6
-
Required reading for all forum users!!!
Welcome!
Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.A note to new registrants...
All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.A Special Note about Email accounts!
DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.A note to old forum members...
I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.
Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...
-
Returning Visitors
If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.
If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.
-
In order to help others find info on a particular bike, be sure to put the year, make or model of bike that you are asking a question about, in the Topic Title. This will allow people to pass by posts they have no interest in.
U
UncleMike
Guest
I'd say the big-block vs. Datsun Z is a spot-on comparison.
However, I don't think anyone has ever assumed a Harley V-twin is frail or wimpy.
Big block in a dump truck, maybe. A Corvette or Camaro or a Holden Maloo, or a Vauxhall Monaro, or a Cadillac with an LS2 is a fast car. Even the V Rod is not a fast motorcycle by the standards of a 1980 GS1100, or a 2004 SV 650. Realistically, I see no parallel between the performance of the LS family and the big twin.
U
UncleMike
Guest
Yeah, but most of those old musclecars DID have truck suspensions!
I used to run the Lotus Club Track Day at Portland International Raceway. There were a couple Street Chevelle's that ran it too. It was fun to watch them run consistent laps and slowly reel in Porsche's and other cars you expect more from. Those Chevelle's ran some of the SCCA Solo events I used to run too. They were well set up cARS, and worked better than most people expected.
6
650cafe
Guest
Same basic engine architecture perhaps? Hmm...2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-drive valves, cam in the case...none of that is similar? Hell, for a time small-blocks (which the LS is based on) and big twins even shared similar bore/stroke numbers. At one overbore size (can't remember which) guys would even run small-block pistons in their big twins. Small block valves will even interchange in some models.
The fact is that Harleys are not meant for pure performance like many foreign bikes are. They are designed for real-world riding, and their performance is tuned as such. Yes, they are stuck on style, but that doesnt mean they dont perform too. But you cant tell me that other manufacturer's dont have a symbolistic style too. Why are you drawn to Suzuki GS-series bikes rather than Honda CB's or Yamaha XS's? They all perform pretty much the same, feel the same, do the same things well...why Suzuki's? Be honest...is it cuz you "got a good deal on it"? Just happened to be a Suzuki rather than a Yamaha? Or a Harley for that matter? I like Suzuki's. Of the Japanese manufacturer's I prefer them. I cant really say why except that almost all my other motorcycles besides Harley's have been Suzuki's. I've owned 2 Honda's (junk) and 1 Husky, but still prefer Suzooks. It's because of their style, I gurantee you. Because of the stance of the bike, or the shape of the tank or the look of the engine. So don't bash on Harley's because they are style conscious. And if you dont think they can perform then you've never ridden a properly set-up one.
6
650cafe
Guest
And concerning the 1980 GS1100/v-rod comparison...they are actually about even. The GS was good for about an 11.20 ET (11.18, Cycle magazine) and the V-rod (02 model, first year) turned an 11.31 according to Motorcyclist. Yes, there are over 20 years seperating them, but for the sake of argument, the Rod is actually quite competative with the GS1100. Both bikes ran close to 120mph in the quarter.
U
UncleMike
Guest
It's all about riding position for me, nothing more. I'm 6'4" and my joints have never been very good. I need a standard position.
The silly-ass culture that comes along with Harley ownership is a whole other issue.
The silly-ass culture that comes along with Harley ownership is a whole other issue.
6
650cafe
Guest
Fair-enough there Mike. That's one reason I prefer Harleys. I dont set up any of mine with radical ape-hangers or anything like that. I do like my feet kicked out, but the stock pegs are actually very "standard" as you put it.
I agree there is some goofy **** that can go along with owning a Harley, but it's the exception, not the rule. 90% of the Harley riders I know, you would never guess they own a bike, much less a Harley. For me alot of it has to do with owning an American-made product too. Yes, yes,....all the Japanese manufacturers employ American workers in factorys too, I know. But they didnt start out that way. Good on them for moving some production here, but too little, too late in my opinion.
I have nothing against Japanese bikes...they are excellent machines, and supremely good at what they do. Thing is, so is a Harley.
U
UncleMike
Guest
It's the feet-forward design that's the issue for me. My lower back can't take that for long.
