Ahead is summer, traffic jams ... Who among speed lovers has not thought about a motorcycle? But not every bike can please with drive and give a feeling of freedom. Only the most powerful motorcycles are able to give a lot of emotions and sensations to those who love speed, roar of the engine and the feeling of wind in their hair with all their hearts. So which bike is the best? I don’t know, and apparently for everyone it will be his own choice, a set of characteristics, design, charisma - this is all purely individual. Therefore, we simply offer a brief overview of the most interesting, in our opinion, models.
Many models deserve individual mention, since motor vehicles are very diverse, but our choice fell on the most charismatic devices.
Harley Davidson - powerful beauty in every curve
The Harley characteristics are truly noteworthy, as these bikes have uncanny power and strength. One of the most powerful is the Harley Davidson V ROD. Its advantages are that the best V2 engine is installed on the motorcycle, the volume of which is 1131m3; acceleration to 100 km occurs in just 3.7 seconds, and up to 200 km in 11.3 seconds, which really deserves respect. The Harley's top speed is 217 km, so everyone can really feel the beauty of riding the best motorcycle in the world. It is also noteworthy that Harley Davidson can be easily purchased on the Russian market, while practically not overpaying a cent.
Honda - Super Speed Super Motorcycle
Honda motorcycles will be able to easily impress even those who are already lucky enough to be the owner of the other most powerful moto. However, this does not prevent Honda motorcycles from having their many characteristics, which are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that all Honda motorcycles have a truly space design. Every detail is perfect in them, apart from the excellent characteristics, which should be given detailed attention. So, one of the most powerful Honda motorcycles is the Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird. It is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a volume of up to 1100m3. At the same time, the motorcycle can reach a maximum speed of 286 km per hour. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h occurs in 3.1 seconds, making the CBR one of the fastest and best performing motorcycles.
It is also noteworthy that this car can be easily purchased on the Russian market at a favorable cost. And enjoy your ultra-modern, incredibly stylish and most powerful Japanese motorcycle every minute.
BMW - grace, speed, style
The BMW brand has been breaking records of popularity and demand in the automotive world for several years. Therefore, it is entirely justified that BMW motorcycles have the best performance and the most impressive performance. So, for example, you should pay attention to the heavy-duty motorcycles of the BMW K1200S series. Their first and main exceptional feature is that these bikes are equipped with a transverse engine arrangement, instead of the standard longitudinal one. At the same time, the volume of the motor reaches 1157 m3, and the ability to reach speeds of up to 100 km / h is 2.8 seconds, which is truly incredible. It is worth paying attention to the maximum speed, which is 268 km / h. All this undoubtedly indicates that it is prestigious and cool to own a BMW motorcycle, and especially if it can be bought at any moment on the Russian market at an acceptable and favorable cost.
Suzuki is the leader among the leaders
The Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle can be easily put in the first place among many other motorcycles. First of all, because all its characteristics significantly prevail over other models of motorcycles of well-known brands. For example, Hayabusa has a top speed of 360 km / h, which is really discouraging. The ability to accelerate to 100 km / h occurs in 2.6 seconds, which is a real record in the field of motor vehicles. And the volume of 1340m3 gives it a well-deserved first place.
Therefore, everyone who wants to buy a motorcycle of their dreams can do it as soon as possible, given that all models are presented on the Russian market at an acceptable and favorable cost.
Harley Davidson is a motorcycle manufacturer that is known by both the biggest fans of two-wheeled vehicles and people who have never sat on the seat of a real bike. This brand has existed for more than a hundred years, and during this time it has managed to release a large number of legendary motorcycle models. One of them is Harley Davidson V Rod. It is about this bike that will be discussed in our review.
