Finally the wait is over!!!!!

Well, i couldn't have asked for better weather to pick up the new bike today. Sunshine all the way to Oxford and after all the formalities with paperwork were over she was mine....

First thing i noticed was how utter shite the breaks are (and I have the ABS version!) I honestly thought there was a problem as I applied them when I was leaving the forecourt then I remembered a friend telling me how shite they would be in comparison to the GS. How right he was...

Anyway we decided to take the back roads home and began a lovely ride towards Wallingford and Benson, past what used to be Fox's cafe and through to Henley. I soon settled into the stride and rhythm of the bike and began to really enjoy the ride. The positioning is perfect for me, the mini ape hangers very comfortable and I love the tone that emits from the V&H slip ons. It's addictive... very addictive

Off to Harpenden tomorrow morning for a visit to the sisters and can't wait, weather looks good again so looks like I'll be sticking some mileage on her tomorrow. I've got next week off (bar Mon) so more roads to ride and mileage to add...

Only issue I have is that when we got home eagle eyed Erika spotted the lack of a tax disk...A quick call to Oxford confirmed that they had it but forgot to fit it... Never mind i'll still ride and await it's arrival in the post....

Here's a few pics from today.....

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77911971@N06/7011951539/" title="IMG_0048 by mcneedham1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/7011951539_f4cfe40a78.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0048"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77911971@N06/6865856824/" title="IMG_0064 by mcneedham1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/6865856824_52417e7061.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0064"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77911971@N06/6865876956/" title="IMG_1117 by mcneedham1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6865876956_6e48ab9576.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="IMG_1117"></a>

The garage is filling up nicely now...

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77911971@N06/7011997261/" title="IMG_1123 by mcneedham1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7011997261_126edb71eb.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="IMG_1123"></a>

SE Rider said:

.... and I have the ABS version....

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I thought all Harley's had ABS right from their very first 1903 model

You'll soon get used to knowing the best brake is shutting off the throttle

Looks good there Chris.

Allegedly the brakes have to 'bed in'. This strikes me as HDs excuse for them being sh1t until you fit aftermarket pads or crash

Bike looks good though, glad you are enjoying it :cool

Looking very gay.....

No fingerless gloves? No laced up garments? I think you've missed the point perhaps

Shep said:

No fingerless gloves? No laced up garments? I think you've missed the point perhaps

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If you'd known you could have lent him yours

Mutley said:

If you'd known you could have lent him yours

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Mine are stained, no longer fit for hire

Shep said:

No fingerless gloves? No laced up garments? I think you've missed the point perhaps

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Laces on me boots are about as far as I'll stretch.....

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att said:

Looking very gay.....

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Davy F said:

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SNAP ! Great choice, And the brakes do bed in, but are no where near as good as the GS, Enjoy,

i never thought i would see the day
but that is a beautiful bike
Chris please keep your GSA head on
and remember your roots (GSA SE)
so don't ignore when people wave shake a leg or nod

Baking with ABS.

I find that the ABS seems to come on a lot earlier on the new HD's compared to my 1150GSA. Especially braking into corners.

First time I applied the brakes going a bit quick into a bend, the ABS was a shock reminder of the difference in style and I could not turn the bars due to the shuddering. Luckily I ran off the road into sand.

A change of attitude has cured the problem.

2010 FLHTCU
2003 1150GSA

Nice one Chris!

Hi Chris, the rear carrier looks useful do you know the part number please,

Cheers Graham

Hi Graham,

I only had the rear rack fitted as it's how the pillion seat is attached.. I believe the part number is: 52796-09

Chris

Elvisto said:

And the brakes do bed in, but are no where near as good as the GS,

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I have a pair of these on my Harley and find it stops as well as my GS.

Steptoe said:

I have a pair of these on my Harley and find it stops as well as my GS.

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..and personalised too...how cool

Nice ride!

You get used to the brakes after a while and adjust riding behaviour accordingly - with the Harley (I've a 1200 Nightster) I tend to use far more of the engine braking than on my other bikes. The braking feels about the same as my GSPD.

The other thing to watch is when you return to the other bikes...if I've been riding the Nightster a lot and then go out on the 1150GSA, the first couple of times I use the brakes is like an emergency stop!!

Mike

Thanks for the part number chris

I'll nip over today and order one,

A great mod Steptoe, will have to look around for one of those , or perhaps a Brembo ?
Cheers