Snubbed by B.T. riders?

[dabronco]

Anyone get the feeling B.T. riders think they are better than us? Ever been stuck for a witty response to the comment, "Sportsters are GIRLS bikes!" ?
Then check this out>http://www.ironharley.com/girlbike.htm Scroll all the way down to read all the snappy comebacks. Funny stuff!

[Moved On]

There was a similar thread on the old site, my favorite from that thread was:
"I know it's a chicks bike, thats why all the girls including your Wife are always asking me for a ride. But don't worry she's way down on my list... right behind your Mother".

Gary

[Darhawk]

Good article! And Gary has got the right attitude. I've got six friends I ride with, one has a soft tail, one a Dyna, and the others including me ride Sportsters (all 1200s). Fortunately as we are in the majority in our group, no bad talk about Sportsters takes place. But I'm tired of hearing such talk from other HD riders. Like Rodney Dangerfield said, "I get no respect".:boohoo

[collinsb]

Those are great "comebacks" Dabronco, but who's bike doesn't get ripped? Sportster riders were good at dishin it out in the 60's, when Sportsters were the only bikes tearing up the track. It was the fastest stuff out there. People have volunteered negative comments about everything I have ever owned, including my handsome face. It is called J-E-A-L-O-U-S-Y! Too many grownups still act as big children!
Billy Handsome

[E00i3]

I went on my first multi-day ride last May. Mostly BT's and a custom. Everyone was real cool about my Sporty... I was the only one. They were also surprised that a lil' 883 could keep up with them on the freeway... It was a great ride down to Baja Cali...

When I was getting some work done at a custom shop, I have only had 1 loser tell me it was a girls bike, I asked him what the F*@k do you ride? He didn't respond!

Ride Safe!

Eddie [03' 883XL - Stage 1]

http://www.sportster.org/thebikes/images/e00i3-1957-1.jpg

[sportymark]

Not so much predudice over here about this as the Sportster is more suited to our roads than some of the Big Twins.

[gordy]

Yep you can have real problems getting them BT barges thru the London traffic lol

[willprevale]

. It is called J-E-A-L-O-U-S-Y! Too many grownups still act as big children! Billy Handsome

Once again, Billy said it all! :tour

[missyd]

Ahhh .... the usual 'girls-bike' tread!!!! :yikes


Girls-bike ... Its OK!!!! I AM A GIRL!!!!!! :D :D :smoke :D :smoke

[cantolina]

lol...


My response: Wanna race for pink slips?

[twinsporty]

I wish we could all just get along, but if that doesn't work blow them off the line :yikes then ask them what's wrong with your bike.

[Kent]

Only once had someone mouth off about the bike (wasn't even mine. We had 6 at the bar that day).
It was quite amusing when some guy who paid WAY too much on a custom comes up to the bar and looks at the sporty in the lot and mouths off and 6 guys turn around and ask him to "say that again"

[dwardy]

I've only had one guy say something like that. "....girl's bike" I just said, "That may be but I'll walk the dog all over your big twin any day."
The best part was, we were just leaving from a convenience store. I started it up and took off. I looked back and he was still tryin to get his started. I went around the block and drove back through the parking lot...just to rub it in. :laugh

[883Hugger]

I don't usually run in to too much prejudice. When I go for rides with my dad (who rides a chromed out, red Fat Boy) I always end up getting more complements on my bike. I am always ready to rub it in, too. :)

[sportsterrific]

'Girls bike'? I don't care. My beautiful girlfriend loves my Sportster, my ex-wife loves it too & they both know I'm no Girly-Man. So who gives a rat's ass what anyone says? Who's got the inferiority complex here, speak up!

[dmraco]

As an owner of a 2002 softail and a 2005 XL custom, I'll take the ride on the sporty any day. Rides better and has more zip!! For a cross country ride, gimme a road king!! However, most of my riding is limited to less than 100-150 miles a day. If fact, would rather have an old-school custom rigid over the softail. utilization would be about the same.

My point of view is just ride...touring...softail...sporty...Jap...Brit...K raut...WHATEVER!!!! Can't we all just get along. Ever seen some of the yamaha V-Stars with a lot of custom work...nice bikes! The only problem is they sould like :censor even with a $500 set of pipes on them

[flathead45]

the v-stars not the right bike , the road-star is kool

just go out and try and kick my xlch over once girly-man , I'll call you an ambilance

had a guy tell me he was gonna ride off on my flatty once , I said go a head , if ya can start it . then I said to him , I'll let anyone in the bar go , if they can start it

no takers , light wieght

[willprevale]

The best thing MoCo ever did was market the Sportster as an "entry level" bike. Entry level my a$$. The best kept secret in the motorcyle world.

