It's old news, if it's news at all. But TV's Craig Ferguson, host of CBS's "The Late Late Show" recently gave details of his Harley Davidson V-ROD crash, in England. He's an experienced motorcyclist, and owner of an Indian motorcycle. But apparently on a visit to England several years ago, he rented a HD V-ROD, and wrecked it.
He mentioned the accident on his show recently, when the topic of cracked ribs came up in conversation.
In his words, "The Harley V-ROD doesn't like to turn." Then, apparently thinking better of disparaging the product of a potential sponsor, he said, "Okay, it was my fault."
"I was going around a corner and I turned, and the bike didn't. I broke three ribs and my collar bone. And it was springtime in England, and I discovered I had pollen allergies. Let me tell you, sneezing with broken ribs is a good way to invent new cuss words."
Like a true comedian, he turned his misfortune into laughs for the audience. And like a true corporate guy, he deflected the produce defamation into self-deprecation, for the sake of the corporations involved.
The cracked rib discussion appears at about 4:45 into this segment on YouTube.
But if truth be told, I think he's right about the bike. Following my own test drive of the V-Rod last year, I didn't give it points for handling or comfort.
Of course, Craig rightly also blames himself. Shame on him, as a rider on an unfamiliar bike, for putting himself into a position where he was outside his skill level. Next time he jumps on a rental, I bet he'll make allowances for the differences in the handling and performance of the bike. He'll be careful!
Infamous Page 53 -- Hells Angels and Honda ST's
This fascinating quote is part of ST-owner's tribal lore. We sat up and took notice when a founding member of the Hell's Angels said he'd rather be riding Honda.
Here's the actual quote, from page 53 of Sonny Barger's biography "Hell's Angel".
This quote flies in the face of the Hell's Angels image. It's hard to imagine Sonny and the rest of the Angels riding into town on BMW GT's or Honda ST1100's.
Harley owners cringed, and BMW and Honda owners grinned, at this unexpected endorsement.
As a Honda owner, I'd like to frame this quote:
And of course, my Harley-owning friends (not to mention spouse) would likely lift this quote:
Which, I suppose, defines the argument. Do you prefer personality or quality?
Do you agree with the premise?
There will be those who don't. Some will argue that Harleys are well built. Or, that Hondas have personality.
And there will be those who agree with the premise, but place a different value on the equation. Those that buy a Harley because personality matters most. Those who buy a Honda because quality matters most.
Would Sonny be welcome in the Honda crowd?
Sure, Sonny. Put on your gear and let's ride.
Here's the actual quote, from page 53 of Sonny Barger's biography "Hell's Angel".
"It's always been important for Hell's Angels to ride American-made machines. In terms of pure workmanship, personally I don't like Harleys. I ride them because I'm in the club, and that's the image, but if I could I would seriously consider riding a Honda ST1100 or a BMW.
We really missed the boat not switching over to the Japanese models when they began building bigger bikes. I'll usually say, "F*** Harley-Davidson. You can buy an ST1100 and the motherf***** will do 110 miles per hour right from the factory all day long ...
While it's probably too late to switch over now, it would have been a nice move because Japanese bikes today are so much cheaper and better built. However, Japanese motorcycles don't have as much personality."
This quote flies in the face of the Hell's Angels image. It's hard to imagine Sonny and the rest of the Angels riding into town on BMW GT's or Honda ST1100's.
Harley owners cringed, and BMW and Honda owners grinned, at this unexpected endorsement.
As a Honda owner, I'd like to frame this quote:
"Japanese bikes are so much cheaper and better built (than Harley Davidsons)"
And of course, my Harley-owning friends (not to mention spouse) would likely lift this quote:
"Japanese bikes don't have as much personality (as Harleys)"
Which, I suppose, defines the argument. Do you prefer personality or quality?
Do you agree with the premise?
There will be those who don't. Some will argue that Harleys are well built. Or, that Hondas have personality.
And there will be those who agree with the premise, but place a different value on the equation. Those that buy a Harley because personality matters most. Those who buy a Honda because quality matters most.
Would Sonny be welcome in the Honda crowd?
Sure, Sonny. Put on your gear and let's ride.
26 Motorcycle Side Cars
Maybe if we had a side-car, we could ride our motorcycles in the snow.
Anunciatos.com features 26 different varieties.
Which is your favorite?
ST1300A Values
| Year | Retail Price | Trade-In |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 17,699 | |
| 2010 | 11,500 - 15,000 | |
| 2009 | 9700 - 12,800 | 8300 |
| 2008 | 8600 - 11,300 | 7500 |
| 2007 | 7600 - 10,000 | 6500 |
| 2006 | 6800 - 9,000 | 5900 |
| 2005 | 6300 - 8,500 | 5200 |
| 2004 | 5400 - 7,000 | 4500 |
| 2003 | 4800 - 6,400 | 4200 |
ABS or no ABS?
A good friend of mind says ABS on motorcycles is evil, it encourages a rider to ride outside of his skill level.
Having been mauled in a car accident before (while in a cage myself, long before my motorcycling days...) I'm a big fan of safety equipment.
When I bought my current cage -- a Dodge Intrepid -- I visited more than half-a-dozen used car lots trying to find one with ABS. It was the only real must-have feature I had on my shopping list. More important than leather seats or premium sound.
So, now that I'm in the market for an ST1300, which comes with an available ABS package, why wouldn't I buy one with ABS?
I've read what other riders have written on the subject.
It's a lively debate. But I'm not yet sure where I'll wind up on this topic.
Obviously, safety gear is important, but it's also true that the most important safety precaution is being a prepared rider, with well-honed skills. No technology can replace that.
Having been mauled in a car accident before (while in a cage myself, long before my motorcycling days...) I'm a big fan of safety equipment.
When I bought my current cage -- a Dodge Intrepid -- I visited more than half-a-dozen used car lots trying to find one with ABS. It was the only real must-have feature I had on my shopping list. More important than leather seats or premium sound.
So, now that I'm in the market for an ST1300, which comes with an available ABS package, why wouldn't I buy one with ABS?
I've read what other riders have written on the subject.
It's a lively debate. But I'm not yet sure where I'll wind up on this topic.
Obviously, safety gear is important, but it's also true that the most important safety precaution is being a prepared rider, with well-honed skills. No technology can replace that.
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