Let the Flames Begin

[ROBsS4R]

I have been seriously thinking about picking up a Harley Nightster.

I love the retro look and it would be really nice to have a more casual riding motorcycle in the garage.

Anyone here have any experience with Harley's / Cruisers 

[Popeye the Sailor]

PM duck-stew.

[johnc]

Anyone here have any experience with Harley's / Cruisers 

post on any hd agusta forum ... they will know all about cruisers and hogs 

[ROBsS4R]

PM duck-stew.

If i recall correctly Duck-Stew liked the look of the Nightster. 

[Spidey]

(Anyone who flames you over this question is an idiot.  There, I pre-emptively flamed the potential flamers.   )

I like cruisers though I have limited experience with HDs specifically.  I like 'em though, 'specially that sporty.  They're particularly good if you do a lot of slab.
Cruisers are a ton more comfy, and are well suited to the open road.  However, they can--depending on the ergos--looks more comfy than they are.  If you ride on with the pegs too far forward and the bars too high, your back takes a pounding because you can't use your legs as suspension.  

Personally, I think it would be an easier transition from sportbike to cruiser than the reverse.  The way you learn to ride a sportbike will lead to to quickly push the edge of ground clearance and traction with a cruiser.   You also have to learn to use the engine differently.  Cruisers want you to get into the high gear as fast as possible and then potato-potato-potato down the road.  It's the exact opposite of your Duc, which you likely rev up a bit before shifting.  It takes some getting used to, but the way you rise a cruiser is actually quite relaxing.  

It's harder to split with a cruiser, despite their low speed stability and low center of gravity.  They tend to be wider and not as quick steering.  Also cruiser suspensions suck.  As do their brakes.  Plan corners and stops well ahead of time.  Oh, and they're fat pigs.  Even that sportster.

Seriously, PM duck-stew.  I think he bought that exact bike.  Bigiain took it for a ride.  He may be able to share his impressions as well.

[Popeye the Sailor]

If i recall correctly Duck-Stew liked the look of the Nightster. 

He has one, or something that was damned similar (different paint) when it was in my garage. 

[ROBsS4R]

Thanks

I will send him a PM for sure 

[duckwrench13]

To add some fuel to the flames... check this out:

http://www.storzperf.com/

Lots of evil ideas. Heck, I spent almost as much as my 883R was worth building it into beast of a cafe racer! Luckily, it was all on the dealer's dime...it was our demo bike after all.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

[DarkStaR]

You should get the one with the mid-mounted rear-sets.  It will feel a "little" more at home.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Make sure the dealer throws in a chrome brain bucket with flames 



Also, does this mean you'll be selling all your S4R mods cheap?

[ROBsS4R]

To add some fuel to the flames... check this out:

http://www.storzperf.com/

Lots of evil ideas. Heck, I spent almost as much as my 883R was worth building it into beast of a cafe racer! Luckily, it was all on the dealer's dime...it was our demo bike after all.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Dam you =(

I already know which aftermarket pipes I want if I do pull the trigger.

Make sure the dealer throws in a chrome brain bucket with flames 



Also, does this mean you'll be selling all your S4R mods cheap?

Well I would really like to keep the S4R but we shall see. I am having some ergo issues like you as well.
Good thing is the HarleY Dearler's allow test rides... actually they sometimes wont let you leave unless you go for a test ride I have heard.

[ROBsS4R]

You should get the one with the mid-mounted rear-sets.  It will feel a "little" more at home.

I thought they all came that way. Must be the more common config but note taken 

Thats actually the color scheme I am interested in.

[707soldier]

^ nice, at least you don't have to wear gear when riding your HD

[desmoquattro]

^ nice, at least you don't have to wear gear when riding your HD

I can just picture Rob in a skull bucket

[Duck-Stew]

Bought it June 14th and have over 4500 miles on it since then and here are my impressions:

1)  The same three things people pregnant dog about on Monsters.....are the same three things to pregnant dog about on the Nightster
     a) suspension sucks
     b) seat sucks
     c) exhaust sucks
That being said, all I've upgraded so far is the suspension.  I bought Works Performance 2-stage fork springs and some custom built 12" rear shocks (stock is 11") with dual rate springs and it made a HUGE difference for about $600.

2)  Do NOT ride it like a Duc.  Do NOT ride it like a Duc.  (keep repeating this.....it may work for you...didn't for me)  It's low.  Ridiculously low as a matter of fact.  I've scraped the shit out of LOTS of hard parts but still enjoy it immensely.

3)  It's quick enough from 0 to about 30mph.  After that...it fades and if you really push it....it'll do 110mph w/stock exhaust and stock air-cleaner but it doesn't like it.

4)  Does GREAT burn-outs!  

5)  It's a good addition to the stable, but is no replacement for a Duc.  (seems obvious...but I'm currently Duc-less so doesn't apply for me).

Lots of character, lots of fun...42-47mpg...could use a 6th gear and better spacing but honestly...the 5-speed ain't bad.

Remove the foot-peg feelers for more clearance, do *something* with the side-stand (and let me know what you did...that mutha drags WAY easy), and get some smaller diameter pipes and it would be much more enjoyable.

Great bike all-in-all as an addition to your stable.
--Stu