[xl1200r]

I have a bunch of other guys at work that ride. One has a 2000 XL1200S, one has a 2002 Fatboy, one has a Yamaha Cruiser, one has a Kawasaki Ninja 600, and the last is too broke to ride but usually has some peice he bought for a few hundred bucks and rides it 'till it dies than parts it out. The other sportster rider doesn't break my balls too much. The Fatboy rider just makes friendly banter about me having a small bike, and I just repsond with typical fast, light, good handeling list. The two guys on the jap bikes don't usually say much - the Ninja rider is selling his to do some work on his house, but wants to get an HD eventually. The Yamaha rider tells me that Harley's aren't his thing, and that's fine with me (more for the rest of us). It's the guy who doesn't ride anything that busts my balls the most. "Why do you ride the girl's bike? Why do you got a little wussy Sporster. It's not even a real Harley." I just look him in the eye and remind him that not only has he never owned a Harley, but he's got nothing to ride at all. Doesn't mater though. They're all good guys and it's all in good fun.

The only time I got any mouth from someone I didn't know was this past summer in Lake Geroge, NY. There was this guy on a Road King that we parked next to. We started talking and he was saying how he did a big-bore kit, Rihnhart exhaust, cams, the whole bit. Said he was making something like 88 hp I think at the wheel. So I told him that my stage 1 04 1200 was making like 75 hp at the wheel (I can't rememebr the exact number now, but it was around there). He got all flustered and asked me where I got my bike dynoed and he then told me that thier dyno reads high or something. So then he needed to be the bigger man and talk about his 100hp Fatboy. My buddy just looked at him and said "Yeah, but that's not why you buy a bike like that." It was golden.

[Mountainrun]

Nobody ever called my old 72 Sporty a girls bike, but it was called piglet a few times. This was before electric start and we had worked on the timing plate a bit, and it would always start on the second kick. Then I got to sit and rap out the engine while giving them a hard time about taking so long. Ya know what they say about paybacks ( hehehehe). When ya down to the nitty-gritty, it ain't the machine that matters, it's the heart of the person riding. On the road, we all watch each others backs.

[skooter]

Anyone get the feeling B.T. riders think they are better than us? Ever been stuck for a witty response to the comment, "Sportsters are GIRLS bikes!" ?
Then check this out>http://www.ironharley.com/girlbike.htm Scroll all the way down to read all the snappy comebacks. Funny stuff!

I have never got any stupid remarks coming from any old timer 1%ers over my Sporty. Come to think of it I never got any from newer ones either. I haven't read the link provided by Dabronco but I did look at it. I know pretty much what it says. In the old days the sporty was a respected ride in the biker community. The only other choice coming from harley was the FLH and it was heavey bike that didn't have anywhere near the power. That's why many were bobbed the stripped of any redundant weight. The sporty was a fast respected bike. These guys would constantly rib each other about their choice of rides. The British bikes were respected in their communities as well. Well the FLH riders would call the sporties "Ladies Bikes" as a tongue in cheek sarcastic remark. It wasn't at all ment to be a put down. The Sporty riders would call the bigger FLH a "Cage" or "Geezer Glide" if it still had all the touring stuff on it or they would call them "Old Man's Bike" becuase it was so slow on acceleration. And of course you had the "Limie Bike" too. These guys were kidding each other in good humour and they would play practical jokes on each other too. It was part of the commraderie. Unfortunately the motorcycle community took these remarks to heart and didn't see them as ribbing but serious criticism.

Unfortunately the "Ladies Bike" term for the Sporty has stuck and is now ment as a put down rather than an effectionate way of ribbing someone's ride.
The Harley Factory hasn't done much to dispell this notion because they make more money selling BT's yet they continued to promote the Harley "Legend" using the racing victories of the "XR's" which is the racing cousin of the "XL".
It is the uneducated and uninitiated motorcycle community that continues to propogate this stupidity.

When someone makes a comment about my bike that is ment to be an insult I know right away the he isn't experienced with the biker community. Unfortunately even the biker community doesn't do enough to put this to rest as there are even those among their ranks now that don't regard a Sportster as a real bike. Most don't know what a few thousand dollars put into performance enhancements on a Sporty can do. When they find out especially first hand at a traffic light they ussaully drop their attitude.

If someone comments about my 1200s and tells me he is thinking of buying his wife/girlfriend one I say with tongue in cheek mind you..."that's nice. It takes a big man to admit his wife/girlfriend is a better rider than he is since he wants to buy her a faster bike than his." This ussually gets there attention.

[iron68]

The only time anybody has ever said anything about my sporty was a couple of bikeless idiots. All I had to say was where's yours?

The Sporty is very respected among the old timers, I always have a crowd around mine at the local bike nights. Pretty much most of the old timers have owned one at one time in their life and they have a nice right leg limp to prove it! Girls bike? No, just ask anyone that has owned, riden or tried to kick start an ironhead if they are a girls bike.

[skooter]

Yup! I had the same encounter from some young kid at a gas station. All I said to him was "It sounds like jealousy talkin to me". He just stared for a few moments and said I was right and I suggested a good used 883 could be had at a very reasonable price if he wanted into biking. I haven't really had that many remarks either. I think it is more a precieved problem than it is real.

