BMW & Harley Davidson, what an odd combination.

dannyleo · 01-06-2005, 11:16 PM

Okay, seems like more than a few of us have the oddball combination. Especially since this isn't just a BMW, but an "S" forum. Really at opposite ends of the spectrum. How many of us are out there with what?

VetteRacer · 01-07-2005, 02:28 AM

Maybe because its such opposite ends thats its not that oddball afterall? Like having a sports car and a sedan sorta right?

Only Beemers for me, only Hardleys I like are the old tractor seats. But I do respect them I suppose

Matt

Merrimac · 01-07-2005, 03:00 AM

What about the guys that have two BMWs? For instance a R1100S and an R1100/1150RT? Are we odd?

Jeff "S" Moore

werewulf · 01-07-2005, 03:35 AM

wow, i can see the potential for fur flying on this post. i really should leave this one alone! im still fired up from last night, when i went to "bike" night at floyds diner. all the "posers" where out in force and i had to take it on the chin about the beemer being a "crotch rocket". most of the negative remarks didnt come from the harleys, they came from the "hondayamasuki" harley clone group and some "felon wannabes". but then, i would really like a yamaha v-max, probably my next bike.
i have owned 6 new harleys in the last 5 years. i just sold my fxdx and my bmw-rt last month. i still think harleys are a "well made", "pretty" "low technology bike". they are easier to do your own maintainace on than a bmw. im one of those geeks that rides a harley with a full face helmet and doesnt own a doo rag.
i may buy another v-rod one day, because they upset the "doo rag" bunch so much! but then, i really hope it never comes to the point in my life, that i care what brand of bike some one else rides.

dannyleo · 01-07-2005, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Merrimac
What about the guys that have two BMWs? For instance a R1100S and an R1100/1150RT? Are we odd?

Jeff "S" Moore

Matter of fact, I do have an 85 K100 RT sitting in the garage as well, just not in my signature.

BoxerRep53 · 01-07-2005, 05:44 AM

Hmm......I've got a 1960 Harley Servicar in the family....ridden it a few times...just technically not mine.

Rattus · Rattus's Garage

I just have a Beemer, but I find the Harley Sportster appealing. I think it's because its reminiscent of Evel Knievel's bike. There's a kind of nostalgia and purist minimalism that gives a special kind of biking experience that is genuinely American. Since watching American Chopper I sorta "get" the whole chopper phenomenon too. It's not really my scene, but I can appreciate it now whereas I didn't have that much respect for it before.

ama · 01-07-2005, 01:12 PM

hey Werewolf; where on the Suwanee are you; I'm in Gainesville and try to get to Floyd's as often as I can.
ama

werewulf · 01-07-2005, 01:45 PM

ama: im in live oak! we are riding to gainesville tomorrow! i was a week early on bike night, its next week. gotta enjoy this 80 degree weather while we can!

JerryTreeXprt · 01-07-2005, 02:40 PM

The Sportster is my wife's ride, although she doesn't ride it all that often.

BoxerRep53 · 01-07-2005, 03:40 PM

Gotta clean up 'dem pipes, Jerry.

Anton · 01-07-2005, 03:46 PM

Have a Beemer, thinking about a Harley, I hear them there FXDXs run real nice, just don't know if I want to shell out the cash for one, maybe if I can find a used one cheap

.

motoman · motoman's Garage

I got one. Softail Night Train because it had the most Black on it.

It's OK if you ride it the way they it was intended. I think it only took 'em 100 years to make a decent bike...

sfarson · 01-07-2005, 08:30 PM

Nice Nighttrain motoman.

I think there's a number of BMW riders with Harleys and not just here... there's an advrider thread on this and also at bmwsporttouring.com. Number of reasons but I think a key one is minimal overlap in the product line (except for the 1200c and 1200LT).

As Peter Egan noted... five bikes was about the right number... sport, sport-touring, dirt/dual-sport, a big hog (cruiser), and an old crock.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

Anton
I had an '02 FXDX before the S, I over-compensated after a VFR. HD is 150 lbs heavier & 2/3 the hp. Front brake was still whole hand after ss lines & floating rotors. Wasted a year of weekends with it. It was easy to work on, no reliability issues for me.

Jim

dannyleo · 01-08-2005, 10:28 AM

CK
Man dude! You got it all. Tell me again why I don't want your life....

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by dannyleo
CK
Man dude! You got it all. Tell me again why I don't want your life....

Ummm... because I had to pay for all that stuff

At this point things are finally paid for, but debt can be a killer. I have no plans to buy any more bikes with credit and do the debt thing again. Particularly in tiny towns where paychecks can be very uncertain. I have my stable and I like it - and can shuffle around with trade ins and bargaining, so its more a matter of maintaining and upgrading when I'm feeling spendy.

Moybin · 01-08-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckcarr

I can picture Moybin cursing and screamin at me in his neighborhood on this bike! I'd be waving at him like the little Moab Man ...

Man, how could you tell! I'm always cursing! Ex-sub sailor, have to stay in shape! Use it or lose it! Besides, this is hickville; I'm the best free 2-dollar entertainment on the block! I figure I'm the only person helping the next couple generations of kids fight the PC crowd and their Bill Gates/MSenglish dictionary! Words enpower, powerful words... peese off Mom!!!! Priceless.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

ckcarr
I should have been clearer, was comparing the S to the HD, not the VFR. For me the S is a nice balance between the two, plus being much better 2 up & luggage ready.

Jim

Anton · 01-08-2005, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the pictures ckcarr, good looking bikes you got there. I've ridden them, I like 'em, but your right, no comparison to the S or a Hayabusa. A lot of fun just to cruise around on. I doubt I'll own one anytime soon though, too much money.

I just sold my monster. Thought it was the wrong bike for Utah. Sure its fun in the twisties, but Utah has a lot of straight and flat holded them twisties together. When I was living and riding in SW Wisconsin, it was tough to find a straightaway. Beautiful roads for a bike like the Ducati.

I think there are a lot of similarities between HD and BMW riders(maybe Moto-Guzzi riders too). They are simple aircooled machines with long histories and loyal followings.