Background
This model has a rather long history, since the first V-Rod was released back in 2002. As soon as the new Harley was presented to the general public, a lot of criticism flew towards the V-Rod model. One part of the brand's fans considered it almost perfect, while the other completely refused to accept the new motorcycle. The reason for this controversy was the new engine, which was now equipped with water cooling. In honor of this, the new engine was given an exclusive name - "Revolution". However, most of all were unhappy with the avid fans of the Harley Davidson brand, who were supporters of the classic motorcycle design. The rest of the two-wheeled enthusiasts found the new Harley Davidson V Rod watercooled to be pretty good.
For several years of active work, several modifications of this model were made, each of which revealed the motorcycle and its appearance somewhat, on the other hand. In addition, after some time, everyone came to terms with the new cooling system, since, following the Harleys, manufacturers of other companies began to install water cooling in their motorcycles. It so happened that the Harley Davidson V Rod was one of the first motorcycles to receive a novelty.
Technical Features Harley Davidson V Rod
As for the technical part of this model, there is something to discuss here. Perhaps it is worth starting with the engine, since in the new "Harley" it has become a kind of highlight. In addition to the installation of water cooling, the engine received a camber angle of 60 degrees, as well as an overhead camshaft. In the V-Rod, the engineers decided for the first time to make an engine that way. The fact is that on old "Harleys" the angle of inclination of the cylinders was 45 degrees, and a lower gas distribution mechanism was used. However, this time, Harley Davidson set out to take more power out of the engine. Then it was decided to borrow the idea from, which even then had a cylinder tilt angle of 60 degrees.
By the way, there is a myth among motorcycle enthusiasts that this engine was developed jointly with Porsche, but in fact this is not entirely true. The fact is that the Porsche concern has a department that tests and tests new engines. After development, the engine from the new V Rod was sent there to receive suggestions for improvement and refinement.
Speaking specifically about the numbers, the V-shaped engine of the new Harley Davidson V Rod received two cylinders, which in total give out a volume of 1250 cm3. The power of the motorcycle was 119 horsepower, and a fairly good torque - 113 N / m. The listed characteristics allow the motorcycle to accelerate to 223 km / h. For a model with a dry weight of almost 300 kg, this is considered a fairly good result. By the way, the consumption also pleased us, as the manufacturer assures us, the V-Rod in the combined cycle consumes 6.3 liters per 100 km.
Wheelbase
I would also like to talk about the wheels of the V Rod model. From the factory, the bike is sold with a 19 "front disc and an 18 rear disc. Most likely, this was done more in order to give the exterior a little brutality, since the rear tire is 240 millimeters wide. This size, by the way, allows for a better feel of the motorcycle, and while riding the bike gets quite good grip. But here it is immediately worth noting that factory tires are not suitable for racing, even at the entry level. It is better to move around quietly on it, sometimes twisting the throttle knob, since it is pointless to do this from the start - the wheel simply spins, and the rubber is erased. This model has a large enough potential, but in order to fully reveal it, you will have to supply expensive enough rubber intended for races.
Nice advantages of this model
New Harley davidsonV Rod slightly different from previous motorcycles. The first thing that is very important for buyers is the availability of modifications. The modern V-Rod has two.
Night Rod Special
This modification is distinguished by an exclusive dark color and the absence of chrome surfaces. The motorcycle has a very aggressive and intimidating look and also increased torque.
V Rod Muscle
It looks like a simpler model, although compared to the Night Rod, it costs a little more. In fact, these two modifications differ only in appearance. In the Muscle version, we have the option to choose our own color, and we also get chrome elements as standard. There is neither one nor the other in the version of Night Rod, which is why it received the additional word "Special".
Another nice feature is the presence of the ABS system. Moreover, it is available even in the simplest configuration of the V Rod model. Also noteworthy is the exclusive look and the new engine.
Who is the Harley Davidson V Rod made for?
Motorcycles from Harley Davidson are very bulky and heavy equipment, endowed with a powerful power unit. The whole essence of the V Rod model is revealed in its appearance - wide wheels, a huge engine, an exhaust system. All this suggests that a strong man should sit behind the wheel of such a device, who can be controlled with great power and heavy mechanisms. This is true. Even depressing the brake pedal requires a lot of force.
