Thread: Getting power out of a harley

Originally Posted by rossi.45

my 2c . . . beware of what you think you want

all that fun you had was on the bike the way it is . . . run 2 bikes if you want want something with some real power, hopefully it has decent brakes & frame etc hat handles that extra performance.

i have thoughts from time to time of upgrading my older Triumph for a newer model with more horses, better brakes, all the new tech stuff . . but i fight that urge because i know in reality its the feeling i get on the bike now that puts that big grin on my face, getting somewhere quicker isnt going to do that.
when i do open it up when i feel like breaking the law and risking my licence ( crazy i know ) i love that roar from the induction noise as the carbs suck more air, getting down low on the tank and the old girl struggling to push through the air with me hanging on, that is Old School fun. having another 50hp isnt going to make me happier, infact itll make it to easy.
i dont want, fuel injection, heated grips, cruise control, ABS, traction control or any other modern BS, bunch of pussys if you ask me, but good luck to them that want that . . each to their own.

enjoy yourself and good luck.

I was very much of the same opinion about tech on bikes but took a KTM 790 Duke for a test ride a couple of years ago and was sold. Traction control, lean angle sensitive ABS, slipper clutch, quick shifter and auto blipper, wheelie control (all of which can be turned off), 4 different ride modes plus super-motard option (turns ABS off on the rear wheel only). My Z1000 by comparison was no tech. Great bike but not on the same page as the Duke. The 790 is such a hoot to ride. Light, nimble, great torque and acceleration and so easy to ride. On roads like Takaka hill it is a match for any 1000cc sports bike. I just can't stop grinning every time I'm on it.
I have ridden and owned a lot of different bikes from RG500s to MT01s (there's one you might like) Monsters to RC8s, MV Dragsters to Triumph Tigers. They all have their own character and everyone likes something different. My advice would be to go and test ride everything you can get your hands on. You never know what might spin your wheels.