H-Dfr : The French mailing-list about Harley-Davidson
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the French mailing-list H-Dfr is all about Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We talk about Harleys, technical data, runs, tips and tricks, advices, races, Good Ol' West, trips to Milwaukee, Sturgis and Daytona, motorcycling, the open road, etc. Provided that you can write in French, you're welcome to join us, especially if you own a Harley or plan to own one. Indian and other American brands are welcome ! :-) |
When you buy a Harley-Davidson (any one), you sure get a very nice object and a lot of pleasure. But more than that, you step in the American dream and become part of the history of the oldest motorcycle brand still in activity in the world. That's the reason why - knowingly or not - more and more people buy an authentic Big Twin and not the ordinary standard bike from other countries. Harleys got a soul and a past. And in fact, that's another story. When you owned and loved your first Harley, you'll find it difficult to enjoy riding another motorcyle. |
The lineup explained to the beginner
Classical Harleys : air-cooled engines
| 45 degrees V-twin, connecting
rod Air-cooled engines Rocker arms, push rods, hydraulic valves Electronic ignition Sequential fuel injection tends to generalize, otherwise one single carburettor for the 2 cylinders. Belt-driven final drive. Upon buying your new bike you would want to change the exhaust system as well as modify the air intake. These days (at last), Harleys have superior breaking performance. Two types of engines (883/1200 & 1450 cc) and four chassis are enough to make the whole classical lineup : |
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Rubber-mounted from 2004,
the Sporty has a 4 camshafts engine, a well-made chassis, but
lacks the comfort and the room for the long trips. Born in 1957, the Sportster is ridden more as a classic motorcycle than a Harley, offering notably a reasonnable weight (250 kg), although it's 20 kg more than the previous models with a standard chassis. |
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Eliminating most of the
vibrations with silent-blocks since their introduction, the Dynas
are more comfortable and handle better than the Softails ; they
also offer a lot more room than the Sportys. They are the bike of choice for one accustomed to japanese rides. Around 280 kg. |
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Make no mistake : Softails
would give you a hard-on. :-) Shock absorbers are hidden under the engine, thus giving that nostalgic look of a rigid chassis. The powertrain itself being rigid-mounted in the frame (no rubber), the Motor Company choosed to build a balanced version of the Twin Cam 88, so bolts and nuts won't fall on the road due to the vibes. Softails don't handle so well, but among these models you will find the most gorgeous Harleys. 270-320 kg. |
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Touring Harleys are...
well, tourers. All of them are big comfortable elegant bikes, with the Electra Glide Ultra Classic offering the most in standard options and multiple accessories. Weighing 320-380 kg, these motorcycles could be a pain when parking or maneuvering without the engine running. |
Vapor Harley
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Due to restricted emission
controls, Harley finally made a... errrh... liquid-cooled and
over-square "Revolution" engine. Oh yes, it's powerful. 275 kg. |
See the Harley-Davidson Big Twins
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