Harley Davidson Street 750 and Street 500/New Liquid-Cooled Revolution X Engines

[RDHenley]

After reading through this whole thing and enjoying some of the back and forth, and some of the off topic too, I found an often overlooked thing I can completely agree with.

Originally Posted by XLXR

If Harley has to meet EPA corporate emission standards, maybe selling electric and water cooled bikes with allow them to keep selling air cooled bikes. I'd like to think that more sophisticated cooling systems with oil and fuel injection can keep air cooled heads and cylinders around longer than we think.

+1 for bringing that up, I'd have given you some rep on that but apparently I have to spread some more around first as I've already rep'd you for the suspension thread. Most people would be amazed at how much government regulation affects what's manufactured, in some cases probably as much as the demands of the marketplace. Having some things that surpass the standards in the line helps offset the penalties for producing what the marketplace really wants but doesn't meet the standards.

And then, something I completely disagree with.

Originally Posted by XLXR

Problem is, it looked too heavy and too big for beginner, small in stature, riders. In that case, the Honda Rebel 450, or 400, whatever it is now, would probably be a better first bike.

When we were shopping for a bike for my 5' 100lb daughter we looked at and test rode several different things, including a couple of Honda Rebels, and I'd about resigned myself to the idea that I was going to have to do some severe modification on a Sportster frame to get her on a bike that fit her proportions while still having enough seat and suspension to be comfortable on the fine potholes and frost heaves that Colorado calls roads. Even a friend's extremely lowered 883C was just a bit too tall for her, and it has almost nothing in the suspension and seat department.

Just watching her navigate around the dealership parking lot on the XG500 it was apparent we'd found her a bike, she just looked so much more comfortable with it than anything we had tried. (Though the sales lady about had a cow when she found out I was letting a 16 year old run it around the parking lot. Teach her to turn her back on me after handing me the key, though truth be told, even more so than the test drive I took, that is what actually sold the bike. ) While I'm no expert on such things, I think center of gravity has a lot more to do with the feel than the actual weight, because I have a few friends that think my Sporty feels heavier than their Softails and StreetGlides, but it obviously isn't. I'll allow that the Street is a bit cramped for my 5'9"/34" inseam, and with my 200lbs on it, it's not the quickest. But with her 100lb weight, even the little 500 doesn't have any trouble keeping up on the highway, and with the addition of the windshield it's not that bad to take on a longer ride.

[oupa]

I totally agree on the too heavy for... line being untrue. While lighter bikes are easier to do a lot of things with, balance and comfort far outweigh... umm weight, in my experience.

I'm guessing more people riding cruisers can't pick them up than can. Thing is, if you don't fall down you shouldn't have to!

TELLING someone they need a lightweight, underpowered bike to "learn on" is an instant confidence blow. The real key is a bike the beginner is comfortable and confident on and then riding within his/her comfort level. This is advice a whole lot of people could benefit from if they'd face their "confidence level" instead of trying to look macho.

I'm liking the Street 750 more everyday. As the race bikes come together (finally!) I'm slowly accepting the present. The future (EV's) is gonna take some more time.