If you are a fan of high speeds, engine sound and comfort, then the Harley Davidson V Rod is for you. The motorcycle gives a huge amount of positive emotions and it is worth saying that it really is worth the money.
American motorcycle manufacturer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company manufactures and markets heavy motorcycles for highway riding. A feature of Harley's marketing policy is the creation of a community of people loyal to this particular brand. In addition to motorcycles, the company produces many consumer products with the Harley-Davidson emblem. Clothes, shoes, furniture, dishes produced under this brand allow you to create a unique lifestyle from Harley, which makes the motorcycle truly iconic. Also, every owner of any of the Harley motorcycles has the opportunity to join the brand's community of motorcycle owners of this brand (H.O.G. - Harley Owners Group). Today H.O.G. is the largest motorcycle club in the world with over a million members.
In 2008, the company bought from the Castiglioni family 100% of the shares of the MV Agusta Group, which produces motorcycles under the MV Agusta and Cagiva brands /
HISTORY:
In early 1901, William Sylvester Harley, who was only 22 years old, developed a design for a small 115 cc engine. For the next two years, Harley and childhood friend Arthur Davidson worked on a motorized bicycle using the garage at their friend Henry Melk's home. The work was completed by 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother. Upon completion of the work, the young men realized that their creation was not able to conquer even the modest hills of Milwaukee without the help of pedals. For this reason, Harley and Davidson decided to leave their motorized bike as their first, not very successful experience.
Following this, work immediately began on a new, more modern motorcycle. This first "real" Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a 405 cc engine weighing just under 13 kg. The new advanced frame was similar to that of the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle (designed by Joseph Merkel, creator of the Flying Merke). A tubular frame and a larger engine made the new Harley-Davidson model no longer a motorized bicycle, but a motorcycle in the modern sense. Engineer Ole Evinrud, one of the pioneers of American engine building, helped in the development of the new motor.
The prototype of the new motorcycle was created in a 3 by 5 meter shed in the courtyard of the Davidson family. Most of the major assemblies, however, were made elsewhere, most notably at the West Milwaukee Railroad Depot where the elder brother, William A. Davidson, worked as a toolmaker. The prototype was completed on September 8, 1904, and took part in the motorcycle races at State Fair Park on the same day. The driver was Eduard Hildebrand, he finished fourth. This race was the first documented appearance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
In January 1905, the first small advertisement appeared in the Automobile & Cycle Trade Journal, announcing that Harley-Davidson engines were commercially available. In April, all motorcycles were sold, but in very limited quantities. That year, the first Harley-Davidson dealer, Carl Land of Chicago, sold three out of a dozen built in the barn.
Later, this legendary shed was placed in the center of an already real factory on Avenue Juneau, where it stood for many decades as a memory of the humble origins of the iconic motorcycle company. Later, unfortunately, the barn was accidentally destroyed by contractors hired to clean the factory yard in the early 1970s.
In 1906, Harley and Davidson built their first factory on Chestnut Street (later renamed Avenue Juneau). Today the headquarters of the company is located at this address. The first factory on Avenue Juneau was a wooden building measuring 12 by 18 meters. This "factory" has already assembled 50 motorcycles in the first year.
In 1907, William Harley graduated from Madison University in Wisconsin with a degree in mechanical engineering. In the same year, the factory acquired a second floor, which made it possible to significantly expand production. In 1907, 150 motorcycles were produced. The company also managed to occupy an important part of the market, because this year it was possible to conclude an agreement under which Harleys began to buy for the local police.
All motorcycles produced in 1905 and 1906 were equipped with 440 cc single-cylinder engines. In February 1907, a motorcycle with a V-Twin engine was shown for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show. (880 cm³) with a capacity of about 7 horsepower. These bikes were nearly twice as powerful as the first single-cylinder bikes. The maximum speed was about 97 km / h. Between 1908 and 1909, motorcycle sales rose from 450 to 1,149.
