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Doughnut
| | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2005 - 06:11 pm: | 
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There are, as Jose' well knows, some tricks to mastering the S3.
What are they and do they apply to the S2 as well? |
Dale
| | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2005 - 08:05 pm: |
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The D207s on V-rods have more tread than they do on Buells. I got 5000 Miles on a rear tire, 9000 on a front. Two rears and a front in 3500 miles on the xb12. |
Ethanr
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 12:04 am: |
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>Had to chuckle at your last post Jose because my MSF instructor beat most of the sportbike squids around town at BTX on his Dyna dragging chrome the whole way.
That was quite the demonstration of skill, wasn't it Charlie? He really hustled that Dyna through the course! |
José_quiñones
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 07:39 pm: |
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S3 tricks and do they apply to the S2?
It's the nut behind the handlebars, mostly.
I have limited experience with S2's, I found them to be slower turning and more stable than S3's. So for quick transitions/battletrax type stuff the S3's have an edge.
But a good rider on an S2 like Brankin, Norbert, Mike Powell and others do great at BTX.
The main trick I used on my S3 was to use the old "Touring Peg Relocation Kit" for S2's, mounted upside down, to move the pegs up one inch, not down one inch as originally intended. That helped a lot, I was grinding all the time before I did that.
Thanks MikeJ for finding those at Hal's a few years ago.
The other thing are to make sure your rear preload is correct so you don't waste ground clearance, that your tires and brake pads are in good shape and your clutch cable is properly lubed so you don't get hand cramps at the end of the day. |
M2nc
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 09:09 pm: |
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Thanks, to Ayden, 1313 and I sat on a new street rod. The vote was not unanimous but in favor of the bike, 2 to 1.
The bike does have an aggressive riding position. I would love to try one out to see what it can do. I have a little seat time on a Vrod and was impressed with the light controls for such a big bike.
One problem we detected though, the upper frame rails rest against your inner thighs. On a long ride, this could become a problem. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 11:33 pm: |
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It's an OK bike, but what's exciting about it? It's looks are very overstyled. It weighs 200 more pounds than an XB and has maybe 15 more horsepower. Hmmmm, power to weight disadvantage to an XB12 seems pretty obvious to me. And the XB is a bike that sportbike riders complain about being underpowered.
Why would anyone want to see what it would do? And at $6000 more??!!! The only reason to take one out and ride it hard would be to show that you could forceably overcome the bike's weaknesses and beat less experienced riders on better bikes. And heck, that'd be more fun on a Dyna or Road Glide where you could really embarrass them. I guess I just don't understand the point; I'm too much of a sportbike rider. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 07:54 am: |
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Speaking as someone who has struggled to keep a Cyclone in sight of a guy on a Road Glide and at a different time worked even harder chasing a guy on a Honda XR650 with knobbies, I have to second that statement.
If you want to humiliate me, do it right! 
(Message edited by reepicheep on February 08, 2005) |
X1tx
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 08:58 am: |
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I'm a more sport oriented rider. But for the most part the roads around here (S. Texas) are flat and straight. Here, something like the VRSC makes sense. In Northern California or the mountains of Colorado it wouldn't.
But I agree a bit with 'Anonymous' here. I think the VROD is a great engine looking for a home. To me, the VRSC isn't it. Now if they'd build a decent flat track replica using this engine...
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Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 09:36 am: |
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Now if they'd build a decent flat track replica using this engine...
Thank you X1tx.
Let's just hope HDI's concept of a street tracker isn't locked into the 883R. Yuck!!! |
X1tx
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 10:11 am: |
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I'm sure The Motor Company has a few flat track frames lying around somewhere. I say they should try to shoehorn a V-Rod mill into one and take it on the MC show circuit. See what kind of response it garners. It could even be done by some custom shop 'without the knowledge of HD' (yeah, right).
