If you were in the market

If you were in the market
 
Some nice bikes there Al. Can’t keep everything though mate.

But I’m not sure selling that Duke was a smart move...!
 
The silver bike was built in my shop in 2011,guess that's why it looks modern. I used a GSXR 600 front fork and wheels.
The 1360 engine that's in it now was built almost entirely from new parts in 2014.
My Rapides ( not pictured) are originals, one is a 47, the other 49.

Now if you really wanted to, you could build a complete new replica Black Shadow, Rapide or Black Lightning from the VOC Spares parts catalogue.
The Spares Co. actually went thru the exercise a few years back. They assembled a complete Black Shadow from their parts shelves. A Spares Co. employee rode it for a year, then it was auctioned off.

Glen
 
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So it’s not an old Brit bike... it’s a modern Canadian bike!

And a huge testament to your skills Glen. Big respect.
 
So it’s not an old Brit bike... it’s a modern Canadian bike!

And a huge testament to your skills Glen. Big respect.

Thanks Nigel. I learned a lot from building that bike. One of the things I learned was that it's really hard to build a motorcycle!
Afterward I saw the new Thrux 1200 r and thought " that's what I was trying for, only this one has Traction Control, heated grips, will likely run forever without fuss and it's not stupid money"

The Vincent does rip tho. The Thrux R is quick but not quite that quick.

Glen
 
Following my addage of 'know your enemy' I borrowed this Breakout while my tracker was being serviced at a Humpty Dumpty dealership. The huge plus is the engine. If only the 961 engine management was so well behaved. It pulled like a train and was an absolute pussycat to ride. Downside is the component and overall build quality. AND I have never met so many dissatisfied owners of a brand. Oh yes and you have to call out the rescue services to turn it round when you want to come back. 26 degree max lean!! It almost doesn't need a side stand. But for all its faults I loved its quirks and would like one to rebuild one with decent components;

If you were in the market
 
Following my addage of 'know your enemy' I borrowed this Breakout while my tracker was being serviced at a Humpty Dumpty dealership. The huge plus is the engine. If only the 961 engine management was so well behaved. It pulled like a train and was an absolute pussycat to ride. Downside is the component and overall build quality. AND I have never met so many dissatisfied owners of a brand. Oh yes and you have to call out the rescue services to turn it round when you want to come back. 26 degree max lean!! It almost doesn't need a side stand. But for all its faults I loved its quirks and would like one to rebuild one with decent components;

View attachment 9915
The breakout is a bit smallish for an HD. Seen a few women riding them, however, I dig it. Only have a 31" inseam, at 5'9" so it may be a decent fit.
Many of the components, lights and dials are made in India now, but so are most bikes. As for reliability, I know MANY HD owners that have gone years with zero defects. Might come across one or two once in a while.
 
If you were in the market for a new bike what would it be and why.
My list (no particular order):

New Naked:
  • Moto Guzzi Griso SE 8V (New leftover 2017's still available at dealers - last year of production) - Why? Transverse mounted engine with shaft drive is just a unique experience.
  • Otherwise, I already own some naked bikes that I love (see signature)
New Scrambler type:
  • Norton Atlas Nomad (Are we ever going to have decent sized dealer network in US?) - Why? Best looking scrambler, and don't see Norton everywhere
  • Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport - Why? Ducati L-twins are terrific engines - everybody should experience owning one
  • Don't like the new Triumph Street Scrambler - Why? It just looks like Triumph tried too hard to look retro
New Sport Bike:
  • Norton V4RR - Why? I really like that chrome finish - don't hate on me.
  • Aprilia RSV4 RF LE - Why? Aprilia's V4 engine is sublime
  • Don't like the Ducati Panigale V4 - Why? Very capable bike, just don't love the looks
New Sport Touring:
  • Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak - Why? Best all around sport touring bike, with emphasis on sport.
  • BWM R1200RT - Why? Best touring bike that isn't a road pig
Used Bikes:
  • Bimota Tesi 1D SR - Why? I like different on-bike riding personalities, and this one has it in droves
  • Moto Guzzi Eldorado (early 70's) - Why? Best looking cruiser ever
  • Moto Morini 3 1/2 - Why? Classic Italian high revving standard motorbike
  • Benelli Tornado Tre 1130 - Why? Benelli's big triple was a great engine
  • MV Agusta F4 Tamburini - Why? Most beautiful bike ever. I owned an '08 MV Agusta F4 312R for five years - great bike
 
I know MANY HD owners that have gone years with zero defects. Might come across one or two once in a while.