Walter Davidson after winning a race organized by the Federation of American Motorcyclists. 1908 year.
In 1911, an improved model of the V-twin engine was released. The new engine had a mechanical intake valve control, unlike earlier models, which opened the intake valve due to the vacuum created in the cylinder. The volume of the new engine was reduced to 810 cm³, but due to a more advanced gas distribution system, the power has almost doubled. Most motorcycles built after 1913 were fitted with this new engine.
In 1913, the brick factory building, built in 1910, was demolished and a new five-story building made of reinforced concrete and red brick was erected in its place. By 1914, Harley-Davidson had become the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the United States, overtaking its main competitor, Indian. In 1914, sales reached 16,284 vehicles.
1916 saw the first documented use of Harley-Davidson motorcycles by the military. Militants of the Mexican rebel Pancho Villa used Harley-Davidson motorcycles to raid American cities bordering Mexico. They were opposed by troops under the command of General Pershing on Indian motorcycles.
World War I
After the outbreak of the First World War, Harley-Davidson received the first official military order - 500 motorcycles were ordered for the British Army. In 1917, the United States entered World War I and the US Army also began ordering motorcycles. During the war, more than 20,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were ordered to arm the troops.
1920s
In 1920, Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Their motorcycles were sold by dealers in 67 countries. The production was already 28,189 cars. In 1921, the Harley-Davidson, driven by racer Otto Walker, won the race for the first time, covering the distance at an average speed of over 100 miles per hour (160 km / h).
During the 1920s, motorcycles were refined again. A new 74 "(1,200 cc) V-Twin engine is now available. in 1922, and in 1925, a drop-shaped gas tank appeared for the first time, which is found on most modern motorcycle models. In 1928, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were equipped with a front brake. In the late summer of 1929, Harley-Davidson released a new motorcycle with a 45 cubic inch (750 cc) LPV engine. The new bike was to compete with Indian's 101 Scouts and Excelsior's Super Xs.
In the 1920s, the Harley-Davidson racing team mascot was a pig. The victorious pilot rode the honor circle holding a squealing pig in his hands. For this the team was nicknamed Harley Hogs (hog - "boar"). Nickname H.O.G. remains, but it stands for Harley Owners Group.
Harley Davidson WLC
1930s
During this period, the Harley-Davidson brand continued to grow and evolve, but faced the gathering pace of the Great Depression in the United States. In 1933, for the first time, customers have the opportunity to order a graphic drawing on the tank in the form of an eagle in the Art Deco style. This year is considered the unofficial date of the birth of "customizing" (the culture of customizing and improving motorcycles according to the individual desire of a motorcyclist).
In 1935, the Japanese motorcycle industry was born with the sale of a license for Harley-Davidson technology to the Japanese Sankyo Company. The result of this collaboration was the emergence of the first Japanese motorcycle brand, Rikuo. That same year, Joe Petrali (Factory Harley-Davidson dirt track rider) wins all 13 races in the American Motorcycle Association National Championship, setting four records in the process.
The Second World War
During World War II, the company supplied the Allied armed forces with motorcycles of the WLA model (Canadian-made motorcycles were designated WLC), nicknamed the Liberator. The motorcycle had a two-cylinder V-shaped low-valve engine with a volume of 739 cm³ and a power of 23 hp. In total, about 90,000 motorcycles of this model were manufactured. In the USSR, 26,670 units were supplied under Lend-Lease, which was almost twice the number of all Soviet motorcycles manufactured during the war years. Most of the Harley-Davidson WLA in the USSR were equipped with a sidecar from an M-72 motorcycle and a rear seat. The motorcycle enjoyed a good reputation among Soviet soldiers as reliable and unpretentious.
In 1942, the unique XA 750 was developed with a horizontally opposed engine. The motorcycle has been specially designed for desert use. However, due to the end of hostilities in North Africa, the model did not go into widespread production.
