking riders, not trailer queen owners) ends up with a Harley, some don't enjoy the experience for what ever reason, and move on to something else. The rest stay.

If you don't own an HD, there's always the question in the back of you mind about owning a HD, what would it be like. There's still the perceived stigma of being on a bike other than a Harley. I've got friends who just love their 'Metric' Cruisers, and still do that "it's not a Harley" crap. It's about riding and being in the wind, not what you ride.

Take the riding course, and go hit some of the dealerships, I don't know about the others, but Harley does demo rides, try a few differant brands/models.

Then go buy a FatBoy !

I ride a Heritage, same bike, a little more pimped up, makes a great small touring bike, it's my mini-RoadKing, 150 lbs lighter.

I love my Hog, I've though about a GoldWing or BMW, but I'd still keep the HD, and it would still see the majority of my riding.

If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand ;)
 
Paddling_man said:
Hey, Jimmy! You may be the perfect person to ask... I started to post something on G&G but, since you broached the subject here, I want a HOGs opinion of Hogs.

Alright... I had a lil bike twenty years ago in High School. A 1980 Honda 550 - shaft drive, water cooled, four cylinder. Thing is... I want a bike again. This may have to wait until the move is over so finances can recover, but I see one coming in the future. More than likely, I see trips around town and some commuting to work.

I have no interest in a crotch rocket but want either a standard or cruiser. I've looked at inexpensive Magnas, Viragos, Shadows and Maxims. Even a new (clearance - last model year) Shadow Spirit. I haven't looked at Harleys, Victorys, or Indians due to the co$t.

So, my Busse related question: Busses are hard to explain to some newbies. The expense is on the higher end but the tradeoff is unmatched performance and a lifetime warranty. The Busse HOGs are a bonus!

In Busse terms, explain the Harley to me. I think I know, but I am hoping you can enlighten me in Busse terms. I do think Fat Boys are beautiful - I would rather have torquey cruising than hi-revving performance.

Should I go for simple, cheap Honda maintenance or, based on my cruiser desire, go for a Hog?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I'd also suggest looking into the Yamaha V Star and the Yamaha Road Star (either or depending on your size). I'm considering the Road Star Blacked out right now...You can get a new one for around $10,700 and a used one a couple years old with under 10,000 miles for around $5-$7,000. Not a bad deal at all......the V Star is even cheaper. Both are excellent Japanese bikes with a great sound and great ride. I've given both a spin and they're AWESOME!!
 
I don't have any present plans for Sturgis, but if I can clear my calendar, I might just do it.
 
Paddling_man said:
Hey, Jimmy! You may be the perfect person to ask... I started to post something on G&G but, since you broached the subject here, I want a HOGs opinion of Hogs.

Alright... I had a lil bike twenty years ago in High School. A 1980 Honda 550 - shaft drive, water cooled, four cylinder. Thing is... I want a bike again. This may have to wait until the move is over so finances can recover, but I see one coming in the future. More than likely, I see trips around town and some commuting to work.

I have no interest in a crotch rocket but want either a standard or cruiser. I've looked at inexpensive Magnas, Viragos, Shadows and Maxims. Even a new (clearance - last model year) Shadow Spirit. I haven't looked at Harleys, Victorys, or Indians due to the co$t.

So, my Busse related question: Busses are hard to explain to some newbies. The expense is on the higher end but the tradeoff is unmatched performance and a lifetime warranty. The Busse HOGs are a bonus!

In Busse terms, explain the Harley to me. I think I know, but I am hoping you can enlighten me in Busse terms. I do think Fat Boys are beautiful - I would rather have torquey cruising than hi-revving performance.

Should I go for simple, cheap Honda maintenance or, based on my cruiser desire, go for a Hog?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


A Harley can't be explained in Busse terms. A Busse is objectively better than anything else going. A Harley only spiritually better. If you want value for the money, get a Yamaha RoadStar. Only get a Harley if you want those intangibles that typically manifest themselves in high prices, an incomparable exhaust note, and easily rusting chrome.

