Thread: Getting power out of a harley

I haven't ridden one had a good look at a couple in the showroom and they do look really well made

That FTR Indian looks pretty good. I like the upright riding position. My wrists and neck can't handle the race position anymore

Stayed up way too late last night looking at reviews, and then comparisons of Indian v Harley. I think all of the reviewers came down for the Indians - more modern tech, more power over base models, better performance etc. Harley remains as biggest selling american V-twin thumper, but Indian a very real alternative. Indian does alot of flat-track racing in US and that tech has improved their road bikes with several reviews commenting these things perform well for a heavyweight twin, and with handling that is actually quite good.

The 123hp Indian FTR1200 model is a strong performer for its 230kg weight with 3.4 seconds to 100kph, 7.3 secs to 160kph, and 11 second quarter at 119mph. That's alot quicker than most sportscars - unlike Harley. The Harley V-Rod produces up to 125hp stock but weighs round 304kg - and that's alot of metal to move. The Indian FTR 1200cc comfortably beat the 1800cc Harley in sprints.

Harley will remain the best seller for foreseeable future for big american twin fans - people certainly enjoy them. But if buying I'd definitely be trying out the Indian. Its almost like a hybrid - as though an engineer from Ducati went over and did some redesigning...

Cameron - easy way to get more power from yr 'Harley' might be flog it and play with an Indian!! Shearer - that KTM 790 Duke looks the goods - much lighter and apparently with excellent handling. We are spoiled for choice these days with big road bikes - some great machinery to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5XtYqNpLSY

Originally Posted by mudgripz

Stayed up way too late last night looking at reviews, and then comparisons of Indian v Harley. I think all of the reviewers came down for the Indians - more modern tech, more power over base models, better performance etc. Harley remains as biggest selling american V-twin thumper, but Indian a very real alternative. Indian does alot of flat-track racing in US and that tech has improved their road bikes with several reviews commenting these things perform well for a heavyweight twin, and with handling that is actually quite good.

The 123hp Indian FTR1200 model is a strong performer for its 230kg weight with 3.4 seconds to 100kph, 7.3 secs to 160kph, and 11 second quarter at 119mph. That's alot quicker than most sportscars - unlike Harley. The Harley V-Rod produces up to 125hp stock but weighs round 304kg - and that's alot of metal to move. The Indian FTR 1200cc comfortably beat the 1800cc Harley in sprints.

Harley will remain the best seller for foreseeable future for big american twin fans - people certainly enjoy them. But if buying I'd definitely be trying out the Indian. Its almost like a hybrid - as though an engineer from Ducati went over and did some redesigning...

Cameron - easy way to get more power from yr 'Harley' might be flog it and play with an Indian!! Shearer - that KTM 790 Duke looks the goods - much lighter and apparently with excellent handling. We are spoiled for choice these days with big road bikes - some great machinery to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5XtYqNpLSY

I have seen the FTR on runout so the price is pretty good too.

Originally Posted by mudgripz

Stayed up way too late last night looking at reviews, and then comparisons of Indian v Harley. I think all of the reviewers came down for the Indians - more modern tech, more power over base models, better performance etc. Harley remains as biggest selling american V-twin thumper, but Indian a very real alternative. Indian does alot of flat-track racing in US and that tech has improved their road bikes with several reviews commenting these things perform well for a heavyweight twin, and with handling that is actually quite good.

The 123hp Indian FTR1200 model is a strong performer for its 230kg weight with 3.4 seconds to 100kph, 7.3 secs to 160kph, and 11 second quarter at 119mph. That's alot quicker than most sportscars - unlike Harley. The Harley V-Rod produces up to 125hp stock but weighs round 304kg - and that's alot of metal to move. The Indian FTR 1200cc comfortably beat the 1800cc Harley in sprints.

Harley will remain the best seller for foreseeable future for big american twin fans - people certainly enjoy them. But if buying I'd definitely be trying out the Indian. Its almost like a hybrid - as though an engineer from Ducati went over and did some redesigning...

Cameron - easy way to get more power from yr 'Harley' might be flog it and play with an Indian!! Shearer - that KTM 790 Duke looks the goods - much lighter and apparently with excellent handling. We are spoiled for choice these days with big road bikes - some great machinery to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5XtYqNpLSY

My Bro had experience with indians and he rode Truimphs right up until his first indian...now he has had 3(?). I liked the look of the FTR too, but am a little wary of the plastic fuel tank under the seat up against the rear mudguard......but I would not say no if a option of a ride on one was offered

I believe Indian has new models coming based on the FTR1200 platform. More low ride cruiser style etc but with the lighter weight and higher power of the FTR. Worth a look when they come out..

Nice nice bikes there FTX... I am surprised no-one has mentioned the Z1 900 Kwacka - that was another big leap forward in its day after the earlier milestone CB750F

Originally Posted by mudgripz

I believe Indian has new models coming based on the FTR1200 platform. More low ride cruiser style etc but with the lighter weight and higher power of the FTR. Worth a look when they come out..

Nice nice bikes there FTX... I am surprised no-one has mentioned the Z1 900 Kwacka - that was another big leap forward in its day after the earlier milestone CB750F

The Z series is legendary. The retro Z900RS would be worth a look.
https://www.visordown.com/news/new-b...t-refresh-2020

Originally Posted by mudgripz

I believe Indian has new models coming based on the FTR1200 platform. More low ride cruiser style etc but with the lighter weight and higher power of the FTR. Worth a look when they come out..

Nice nice bikes there FTX... I am surprised no-one has mentioned the Z1 900 Kwacka - that was another big leap forward in its day after the earlier milestone CB750F

The Z1 903 was a huge leap for mankind. I also had the KZ1000 in 1977 and the Z1 smoked it with it's bigger carbs and more pointy cam profile.

It might surprise some but a lot of people buy Harleys just to ride, not to drag race, not to do the Coromandel loop in the fastest time.

Same as some people use muzzle-loaders to hunt

But the expression’if I have to explain you wouldn’t understand’ comes to mind.

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

It might surprise some but a lot of people buy Harleys just to ride, not to drag race, not to do the Coromandel loop in the fastest time.

Same as some people use muzzle-loaders to hunt

But the expression’if I have to explain you wouldn’t understand’ comes to mind.

It's easy to explain. It's all about the image and looking cool because there is nothing a Harley does that some other bike doesn't do better.

Originally Posted by Shearer

It's easy to explain. It's all about the image and looking cool because there is nothing a Harley does that some other bike doesn't do better.

you forgot to add that the straight pipe unbaffled sound they put out tells everyone.."hey look at me I've just payed 30 plus grand for 70 hp"....

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

But the expression’if I have to explain you wouldn’t understand’ comes to mind.

Ah yes , that wee chestnut . what my mate used to constantly say to any questions regarding his harley. Even had the sticker with that quote on his locker door and used to just point at it....
almost sounds like the sort of thing a populist feminist would scream at you when there is no logical explanation ...

Keen to try a Harley when opportunity arises .. Plenty of people like em - good to check one out.

Getting a lot of bites from those that wouldn’t understand!

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Getting a lot of bites from those that wouldn’t understand!

I've had one and still not sure I understand...