Post-war time
After the end of the war, the production of civilian motorcycles was immediately restored, and already in November 1945, the assembly of the first motorcycles for sale to the public began. In 1946, Harley-Davidson introduced the 45 cubic inch (750 cc) sports model WR, one of the finest sports motorcycles of its time.
In 1947, participants in the annual Harley-Davidson dealer conference were invited on a trip to a "secret place." The site turned out to be a new plant on Capital Drive in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The site is now the Willie G. Davidson Harley-Davidson New Product Development Center.
In 1949, the Hydra-Glide was first introduced with a hydraulic front fork.
1950-60s
Elvis Presley on a Harley-Davydson motorcycle. 1956 Advertising Poster In 1953, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 50th anniversary, paying tribute to its past by creating a special anniversary logo that was installed on the front fenders of all 1954 models.
In 1956, young rising star Elvis Presley poses for the cover of Enthusiast motorcycle magazine on a Harley-Davidson KH motorcycle.
In 1957, a new Sportster model was presented to the public, which later became the ancestor of the whole family of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This family exists in the brand's model line to this day. The sporty design inspired by Harley-Davidson and the 55 cubic inch (900 cc) engine made it famous as one of the first "superbikes" of its time.
In 1960, the first and only scooter in Harley-Davidson history, the Topper, was introduced. In the same year, the Company buys half of the European company Aeronatica-Macchi, which is engaged in the production of small single-cylinder motorcycles for the local market.
In 1964, an electric starter appeared for the first time on the three-wheeled Servi-Car. And in 1965 the Electra Glide came to replace the Duo-Glide model, which became another legend of the brand, laying the foundation for the family of comfortable touring Harley-Davidson models. After undergoing numerous changes and updates, this model is still the flagship of the Harley-Davidson lineup.
1970-80s
1970 - At the famous Bonneville Salt Lake, racer Cal Raybourne sets a new world speed record for motorcycles. A specially prepared motorcycle with a Sportster engine allows it to accelerate to 426.5 km / h.
1972 saw the introduction of the XR-750, a dirt track sports bike. It remained the best motorcycle in its class for the next 30 years.
In 1973, Harley-Davidson significantly ramped up production with the opening of a new assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania. On an area of more than 37,000 km², a huge enterprise was located, which became responsible only for the assembly of motorcycles from components produced at factories in Milwaukee and Tomahawk. The Capital Drive plant was reorganized to manufacture engines.
The late 70s and early 80s saw the emergence of a large number of models that later became American classics.
1977 - Harley-Davidson introduces two models at once. The FXS Low Rider is a motorcycle with a low seat position that soon became typical of this class. The key difference was the rider's seating position, in which he sat not “on the motorcycle”, but “on the motorcycle”. The Low Rider became a hit and later appeared on several occasions in the Harley-Davidson model line. The most recent reincarnation of this legendary model was released in 2014. The second new addition is the Café Racer-inspired Sportster under the direction of Willie G. Davidson.
1979 went down in history with the appearance of another legendary model - the Fat Bob. Fat Bob got its name for two reasons. "Fat Man" for a large twin tank, and "Bob" for cut, shortened fenders (bobbed fenders - eng.)
In 1980, Harley-Davidson motorcycles first received a Kevlar drive belt, replacing the traditional chain drive. The belt does not require constant maintenance and adjustment and can withstand high loads. Belt drive will soon become standard on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
In 1983, the Harley-Davidson Owners' Club - HOG (Harley Owners Group) appeared, which almost immediately became the largest motorcycle club in the world. During the first 9 years of HOG's existence, the number of members grew to 90,000 people, by 2000 - 500,000 people, and by 2014 it exceeded 1 million active members of the club.
1984 brought a surprise to the fans of the brand again. The first model of the most popular Softail family was born. Harley-Davidson engineers spent seven years developing this model. The 1340cc V2 Evolution engine debuted at the same time.