The 883R, well, nice try but that one's just a pain job on an 883. It could have been much better. I can almost hear it scream "I coulda been a contender..." |
Budo
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 10:12 am: |
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Alot of years ago one of the more experienced members of my club was leading a ride on his Goldwing with his girlfriend on the back. I was working pretty hard to keep up on my 1998 S1W. I still remember the helmet lock extensions jangling around on either side of the bike.  |
Madduck
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 01:18 pm: |
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The street rod could very well be my next motorcycle. I have been considering either an older M2 with a carb or a new 883 sportster. Buy all the 1250 bits from NRHS to bring it up to about 100hp+. Cost will be right around 10,000.
The street rod at 120hp, 2 year warranty, really understressed motor will be about 16,000. Am really considering this option. I have had a Buell since March of 1995, still have it. When it's done at Bonneville this year I will be making a street bike out of it again. Maybe just a few hundred miles a year tho. Love that red S2. I wish Buell would make a bike for us big guys. Until they do I will keep buying something else. |
José_quiñones
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 09:54 pm: |
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Street Rod Review from Reg Kitrelle, of Battletrax/Battletwin fame. Stolen from you know where:
quote:An abbreviated report on the Street Rod:
For reference: I'm 5'8", with a 30" inseam.
I left San Diego at 8:45, Thursday morning and arrived home in Santa Cruz at 5:02, same day; 517 miles. Three gas stops, one lunch break totaling… (forget that),
Route: 5-46-101-1-17…and then 30 miles of winding mountain roads. That 30 miles wasn't necessary to get me home, but I wanted to experience the Street Rod on true sportbike roads.
Gas mileage: high of 35.9, low of 32.8
Fairly evaluating any motorcycles requires that I bounce my impressions off the intended purpose. That is, how does the motorcycle perform against its avowed purpose. HD does not proclaim the VRSCR to be a sportbike. It is, rather, a high-performan motorcycle with the emphasis on sport as opposed to touring, cruising, etc. Keep this in mind as you read this.
By any standard (rider size aside) this is a large motorcycle, both in weight (40 pounds more than the V-Rod) and wheelbase (a bit more than an inch shorter than the V-Rod). In most circumstances, however, these two factors work for, rather than against you. At any speed it is very stable and reasonably easy to move about. I had an unplanned test of this when a Saab elected to move into my lane in the LA area: a quick flick moved the 'Rod out of harm's way.
This motorcycle is quicker, faster, has better brakes, and handles better than anything Harley-Davidson has ever produced for the street. Period, end of discussion. Additionally, I'm not adding any asterisks because it's a Harley: this is one quick, fast motorcycle. And the front brakes (Brembos with dual 300mm rotors) are world class. They are linear, have superb initial bite, and haul this 600+ pound motorcycle down so quickly that you have to be aware of what's trying to stop behind you. I was, frankly, blown away by their performance. I knew they'd be good, but expected all that weight to compromise the performance.
The motor's performance is typically V-Rod… but a bit more. Because of the agressive riding position you are better able to use the power. With the standard V-Rod,the leaned-back position has you holding on, rather than controlling the motorcycle… but then, I've never been a fan of forward controls. With its low and narrower bars biasing you forward the Street Rod allows you to really get into the motor. The harley faithful are always a bit disappointed by the low-end performance, but this is because they're accustomed to max torque under 3K rpm. With the Street Rod, nothing of any note happens until you pass 4K, and at 5 things come alive: from there to 8.5K lives an amazing motorcycle. Prudence dictates I not offer up specifics, but trust me when I say this thing is fast. Also, the acceleration from 80 mph on up, is quite remarkable.
This is a very fun motorcycle to ride. It is at home on the open highway, and mountain roads… as long as the turns aren't tightly wound. The bike can handle the tight stuff, but you have physics working against you with all that weight. The brakes are up to it, though, never even a hint of fade in 30 miles of up and down tight stuff. An accomplished Street Rod rider can probably hustle the bike thru the tight stuff quicker than with any other Harley. In my case, I'd probably be quicker with an FXDX, but its brakes would fade before those of the Rod. And yes, you can easily trail brake thru a turn with ther front binders.