I remember when I was restoring the gauges on my 1150 and needed some bulbs. The closest motorcycle shop to me in Boston was a Harley shop. When I walked in and asked about the bulbs, the guy behind the counter asked, "What bike are they for."
"Old Suzuki 1150."
"Yeah, we don't carry stuff for that jap crap."
"Oh? Where do you think the "Nippon-Denso" on your Harley gauges came from?"
They tried to pull the same sh*t when I came in the following spring for fork oil.
Exactly, its not the bike, its the daft up themselves tossers that ride them.
G
Guest
Guest
I have Harley shop bulbs in the tail/brake of the old suzuki, they have an extra support for the filament and stand up to vibration really well.
this entertaining video of Hildo's ratty harley vs Ricky's Yamazuki http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKqe0LdWwc
this entertaining video of Hildo's ratty harley vs Ricky's Yamazuki http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKqe0LdWwc
R
ramrod400
Guest
I ran into almost same thing on my 1100e one time out on a road trip,I can't remember what happen think a wire came loose and blew out all my bulbs...
Only thing around was a harley shop, One of the parts guy acted nuts and said if it wasn't a harley they had no way of looking it up
Another guy came up and said the bulbs they had were same thing and he could hook me up..he said they would be twice as much as walmart or car parts store......So I just got headlight and taillight bulbs and headed out.
S
Scout
Guest
I need to check back in here more often! You guys really get after it holy smokes! I actually sold my 05' Softail this weekend and am now down to just one Harley which is halfway across the country in Florida. Been working my friends 79' GS1000 and finally got the tires on it and road worthy this weekend. Now I know what all the fuss is around here, this frickin' bike hauls azz and performs very well in the curves! The brakes are lacking but for a guy like me who is used the riding style of "old and slow" I found this old GS gave me a big old kick in the pants! Too be honest the lack of forward controls took me some getting use to but overall I am very impressed by these machines. My friend is a beginner and he has yet to ride her... it's honestly too much bike for him.
U
UncleMike
Guest
Lots of good options for brake upgrades. Glad to see you're having a good time with it!
eddie21
Forum Mentor
I had a 2004 Road King for 6 years. It was a very reliable bike with some Headquarters performance upgrades. It had 90hp at the rear wheel with 95 ft/lbs of torque. It scooted along ok but it hated to turn! I wanted something reliable for long distance touring and it sufficed for awhile. When the Concours 1400 came out, that was it for the Harley. We've always heard that HD's hold their value - not anymore! I found out the hard way, lost a lot of money getting rid of it. As has been said here already, a pirates life was not for me! The bikes are actually quite decent, the stigma that goes along with owning one can be a little cringe-worthy though.
S
Scout
Guest
I interned (worked free) in a harley dealership for a few months and then worked nearly 3 years in a harley exclusive service/repair shop and I am surprised at some of the trouble you guys have had getting simple things such as lights and fork oil. Both places I worked would have taken your money and smiled if they had what you wanted on hand. At the last place I worked at least once a week someone would bring a metric something in for tires, oil changes or service and we would have to turn them away and pizz them off because we simply did not have service manuals or simple replacement parts like oil filters or chains on hand for all the different models. The Harley stuff we kept a very decent stock of. The only exception was a doctor who's office was a block away and was a big Vulcan rider brought in his own oil filters by the case and a shop manual and our owner agreed to do all his work/maintenance, for a tidy profit I might add 
S
Scout
Guest
The H-D bikes if well maintained, in my opinion, are reliable as any other bike or vehicle on the road. The 1 % type wannabe stuff is something I did not personally experience much, mostly white collar type weekend warrior type riders is who I dealt with professionally.
U
UncleMike
Guest
Just as bad.
S
Scout
Guest
I have had a blast working on his bike and just wrenching in general again. Its been literally years since I have had the tool box out! I'm getting my s*&t together and will be leaving the area very soon and getting on with my life. The bike really needs a stainless steel brake line upgrade at minimum in the near future and will require maintenance but I fear the 25 year old owner of the bike will probably never do another thing to the bike. I haven't even got his lazy butt to join this group yet. Must be nice to be 25 without a care in the world
Last edited:
