OT: Buying a Motorcycle - Need Input.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:43 am

Going this weekend to check out a Harley 883L. I'm spending way too much money on fuel and am paying more in gas than I would on a bike payment. Anyone have any input on this bike? Trying to keep cost low while getting max output for fuel milage. Thought about the Honda's but I'd rather buy American and the Harley is close as I can get in my price range. Much difference between the 883 & 883L? Worrying about scraping in curves if I'm going into it too fast. But I maybe be worring for nothing.

Johnny

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:55 am

I wish I could find a decent mid-frame bike like was available in the 70s/80s.

A CB 400 (twin or 4) would be great.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:24 am

OI,

My BIL was riding a 650 Enduro for about a year or so. For his birthday this year his dad gave him an 80's Honda. I think it's either a 750 or 900, I can't remeber exactly. It has been put up in storage but was running, when it would, really rough. So my BIL used the Enduo as a trade in on a new 750 Honda and is working on the one his dad gave him. He gets about 45 mile per gallon on the newer 750. The one his dad gave him has a windshield, bags, etc so he wanting to get it fixed up for him and my sister or give her the newer 750 and him ride to older one.

Johnny

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:34 am

Johnny, I recently had the opportunity to test ride a few bikes at the HD shop in Ukiah where I am moving too. I was able to ride a number of Softails, a Road King, a V-Rod and a 1200 Sportster R. I'm sure I will be getting a HD of some sort in February of next year. The new Sportsters are simply great bikes with the rubber-mounted engines, 5 speed gear boxes and state-of-the-art fuel injection. The one thing that I would have to say though is that factory HD shocks are simply AWEFULL! One of the best riding bikes of the day was the 1200 R which has the longest travel shocks. So, I think the ride quality of the 883 L would be pretty suspect. Unless you are really inseam challenged, I would go for a regular 883.

-Tutt

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:38 am

I get between 30 & 40mpg from my 99 Escort wagon, but it would be nice to have a 50mpg+ bike again.

Last one I had was a Yamaha 650 Special. Unfortunately, as the result of a multiple vehicle collision, I put the forks through the heads and did a PLF onto the hood (over the roof) of the car in front of me.

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:45 am

Unless you have extremely short legs or just like the feel of the L model, get the standard 883. 883s are pretty common on the used market, people seem to buy them as starter bikes before moving on to a "real" Harley. If you really wanted to save some money (saving money is the point here, right?) you could look for a used Buell Blast; an American made 500cc single based on the sporter V-twin. My brother has a standard 2004 883 which seems to be a solid, well built bike with a nice neutral riding position, I don't know what kind of mileage he gets. I ride a 2005 Buell XB9; an American made sport bike, I average 43 mpg.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:52 am

What Tutt said about suspension; short travel suspension (883L) will mean rougher ride. Keep in mind that the Sportster line doesn't keep it's resale value like the "big" bikes (although the big ones don't resell as high as they used to either). If you are thinking about some longer trips, then the sportster line isn't the best choice (it can be done but not as comfortably especially if you are a larger person); they are intended as "sport" bikes with around town riding primary. I've had a 1200 custom, a Wideglide, a Heritage Classic and presently a '06 Roadking (in addition to 15 other bikes over the years). Not trying to talk you out of the 883 (that engine is probably the most reliable HD makes) but don't rush into a decision and get the cheapest one only to be sorry down the road. If you think it would suit your needs then great; save some green but don't rule out looking at the bigger ones also. Shop several dealers; there are good ones and there are some I wouldn't give a penny to. Unless you plan on wrenching yourself, try to meet the service manager also.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:00 am

I have a friend that has a Harley for sale. The model slips my mind but it one of the big touring bikes. Her husband recently passed and she has no interest in it. If anyone had any interest pm meand I'll have the details this eve.

jb

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:08 am

.
Buy a Honda, you won't be sorry. They are extremely well engineered, just like their cars. IMO, Everything else is a Glorified Roto-Tiller with 2 wheels..!

I owned a HD when I was 20 and stupid, thought it was cool to get crappy gas mileage and make noise. It was the biggest turd I ever had. Upkeep was a pain in the butt. Any accessory with HD stamped on it will cost you 4 times what it's worth. I'll never own anything but a Honda from now on, a Goldwing is next.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:11 am

I haven't ridden in a number of years but I've been thinking of a bike myself. Years ago Harley was known for their ability to break down in the most out of the way places. In short their reputation for reliability was terrible. As I understand it it has gotten a little bit better, but not much. The Japs are still heads and shoulders above them in quality and reliability. I picked up a bike trader publication at the local shop and rob not long ago and it was full of Harley's. I wonder why that is? A guy at work get s 40 MPG from his Harley I saw on a forum dedicated to the Kawasaki 650's that they're getting 55 to 60 if they're correct.
Set me straight if I'm wrong, I'm looking for answers myself. Deerwacker FWIW my BIL has a Goldwing and he only gets 38-40 MPg with his. For me the ultimate bike would be a BMW but for that kind of money I'd get a smaller car. Bikes are nice but here in Florida you stand a really good chance of getting runned over by a blue haired, fungus, toed trailer bat.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:18 am

Saving money, ie Harley has a $99 (first two years) sale on their Sportster, not over spending and being vertically challanged are the issues. I stand 5'5 w/o boots, about 5'7 w/boots. I've given long consideration to the Honda's but not being made in America is another issue that really bugs me.

Johnny

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:19 am

I rode a used Honda ST1100 Last year and absolutely loved it. Was going buy it when something else came up. What a great ride.

I have a Kawasaki KLR 650 that Is a blast but will wear you out after a couple hours.

Can't go wrong with the Japanese stuff but my next one's going to be a BMW GS 1200.

jb

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:22 am

Rusty wrote: my BIL has a Goldwing and he only gets 38-40 MPg with his. For me the ultimate bike would be a BMW but for that kind of money I'd get a smaller car. Bikes are nice but here in Florida you stand a really good chance of getting runned over by a blue haired, fungus, toed trailer bat.

You're probably correct. Goldwings are expensive and you have to like riding motorcycles to own one. A person could probably pick up a new Civic for the same $. You're right, GW's don't get record gas mileage, but the trade off is comfort. It's a Gigantor touring bike that handles like a sportbike and its sports a 1800cc engine that transmits power like an electric sewing machine, SMOOOOTH baby..... I'm willing to make the trade-off

I guess it depends on your frame of reference. My 1990 truck that is my daily driver gets about 12 MPG, so 38-40 is a great improvement for me.

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:29 am

Blackhawk wrote: I've given long consideration to the Honda's but not being made in America is another issue that really bugs me.

I'm not entirely sure on this, somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought alot of parts in the HD line are made overseas and then ASSEMBLED in the U.S. I thought that the engine is made in the U.S. and that most everything else is outsourced. Am I wrong..?

NonPCnraRN · Post by **NonPCnraRN** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:38 am

I want either a Harley Street Bob or Fat Bob, both Dynas. Dynas are like Sportsters on steroids. My budget is more in the Sportster area and for me the best bang for the buck would be the 1200R (Roadster). 1200cc was a large engine for many years on the bigger bikes before the 88s and 96s came along. So 1200cc in a Sportster will make it scoot. It will beat bigger bikes stoplight to stoplight and with the highest ground clearance you won't be dragging chromed parts through twisties unless you really like to lean you bike over speeding through curves. The bigger bikes will have a higher top speed but IT AIN'T LEGAL anyway.

If you want to tour, get a good comfortable aftermarket seat, bags and a windshield and off you go. If you are going to spend much time on the bike, get a good comfortable aftermarket seat anyway. I have been following Harley Sportsters for about 5 years and each year they are improved. Now finally they have all the refinements of the Dynas except for the 6 speed tranny. In the last 5 years the clutch effort has been reduced, the frame enlarged and stiffened, a larger rear axle,the engine rubber mounted and finally fuel injected. Don't let any of the baggers razz you about when are you going to get a real bike? Just leave them in the dust mid sentence! There is a Sportster culture within the Harley community and they wouldn't ride anything else.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:50 am

I respect your decision to buy Americanish.
I've toured the York Penn HD plant and there where plenty of none American parts going on those bikes.
My father started with a "97" 883 hugger. I put about 3,000 miles on it.
It was a terrible bike to ride, gutless, and unreliable. Did get around 50mpg. Only motorcycle in 20+ years that ever left me stranded.
Watch out for the earlier used Buell Blast they had serious engine trouble and you need to be about 90lbs and 3 feet tall to be comfortable on one.
If I was forced at gun point to buy a HD I'd go the next model up to a Dyna and leave the sportsters alone.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:54 am

deerwhacker444 wrote:
Blackhawk wrote: I've given long consideration to the Honda's but not being made in America is another issue that really bugs me.

I'm not entirely sure on this, somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought alot of parts in the HD line are made overseas and then ASSEMBLED in the U.S. I thought that the engine is made in the U.S. and that most everything else is outsourced. Am I wrong..?

Nope your right.
When you take the tour of the plant they just cover up the non-American parts with a tarp.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:10 am

Blackhawk

Get the one that fits you. Here's a little secret, the Sportster is rated for more rear axle weight than all but one other model. They tell me it's a girls bike and everyone trades them in for a bigger bike, but that's all you get, a bigger bike with lower gas mileage. I love sportsters, but I don't own one.

I own a BMW R-65 that I paid $1700 for. It gets about 40mpg, does 0 - 60 in 5.8, will cruise over the speed limit all day, and it way more reliable than a harley. It is a wrench bender's kind of bike, kind of like working on VW bugs. If you can wrench a bug you can keep an airhead moving indefinately.

Also remember that you burn hi-test in those bikes, factor that into your budget, it's quite a difference in pesos...

Grizz

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:23 am

Blackhawk wrote:Going this weekend to check out a Harley 883L. I'm spending way too much money on fuel and am paying more in gas than I would on a bike payment. Anyone have any input on this bike? Trying to keep cost low while getting max output for fuel milage. Thought about the Honda's but I'd rather buy American and the Harley is close as I can get in my price range. Much difference between the 883 & 883L? Worrying about scraping in curves if I'm going into it too fast. But I maybe be worring for nothing.

Johnny

hey john just my .02.I have been riding for 45 years now and still have all my fingers and toes

.my last harley I put on over 70,000 on it most of it while in germany.the heads were never off the bike.chain,brakes tires and a few clutches but thats just normal wear stuff.
last year I bought a 883L that had 171.0 miles on it.the guy got scared and parked it.I gave him $5500.00 cash for it.it has been a great bike and love riding it.I just did a 100 ride this morning up to the VA and back.no problems and the new sportys are rubber mounted which you can see in your mirrors at 75 mph

.for gas I get 56 mpg at 70-75 mph.the new harleys are light years a head of the harleys when I started out riding.smooth comfortable and good brakes.the 883 has enough power for any sane man.my buds road king can't catch up until 80 mph

.
take one for a spin I tink you will like it.
pete
when I got it home.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:26 am

I love riding a bike, but I don't love doing it for more than a couple hours at a stretch. It's basic Urban Transportation - that I can make occasional day trips on.

That's why I like the smaller (nimble) mid-frame (sit upright) bikes of not more than 750 ccs.

Though I have considered getting an Enduro cross-over type bike so I can take it to the woods/bugout a little easier.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:57 am

Nice bike TXPete! Right now I spend about $200-$250 a month in fuel. And thats not including my wife's driving that she does in her car. Tires cost right at $500 a year, which should cover the bike insurance. It takes me right under an hour to get to work, all highway, I don't care for driving on the freeway but will in a 4 wheeled vehicle when need too. Most of the roadway I travel is flat and open anyway so 70mph is not a problem.

I agree and like what Grizz and NonPCnraRN said as well. I live next to a state park and see many motorcycles come across it and parked at the gas station right after it for a cool drink and riding break. I meet a couple a month or so ago that were riding sportsters and they really enjoyed'em as well. That Nightster looks good to me but may be out of my budget range.

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:11 pm

Here is my Ducati and the Mrs in the background. The wifes bike is an American import, you guys call them a zx6, over here they are called a zzr 600. We do have a zx6 but it is a completly different animal! We get about 50mpg depending on the mood!
Is there any Ducati Monsters around? They are frugal. How about Suzuki SV650 0r 1000.
Test rode a Buell last year- can not get it out of my mind- must buy- must buy- must buy

Nath.

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:29 pm

those 883's are ok.. but I bet you will trade it off in a year. 883 is the price leader of the price leader Sportsters.
If you just want to ride for the heck of it an commute it could be a good choice. Sportsters dont seem to hold value like the FL based bikes.

I still ride a 82 Honda 750.... bought 3rd or 4 hand for $1200 neary 10 years ago. It's geared a little low and gets around 40 if I dont ride with enthusiasm. I wish Honda was still building the 750 Nighthawk. My back hurts on the cruisers.. and crotch rockets are out of the question... I like the "sit up" posture of those '80s bikes.

whatever you get...have fun on it!
Hill

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:32 pm

one more thing price your ins. before you buy.for my sporty full coverage 250 deduct is $164.00 a year.thats being a geezer and no claims or tickets.ins. on some bike is very expensive...ouch.
pete

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:36 pm

Nath, years ago I picked up a Ducati 200 cc single, remember those? They were road raced on our atlantic coast, had the cut-in fuel tank for tucking into it and clip-ons. Topped out around 80 mph and got around 80mpg. Fun little thing to play with, but it wouldn't even catch your exhaust!

Grizz

pricecw · Post by **pricecw** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:46 pm

NonPCnraRN wrote:I want either a Harley Street Bob or Fat Bob, both Dynas. Dynas are like Sportsters on steroids. My budget is more in the Sportster area and for me the best bang for the buck would be the 1200R (Roadster). 1200cc was a large engine for many years on the bigger bikes before the 88s and 96s came along. So 1200cc in a Sportster will make it scoot. It will beat bigger bikes stoplight to stoplight and with the highest ground clearance you won't be dragging chromed parts through twisties unless you really like to lean you bike over speeding through curves. The bigger bikes will have a higher top speed but IT AIN'T LEGAL anyway. If you want to tour, get a good comfortable aftermarket seat, bags and a windshield and off you go. If you are going to spend much time on the bike, get a good comfortable aftermarket seat anyway. I have been following Harley Sportsters for about 5 years and each year they are improved. Now finally they have all the refinements of the Dynas except for the 6 speed tranny. In the last 5 years the clutch effort has been reduced, the frame enlarged and stiffened, a larger rear axle,the engine rubber mounted and finally fuel injected. Don't let any of the baggers razz you about when are you going to get a real bike? Just leave them in the dust mid sentence! There is a Sportster culture within the Harley community and they wouldn't ride anything else.

I am currently riding a Honda VTX 1300, good bike, calculated 43mpg last fill up. I am like NonPCnraRN though, I want a Street Bob (Fat Bob would be nice too). Although, I am also drooling all over the Rocker C.

I have a friend that bought the Street Bob after we went to the HD dealer looking (traded his Ducati in for it). He gets about the same mileage as my Honda. Very nice bike.

His wife is riding a 1200 Nightster with screaming eagle parts. That is another very nice bike. Don't know the what she gets mileage wise, but I think it is better than his.

I would not be at all worried about the reliability of either of those bikes. I would trade up, but just can't make myself do it, since my bike does everything I need and more.

I think if you like the 883, get it. Will be a good bike, and the mileage should be there. I have a 30mile each way commute, so buying the bike made financial sense 5 years ago (F250 was my commute vehicle before), now it would be an easy decision (actually bought a smaller car for winter).

--Carl

Dirty Dan · Post by **Dirty Dan** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:11 pm

Been there, done it too long. All my vehicles will have a roof & doors from now on, regardless of mileage.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:23 pm

If you are going to get an 883 and you have normal size legs, stay away from the L version. I get 45 Mpg on my Street Bob HD. I have a Honda 996 Super Hawk, two years old, 13,500 miles for sale that has travel bags too. Selling it for $4k and it has just been serviced if anyone is interested. The super hawk (titanium in color) is a pretty awesome machine but I don't need two bikes.

NonPCnraRN · Post by **NonPCnraRN** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:43 pm

If all you can afford is the 883L now, you can always upgrade to the 1200cc engine later. IIRC it is the same engine bored out to 1200cc and different heads. The 1200cc engine weighs less than the 883 just like a 45 colt NV weighs less than a 357 NV. Bigger holes in the cylinder and barrel while the outside dimensions remain the same. Same for the 883 vs 1200 engines. Also I forgot the 1200R has dual disc brakes up front for stopping. I wonder why?

Could it be that people tend to go fast? You can also get an aftermarket seat that will put you closer to the ground than a stock seat. IIRC it is thinner but made with a gel inner core. Sort of like Dr Scholl's for your butt. You'd be surprised what changing a seat can do for ride height without changing the bikes suspension. Wear western style packer boots with heels designed for riding horses. They lace up. That will get your feet closer to the ground. I found some cool waterproof packer boots in the Cabelas catalog: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... id=0047746
I have some Danner Acadia waterproof (Gortex) boots and waterproof is the only way to go. I can stand in water almost up to the rim of the boot and my feet are dry. I've never experienced it but I believe riders when they say cold, wet feet at 65 mph are not fun. I like these Cabela's as they are western styled vs the military/duty style of the Danners. It's nice to go with a different look now and then. The Cabela's will look cool riding your "iron horse" and keep your feet dry. Got a little off topic there but that is not unusual for me. Now the big question is, you can mount saddlebags on your "iron horse" but where do you mount the carbine scabbard? I know. You need a 16" take down trapper!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:51 pm

Ever thought about a new Triumph Bonneville? If I could afford a new bike, that's the direction I'd be going...

Or a Triumph Scrambler... one of my favourites:

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:03 pm

I was thinking more along the lines of a maresleg.

I just got off the phone with the HD saleman and he has the 883, 883L, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 1200L, & 1200 Nightster in stock. I actually spoke with two salesmen at two different locations, first location was completely out of all Sportsters. Both said the 883L was lower than the 1200L. I didn't ask why, I thought they were the same frame as well with just a bored out motor for the 1200.

Also, both stated that they get about the same fuel milage. I want the 883 for cost but my wife wants to ride with me some so I'm thinking the 1200 may be the better option. I will mainly be driving it to work and back but will have a weekend road trip every now and then. She eventually wants her own but for now... Can the 883 handle two riders?

Johnny

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:09 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:Ever thought about a new Triumph Bonneville? If I could afford a new bike, that's the direction I'd be going...

Or a Triumph Scrambler... one of my favourites:

OI,

I like the Booneville, but the Scrambler is one weird looking setup with that twin exhaust up high like that. I like the looks of the Triumphs but again are they made in the US? Or so for the most part?

Johnny

NonPCnraRN · Post by **NonPCnraRN** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:17 pm

It (883) can handle 2 riders but if you are merging onto a freeway with a semi rapidly approaching in the right lane I would want the 1200cc! Even with a VW vs a bike, I would want the extra horses. The truck driver would probably be a more alert driver than the VW driver, but that's another story. Many automobile drivers drive HUA and tend not to notice riders. PS: HUA is Head Up A..

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:21 pm

I thought Triumphs have always been English bikes?

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:23 pm

the new bonnies are made in thailand

.
pete

Grizzly Adams · Post by **Grizzly Adams** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:30 pm

Well, I actually own and ride an 883L. It handles very well in the twisties, and is a hoot to boot! I got the L because I want my feet on the ground! Sure, I can, and do, scrape once in awhile, but that just adds to the fun!

The nice thing about the 883L is that it gets a solid 50-58 mpg depending on speed and road conditions. I travel at speed limit and prefer twisty back roads to superslab. Sometimes a "bagger" will ask me when I am going to trade up to a "real Harley." I just shrug my shoulders and say, "I ain't old enough yet to need a road sofa!"

I grew up on Triumphs and BSAs, so my idea of a motorcycle is "sporty." Always wanted a Sportster, and I simply will not ride anything else. I still remember going to the flat track races when I was a kid and watching the HD XR750s thunder around the track with that rooster tail of dirt. In those days, the color of victory was orange and black. By the way, Harley is bringing out an XR1200. It is in Europe now, and this country soon.

Check it out!

http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images ... o-028r.jpg

Sportys rule!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:40 pm

Blackhawk wrote:...OI,

I like the Booneville, but the Scrambler is one weird looking setup with that twin exhaust up high like that. I like the looks of the Triumphs but again are they made in the US? Or so for the most part?

Johnny

No, they're still Britmade. The company is now in Hinckley UK rather than Coventry.

Yeah, scramblers look a little odd, but those high pipes and tweaked suspension let you use it in the Outback as well as the Urban Jungle.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/motorcycles.aspx

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:46 pm

Well you could blow me over with a feather! I just been fiddling with my carbs and lost a cylinder! Turns out I've lost one of the ignition pick ups! I just don't believe it

Was going shooting tomorrow night, not now!

Nath.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:53 pm

Most of the Scoot makers have their act together these days. I bought an American Made Honda VTX1300 and could not be happier. 42-52mpg.....Nice, solid, heavy, fast and handles swell (I scrape the floorboards LONG before reaching the limit).....The little HD you're thinging of is just fine around town, but you'll regret the lightweight for an all day ride.
As you can see, it's a work horse and hauls my 250 plus the kitchen sink around with aplumb up and down the Cascade Range and never needing to crack the throttle open very much at all. (The suspension has been upgraded, tho)

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:21 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:
Blackhawk wrote:...OI,

I like the Booneville, but the Scrambler is one weird looking setup with that twin exhaust up high like that. I like the looks of the Triumphs but again are they made in the US? Or so for the most part?

Johnny
No, they're still Britmade. The company is now in Hinckley UK rather than Coventry.

Yeah, scramblers look a little odd, but those high pipes and tweaked suspension let you use it in the Outback as well as the Urban Jungle.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/motorcycles.aspx

the new bonnies are coming out of thailand

In February 2002, as the company was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary as a motorcycle maker, its main factory was hit by fire, destroying most of its manufacturing capacity. Nevertheless, the company, which by then numbered more than 300 employees, quickly rebuilt the facility and returned to production by September of that year. Furthermore, in 2003, Triumph opened a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Thailand. Also, assembly and painting facility in Thailand was opened in 2006 by Prince Andrew. Triumph is building another facility in Thailand supposedly to be an engine manufacturing site.

The Triumph Group announced sales of 37,400 units in the financial year ending 30 June 2006. This represented a growth of 18% over the 31,600 units produced in 2005. Company turnover rose 13% to £200 million ($370 million), but net profit remained static at around £10.3 million due to recent investment in production facilities.[4]

there was a 54 page stink over at triumph forum last year on this.people felt ripped off (me also) as they are still selling it as a brit bike.kind of like a jap winny sold as a orginal winchester

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:29 pm

So - the Bonneville is made in Thailand... well, I haven't heard anything bad about it, but then, it's not like I can afford a new $7000+ bike anyway. I wouldn't be buying one because it's British, but because I like the format.

Back in the late 90s I tried to get in on the IPO of Excelsior Henderson. Probably a good thing I didn't 'cause they went wheels up in 99. Ah well. THey were only making "fat" bikes anyway.

Kansas Ed · Post by **Kansas Ed** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:23 pm

Well, once again OI and I agree...starting to get spooky here....I'm selling my dragster after this season to pare down my outlay, and the proceeds are headed toward Triumph. My wife just bought a 500 Ninja this spring (schoolbus yellow), and loves it. I haven't had a bike since about 1988. Great OT discussion here. I love this kind of OT's.

Ed

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:34 pm

The Scrambler is a ok bike. The heated gas bowls don't work and it is in serious need of re-jetting and drilling out the baffles.
Throw a street legal knobby on it and it rips up the trails pretty good. Had a blast with one on a weekend ride on the trails caught some air with it and and climbed some serious hills with that knobby.
Decent enough bike.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:35 pm

You guys and bikes crack me up.

