Harley? No, really...

Ever tried a Harley? I hadn't either until last weekend...

With the exception of the Valkyrie, which is a cruiser that's not a cruiser (if you see what I mean - 100bhp, great handling etc) ) Cruiser type bikes have never interested me much. Too many compromises of form over function leading to mobile art that looks amazing but doesn't behave well as a motorcycle. Then there's the build quality....On these bases an Explorer must be as far away from a Harley as its possible to get..

But I figured that no site about Big Bikes would be complete without a few cruiser tests, so I booked a ride on the least-cruiser like Harley I could find - a brand new 2014 Fat Bob; straight bars, minimal chrome and double disc brakes up front. Didn't like the paint job but the styling was actually pretty cool. Naked urban street fighter rather than sad sanitised custom clone.

I was pleasantly surprised - in fact I was amazed. This wasn't the bad handling, under braked bag of nails I'd been led to expect by the British Motorcycle Press.

You can see how I got on here:

Harley Davidson Fat Bob Review - Big Bike Mad





Did I buy one? Nope, not at £12,000 - for technology that is, frankly still prehistoric. But I am going back next weekend to have a go on a second hand V-Rod... 125 bhp, water cooled engine and Brembo brakes. Should be a laugh if nothing else. Book me a place at Santa Pod...



And no, this has nothing to do with the medication I'm on . Ahem. :wink:

 

I may just do that then... after the V-Rod.

I love all bikes really....