OMG!! The bikes are amazing!!

 

I actually have no idea... I was told years ago that if equipped with turn signals, they had to work. I'm sure different places have different rules. I'm so used to riding my old Shovel and always using hand signals that it's just second nature for me. I can slap'em back on to pass inspection if needed but that's really not an issue for me either.

 

Yes, love the look of these. Makes me want to swap to reproduction tires.

 

I wonder how much you sacrifice in performance with those antique tread patterns.

Yes, I know, I’m no fun at all.

 

Probably not much at all if the rubber is a modern compound which I would expect it to be. I imagine many tread designs originate from graphic designers and the marketing department.

 

The Firestones try to right themselves and 'stand up' on sweeping bends at speed due to weight and gyroscopic effect. Unusual experience but one you soon adapt to.

 

For me, old school is when the headlight is above the point where the handlebars connect, and with a grill type plate between the two triple trees.

 

I'm not going for handling performance, I'm going for looks. I run a Firestone reproduction from Coker on the rear of my rigid Shovel. I only run about 18-22 psi in it and it handles decently. Slick pavement in the rain will slow you down. You just need to be in tune with what your riding and respect it.

 

I’ll sacrifice a lot of things got the sake of style, but traction and handling aren’t among them.

Since I’m never going to get over that swingarm that looks nothing at all like a rigid frame Harley-Davidson I see little reason in going much further. As always YMMV.

 

My rigid and Softail side by side.