I own a Triumph Bonneville T-100. Its got a classic look (think Steve McQueen’s bike in “The Great Escape”) and has is awesome to ride. My only complaint is that the starter sucks. For some reason, the British have never perfected the starter. They must also have trouble with the supply chain ‘cause it takes a long time to get parts too.
This Harley would directly compete with the T-100. I’d be willing to give it a try. However, I feel like I always get dissed or ignored when I walk into a Harley dealership. It may be because I don’t look like the stereotypical Harley customer. That feeling of alienation may be why I haven’t bought any Harley’s so far.
For some reason, the British have never perfected the starter.
Did Lucas manufacture the starter? If so, that explains it.
Why do the British drink warm beer? Because they all have Lucas refrigerators.
Lucas, the Price of darkness.
“I feel like I always get dissed or ignored when I walk into a Harley dealership”
Your not the only one, I’ve heard that story before from guys that have been riding HDs forever. I do own a Harley but rarely do I go into a dealership unless I can’t help it. There’s plenty to choose from at bike trader (and other sources I’m sure) if your not opposed to a pre owned. But the rumors are true, HD bikes and OEM HD parts are expensive, but with HDs there are literally a ton of quality after market parts suppliers. I know a guy that had a Yamaha cruiser and he couldn’t find any accessories for it. Also, Most dealerships now provide test rides and or rentals. That may help you look before you leap.
I saw a water cooled Triumph with a 2300 CC in line motor a few ago. Looks as if they’ve finally got past the verticle twin mentality.
Norton has a new V-4 bike, based on an italian design.
Lose the tennis shorts and alligator shirt, wear jeans and a Black T shirt and you're all set.
I've been a Harley owner for a decade, and I still get that treatment at the dealers. I have tattoos, long hair and always wear jeans, a black tee shirt and a leather jacket. Doesn't matter. They're jerk offs. I think you have to be a prick to work the parts counter.
Hate the dealer, but I love my Harley (FXSTS). Best bike I've ever owned, and oddly the most reliable. That's after having three Hondas (RC51, XR650R & CR250), two Suzukis (VZ800 & RM125) and one Kawasaki (KLR650).
Both of the Suzukis were utter garbage, but that little RM125 had so much personality, it's my second favorite bike. The Hondas were smooth, bland and fairly reliable. I really liked the RC51 until the engine kept cutting out on high speed turns. Never did solve that before wrecking it.
Boy howdy, true dat. Automotive AND motorcycle electrical systems are a mystery to the Brits.
This Harley would directly compete with the T-100. I’d be willing to give it a try. However, I feel like I always get dissed or ignored when I walk into a Harley dealership.
Yep, me too, especially when I was looking for parts for a '73 Harley-Aermacchi-AMF SS-350. Those know-nothing a55holes didn't even want to be in the same room as me.
Interesting. My local dealer is so friendly it makes you wonder about that whole 'stereotypical Harley customer' thing. I look nothing like a biker dude. When I bought a Sportster there several years ago, it was one of the best retail experiences I've ever had. No pressure, and no attempt to up-sell. Made me feel like family.