[woody95]

I've never had anyone say that my sporty is a girls bike. The big question I get is what year is it. The fatbob tanks throw just about everybody off. For the most part everyone has something nice to say. Nice colour, nice bike etc. :D
Bob

[skooter]

Amen! Yes I too have had far more compliments about my bike than insults! Very good point woody95. Some times focussing on a problem that really doesn't exixst that much just makes it seem worse. I had my bike in a display at a swap meet a while ago and I had plenty of people at the show compliment me on it's appearance and I got NO negative remarks. This was biker swap meet. Sure there were those that just walked by it and didn't pay any attention but who cares about that. The point is no one went out of their way to insult me or my ride.

[willprevale]

:luvsport I occaisionally ride with a loosely knit group of Metric riders. When we're all together I take some good natured ribbing but every so often one of them will confide that they'd really love to own a Sportster. What's my point? Some rib us cuz it's the thing to do but as long as I take it good naturedly, it keeps coming and heck... it's all in good fun. :tour

[engine]

a "lady's bike"...yes, because when you ride one, you get the ladies...

When I mentioned to a Metric rider at work that I got a "girl's bike", he said to me, "$hit, that's more of a man's bike than mine is!"

anyhow, when people tyr to insult you about your bike, they are most likely morons, plain and simple...

[txsporty]

Never had anybody tell me I had a Girls Bike!! Some of my riding buds ask me when I'm going to get a Bigger Bike? I tell them when this one is paid off, 'cause I'm keeping it!!! :D

The other Day I went to the local Stealer in Austin to look around, The Sales Worm comes up and asks if I need any Help?? I said No, just looking around..
He asks do I ride? I say Yeah!! He says What? I tell him a Sporty!! Right away he says Looking to trade Up?? I said NO I'm Keeping my Sporty!!! The look on he's face was of shock!!! :yikes I Love it!!! Love My Sporty!!! :D

:luvsport

[bigdogbark]

True story

I went on a 400 mile trip to an out of town rally and this BT rider asked if I wanted to join him on the ride up and to share a room to cut down on expenses. Saving money sounded good to me so I hooked up with him early in the morning. He had another BT rider with him at the time and they were going to pick up a few more riders along the way. At the first stop, only 35 miles into this trip, we hooked up with 4 more riders. After they finished drinking another cup of coffee and smoking a cigar we took off. But not before I heard one of those rider that was joining us make a comment to her friend about the Sporster over there, how it would slow them down and how they would have to make extra stops.

I longest leg we did was about 60 miles and at every break the cigars came out. I wanted to get to my destination and start having fun. The day I left (solo back) I heard the same lady that made that Sportster comment say to another person that on the way up they even had a Sportster riding with them and that it kept up with them. If she only knew I was holding back.

On another trip I was talking to the BT rider at a gas station and we had about 150 miles to run before the next gas station. He took off riding hard and me, with my 3.2 gallon tank took it easy. When I got to the next station he was just PUSHING his ride up to the pump. I was on reserve for the last 10 miles but I made it via Sportster power.

This just proved to me that BT riders over estimate their ride and under estimate the Sportster. Makes them easy picking.

The best part is I paid cashed for a new sportster for me and a used on with 800 miles on it for the wife. The total less than a BT.

[dabronco]

Actually, I got WAY more grief from riders over my INTENTION of buying a sportster, like " You'll be trading it in inside a year." or, "It's good to learn on." (Been riding for 35 years) But nobody has actually made any wise cracks to my bike's face. That must be it.......they are afraid of the MOTORCYCLE!!!

[Desertfox]

I've never really run into any prejudice from BT riders. I'm sure they love their BTs ans much we love our Sporty's. I do get some wistful glances from BT riders though. Kind of how a Draft horse would look at a thoroughbred .

[willprevale]

Kind of how a Draft horse would look at a thoroughbred .

Great analogy!

[alleydude]

Somebody on another forum said that they were going to upgrade from their Sportster to a Road King. Someone else replied that that would be like "upgrading" from a Corvette to a Cadillac. That really stuck with me.

[unleashed66]

A woman I work with wanted a new Sportster. The stealer got a hold of her, told her how she'd outgrow the Sporty and he wouldn't even 'screw her over' by selling her one. Instead, he screwed her by selling her this BT that she had to have lowered before she could even ride it (add $500). What a shame she didn't talk to more people before buying!

[CPurner]

Hey guys, you really have to take it easy on the Big-Twin riders. I mean, the size of their engine is really the only sense of pride that they have between their legs!:laugh

[Uneasy Rider]

Anyone get the feeling B.T. riders think they are better than us?

Being older they dont say a thing.

If they were to, I'd simply say :

"Talk to the tail light"

[Hopper]

I always wear my LowBrow Customs Ironhead t-shirt with the "You just got passed by a Sportster" on the back when going to bike rides/shows with the BT crowd.
Never had one of them call me on it yet, so I figure it says it all.