The suspension is good, particularly the front. The rear felt a bit oversprung/underdamped… no surprise. The bikes holds a line better than any other Harley, no question about it.
So was this all love and kisses? No.
The foot controls—particularly the brake—are badly positioned and non-adjustable. Plus, the rear brake is too grabby. Fortunately, you don't often need it.
The seat was good for about 80 miles. it's a hard-edged brick that it'll have your butt cheeks eating each other. Also, us short riders will find the frame rail eating into our thighs.
- the gage pack is too low
- hand levers and forks non-adjustable
- pillion is useless except to the young and stupid
- exhaust note similar to frog farts in an oil slick
- only a single trip meter
- you have to burp the gas tank to assure it's full
-stupid, ••••••• Softail-like ignition switch
This is a unique, expensive motorcycle that will continue to polarize, infatuate, and infuriate. It demands a level of competance unlike any other Harley. It is not a hypersportbike but it is definitely a high-performance motorcycle.
A final thought; Being familiar with the V-Rod does NOT make you an expert on the Street Rod. They are quite different machines. Buying the Street Rod to just cruise about is a waste of a good motorcycle. It's meant to be ridden hard and put away wet.
Thanx for reading… and excuse the typos (My wife is yelling at me to get ready for our dinner date)
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Rick_a
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 12:14 pm: |
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I was considering putting together an FXR for a future project...and then I thought...I have done all manner of mods and spent all kinds of money to get my S1 to turn/handle the way I want it to...that is the kind of responsiveness I could never get out of anything that big/heavy.
I've seen a dude on a Yamaha Road Star Warrior hittin' some corners hard. It was an interesting sight. I got a chuckle out of it. |
Aydenxb9
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 05:35 pm: |
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I rode our only Street Rod Saturday morning, used it on a test ride with a customer. My thoughts are this:
The Street Rod brings the V-Rod line functionally closer to it's competition. It answered the complaints of the magazine editors and customers who said it'd be really cool if......
It's no sport bike though. It feels even bigger than a standard V-Rod because you sit on top of it as opposed to "in" it. The position is comfortable, and for me the pedal position wasn't much of an issue cause I have a tendency to ride on the balls of my feet anyway. The heel rest on the exhaust was something I though was both comfortable and odd at the same time, mainly because there wasn't another rest for the left heel so it felt un-balanced. The other pick is that the seat height is high for an average sized person. I'm 5'9", with a 32" in-seam and I was on my toes at rest, a little un-nerving considering the weight of the bike.
There's still way too much rake in it. Low speed cornering has the front end feeling like it wants to flop and even with 40 deg of lean, it's still feels as long as an Imperial. But on the other hand, it was a fun ride, it looks cool, it's fast.
It'll either sell or it won't. There has been some small but steady traffic flow of interest on our floor due to it, more than the 15th Anniversary Fat Boy or the 883R(of which there's been NO interest). |
Outrider
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 05:50 pm: |
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Didn't really think the 883R would get much interest as is. Even though there are some performance improvements (I think) over a stock Sporty, it still looks like a Sporty and not a Street Tracker.
On top of that, I am not about to buy an 883 just to have to turn around and put a 1200+ kit on it, lose my warranty and still have a bike that won't keep up with a Buell.
Perhaps Triumph will do something with that Street Tracker they have been exhibiting at the IMS shows this season. Would be nice to be able to get one out of the box that looks and does what you want it to without having to go to the high priced custom builders like Mert Lawwill, Mule Motors and a few others.
