Harley to Ducati

[flyinlow]

I like variety in my bikes, grew up riding Interceptors in the 80's and CBR's in the 90's. I have a 2006 Yamaha FJR, probably the best all around bike you can buy. You can go long distance on it, you can pack some luggage on it, it handles the corners and can keep up with sport bikes (once you take the luggage off). I also have a 2008 HD Road King classic. I wanted a nostaligia bike and whats more nostalgic than a Harley, especially the classic with the wide whites, spoked wheels, etc. They haven't changed much in general design for years, although I was not a fan until they finally put some decent brakes on them in 2008 (Brembo's). That's when I decided to buy mine. Wish I had waited one more year because the 2009's have a new frame, got to test ride one and they are solid, just like a Jap bike. I would not buy any other Harley except for the Touring line. I spent a couple years going to demo rides and riding all the different models, the touring line (Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide) have the best ride by far of any of the Harley's. Also, even though they vibrate at idle, they are un-believably smooth above idle, one of smoothest engines I have ever had. That's because they balance them that way and they won't remove the idle vibration for fear of losing customers.

I've had a few other bikes over the last couple of years (VFR, FZ1, Tuono) but now have a deposit on a new Streetfighter. I looked at buying my friends S4rs, but loved the 1098 and said that if the came out with a naked version I would buy it, whether it was in the Monster chassis or something else. Can't wait for it to get here, but its going to be a while yet.

I like the variety of my bikes. The HD is like driving a pickup (my daily driver), the FJR is like driving a good performance sedan (wife's G8) and the Ducati will be like driving a sports car (my Corvette).

[spinned]

I enjoy both of the bikes... they just do different things.  Nothing beats the rush you get with a Ducati in the corners with serious counter-steering; on the other hand I like the slow cruiser hot rod feeling you get while cruising on my Softail Springer.  Both sound awesome.  Both are two cylinders, both can be customized to the hilt.  One is all about the chrome and the other is all about shaving pounds.  It is fun to go to a Harley rally on a Harley and sometimes it is fun to do the back roads on the Duc.   I think I will keep them both.

[Centerline]

I just recently bought a new Harley, another guy here with a Fat Bob
Fine bike.  When I ride it for a while and then get on the Monster, it's a scary thing.  Been thinking on trading my S4RS for a Hyper S.

[Raux]

scary? explain.

[Locke]

I traded a big bore 2001 Fatboy for my 07 s4rs but hung on to the 08 VROD. With a set of SuperTrapps it no longer sounds like a sewing machine and actually gives a nice counterpoint to the Termis on the s4. As other writers have commented, a Harley's a totally different bike and this one is getting on for half way to being a bagger with windscreen, rack, crash bars, lowers and bags. Also as others have said, there is fun to be had adding tasteful chunks of chrome. The s4 has acquired the full termis, a riser for the bars, frame and axle sliders, a tail bag, fairing braces and a steering damper. It also has a tail bag but just ain't nothing like a bagger.

The white Sportie is the other half's.

Now if the snow would just go away.

[Xiphias]

I rode a Harley for the first time a few months ago, it was one of those big touring ones...I can't remember which one. Once the bike was going, it was fun and it handle much better than I thought it would. The brakes sucked ass when compare to even the wooden ones on my S2R.

[Mojo S2R]

Authoritay

Respect it.

Sorry, random thoughts again. 

[teddy037.2]

I could see owning a harley... or at the very least, a cruiser bike. rode my neighbor's sportster 1200. aside from getting used to a heavy, new bike whose brakes were nowhere near as good as mine, I had fun on it.

the one bike I had an absolute BLAST on was a buddy's old Vmax... oh dear lord in heaven!  a couple of tweaks and some paint, I'd be a happy boy on one of those!

[blue tiger]

I've had many makes but the last few years have been HD's. I have a Road King Classic. A beautiful bike. It's brakes are weak but that's about it. I also have a 1098. One goes on day trips the other is for long trips...the best of both worlds.

[Travman]

I've had many makes but the last few years have been HD's. I have a Road King Classic. A beautiful bike. It's brakes are weak but that's about it. I also have a 1098. One goes on day trips the other is for long trips...the best of both worlds.

Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years?  I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes.  I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not. 

[blue tiger]

Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years?  I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes.  I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not. 

No It's a 2001 so it's a 5 speed (the newer ones are 6) and has the older brakes. Even those are FAR superior to the brakes on my first HD which was a mid 80's model with a whopping single piston single rotor stopping about 700 lbs.

[burn2110]

Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years?  I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes.  I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not. 

i upgraded the brakes on my harley in the picture above to the brembos off a bagger,  a big increase in stopping power and feel. 

[Travman]

i upgraded the brakes on my harley in the picture above to the brembos off a bagger,  a big increase in stopping power and feel. 

That looks like an upgrade I'll have to try soon.  What brake disks are on your Dyna?  What pads did you use?  Thanks.

[burn2110]

That looks like an upgrade I'll have to try soon.  What brake disks are on your Dyna?  What pads did you use?  Thanks.

the rotors are lyndall composites with red+ pads.  had the brembo calipers with lyndall z pads prior to upgrading the rotors. 

[KARNYC]

Came to Ducati because my old partner gave me a great deal on this bike. 600 miles he got a 1098 and did not want to let the dealer rip him off.

This is my first non Harley bike in 20 yrs my other non Harley was a 71 Honda CB 750 all original with Bates saddlebags and windshield.

My S2R is awesome, I'm enjoying riding again.