One upon a time, after doing a tune up on my wife’s metric cruiser motorcycle, I took it for a test ride to a local convenience store. Except that “Harley” was a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan. Now, don’t get me wrong, anyone in the know would be able to spot the differences immediately, but that Kawi definitely had the look: bobtail fender, fat tank, chrome dash — really a sweet bike. The same thing goes for one of my favorite bikes of all time — the Yamaha Virago and a plethora of other metric cruiser treasures. Since the late 70’s at least, the japanese — and I say Japanese because that’s what most people think of when they hear the words “metric cruiser” — have been making some good Harley Sportster clones, and in cases like the XS650, Triumph clones. But to call them just clones isn’t fair. From the 79 Yamaha XS650 to the 2008 Honda Shadow and Yamaha Star series, they’re good bikes in their own right, and some have even become collectible. Metric cruisers cost lessThey may not demand the prices that Harleys do, but therein lies another distinct advantage. For about a third the price, you get a motorcycle that’s every bit as fun, and in many cases, a better choice for the newbie. Of all the Harley models, the best suited to a beginner would be a Sportster of some kind — but what kind? This is a model that was introduced in 1957, hasn’t changed much since then, and is the most sold and most emulated bike in the world. But any of these models that are still fairly available will cost between about $2500 (for a 70’s Ironhead model) to upwards of $4000 for a newer, Evolution model. Metric cruisers need fewer repairsThe Ironheads, charming as they are, are famous for needing frequent “attention” while the newer, more reliable Evolution-powered models are far more pricey… so, what to do? Why not take a look at the other end of the spectrum? When you start to look at the finer details, you’ll see a lot of similarities — classic cruiser looks, and even the (cool-looking) V-Twin motor tucked into the frame on many models. But there are more advantages that aren’t so obvious — for instance, that cool-looking motor has been redesigned and improved to rev higher and run cooler, and with less vibration. All this makes for a more comfortable ride, and a longer lasting bike, with less maintenance necessary, as long as you keep up on the basics. And in the price range from a few hundred (for older models needing a little attention) to about $2500 (for a NICE, newer, 1000cc or bigger ride) it’s hard to not want to take one for a test ride. Metric cruisers suggestionsI’ve only scratched the surface, but here are some good bikes to start with. For the newbie, check out the late 70’s to early 80’s Yamaha XS650’s, any Yamaha Virago, 80’s Suzuki GS series, any Honda Shadow, and the Kawasaki Vulcan series. These are all cruisers with the looks and the reliability to get the hang of riding on a bike with some definite “cool factor.” Of course, the newer you go, and the larger the motor, the higher the price goes, but you’ll still be getting a great deal on a very cool bike no matter how you slice it. Keven Miles Joined
Aug 17, 2007 · 4,191 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Jul 14, 2009 Installed my base plate today , remove the passenger seat 13mm and 10mm spanners - check , remove the fender bolts , 13mm socket - check, remove the passenger seat post - WTF? Steve Joined Feb 11, 2005 · 44,158 Posts
Installed my base plate today , remove the passenger seat 13mm and 10mm spanners - check , remove the fender bolts , 13mm socket - check, remove the passenger seat post - WTF? Steve Tell me about it, have Stripped out many a bolt head thinking it was a Metric when it was Not. Joined Mar 23, 2004 · 7,280 Posts
Funds the tool manufacturer's to compensate for the down economy.... Yeah... Two sets of everything in the tool box.... HH Joined Jun 10, 2004 · 2,915 Posts
Been like this in the US auto industry for a long time, now its on the US bikes. Air cooled harleys are the same way. Any real wrench in the US has SAE and metric in the tool box. Joined Oct 4, 2005 · 1,180 Posts
DId the same thing last night - changed my tail light bulb. And thought - what the hill? My rear pliion bolt is imperial also I think.
Joined Oct 31, 2007 · 6,043 Posts
Tell me about it, have Stripped out many a bolt head thinking it was a Metric when it was Not. Stripped the bolt connecting the sissy bar to the passenger pillion a year ago and gave up. Its stupid beyond stupid. :bash: Joined Sep 15, 2008 · 895 Posts
Any real wrench in the US has SAE and metric in the tool box. Had to deal with this on my Ford's for years...but they don't have a ton of allen's and torx! :banghead: Oh well...can't go wrong with TOOLS!! They also make easy gifts for the SO to buy....
