Harley Riders gather

[maxxmadness]

jamez you can come join me german camp when you are done with the king, the germans does better in going the miles

 

i will keep my sporty for that occasional rumble around the neighbourhood

 

then again, i kinda have a cafe racer craze and am looking at triumph thruxton..so who know, i may sell the amercian and go british

 

http://www.automotoconso.com/leblog/IMG/infos10/triumph-thruxton-gt-01.jpg

Edited January 4, 2012 by maxxmadness

[deckard]

knn, mirror also catch, cheesepie, fooker.

 

haha, now knn, harley accessory shop be bis.

 

fooker earn what fook? this cannotm, that cannot. knn

[jamez]

jamez you can come join me german camp when you are done with the king, the germans does better in going the miles

 

i will keep my sporty for that occasional rumble around the neighbourhood

 

then again, i kinda have a cafe racer craze and am looking at triumph thruxton..so who know, i may sell the amercian and go british

 

http://www.automotoconso.com/leblog/IMG/infos10/triumph-thruxton-gt-01.jpg

dats tempting now

[xcore]

HDS should do smth, whatever to help. Or whatever they can do, though I doubt they can do much. If not, most of the HD riders will just switch rides.

[whiteflash]

Hi all HD brothers, I'm looking for any new or used stock brake level and air filter housing for my Roadking '03 replacement. Do let me know if you have these to let go. Many thanks thanks....

[jamez]

HDS should do smth, whatever to help. Or whatever they can do, though I doubt they can do much. If not, most of the HD riders will just switch rides.

besides facilitating the homologation process for different parts...nothing much can b done.

And one more thing: I appeal to all riders to avoid assigning degratory names to the lta officers. They r just doing their jobs like any of us n unfortunately their jobs cross our paths... Dats all. The real problem is legislation...name calling is not helping the situation and it will just show that we r no different from others. I understand the anger n frustration totally as I have been caught b4 as well... Butseriously no point in pissing people off just Becos we r pissed.

[yohji]

I have always wanted to ride Harleys. Back in the early 2000s, I got my 2b license and bought a Virago, the closest thing I could get to a Harley at that time. It was an air cooled v-twin 125cc cute looking cruiser. All the rest of my friends were into sports bikes or bought more efficient machines like the Honda Phantom and the likes. But I stuck to my choice.

 

I bought my first Harley in 2008. It was a 1998 XL1200S which I loved very much. It was bought with financial assistance from my mother. She knew how I loved Harleys and knew that I would not be satisfied otherwise and when I approached her for help, she graciously loaned me some money so I would not have to take a loan. And so I had my first Harley. It was a wonderful experience. The guy who sold it to me was a prick. Left out alot of parts but what did I know? Still I loved the bike. I rode it alot. The wonderful rumbling of the engine and exhaust was simply therapeutic. Never had any problems with LTA at that time. I sold it off quite reluctantly, but things had to have a move on.

 

Things were going down in my life and I needed to do something. I decided to sell my car and commute everyday by riding, which is what I really wanted to do everyday. And so I bought my current Roadking. It was one of my dream rides and believe me when I say I was grinning everyday I went to work and everywhere else. I started smiling and having fun with my life again. I had so many ideas on how to make it really mine. But of course, exhaust was the first on the list. Being a firm believer in self moderation in whatever I do, I chose Screaming Eagles. It wasn't loud in fact, just slightly louder then stock. A lot of people laughed at me for the choice but I didn't care. So be it I told myself. I just wanted that rumble to be slightly audible from where I sat. Although the cc of the bike was a whooping 1700cc, 500cc more then my old XL1200S, it sounded so much softer with the SE slip ons. I thought oh well, since it's not really loud I guess I wouldn't be attracting much attention. I was wrong of course. The law was the law, so proclaimed the LTA officers who caught me. Off I went for inspection and back to stock. Just barely a whisper coming from the exhaust.