"Is a HD 883 big enough for two?"... let me put it this way. Back in February my lil' Suzuki hauled my rear (and the rest of me) along the Andes up to Guatapé - six hours from home along some impressive twisty roads. It's a lil' 125 CC GN125H with a whopping 12 ponies worth of "power". I get about 80 mpg give or take and haul myself and my wife all over town on it. Yeah, it's not a freeway bike, but my point is - it doesn't take 100 horses to haul you around unless you're a LOT bigger than your's truly - by a factor of four or so... Here's a couple of pics of that trip. I've even ridden it up to Bogotá, seven hours up, five hours back. (not the same day) Yes, I'd love to have a much larger bike - but you'd be amazed at how handy a MUCH smaller bike can be.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:38 pm

I forgot to mention, the Suzuki GN125H is built in India, assembled here in Pereira. Well, just outside town. I'd love to get one of the GS500's, but they're a "luxury" bike and taxed accordingly. The GNI25 I picked up from a friend's widow. Inexperienced rider with an unexplained accident. Totaled him, the bike just needed a few new parts...

Thunder50 · Post by **Thunder50** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:06 pm

I cannot comment on the 883, as I was looking for something to take my "bulk" (6'4" & 320), I tried a dyna wide glide, which might also work for you, but I ended up with a used Heritage. Prices of used Harleys are way down. Look at Craigslist, there are some smoking deals out there if you look. You might get a decent used softtail for what the 883 would cost. If I didn't have the Heritage, my local Honda dealer took in a 04 Fatboy , loaded with chrome and a 95" kit and had it for $11,700. It sold in two days and only had 8K miles on it. Figure that my Heritage , 05, gets about 45-50mpg and I really enjoy the balanced engine.

You might think about a VTX 1300, ST1100 or ST1300 also. Heard that they are wonderful machines and I am partial to shaft drive, but HD doesn't do it. Wifes uncle has a RoadStar and loves it.

You could probably find a decent used H/D for thousands less than what the dealer charges for a new machine, and you would have plenty left over for fuel.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:37 pm

in its day this was a big bike.I got this a a basket case and dad and I rebuilt it and my first paint job.
500 triumph daytona (1969) don't laugh

1966 FLH.bought this one off a pilot shipping out for $1000.00 cash.big bucks for a SP/5

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:30 pm

My first real bike was a 68 Norton N15 (Norton-Matchless hybrid, see this story and pictures: http://www.realclassic.co.uk/match03082900.html). About the fastest thing around in those days and it got 55mpg. Later got a Norton Commando that I kept for 25 years.

Now have a Moto Guzzi Quota (like on this page: http://www.epfguzzi.com/models/y2quota.html) and it gets 40mpg, almost as good as my 3500lb car, a VW Passat diesel.

I looked at Harleys but never could quite put up with the inflated prices or the snooty riders (most of 'em, anyway). Also I like to ride something different, and Harleys are a dime a dozen. But if you like Harley, get one. We're not going to talk you into something else...

I've been thinking of trading the Guzzi (too tall, too heavy for me) in for one of these:
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=201
Heard they get 65mpg while probably better handling, braking and faster than any Norton I ever rode, or the Guzzi...

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:43 pm

Pete,

That FLH was a Classic!!

I'd Trade a whole lot of shootin' irons for a bike like that!

jb

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:38 pm

Ambracol , all I have to say is "respect the power".

The last 883 I rode was a mid 90's model and it was like riding a early 70's bike . Bad suspension,bad brakes, had to call Scotty in the engine room for more power alot. The throttle was more like a volume control .When you cracked it open the bike just got louder not any faster. The later models probably have better brakes and suspension. But I couldn't get off that one soon enough. I know other Harley models are much better but the 883 is a entry model wnich you can get more bang for your buck with a jap bike. But I do like the new triumphs. But I always have biked on a budget and new ones are usually out of my price range. That superhawk is also an awsome all around great bike. They have so much torgue it's hard to keep the front wheel on the ground when leaving a stop sign. That might get you in trouble. Good Luck !