Concerning the Street Rod...Keep the Road Test Evaluations coming it. It is still an interesting bike with potential. |
Aydenxb9
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 06:01 pm: |
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Well this time around the 883R has NO performance improvements whatsoever. It is strictly an appearance package this time. Even the last one the only performance "improvement" was a 2 into 1 exhaust. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 08:26 am: |
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I got to sit on Milwaukee HD's first V-Rod HotRod right before they wheeled it out onto the sales floor, just happened to stop in on the way to somewhere else. Then last weekend I sat on the one at Hal's. I think it will take a test ride to know if I like it or not. Wasn't really what I expected, was definitely taller though. Then I sat on a used UltraGlideClassic (?) at Hal's and the big barge felt a whole lot better. Sort of thinking now that if I don't find a decent or repairable used older bike I'll probably end up with an UltraGlide or RoadKing and the S2 eventually. And if the new plan goes well it may be fairly soon.
The immediate changes I'd want to make on the newest V-Rod would be different handlebars, a different seat cut/bucket, and different exhaust. Still looks to me like the exhausts on all the V-Rods were designed at Hasbro.
Clean and lean would be nice.
Hmmm, thinking, dump the V-Rod f.i., throw on a sideflow carb and intake, put the gastank back up where it could be, put a lightweight 2=>1 exhaust on it, cut a new seat, change out the handlebars and risers, then.....well, oh well, maybe I'll just stick with the Buell and not worry about all that stuff for now.
'scuse me, I have to go kick and jumpstart the computer again, seems to be in hang mode... bye. |
Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 11:53 am: |
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Mike...Laugh if you wish, but once you ride a Twin Cam Harley, your need for speed diminishes and you get a whole new perspective on both the world and your ride. Not to mention, they handle well and have plenty of go power to make the ride exciting if you wish.
I enjoy my Wide Glide in the twisties in the Kettle and have yet to grind any parts. Granted my times are little slower than on the X1 but it is really stable. Late braking. dropping in and a strong pull off the apex are easily done.
I never would have thought the Wide Glide could do this and thought Dyna was BS'ing me about the performance of his, but it appears that if you know what you are doing the thing can really be a fun bike as well as a two-up cruiser/tourer.
Now, that is just the Wide Glide. I know a number of owners of other Harley models, including the Ultra's that get the same performance out of their bikes. It just depends what your priorities are for a two-up bike.
One issue that I didn't address is that your social encounters and business networking potential increases significantly when you ride a Harley in this part of the Country. Sure is a lot different than when I ride my Buell.
Now, having said that, I can just imagine the improvement the Street Rod offers. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 12:20 pm: |
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Never did have a need for speed.
But there is another consideration you've touched on regionally which may be of benefit in the new venture plans. Have to go scratch my noggin at HalfPriceBooks at lunch and ponder the angles a bit. Could be I'll need four bikes by year end, the pickemuptruck should suffice across the board though. |
Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 04:15 pm: |
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Mike...Just a note to wish you good luck in your future venture! |
Mikej
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 04:26 pm: |
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Thanks, got books yesterday, start class next week, hopefully get licensed before summer, and more hopefully get revenue before I starve (of course if I call it a diet plan I could make millions by writing a book about it - the no carb evolution).
But back to the V-Rod (before Blake flings an Armadillo at us), Milwaukee or Hal's will have the test ride fleet in town in April sometime. I forget which one though.  In any case I do want to ride one for a bit, even if it will be in parade formation like they do the test fleet rides around here. (Do you think they'd notice if I turned left on GoodHope and did a HolyHill run and tried to catch back up with them by the time they get to Mequon Road in Germantown?????) |
Outrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 05:03 pm: |
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I should think they would be missing the boat if they don't have a twistie or at least a sweeper route for the Street Rod Demo Rides.
Also have the feeling that if you make a wrong turn during the Demo ride you may be looking at the motorcycle version of "Grand Theft Auto." LOL |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 07:40 pm: |
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I never would have thought the Wide Glide could do this and thought Dyna was BS'ing me about the performance of his, but it appears that if you know what you are doing the thing can really be a fun bike as well as a two-up cruiser/tourer.
I dont bs, no need to. Folks just need to open their eyes & their minds to see the possiblities. |
Outrider
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:21 am: |
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Dyna...Well said. By the way, welcome back. |
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