 

I ride Harleys not because I'm rich, just have to own a piece of it or to attract attention. I ride Harleys because I believed it was THE freedom machine. The history and heritage of the Harley Davidson motorcycle is something that appeals to me. I could probably type more reasons here but the old adage 'If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand' applies. All I can say is, take a ride on the REAL open roads on a REAL rumbling Harley, with some music blasting off the speakers, do some thought surfing, breathe the air, breathe the freedom, and perhaps one can relate. In Singapore, I like the fact that MOST of the Harley dudes are socially responsible people. There's alot of charity rides going on with the various MCs every now and then. I may not be part of the charity rides, but I do feel proud with what these MCs are doing, helping the less fortunate. Seeing (and hearing) Harleys at National Day Parades and Chingay was kinda cool. You don't see souped up sports cars, exotic cars even, at such national events. Riding a Harley in Singapore has also exposed me to a world of cool people and experiences whom I may not have met if I were on some other bikes, and I am grateful for that. Things could have been equally fun with other bikes no doubt, but I like it here in the Harley camp.

 

LTA has always been strict with rules and regulations regarding modifications, always in the name of safety. Safety is everything to them. Whether or not the rules and regulations were advised upon by some engineer who probably doesn't even ride a bike doesn't matter. However, it is during the past year that enforcement has truly taken this stand to a whole new level. Whether someone from the Harley community pizzed off one of the LTA riders, or their boss, or too much complains from the general public, or some other obscure reasons is anybody's guess. Harley riders have also been told that they are not singled out for unfair enforcement action. I for one, still believe that the LTA officers are better then that and should be professional, bearing no grudges. However, if one looks at the situation from a different angle, someone riding a Harley Davidson is as eye-catching as a WRX, an EVO, a Ducati etc etc. So Harley Davidsons, logically speaking, are being targeted as well, not singled out. As such, I do not think arguments like 'why catch Harley don't catch other makes' is valid. The argument should be, 'why catch Harley' in the first place. To which the answer is simple. Harley riders are not exempt from the law even if you do charity rides to help the needy, support political organizations to ensure our country is in good hands, support ride safe campaigns to create awareness on riding safety, support national events to spruce it up a little bit.

 

Which brings me the topic of illegal modifications. I have sought clarification from LTA with regards to modifications and generally, the answer given would always be you are allowed to change this and that, as long as it doesn't screw with emission of the exhaust and that the part must be manufactured for that make and model and affixed on by a qualified technician/mechanic. Then again, LTA/VITAS has a weird way of determining all these, as first, you would have to produce some kind of certification from the manufacturer, stating that this part was made for the bike, and submit relevant documents to LTA before they could advise on whether the part is safe or not. Guidelines posted on one-motoring are ambiguous. Different sources different views. VITAS is all stock no mod. LTA enforcement stepped up with increased manpower....stock or no stock you still get stopped and get faulted for the most minor of infringements. Looks bleak eh...

 

Harley riders are a damn small community in Singapore. Out of the small community, not everyone rides everyday. Some don't even ride at all. With such a small market, no big company is gonna bother to do something out of the norm, like providing a certificate proving that the part was indeed made for that bike kinda stuff, for a little consumer like me. I have tried, to no avail.

 

I am supposed to ride everyday, carefree and happy on the way to work, mindful not to step on anybody's toes on the way there and steer clear or trouble whenever possible. Feel free before and after work, but I'm sorry, the freedom machine is just not so free for me anymore. Riding a Harley everyday now is so stressful, for you never know what's around the corner. Look out for traffic, look out for LTA, look out for speed limit, look out for auntie drivers. Yes MOST of my stuff are stock btw but seeing what has happened to Andy's friend and some of my other friends, apparently it's just not an exhaust deal. It's everything. The whole package. That way, I won't even know what's not gonna be approved by the enforcement officers or VITAS anymore, how smart.

 

Overall, I'm quite disappointed with the whole deal. I get the message, and it's 'Zero Tolerance' and I hope they are proud of themselves now.

 

So there, I've said my piece. So if anyone is interested in getting a beautiful, clean and immaculate condition 2011 Roadking 103, do let me know. Not going for cheap, but I'll make it worth your while.

 

Makes me feel sad and frustrated after reading your post Jamez. I remember I did the same thing, bought a Shadow 125 because I don't wanna be like the rest (who bought the popular Phantom).