In the late eighties, Harley-Davidson shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange (1986) and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (1987).
1990-2000s
1990 debuts Softail Fat Boy, legendary for Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In 1996, Harley-Davidson expanded its manufacturing capacity by opening the Parts and Accessories Distribution Center in Franklin, Wisconsin. And right after that, in 1997, a new product development center was opened on the site of the legendary Capital Drive plant. Engine production moves to Menomonee Falls and Kansas City begins operations. Following this, in 1998, an assembly plant opens in Brazil - the first Harley-Davidson plant outside the United States.
In 2001, the V-Rod model appeared, which occupied the niche of high-tech and modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The success of the model secured a future for it as another family in the Harley-Davidson model line.
2004 saw the release of the Road King model, which was intended to return the classic look to touring bikes. This model has become another addition to the brand's range of touring motorcycles.
In 2006, Harley-Davidson announces a global renovation of its Milwaukee Museum, which reopens to the public in 2008.
Modernity
Harley-Davidson V-Rod Harley-Davidson Motor Company manufactures custom, cruiser and tourer motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts and accessories, as well as gear, gear and a variety of related products.
Typically, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle buyer fulfills their long-held dream of a beautiful car, fueling the fantasy of a biker's life. For many, these powerful and beautiful cars symbolize the freedom of the open road and the fellowship of motorcyclists.
The brand continues to grow and develop, opening up new markets and areas of activity. In addition to the traditional families of classic motorcycles, at the end of 2013 the brand presented the Street model with engine displacement of 500 and 750 cm3. This model is designed to complement the model range with a compact motorcycle for everyday urban use.
In 2013, the touring motorcycle platform was also radically updated, which was named the Rushmore project. Motorcycles on the new platform have become more comfortable and technologically advanced. For the first time, a classic model received a combined air / water cooling, a combined braking system with automatic force distribution and a multifunctional audio entertainment system with a navigator, built-in intercom and voice control.
In June 2014, the presentation of the first electric motorcycle LiveWire took place. This model is not yet for sale and is undergoing road trials, during which Harley-Davidson plans to collect information on customer feedback, their wishes and requirements that they have for a motorcycle of this class and design.
Family of motorcycle models
Today Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of motorcycle models to suit almost every taste. But, despite the seeming complexity, it is quite simple to understand the huge range of Harley-Davidson motorcycle models - the letter designations of “Harleys” are very simple to decipher and can tell in detail about the corresponding model.
So in the production line "Harley-Davidson" there are three main groups of models (differing in the type of engine), these are: XL-Sportster, VRSC and Big Twin.
On the basis of these groups, six families of motorcycle models are formed:
SPORTSTER(engine capacity 883-1200 cm³):
7 varieties of Harley-Davidson Sportster:
XL-Experimental Lightweight;
DYNA(engine capacity 1200-1800 cm³):
There are 7 models in the Dyna series
Switchback - for long journeys.
F-Big Twin;
X-front wheel 19 "or 21", footrests;
SOFTAIL(engine volume - from 1340 to 1850 cm³):
Softail series:
Heritage Classic
Softail Standard
F-Big Twin;
19 "or 21" X-front wheel, thin fork stays, footrests;
16 ”L-front wheel, Touring-style forks (thick stays), footrests;
SC-Springer Classic;
TOURING(engine volume - from 1200 to 1923 cm³):
Touring varieties: Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra Limited, Road Glide
F-Big Twin;
16 ”L-front wheel, Touring-style forks (thick stays), footrests;
H-Tourer (Highway);
VRSC (V-Rod) Drag Cruisers(engine volume - from 1000 to 1250 cm³):
There are only 2 models in this series: Night Rod and Muscle.
X-Special or Limited Edition
There are also general additional letters in the designation of the model:
I - the presence of an electronic fuel injection system. SE - Limited Edition Screamin 'Eagle
Thus, you can read information about the motorcycle from the model index, for example: FLHTCUI - ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE is: a motorcycle with a Big Twin engine of 1450 or 1584 cm³, with a thick Touring-style fork, a pad for legs, a motorcycle from the Touring family with Tour Pack (top hard case) Classic Ultra, Injector.