When I turned up to pick up the Breakout there was an angry owner waiting outside the store who had covered 25000 miles in 4 years and had most of his chrome and half his loom corrode away. Claimed that HD warranty people told him it was a 'recreational' motorcycle, not an everyday bike. Maybe its to do with unique features of the UK like horizontal rain and corners...

Now that 114 engine in a Buell.....
 
When I turned up to pick up the Breakout there was an angry owner waiting outside the store who had covered 25000 miles in 4 years and had most of his chrome and half his loom corrode away. Claimed that HD warranty people told him it was a 'recreational' motorcycle, not an everyday bike. Maybe its to do with unique features of the UK like horizontal rain and corners...

Now that 114 engine in a Buell.....
25000 is quite a bit in 4 years. I wonder how often he rinsed the salt off after a ride. I live near the beach. We gather at the beach. Pretty much my daily ride. I don't see excessive corrosion on peoples bikes that care for them. Very little to none. I have a little on my Norton and I wipe down after most rides and use S100 corrosion inhibitor. To be expected since the roads are salted all winter long. Triumph uses plastic. Plastic doesn't corrode. Good thing.....if ya like plastic.
 
Yeah, corrosion and warranty is always gonna be a tricky one. Failure to properly rinse off any bike after just one ride in salty conditions is gonna leave your bike looking like it spent a year in a swamp.

Can’t blame the manufacturer for that IMHO. But how does either side prove their case??
 
The Road King I rode and the Heritage Softail my mate rode on our R66 trip really impressed both of us. Ground clearance in particular was one thing that impressed and really surprised us.

Mine was brand new, zero miles, it had to have the PDI done before I could ride it away. I handed it back 3000 miles later with not the slightest issue.

We came away impressed and fully ‘getting’ why folk buy them.
 
My list (no particular order):

New Naked:
  • Moto Guzzi Griso SE 8V (New leftover 2017's still available at dealers - last year of production) - Why? Transverse mounted engine with shaft drive is just a unique experience.
  • Otherwise, I already own some naked bikes that I love (see signature)
New Scrambler type:
  • Norton Atlas Nomad (Are we ever going to have decent sized dealer network in US?) - Why? Best looking scrambler, and don't see Norton everywhere
  • Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport - Why? Ducati L-twins are terrific engines - everybody should experience owning one
  • Don't like the new Triumph Street Scrambler - Why? It just looks like Triumph tried too hard to look retro
New Sport Bike:
  • Norton V4RR - Why? I really like that chrome finish - don't hate on me.
  • Aprilia RSV4 RF LE - Why? Aprilia's V4 engine is sublime
  • Don't like the Ducati Panigale V4 - Why? Very capable bike, just don't love the looks
New Sport Touring:
  • Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak - Why? Best all around sport touring bike, with emphasis on sport.
  • BWM R1200RT - Why? Best touring bike that isn't a road pig
Used Bikes:
  • Bimota Tesi 1D SR - Why? I like different on-bike riding personalities, and this one has it in droves
  • Moto Guzzi Eldorado (early 70's) - Why? Best looking cruiser ever
  • Moto Morini 3 1/2 - Why? Classic Italian high revving standard motorbike
  • Benelli Tornado Tre 1130 - Why? Benelli's big triple was a great engine
  • MV Agusta F4 Tamburini - Why? Most beautiful bike ever. I owned an '08 MV Agusta F4 312R for five years - great bike
With you 99%. Swap the Griso for a 2 Valve 1200 Sport and I'm with you all the way.
 
all I ever wanted was a black Commando .... have had it a very satisfying long time now ! .... seriously , my wants are pretty much nil ,maybe getting 30 years of foolishness given back but sure had a lot of laughs, so not that .... bikes, not really sure, maybe try a Griso 1200 , I sure do like the 1100 I have ..... the Ducati fits me perfectly so all in all guess I`m set ... lots of nice bikes and photos in this thread !
 
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