OK, let's give him a break at only 11 posts. He doesn't realize that this horse has been thoroughly thrashed yet!

 

Boy, you see one little reference to speed and power and you pounce all over it and then follow up with a nice little passive/aggressive insult. Try reading the WHOLE statement next time:
" .....I think we pretty much agree that a HD is going to get beat in any kind of a race with a metric bike. I really don't care about that,......"


From a purely theoretical standpoint the water cooled motors motors have the advantage in longevity as the wild temperature swings and comparatively high operating temps of an air cooled motor are HARD on components. This is especially true when you start talking similar power levels. a 1000cc 150hp water cooled twin should theoretically live a longer, happier life than a 1000cc 150hp air cooled twin. Since few twins are at the kind of power density level (150hp per liter) ,especially air cooled ones, it's sort of a moot point They both survive nicely at the current power levels and even somewhat higher.
In the real world things go wrong with either motor and they will both, most likely, need some minor repairs before they hit the 100k. Motorcycles are a tough environment for mechanical parts.
The biggest advantage to a water cooled motor is the ability to make considerably more power and keep that longevity. The current crop of water cooled twins (as far as cruisers go) really don't take advantage of that ability save for a very select few such as the V-Rod.


I bet you all thought I was going to take this opportunity to bash Harley again, didn't you.

 

yep, I agree

 

I can understand if he didn't understand (or think about it) when he originally posted this. But by now he should.
My Harley has been as reliable as the metrics I've owned in the past. How you treat a machine (care and operation) will make it last a long time.
Most motorcycles die from abuse rather than wear out.

 

Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Regardless of what it is, the fact remains it is a man made machine, it requires service and some TLC.

 

you're missing the whole thing have had HD and Honda they are different and have their pluses drink the kool aide it's good for you and will clear everything up just a few more sips, that's the way.... My missed 95 FLSTN was a very well made bike without any major issues other than normal maintenance same as my Honda they just ride differently is the only difference.

 

With only 11 posts, and the fact that he didn't respond to ANY of the 16 replies in this one, I call TROLL.

 

Surprised it has taken this long! ....

 

Get the spray out.

 

Lay off the crack OP, The HD is far superior to and pile of rice!
Speed, well what do you want? Its available.
Try Google, look **** up, you wanna build a drag bike, its gunna be a vtwin.
Can you get a fast production bike from the ricers, yes.
Can you get a fast production HD, yes.
All depends on what you like and what you want to spend.
IMO, go get urself a pile of rice. I dont think your quite smart / educated enough to be on a HD yet. Once you learn more then you can make the decision ...
Until then, rice it up! Oh, and have fun reading your ricer service manual = ching chong walla walla bing bong!
((just dont stretch the swingarm if its gunna be a street riden bike, you will look like a Retard!)))!!!