I found it interesting on my recent cross country Ironhead ride that invariably Evo BT riders would walk or ride past my 31-year-old Ironhead, loaded up with gear and sporting an out of state licence plate from 1500 miles away or more, and not give it a second glance. Maybe they cant tell it is that old???

But any number of guys with old bikes, or who used to have old bikes back in the day, Harleys or otherwise, would just have to come over and ask me where I was from , where I was going, how was the bike going etc etc and chew the fat.

Just a little oddity about BT riders that I noticed along the way and still cant quite figure out.
(And btw, the only other Harley I saw outside of a town along the way was three guys doing a 2000 mile ride on old 45 Flatheads. Dunno where oll those BT bagger guys do their riding?)

[IronMick]

A four year old thread gets resurrected! I guess the search function really is working.

[IronHead78]

I live in a southen Maine tourist town where there are many bikes and bikers during the summer months. I really can't say that I've ever been snubbed by anyone on a BT, at least not to my face. But I have had the remark a few times "thats when Harley made real sportsters" mainly from the older guy's. I just smile and agree whole heartedly.

[Icefire]

Sonny Barger of the HA used to ride a Sporty in the '60s, try telling HIM it's a girls bike....

-Ironheads Forever!

[Bennyreed]

I say to each his own. Let's ride. I'll wait for you at the turn.

[Monte03]

This Competition is old as the Hills, yrs back my Little Sifton Camed 900 CH would smoke all my Buddys with big Shovels...
What is nice about gettin older is
'who gives a crap what anyone thinks' try to start my 69CH and tell me its a chicks bike!

[myndset]

Came out of a bar one afternoon 4 or 5 guys hangen out smoking, and one of the says "when ya gona get a full sized Harley" I say's "when you quit blowing me" Should have seen the look on his face. His buddys started cracken up and I even got the high five from 2 of em.

[RRB]

.......try to start my 69CH and tell me its a chicks bike!

I hear you on that one, Monte!

[SirAsh]

got into a fight once cause someone had something to say about my sporty and I had what I thought was a witty reply, usually most people that have been riding a while are like "I had an ironhead, that bike was so much fun, i miss it"

[flathead45]

Sonny Barger of the HA used to ride a Sporty in the '60s, try telling HIM it's a girls bike....

-Ironheads Forever!
sonny rode a sporty cause he was a low life broke down bastard and a used sporty was all he could afford or steal :smoke

[paxman1]

Only until I blow past them :banana

I like to sit right off to the side as they accelerate, they keep looking.....Im still there........look again........as I ride by ..........Seeee Yaaaaaa:roflblack

paxman

[Martinrobert]

whenever I get that comment - it's a chicks bike - or when are you going to get a real bike -- I just say -

Yea I know it's a chicks bike. I love riding in the back with the hot biker chicks!!

[IronMick]

Notice sometime the way men stand - legs more or less parallel, hands at the sides or in the belt. Then notice girlies, the way they cross their legs, as if to protect their private parts.

When the HD designers of yore designed the Sportys and the BTs they took this into account. That is why mens bikes have parallel pushrod tubes and, on the girlie bikes, the pushrod tubes are crossed - like girlie legs.

[Sporty77]

I hang around of old school bikers around a local bike shop. All kinds of people come and go while I'm around the shop just BS'n. When they see my bike they're pretty impressed with how nice it is for being 32 years old. I don't get any crap for it being a Sporty. A lot of the guys ride BTs but they also all seem to have a story about their Sportster when they were younger.

My dad has been riding for almost 40 years and still likes to ride Sportsters. He rides mine all the time. He's looking to buy one as soon as his latest BT is paid for. Most of the negative comments come from new bikers. They just have a Harley because Paul Jr. has one. ;)

[sportsterfreak05]

Never had anyone with a bike say anything to me about my 883. We all like riding and could care less if your on a BT or sporty or yamaha 650. We just ride and have fun.

[humpbackbob]

I occassionally ride with three guys in particular who ride a RK, SG and Vrod. The most common remark made to me on parting with them is "Ride safe bro, and keep it under a hunnerd".

[biknut]

Tonight I pulled into my garage on my Road King and looked over at my 2 Sportster's and said, how are you girls doing? :sorrysign

[Wooley]

"Hey! You ride [A] sportster? That's a girls bike."
"Sure is. Not only does it look like your girlfriend, it's just as fast."

[Piggy]

Your Sportster looks like someone's girlfriend? What the... :laugh

[cafe_dave]

I say to each his own. Let's ride. I'll wait for you at the turn.

Thats funny

[Wooley]

Your Sportster looks like someone's girlfriend? What the... :laugh


Nuther words, ridden hard and put up wet.;)

[Campsurf]

You can tell anyone... if it weren't for the Sportster none of us would be riding an American Bike today.. NOBODY... and as far as money goes, HD makes plenty of money off the Sportsters it has sold.. the parts aren't any cheaper than the BT parts..

I always thought the guys that had to ride a big bike were compensating for the lack of what is between their legs...