Street
The Street series was created to make Harley Davidson motorcycles better sold in Asian and other developing countries, so the model was created as cheaply as possible and its design is simple. Street series motorcycles are manufactured in India, and all other Harleys are manufactured exclusively in the USA. In America, the Street series is not popular.
Street 750, the smallest motor among the Harleys. The engine itself is the same as on the V-Rod, with a liquid cooling system, with the same camber angle, but the Street 750's engine is about 2 times less than in the V-Rod. All in all, Street is not a real Harley Davidson.
It has long become synonymous with brutality, power and reliability. And the Sporster line leaves no one indifferent. Classic bikes with a "sport" bias are the lightest in their lineup, not only in weight, but also in price. In this article, we will tell you about the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 model, describe in detail its characteristics, advantages and minor disadvantages.
history of the company
The history of Harley Davidson deserves special attention. It is one of the most successful firms ever to exist. The company started in 1903. It was in this year that Davidson and Harley released their first bike. They soon founded a small company and started producing about 50 motorcycles a year. Over time, they began to introduce innovative developments into their products: V-Twin engine, manual transmission. Even in the earliest times, Harley-Davidson products had their famous, highly visible shape.
The company withstood the crises that were difficult for the American economy, produced more than 80 thousand units of equipment for the military needs of the United States during the Second World War, and remained afloat. Harley Davidson currently produces about 200,000 motorcycles a year. It is also noteworthy that the motorcycle community under the auspices of the company is the largest in the world.
Motorcycles of this model are the most common. Not only the appearance attracts buyers to them, but also the relatively affordable price. The Sportster is the lightest model in terms of weight and handling. The frame is narrower and more compact than the classic models and provides better maneuverability on the road.
The first Sportster motorcycle appeared in 1957 in order to cater to the interests of those looking for a sports bike. The developers tried to achieve ideal characteristics, and they succeeded. The new frame, equipped with engine balancing shafts, is stiffer and stronger, and the 2-piston brakes have also been improved. The cooling system has also been improved. Increasing the engine speed gave it extra power. The ignition system has also undergone modernization. At the same time, "Harley" did not in the least change its classic brutal style. The easy handling of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 is ideal for urban driving.
Specifications
Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 has excellent technical characteristics. It is equipped with a V-shaped engine with a volume of 1200 cubic centimeters, which produces 96 Nm of torque. The motorcycle is considered the lightest among the "Harleys" and weighs 268 kilograms. The amount of horsepower varies depending on the model and year in the region of 58-66 units. This is enough to ensure the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 4 seconds. With such a time, it is possible to start beautifully from a traffic light and impress observers.
The technical characteristics of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 allow a speed of up to 175 km / h, but the worker is located lower - in the region of 160. Fuel consumption, depending on the track and driving style, is 5-7 liters per 100 kilometers. This model also has a rather impressive 17-liter gas tank, which helps to drive a certain amount of path without refueling.
The designers also did a great job on the exterior of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. The motorcycle looks so proportional and harmonious that you want to sit on it and ride it right away, conquering more and more new roads.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any vehicle, the Harley has some drawbacks. But there are not so many of them:
- high cost of original spare parts;
- small seat (only suitable for one passenger);
- specific size of bolts having an inch thread.
Otherwise, this is a real gem on wheels:
- excellent brakes (both front and rear);
- large and comfortable mirrors;
- fast acceleration;
- attractive appearance;
- economical fuel consumption;
- comfortable fit and comfortable steering wheel;
- suspension, which will not be afraid of Russian roads;
- modern cooling system.
Translated just like that, for fun, with minor reductions.
Size matters?
Size is a moot point. The answer to the question about the meaning of the size may be different, depending on your choice - "more is better", "small is beautiful" or "the main thing is skill."
