Just got my first Harley after owning 4 Honda's, 3 Kawasaki's, 1 Yamaha and a Cossack. Trying to settle into the bike at this stage and get some rider fitness back after many years off bikes. I purchased a 2011 Road King. It is a good looking bike and it has enough power but I am still getting used to the ground clearance, the feet forward riding position and changing gears smoothly.  I am not impressed with the noisy lifters. As a motor buff, it should not be that noisy.  The dealers say they are all like that but I know that is not true. Their answer was to fit louder pipes. Not good enough. I will 12 months and see how it goes.

 

 

Don’t say that, I still drool when a Guzzi Norge goes past or I see a guy putting his helmet and riding gear in one pannier. And have you seen the price drop for the trucks, (Goldwing). I picked the bike up in Brisbane and rode straight back to Gladstone. I jokingly said to the Misses when I got back, “I know now why Harley riders don’t wave to other bikers, it’s because they are hanging on so tight” I am starting to get used to it though. Starting to find where the running boards are, learning to short shift, with the clutch. Cruise control is great, straight line is brilliant, wind protection is OK. Can’t bloody smoke on it though. The wind blow the ash straight up your face. Have to give up anyhow.
I will have to replace the lifters though. I can’t ride it with that noise.

Welcome

gday ron congrats on the new bike mate

Welcome aboard matey.

Thanks Guys

Greetings

Welcome , nice ride

Welcome to the fun & frivolity of the Forum...don't worry about the noise. Harleys are not the most technically advanced bikes around, but you will get to love it. No matter where you go, some-one will want to talk to you about the bike. Other bikes just don't generate that amount of interest. Its not about the technology, its about the big V twin culture & having a good time on a bloody good bike. (They are what they are) Stick with it...you'll never regret it. Like you, I was at first amazed at the clunk into 1st, and other associated noises, but now, after 50,000 k's, I wouldn't part with it...good fun. Enjoy.

G'day Ron

welcome to the forum

hahahaha gday and welcome

I too crossed over to the HD side and at 1st I thought OMG WTF have I done hahahaa ,I came on here and asked WTF have I done
it took about 2000 k's before I started to forget about the noises and the lack of technology and at about 4000 k's I started to listen to how the bike wanted me to ride it ,now Im at 8000 ks and yeah I still reckon HD should lift their game in the technology department but .....BUT ....I am a man in love with a machine and Im only going to learn more about it as I ride it ,Im hooked ,nothing in this world gives me the feeling I get when its just me and the bike out on the road .And theres no other feeling in the world like I get when Im in a pack of Hogs rumbling up the road
And hahaha the dealer told me to put louder pipes on when I rang him and asked what all the engine noise was about

Welcome Ron hope you enjoy the forums and congrats on getting your first Harley you will never look back.

welcome

Nice one Ron!

 

 

Gidday Ron, welcome on board.

 

Great looking bike! I reckon a road king will be on the cards one day