I mean Hopper just did 5000 plus on an Ironhead.. in the Outback... now that takes balls ... back in the early 70s, even then there was a following of sorts for Sportsters .. back then there was an animosity towards Jap bikes but nothing against the Brits or anything HD produced .. Triumphs and BSAs rode side by side HDs... and a Honda 750 or KZ 900 could smoke anything on the road ... you won't see too many of them still being ridden either..

There must be something to a Sportster otherwise they would have gone the way of the Dinosaurs... For me, its the sound the damn thing makes every time I fire it up... no other bike sounds like an Ironhead.

JJ

[sprtrjl]

This is the only place I hear the girl's bike comments. I ride with all types of bikes and bikers. I have never heard a negative comment about my bike. I have had a lot of people want to take it for a ride. I have let a few friends ride it while I rode their Bigdog, Ultra Classic, Wide Glide, etc. they all loved it.

[scotty-j]

i mainly ride with bt guys and i have been razzed once or twice, but everyone of them had sporties, one guy had 3 of them, they all love my bike and say they actually miss riding their old sporties, i get a wave from all hd bikers, even metric cruisers and close to half of the rockets i see throw up...whether its a middle finger or a wave, i dunno but it is a gesture fo sure :D

[Horse]

girls bike, starter bike, stepping stone, piglet, who cares, as sensitive as some sporty riders are, sometimes I wonder if it isn't a girls bike after all...

[roadtrip]

Last summer at the dealers...this guy and his wife riding Heritage classics all decked out in HD leathers..the complete look..said to me when I pulled in..why don't you get yourself a real bike like my wife has..I ignored him and went in to get my oil and filter.

On my way out I heard his wife complaining she was tired and he said loud enough for me to hear...maybe you should be riding that girls bike over there(pointing at mine)

I replied yes maybe you should..and with the money your husband would save he could put a down payment on a personality...she smiled at me and gave him the finger..and said: ride safe and enjoy your REAL BIKE.

I just laugh and took off.

[flathead45]

a coworker was asked by an idiot at work once "why I rode that little bike"? he told the idiot that if I wanted to ride that old bike and keep it running and deal with all the headaches then he had nothing but respect for me

it helps that I payed for half his house with all the beer I drank at the bar he usta own :smoke

[Happy Bob]

Yeah, it's a girls bike. Wanna see my pussy?

[el jinete fantasma]

I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance for snubbing you all now that I have a BT. :p

Actually, I've decided not to retire the five (!) Sporty shirts I have until I get another one. Shit, just because I got a Dyna doesn't mean I love Sportsters any less. I know I'm gonna miss that raw power.

[PARKESBURG9]

Yeah, it's a girls bike. Wanna see my pussy?

Laughed so hard I farted!

[cafe_dave]

Ask the guy on the dresser
i dont know...:Why didnt you get a convertible

[Wooley]

You can tell anyone... if it weren't for the Sportster none of us would be riding an American Bike today.. NOBODY... no other bike sounds like an Ironhead.

JJ

Get a copy of this to hit them with (Harley Davidson Sportster Performance handbook by Buzz Buzzelli).

And the Iron Head sound, that is so true and I like to just listen to mine run. It does something to the mind set.

[biknut]

Compared to my Road King I like my Sportster better because its not a big motorcycle it's just a groovy little motorbike (85% motor and 15% bike).

first gear, it's alright
second gear, we'll lean right
third gear, hang on tight
faster all right

[Shadowdog500]

I’ve never had anyone say anything about my bike being a Sportster, but I have had allot of people say negative things about it being an AMF. I think most people don’t know anything about these older bikes but they herd somewhere that AMF bikes were crap, and they bring this bit of information up to make themselves look knowledgeable about something that they really don't know about. Most of them have to ask if me if my '75 is an AMF year before they make their negative comment. Next time I'm tempted to say something like "what’s an AMF" just to see what they come up with.

Whenever President Nixon's name comes up people usually spout out something like "Watergate is bad". For personal entertainment I always love acting dumb and asking a few questions on exactly what Watergate was. So far my observation is that only about one in ten actually knows what it was, and the rest only spout out this piece of information to make it look like they know something. I personally think the AMF thing is exactly the same, but I just have to come up with a few seemingly innocent questions to put them on the spot and expose their true level of knowledge. If nothing else maybe I could get a few laughs with their answers because some of the Watergate answers are hysterical.

Chris

[Hopper]

I’ve never had anyone say anything about my bike being a Sportster, but I have had allot of people say negative things about it being an AMF. I think most people don’t know anything about these older bikes but they herd somewhere that AMF bikes were crap, and they bring this bit of information up to make themselves look knowledgeable about something that they really don't know about. Most of them have to ask if me if my '75 is an AMF year before they make their negative comment. Next time I'm tempted to say something like "what’s an AMF" just to see what they come up with.

