Ramblings From Justin Penney

I am as shocked as a lot of people that know me, but it is true. I bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The Sportster series had been the only Harley models that I have liked. I like simple clean bikes. I also like something that I don't see every two feet! Earlier in the year I decided that it was time for me to change bikes. I wanted something newer, with parts in current production, reliable and awesome. Last year Harley brought out a Sportster model named "Nightster" that had a lot of the aesthetic appointments that I prefer in a motorcyle. The lack of chrome being a big one!

There was some pretty stiff competition for my affection. The current Triumph Bonnevilles (I'm including the Thruxton) are just amazing bikes. They look and feel great! There is a certain cachet with saying "I have a Triumph" that appealed to me. Two things clenched the Sportster. First, Ryan pointed out that if I liked the flat seat, parallel engine look I might as well stick with my '79 GS. Second, fuel injection. Harley finally got around to rubber mounting and fuel injecting the Sportster models. The Triumphs have heated carbs, which helps, but the reliability, and predictability, of fuel injection is impossible to pass up at the same price point.

The machine is great so far! The build quality is really very high. A lot of reviews mention that the fit and finish are well above the imported bikes. Those review are right: paint, machining, cabling ... all impeccable.

The feel is dramatically different than my GS. Instead of the high strung 550 cc engine (which didn't really come into the power band until over 4500 RPM) the 1200 cc twin has tons of power down low. Without a tachometer I am having a hard time gaugeing the engine speed with the syncopated thump of the 270 degree crankshaft. When it's at a comfortable cruising speed it's loping like the GS did when it had a fouled plug.

Harley-Davidson really tries to sell the lifestyle! I went in with a check and just wanted to pay and ride home. They push parts, though not as bad as most car dealers, and do some cutesy things (like have you ring a bell and take your picture for a plaque) while loading you up with T-shirts and keychains. I can appreciate that there are people that define themselves by their bike and are getting a lot of fulfillment out of these little touches ... I don't. The bell really got to me as you ring the bell and the entire store stops, looks at you, and starts cheering and clapping. This is the same reason I don't go to restaurants on my birthday or order fajitas. Unless I'm performing some feat (like music) I don't care for people to acknowledge normal things in my life.

# posted by Justin @ 9:18 PM