 

It sucks that we wanna be creative with our bikes but we are forced to stay stock. Everyone is riding around with the same ****. And the govt is encouraging us to be creative and getting more involved in arts. What a contradiction! They should have a group of REAL riders in LTA.

 

I can imagine how you feel. You only love Harleys and you have to give it up. At least I have a thing for other genres of bikes. I can still ride my naked bikes if I don't ride my Sportster. For for you, it feels like losing everything

 

I am very sure your post will be a hot topic if the newspaper publishes it. Or even if someone post this link up on Stomp.

[jamez]

Exactly yohji. Thanx for understanding. I'm a stubborn one when it comes to things I like. The list is pretty short though... Like u said I love harleys n most likely would not ride anything else.

Doubt any media would b interested though cos we r small...n insignificant.

[jamez]

Exactly yohji. Thanx for understanding. I'm a stubborn one when it comes to things I like. The list is pretty short though... Like u said I love harleys n most likely would not ride anything else.

Doubt any media would b interested though cos we r small...n insignificant.

[snakedoc_28]

Jamez you are throwing in the towel?

[jamez]

If someone wants to buy my bike at my reasonable price... Yes.

[TWdude26]

jamez you can come join me german camp when you are done with the king, the germans does better in going the miles

 

i will keep my sporty for that occasional rumble around the neighbourhood

 

then again, i kinda have a cafe racer craze and am looking at triumph thruxton..so who know, i may sell the amercian and go british

 

http://www.automotoconso.com/leblog/IMG/infos10/triumph-thruxton-gt-01.jpg

 

i like this one from moto guzzi... V7 Cafe Racer

saw the bike at Mah, it looks way better in the flesh

[TWdude26]

If someone wants to buy my bike at my reasonable price... Yes.

Yo James, i've been there... it was a struggle when i was selling my sporty...

HD was oso my dream bike and finally when i own one, mod it to be my bike my style, i had no choice but to sell due to all the nonsense/fear that it is bringing me... it sucks...

 

and now i'm enjoying riding more, without fear riding my scooter... haha

but still with the HD spirit, no more loud pipes but loud music and highway pegs on my scoot...

[hit.man]

Yes agree.... that is one sweet ride!

 

i like this one from moto guzzi... V7 Cafe Racer

saw the bike at Mah, it looks way better in the flesh

[ATTACH=CONFIG]231031[/ATTACH]

[hit.man]

Nice story from Jamez and I hope you don't sell your bike!

Though some mentioned that we are like criminals on the road, I actually find it kinda exciting. Sorry guys... too much rules and regulations in my work, so its kinda fun to get a bit naughty and play some hide and seek when I get out of work...

I guess I will still hang on to my bike, play some hide and seek with MR LTA every once a while. When I am on my bike, its my alter ego, so let's break some rules!

[jamez]

i like this one from moto guzzi... V7 Cafe Racer

saw the bike at Mah, it looks way better in the flesh

[ATTACH=CONFIG]231031[/ATTACH]

ya know we're doomed when we start talking about beemers, guzzis and truimphs ona harley tread hahahaha

[jamez]

Nice story from Jamez and I hope you don't sell your bike!

Though some mentioned that we are like criminals on the road, I actually find it kinda exciting. Sorry guys... too much rules and regulations in my work, so its kinda fun to get a bit naughty and play some hide and seek when I get out of work...

I guess I will still hang on to my bike, play some hide and seek with MR LTA every once a while. When I am on my bike, its my alter ego, so let's break some rules!

 

I've tried to think of it as exciting, but it's just too much for me. Look a few pages back and I mentioned I'm a p.u.s.s.y hahaha. Seriously I don't want any trouble. Maybe when I'm old, rich and have nothing better to do, I would wanna play that game. But I'm just a regular dude earning bread for the family like any other dudes, who just happens to really get into that Harley thing unlike any other dudes. Since creative expression is not encouraged and the penalties are not exactly a walk in the park, screw it. I'll sit at the sidelines for awhile and watch with disgust the decay of a once lively society..and hope it gets any better.