Whenever President Nixon's name comes up people usually spout out something like "Watergate is bad". For personal entertainment I always love acting dumb and asking a few questions on exactly what Watergate was. So far my observation is that only about one in ten actually knows what it was, and the rest only spout out this piece of information to make it look like they know something. I personally think the AMF thing is exactly the same, but I just have to come up with a few seemingly innocent questions to put them on the spot and expose their true level of knowledge. If nothing else maybe I could get a few laughs with their answers because some of the Watergate answers are hysterical.

Chris

:laugh :laugh :laugh Good comeback.
Maybe they been reading Wikipedia too much:

"In 1969, American Machinery and Foundry (AMF) bought the company, streamlined production, and slashed the workforce. This tactic resulted in a labor strike and a lower quality of bikes. The bikes were expensive and inferior in performance, handling, and quality to Japanese motorcycles. Sales declined, quality plummeted, and the company almost went bankrupt.[30] The "Harley-Davidson" name was mocked as "Hardly Ableson", "Hardly Driveable," and "Hogly Ferguson",[31][32] and the nickname "Hog" became pejorative."

Funny that I remember there being thousands and thousands of those "superior" Japanese motorcycles on the road in the 70s. And I almost never ever see any of them on the road these days. But I can think of at least 20 or 30 guys in our small town regularly riding around on 60s-70s Harleys.

I think the clearly superior machine is the one that stands the test of time.
That is the way all great works of art, literature and science are separated from the lightweight fads.

I read the pages of this forum and I have to ask myself, how many guys would go through all this for a 1970s Honda Four, or 650 Yamaha, or Kawasaki Triple. Sure a few, but nowhere near the number that will put blood sweat and tears into an Ironhead.

[Campsurf]

I read the pages of this forum and I have to ask myself, how many guys would go through all this for a 1970s Honda Four, or 650 Yamaha, or Kawasaki Triple. Sure a few, but nowhere near the number that will put blood sweat and tears into an Ironhead.

I had a friend in San Diego that went through the trouble and time to restore a 305 Honda .. it was nice ... at 120 miles the engine blew up... he took a sledge hammer to it and threw it away... I have a 1966 CB450 and a 1965 CB450 for parts... I can't seem to let them go but am reserved to putting in the time on a restoration or even to get the '66 back in running shape.. plus I treated it like junk by storing it on the side of my garage for a few years.. I gave away a KH 400.. but cling to my Brit stuff like it is gold... because it is better than gold... but the CB450... is fast becoming gold too... I sold an extra speedo I had on the Bay and got $136.00 for it.. try buying a stock tank for this bike..

Jim

[Big Eddie]

Just tell them when you're not riding your sporty, you're riding their wife/girlfriend.

[Horse]

I actually have a soft spot for the old CB's, dunno why, I only ever rode a friends, but there were so many of them around, it's like the smell of rice in the morning I guess.

[BigMark]

I actually have a soft spot for the old CB's, dunno why, I only ever rode a friends, but there were so many of them around, it's like the smell of rice in the morning I guess.

One of my first bikes was a CB100N in metalic brown. Would love to own one for old times

[Wooley]

If your lookin for an old restored Honda take a look at this place www.marblesmotors.com

But I'm like most here that there are plenty of old IronHeads still tripping the miles off than there are old Jap aluminum. Personally I think that it was the Hondas, Yamaha's and Suzuki companies that tried hard to make Harley during the AMF years look bad. Use to hear bad things about Trumpets too but they are great bikes as well.

[cafe_dave]

You have to look at the times,,, Still to this day you get more Japanese bike for the dollar, Now before I get attacked here
hear me out.
I mean you can get a bike equal in displacement for a lot less money not equal in value, and that's only on some bikes,
Now I grew up on the Superbikes of the 70's and 80's, Harley did not hold as much of the market share as it does today and remember the bail out it got in the early 80's (Tariff on 750cc and Higher).
I think that it is easier to get a $15,000 loan today than it was to get a $6,000 loan in the 80's.
I agree that the Ironheads have stood the test of time but look at who were buying the Jap stuff....The Young and the dumb...
There are Kz's and CB's still out there Just like the Mopars of the 60's and all the other vintage Iron..
You can see it in the current offerings coming out of Honda, Kawasaki and the other two Asian factories.
The fact that the standards aren't made is why you don't see them. If you remember the standards tried to make a come back but I think they missed the mark..To different from the original..
In fact I feel the Very thing that nearly put Harley Davidson out of business years ago is what has given them the success they have today
Failure to Change

[SLS]

This topic is usually the one that defines the difference between the long-time veteran motorcyclists and the newly-minted RUBs who's 'biker roots' go back no further than The Discovery Channel's bike shows.

The old-timers have shown me nothing but respect, regardless of what they happen to be riding (Brand new or Vintage HD). They will usually begin the conversation with "Back in the day I had one of those......" or "I wish I still had my old Sportster.....".....and then proceed to regale me with a story or two of their long ago, but never-to-be-forgotten 'Glory Days'. They have the KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING of what it takes to keep one of these old beasts on the road....and they respect that. To them, the old Iron represents Fun, Freedom, Youth, and probably a brings back a memory or two of sweet summer poontang as well....LOL.

