[Mike_D]

Regarding the roads: mostly paved and vary hugely in quality.  Most unpaved roads you see in videos are up in the Himalayas.  Many of those roads are rebuilt every year.  You'll be riding on a brand new road for a fews hour then a dirt road then a shit paved one then a new one.  Really, the roads are no better here in New York City.

[cyrusb]

O.K, So it looks like Harley is copying the copies of it's own bikes? You can't make this stuff up!

[Norm]

O.K, So it looks like Harley is copying the copies of it's own bikes? You can't make this stuff up!

+1

I like the look of the new Harleys.  Maybe they will show up at the CW shows.

[barenekd]

Original Sportsters were racing scrambles and desert races a lot back in the 50s and 60s. they had a lot of power and weren't that bad handling. I almost bought one, but ended going with a Bultaco instead. It was about 250 pounds lighter!
I tried to push a Sportster out of my way with a 500 Triumph. I thought it was a 250 Sprint, but I was wrong. I was the one who fell off!
Bare   

[Guaire]

The urban oriented 60 degree v twins are using suspension tuned for pot holes, according to HDs youtube video. That should cover marginal quality roads.

[GreenMachine]

Don't be surprise if they do well with these 2 new addition to their lineup.I'm sure their tea leave analysts predict a depressed/average economic recovery for the next few years . Couple that with affordability, less weight,  better fuel mapping, low interest financing and the possibility of extending a new customer base in either country is worth the gamble... I could even see thousands being exported to quite a few developing countries that are coming into their own..The possibilities are endless if the product meets/exceeds expectations.. 
I would like to test ride one if they actually make their way here summer 2014..

[D the D]

On the Yamaha forums people think the new bikes are to compete with the Bolt.
On the Honda forums they think they're to compete with the ST.
On the Harley forums people think they will be cow poop.
Really folks?  A 500 and 750 to compete with a 950cc? Uh, isn't that the Sportster market HD has already dominated going on 70 years?
They announced them in India 2 months before they did in the US, so that shows the US is the target market?
Idjits! LOL  It seems everyone has a perspective based on their brand loyalty regardless of reality.
At least people here know what market they're intended for.  Overall, I find Enfield riders more knowledgeable and without the brand blinded arrogance of other brand riders.  Well hey, most Enfield riders are other brand riders too! 

[barenekd]

Regarding the roads: mostly paved and vary hugely in quality.  Most unpaved roads you see in videos are up in the Himalayas.

There are plenty of crappy paved roads (Mostly freeways) and dirt roads in SoCal. The HDs can get a workout here. I've ridden old Sportsters on dirt roads and they were a lot of fun. These new bikes are supposed to be lighter the old XLCHs, they are probably going to be a real Blast (pun intended). 
Bare

[REpozer]

I was once told the H-D 883 was made for girls.
Really?? That's an insult to man or woman.

Now I ride a 500 cc single.

[Norm]

I was once told the H-D 883 was made for girls.
Really?? That's an insult to man or woman.

Now I ride a 500 cc single.

Heh, I ride a 250 cc single.  Does that make me a girly-man?   

[DanKearney]

They should be making something like this, IMHO:





Cheers,


Dan K.

[mattsz]

is that the one I saw over on ADV?

[DanKearney]

is that the one I saw over on ADV?

Yep,  RTWDoug's "Dirtster".  Fantastic story of the ride he took on it.


Cheers,


Dan K.

[High On Octane]

That is one of the coolest H-D's I've ever seen!  Sweet!

Any big ride plans for today Dan?   

Scottie

[DanKearney]

That is one of the coolest H-D's I've ever seen!  Sweet!

Any big ride plans for today Dan?   

Scottie

I've got to get the new tires onto the Ural today.  I'll probably find time for a short ride this afternoon to scrub them in.  Tomorrow is looking good for riding too.  No plans for any destination.  Did you get your head gaskets replaced yet?


Cheers,

Dan K.