Joined Jul 7, 2008 · 248 Posts
Hahaha this couldn't of been timed any better... I went to harbor freight and picked up Torx, Metric Hex to go along with all my craftsman tools! I am going to start a tool box just for the V!!! before this all tools that fit the V were marked with blue tape.... I just got tired of looking for stuff!
Joined Jan 27, 2007 · 1,391 Posts
Hahaha this couldn't of been timed any better... I went to harbor freight and picked up Torx, Metric Hex to go along with all my craftsman tools! I am going to start a tool box just for the V!!! before this all tools that fit the V were marked with blue tape.... I just got tired of looking for stuff! With the
money that would cost you could just about buy another V, I reckon! Joined May 27, 2008 · 81 Posts
How funny: just went to the dealership today to pick up replacement bolts that hold down those two intake cylinders (?) under the airbox. The 3/16 allen sure did seem to fit them at the time. The parts guy was proud of himself letting me know that "the part number ends in am M 'cuz the M stands for metric." Guess it would have helped if I knew the
part number BEFORE I stripped it and had to buy replacements. And are these screws made of aluminum? It sure didn't take much to strip the heads. Joined Nov 30, 2006 · 12,178 Posts
i just got a cute little v-rod tool kit.. has about every thing i need in there.. and what i dont have.. i have gotten ..
Joined Dec 13, 2003 · 17,622 Posts
Been like this in the US auto industry for a long time, now its on the US bikes. Air cooled harleys are the same way. Any real wrench in the US has SAE and metric in the tool box. Bitchin aint gonna get yer bike fixed.Buying garbage from Harbor Freight isn't very smart either. Joined Feb 19, 2006 · 2,593 Posts
Then you go to the dealer buy some chrome which is made in China Joined Jun 10, 2004 · 2,915 Posts
Bitchin aint gonna get yer bike fixed.Buying garbage from Harbor Freight isn't very smart either. Uhhhhh........you saying I'm bitchin? Just sayin thats the way it is. I didn't start the thread. Joined Mar 9, 2008 · 10,936 Posts
just do like I do.... purchase a decent tap & die set, and switch'em out to metric as you run across them. Joined Dec 13, 2003 · 17,622 Posts
Uhhhhh........you saying I'm bitchin? Just sayin thats the way it is. I didn't start the thread. Just sayin. No real theory of operation in a fastener,but bitchin about the design won't make a 3/8ths wrench fit a 10mm head on a bolt. Joined Feb 11, 2005 · 44,158 Posts
Here is the Reality and I think MANy people will agree they are the same as me. I would love the Big MAC tools or Snap ON wall covered garage, But I look at my situation, I fix things on my bike, thats it. I am not fixing other bikes nor my Auto etc.. I change the oil, Change the Clutch plates etc... HArbor Freight and Craftsman is just fine for me, I dont
need $8000 worth of tools to do what I do, the simple shit I got does just fine (except I tend to put things in weird places and never find them again so one day I will have 5-7 of just about everything when I find them, thats another good reason for the tools I use.) I did get expensive Torque wrenches though, that I do feel needs to be correct. Joined Jun 10, 2004 · 2,915 Posts
Just sayin. No real theory of
operation in a fastener,but bitchin about the design won't make a 3/8ths wrench fit a 10mm head on a bolt. I'm still trying to figure out how in the world you think MY statement is "bitchin." Not that it really matters. Or maybe I'm just not getting your statement.
Joined Feb 11, 2005 · 44,158 Posts
I'm still trying to figure out how in the world you think MY statement is "bitchin." Not that it really matters. Or maybe I'm just not getting your statement. He's from Florida, they get "Squirlly" this time a year as its 109 degrees and 98% humidity for 4 months.
Joined Jul 20, 2006 · 10,835 Posts
Bitchin aint gonna get yer bike fixed.Buying garbage from Harbor Freight isn't very smart either. Al, how many are METRIC pliers? Are HarleyExcept for the VRod and Street models(which were both designed as metric based) the number of metric fasteners on a Harley-Davidson can be written down very quickly. Front forks, starter motors, brakes(sourced from foreign based companies), and batteries all are metric.
Is Harley a metric bike?Walsh said the most common bikes in the area are Harleys (imperial system measurements) and Hondas (metric system measurements).
What kind of bolts does Harley use?They are all 3/8"x16 SAE, 1 1/2" long.
What tools do Harleys use?Your Harley's tool kit will typically have the following items:. Cable Ties.. Spark Plug Gap Tool.. Multi-Bit Screwdriver.. Locking Plier.. Hex Keys.. Spark Plug Socket.. Combo Wrench.. Double-End Wrench.. |
Does harley davidson use metric or standard
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