I don't know if the EVO and later guys get this reaction from the 'old timers' or not.....it may be an old Ironhead thang..................I dunno.

The RUB's, on the other hand, don't have a clue, nor will they ever. They usually do not say anything (at least to me)......which is good. I honestly don't think they know what to make of me or my machine...LOL. In the end, it matters not....for they will soon sell their spotless, very-low-mile cookie-cutter HOG and their full line of equally-spotless HD-branded leatherwear at a hefty loss and move on to the next 'fad'...................it never fails.

http://hifiparty.home.comcast.net/girder5.jpg

[FourCams]

Couldn't have said it any better SLS. That's been my experience as well.

[cafe_dave]

This topic is usually the one that defines te the difference between the long-time veteran motorcyclists and the newly-minted RUBs who's 'biker roots' go back no further than The Discovery Channel's bike shows.

The old-timers have shown me nothing but respect, regardless of what they happen to be riding (Brand new or Vintage HD). They will usually begin the conversation with "Back in the day I had one of those......" or "I wish I still had my old Sportster.....".....and then proceed to regale me with a story or two of their long ago, but never-to-be-forgotten 'Glory Days'. They have the KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING of what it takes to keep one of these old beasts on the road....and they respect that. To them, the old Iron represents Fun, Freedom, Youth, and probably a brings back a memory or two of sweet summer poontang as well....LOL.

I don't know if the EVO and later guys get this reaction from the 'old timers' or not.....it may be an old Ironhead thang..................I dunno.

The RUB's, on the other hand, don't have a clue, nor will they ever. They usually do not say anything (at least to me)......which is good. I honestly don't think they know what to make of me or my machine...LOL. In the end, it matters not....for they will soon sell their spotless, very-low-mile cookie-cutter HOG and their full line of equally-spotless HD-branded leatherwear at a hefty loss and move on to the next 'fad'...................it never fails.

http://hifiparty.home.comcast.net/girder5.jpg

Thats very well put,,,,I really like anything that has been around for years and is still around. Just like old cars,,,,brings back a lot memories, and I feel that the Iron Head bikes just like the cars of yesterday, have something thats missing today
Personality

[cafe_dave]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/bradleyscarf24/bikepics/lastbikes_0059.jpg

Good Looking bikes......Like the tank on the white one

[SLS]

Cool bikes, Brad!

What's the deal with the headlight on the Ironhead? It looks like maybe a custom unit...but I can't make out the shape.

*EDIT: Oops...nevermind about the headlight....the visor and shadow was throwing me off. I see it now... :D

[Kobo]

It wil bug you if you let it, but it's funny to me that most a$$holes who say crap like that don't know jack about Harley's history. They have the most expensive bike they could buy at the dealership and are happy living in ignorance. One of those idiots thought my buddy's Lowrider was a Sporty and tried to give him crap for having a Sporty. When my buddy replied, "It's a Lowrider you schmuck!" The idiot responded, "What's that? Lowriders are cars." I rest my case!

[Happy Bob]

I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance for snubbing you all now that I have a BT. :p

Actually, I've decided not to retire the five (!) Sporty shirts I have until I get another one. Shit, just because I got a Dyna doesn't mean I love Sportsters any less. I know I'm gonna miss that raw power.

I've got a big twin too(2000 Heritage), but there's something about an ironhead sporty.:D

Laughed so hard I farted!

I hope it wasn't a wet one:(

[freakboy]

to all my ironhead brothers, stay true to your ride!!!! we know we have badass bikes and we are the only ones who can ride through the valley of the shadow of death and come out the other side untouched!! IRONHEADS 4-LIFE!!!!!

[bud095]

id just say it makes my pu$$y wet!:D:tour

[scottgearman]

Being upset that you are snubbed by BT riders is like being upset cuz gay men don't hit on you

[Hrdcore4lfe89]

Being upset that you are snubbed by BT riders is like being upset cuz gay men don't hit on you


That made me laugh out loud! :laugh

[DanDwyer]

The link is no longer good. Does anyone have a copy of this article? Thanks in advance.

[Dfatman51]

I too have had both BT and Sportys. I've had some of my ridin buddies call my Sporty a dirtbike, girlie-glide, skirtster, the usual. But mostly all in fun.

[DrSnap]

Every time I get on my Sporty I feel greatful; to be riding, to be able to ride, to be free to ride. I remember riding a Suzuki GN125 over to a bar on biker night some years ago after being teased by a couple of buddies about taking a very inappropriate bike. "They'll either tease or beat you to death!" When I pulled up there was a seasoned biker sitting on his bike and I figured "here goes". I think he sensed my apprehension. I'll never forget what he said in a Sam Elliot slow drawl. "Guess it doesn't matter what your're ridin' long as the winds in your face". We had a beer. While drinking that beer I realized that for 40 years I had felt judged by other bikers whom I didn't even know, all the way back to my X-6 Hustler and my CB-350. That's when I decided that I didn't give a s*** any more what others thought about my love of motorcycles and that bikers in general were my kinda people and that everyone was entitled to their own opinion.