BTW, I ride a FatBoy, and I'm seriously considering riding it from East Bumfuch, Texas to Sturgis this year. If I can work out the time off work and find someone to look after my cancer-ridden dog for a couple weeks.



ETA: Not just any Fatboy, this Fatboy:

4thq887.jpg
 
Harleys are underpowered, overweight, and overpriced. You are buying a lifestyle not unlike the whole Apple iWhatever concept, not just a motorcycle. If you want a good bike, there are many better choices that provide performance a Harley can only dream of. If you want to display your rugged individualism like all the other lemmings, HD is your ticket.

Rick

P. S. On the other hand, I love the Buell Ulysses.
 
I'm doing the ABATE course this weekend. ;) No pride or vanity where saving my hide is concerned!
 
rbmcmjr said:
Harleys are underpowered, overweight, and overpriced. You are buying a lifestyle not unlike the whole Apple iWhatever concept, not just a motorcycle. If you want a good bike, there are many better choices that provide performance a Harley can only dream of. If you want to display your rugged individualism like all the other lemmings, HD is your ticket.

Rick

P. S. On the other hand, I love the Buell Ulysses.
Click to expand...

Wow, written like some of the posts that claim Busse fans are just into another fad. :thumbdn: Not everybody who likes a brand is a stereotype.
 
mymindisamob said:
Not everybody who likes a brand is a stereotype.
Click to expand...

But most are.

rbmcmjr is right...mostly. There is a small minority that loves Harleys for what they are. You won't find any of them in a stealership buying the latest 2007 model year or plastering their bodies with the newest logo'ed frippery.
 
Last bike I worked on was a 58 Panhead. I sure wish I was riding that East right now. I really don't care for any HDs past about 2002. Only thing I've ridden or owned trendy is a couple Ninjas and a 1976 Honda CB1150. Buell and Honda both make me want to go fast, but I like to cruise, rather than compete with post-pubescents and mid-life crisis wannabes.
But, as wiser men than I have already stated, It's about getting out and riding, not a Brand Bowl.
Whoever's riding, have fun and be safe.:thumbup:
 
PM, another brand that has some fun stuff to look at for around town and communting is Triumph. I demo-ed a couple of them a few years ago and really liked them. The only brands that inspire me are BMW, Triumph and Harley. The rest are fine bikes and offer their own brand of mistique, but they just don't peak my interest much. That being said, I still envy the guy that passes me on his metric bike when I'm driving the truck to work.

For what it's worth, there are good deals around on older used Harley's if that's what your heart desires. And lets face it, that's what riding is all about. I currently ride a 1984 Harley FLHTC and will be riding it to Florida this week for a short trip over a long weekend.

JJ, great advise on the rider education and I'm glad that PM is going. Wish I could see you in Sturgis, but it won't happen this year for me. Have fun and ride safe!
 
Cheers to that, Mobster.

For what it's worth, the best damn Harley engine builder I know of--a grizzled old vet who works only on Shovelheads and earlier--rides a BMW R1150RT or 1200 or something.
 
bluejaunte said:
Cheers to that, Mobster.

For what it's worth, the best damn Harley engine builder I know of--a grizzled old vet who works only on Shovelheads and earlier--rides a BMW R1150RT or 1200 or something.
Click to expand...

Yep, after my father retired from the Navy, he raced for HD and Triumph for a short time. He discovered Honda one day, and from that day forward he turned his nose up at anything resembling Harley-Davidson. Well, that is except my ol' 125 Flat Dirt Track racer. We beat that thing until I discovered Yamaha YZs.;) :thumbup:

BTW, I think BMW makes the best tour bikes EVER, IMHO (and a Superb M6 as well):D
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm leaning toward starting out again with something inexpensive (ie... Swamp Rat was my gateway drug to Busse) just to reacquaint myself.

I also appreciate the voice of concern - some of you might like to buy some of my blades but NOT from my widow. For what it's worth, I am VERY carefully approaching riding again. Feeling out of control is no fun at my age. :)
 
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