Rented a Harley on vacation and...

[Rebus]

So I rented a Softtail Heritage Classic last week while on vacation in Hawaii (I rode a Deuce for 5 years before getting my RT in 2005) and had the following observations:

1. My feet were actually flat on the ground.
2. I almost blew through the first stop sign because the brakes are so weak.
3. Forgot that the brakes aren't interconnected and actually had to revert back to front and rear braking. Not a big deal, just had to think about it.
4. I'll never complain about clunky shifting on the RT again.
5. The RT turns before I think about turning, the Harley turns after I think about it, and with much more effort.
6. It was still fun to have that all American steel V-twin rumbling underneath me.
7. No matter how far I twisted the throttle, it was still really slow to accelerate.
8. Couldn't find the electronic cruise control!
9. All the other Harley riders waved at me.

All in all it was a fun day on the hog. Just reinforced my opinion that a stable should include a sport tourer like the RT, a bar bike like the Harley Deuce, and a sport bike like the Honda CBR1000RR. Now if I can just convince my SO to add the other two bikes...

[twintoaster2]

Good observation. I owned a 99' Sportster Sport. The first time I tood it out on the freeway I almost had a bowel movement.

[snoone]

So I rented a Softtail Heritage Classic last week while on vacation in Hawaii (I rode a Deuce for 5 years before getting my RT in 2005) and had the following observations:

1. My feet were actually flat on the ground.
2. I almost blew through the first stop sign because the brakes are so weak.
3. Forgot that the brakes aren't interconnected and actually had to revert back to front and rear braking. Not a big deal, just had to think about it.
4. I'll never complain about clunky shifting on the RT again.
5. The RT turns before I think about turning, the Harley turns after I think about it, and with much more effort.
6. It was still fun to have that all American steel V-twin rumbling underneath me.
7. No matter how far I twisted the throttle, it was still really slow to accelerate.
8. Couldn't find the electronic cruise control!
9. All the other Harley riders waved at me.

All in all it was a fun day on the hog. Just reinforced my opinion that a stable should include a sport tourer like the RT, a bar bike like the Harley Deuce, and a sport bike like the Honda CBR1000RR. Now if I can just convince my SO to add the other two bikes...

I had the same experience the first time I rented a bike in Hawaii. I blew right through the first red light that I came upon.. I got the hang of it after that little scare. Also had to get used to the foot platforms sparking up the road on every turn. On a later trip I was able to rent a naked BMW and that was sweet .

[lazywizard02]

Thanks for the report - I have been anxious to hear one's experience.

I have to say though that the comment:

"4. I'll never complain about clunky shifting on the RT again."

is one that should fade from your repetoire as time passes.

No, the transmission is not the short throw, close ratio, of other "performance" bikes but when you really get comfortable and care to drive the RT hard in and hard out of turns and hills, you can get a real smooth shift pattern which is quick and "clicks" from gear to gear. Its a matter of using the available rev's, flicking the throttle, using a slight preload on the shift lever and a fast feather on the clutch.

Body position also plays a part. I will move forward and tuck in when I feel the need for speed.

The "clunky" feeling may come from shifting at low rpm's and idling down before clutching.

[Rapid_Roy]

If you had rented a Buell, you would have woke up oily in the morning. :laugh

[lancew]

Great report- love riding HD's... there's just something cooler than cool about floorboards. Wouldn't own one as my only bike, but great way to spend a weekend... though if those lottery numbers come in, there IS room in my garage for a Fat Boy