[Wooley]

A lot more of the ladies are ridin [and] building BT's these days. What do I care anymore what is said, I'm riding and that's what matters.

[Hopper]

I too have had both BT and Sportys. I've had some of my ridin buddies call my Sporty a dirtbike...

They are a dirt bike. Originally a desert racer. It must have taken some cojones to pilot one of those things at full blast across Baja or wherever.

[painter113]

I've been blessed...I own a 2005 wideglide...81 flh.....83 ironhead in a swingarm frame....and am in the early stages building a 73 ironhead.hardtail.....and to me I have more fun on my sporty than any of them....never get any smart remarks about the sportys....but then most of the people I ride with have rode there whole lives like me.....

[Horse]

back in the 70's, I remember seeing enduro's on the harley showroom floor, I'd Really like to get my hands on one of those. seriously

[RRB]

They are a dirt bike. Originally a desert racer. It must have taken some cojones to pilot one of those things at full blast across Baja or wherever.

My favorite memory from the days of watching races was once seeing 2 Sportsters duelling on a motocross track. They dominated the unlimited class in that race, so all of the other bikes seemed inconsequential. There were two hairpins, one of them extended into a cypress swamp. A straigtaway preceeded the other hairpin, and the hardest packed area on the straight, and thus favored by the riders, was a couple of feet from a 4-5 drop off into a bayou.

These two Sportsters vied tooth and nail for the lead the whole time. They came out of the last hairpin on the last lap, quickly pulled dead even with each other and headed for a small jump, balls-to-the-wall. The two bikes banged together briefly and one pulled away by a nose as the checkered flag was waved. I have never seen anything so exciting on a track since. Those Sportsters were badass and their riders were either crazy or had an unbelievable level of moxy.

The winning rider later quit racing after being involved in a pile-up on a dirt track in which one rider was killed.

That race was a long time ago, but I'll never forget the power of those bikes and the way the riders handled them.

Girly bikes - My Ass!!:laugh

[scottgearman]

back in the 70's, I remember seeing enduro's on the harley showroom floor, I'd Really like to get my hands on one of those. seriously



http://cgi.ebay.ca/Harley-Davidson_W0QQitemZ230318849105QQcmdZViewItemQQptZU S_motorcycles?hash=item230318849105&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318#ebayphotohosting

[1stharley]

You should see i have a 1966 XLCH with high pipe in the garage 20,000 orig miles unrestored and i'm a big boy .Let me tell you that heavy beast is a handfull especially with that deadman throttle.
Good thing i rarely take it out an old guy like me could get hurt.

[RRB]

You should see i have a 1966 XLCH with high pipe in the garage 20,000 orig miles unrestored and i'm a big boy .Let me tell you that heavy beast is a handfull especially with that deadman throttle.
Good thing i rarely take it out an old guy like me could get hurt.

I presume that your post is tongue in cheek, and that you actually love that OEM "deadman throttle" and the original Tillotson carb with the highly responsive accelerator pump. :D:D

[1stharley]

I don't know if it's tongue in cheek or heart in hand but when the previous owner has the throttle adjusted so badly that there is 1/2 turn of free play and you get to the end of the street and back off the throttle and nothing happens you think about it long and hard before riding it again.
Say no more i'm in the process of tuning it all up fixing leaks etc so i can take it out occasionnaly in the summer.
I was talking to an old time Harley dealership owner last summer and showed him a picture of this beast and all he did is stood back away from the counter and looked at me and said that i was too damn old to ride that thing and it was going to break my leg.We'll see.

[RRB]

.....I was talking to an old time Harley dealership owner last summer and showed him a picture of this beast and all he did is stood back away from the counter and looked at me and said that i was too damn old to ride that thing and it was going to break my leg...

They don't call those old sixties kickers the "Milwaukee Crippler" for nothing!:D

But they are not that hard to get used to. Good luck with it, and you are in the right place to get good info on that old steed. If you can, please post some pics!

[1stharley]

I'm not set up to post pics on the forum.I guess you have to register on some other picture hosting site then send them here or something.Maybe i'll get ambitious one day and do that and post pictures before and after of the IRONGLIDE and the XLCH.

[IronMick]

I'm not set up to post pics on the forum...

There is a thread in the How-To section near the beginning of XLForum about how to post pics.

[1stharley]

I guess my computer brain is frozen right now ,i can't find it.I did find the spot on the gallery page where you upload pics but when i hit submit it tells me my file is too big .When i have a little more time i'll try and figure it out.
By the way Mick i still feel bad about not being able to meet you in London but i had a friend of mine with me and i don't think he wanted to turn around and go back. But when the nice weather is here i'll have an excuse to make a special trip up some weekend and see where all the bikers hang out.