But when it comes to bikes and weight in particular, the conventional wisdom is usually "less is more." Bike makers will consistently brag about a 17-gram reduction in weight for some invisible component deep inside the engine, but you will never see statements like "Look, our bike is heavier than everyone else!"
Unfortunately, trying to pick the ten lightest bikes on the current market will result in a top-down list of scooters or mopeds. So instead, we made a list of the "fatties."
So who's among the top 10 heaviest bikes on the market today?
10.Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special - 385 kg
The 385-kg curb Road Glide weighs as much as the Penguin AGM-119B anti-ship missile, or about as much as an adult Caribbean leatherback turtle.
9. Honda F6B - 385 kg
Matching the Road Glide in weight, the F6B pushes the scales just like the 1968 Porsche 909 Bergspyder. Which, by the way, also had a horizontally opposed engine of about the same size as the Honda, albeit with eight cylinders and 275 horses, and not six pots with 118 forces.
8. Victory Vision Tour - 386 kg
The Victory Vision Tour is just a tiny bit heavier than both bikes above it on the list, although it's worth noting that the Victory only reports dry weight while the others report curb weight. If curb weight numbers were available, the bike would surely rise fairly high on the list. But even a dry 386 kg is the same as the shell of a 12-inch ship's cannon from the First World War weighs.
7.Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide - 395 kg
The sparkling £ 28,630 CVO Street Glide stands out from its less ostentatious siblings in part for its sassy looks and partly for its ridiculously powerful sound system with a pair of 300-watt amps. So it makes sense that it weighs the same as the AeroDream One, the world's craziest iPod music dock at £ 399,000, and is as shiny, loud, and not quite practical as Harley (what to do with iPod docking , you need to climb the stairs).
6.Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic - 399 kg
Not the biggest surprise, but there are several Harleys in the Top. The Electra Glide Ultra Classic, slightly short of 400 kg, turned out to be exactly equal in weight to one blade of the Mi-26 propeller, the world's largest mass-produced helicopter. In fairness, one should not forget that the helicopter has eight such blades, but again it weighs 28 tons and can carry another 20 tons of cargo. Holds 50 pieces of Electra Glide Ultra Classic.
5.Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager - 406 kg
Finally we crossed the 400 kg mark, and this time it's not Harley. While the Ultra Classic is 6th in weight equal to one helicopter blade, the VN1700 Voyager weighs the same as a whole helicopter. In fact, 406 kg is not only the curb weight of Voyager, but also of the Hughes 269A, the classic light training helicopter used by the US Army in the 60s and 80s.
4. Indian Roadmaster - 408 kg
Another non-Harley, Indian's heaviest machine, is equal in weight to the RD-0110, the engine for the third stage of the Soyuz launch vehicle. The Indian is not as fast and powerful (298 kilonewtons for a rocket engine), but significantly more comfortable.
3. Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited - 414 kg
The Roadmaster may be as heavy as a rocket engine, but the Harley Ultra Limited weighs as much as an entire aircraft. Actually. 414 kg is the mass of the Genesis space probe [controversial point, it was not possible to verify it], which flew 1.5 million km towards the Sun and collected solar wind samples from 2001 to 2004. Unfortunately, upon returning to Earth, the probe's parachute did not fire, and it crashed into Earth at 311 km / h - seemingly as fast as the Ultra Limited under the same conditions.
2. Honda Goldwing - 421 kg
You probably assumed that Gold Wing would appear on this list, right? The only question was what Top position he would be in. As it turned out, 421 kg of curb weight was not enough for the first place. This is the weight of a Pratt & Whitney PW100 turboprop engine.
1. Harley CVO Road Glide Ultra - 439 kg
And the biggest of all the big ones is, of course, Harley again. The curb CVO is the largest bike in the company's lineup (with the same heavy price tag of £ 29,130). 439 kg is about 70 stones [probably only the British will understand the scale], the same as weighed at its peak