[coldbarrel]

LTA recent enforcement action is either A) a direction from the Top or B) the LTA enforcement team decided among themselves to target certain bikes.

 

If its B) then it's discrimination & selective enforcement, if its A) LTA should be prepared to to explain why they are targetting certain bikes.

Either way, we need someone to speak for Harley Owner and asked why we're being victimised ...

 

 

The law is clear on illegal modification and non-approved exhaust; we're not asking LTA to close an eye on Harley, we're asking them to be fair;

LTA & TP has periodic strategy & targets; it can be truck speeding / car mod / car headlamp / modified cub etc

but if they are targetting a specific brand of bike b'cos rider of that brand tends to use exhuast that are not approved,

I think its not right ..

 

its like racial profiling cos certain race is more incline towards certain crimes

or issue parking summons to luxury cars cos the owner can afford it ...

 

If anyone here knows anyone from HOG, i think they are the correct body to ask LTA for clarification . .

[TWdude26]

it's not the exos tat made us feel unjust... it's the mirrors, headlamp and other little things tat piss us off...

[jamez]

it's not the exos tat made us feel unjust... it's the mirrors, headlamp and other little things tat piss us off...

engineering has improved greatly since the 90s n many accesories are offered as safety upgrades like headlights n signal lights... Posture upgrades like handles and suspension. The world is changing n evolving n we can't follow because the authority is still using the same rules n regulations n their way of coping with it is increase enforcement n punishments. U would have thought with the Internet their engineers would b better informed n updated on what's safe and what's not but no... YOU have to prove whatever u wanna do is safe. Doesn't matter if the mod is safe anot... Done by the same manufacturer which produced the bike anot... Of all the things u need certificates to prove a point. This is one issue that I am having difficulty contending with.

[andyncc]

LTA recent enforcement action is either A) a direction from the Top or B) the LTA enforcement team decided among themselves to target certain bikes.

 

If its B) then it's discrimination & selective enforcement, if its A) LTA should be prepared to to explain why they are targetting certain bikes.

Either way, we need someone to speak for Harley Owner and asked why we're being victimised ...

 

 

The law is clear on illegal modification and non-approved exhaust; we're not asking LTA to close an eye on Harley, we're asking them to be fair;

LTA & TP has periodic strategy & targets; it can be truck speeding / car mod / car headlamp / modified cub etc

but if they are targetting a specific brand of bike b'cos rider of that brand tends to use exhuast that are not approved,

I think its not right ..

 

its like racial profiling cos certain race is more incline towards certain crimes

or issue parking summons to luxury cars cos the owner can afford it ...

 

If anyone here knows anyone from HOG, i think they are the correct body to ask LTA for clarification . .

 

yes i agreed, but unfortunately.. many people will just sit there quietly waiting for miracles to happened. If they wanted to do something, our bros here won't be scapegoat already.

 

I am quite surprise, James and me and those we know in this forum are free riders, we r not in any groups but we are voicing out on this LTA targetting on HD issue. How abt the 'Others'.... no sound no color...

Edited January 6, 2012 by andyncc

[andyncc]

engineering has improved greatly since the 90s n many accesories are offered as safety upgrades like headlights n signal lights... Posture upgrades like handles and suspension. The world is changing n evolving n we can't follow because the authority is still using the same rules n regulations n their way of coping with it is increase enforcement n punishments. U would have thought with the Internet their engineers would b better informed n updated on what's safe and what's not but no... YOU have to prove whatever u wanna do is safe. Doesn't matter if the mod is safe anot... Done by the same manufacturer which produced the bike anot... Of all the things u need certificates to prove a point. This is one issue that I am having difficulty contending with.

 

LTA demand certification for every single accessories from the manufacturer to be certified on those parts we have changed on our rides??? This is ridiculous!!!! Then in this case we have to carry a file with us everytime we go for ride just incase kana stop and we can produce all the so call 'certificate' on the spot. Anyway next time if any of the guys here happened to go HDS or any workshop for any accessories upgrade please remember to ask for certification. lol.... WTH!!!

[andyncc]

Nice story from Jamez and I hope you don't sell your bike!

Though some mentioned that we are like criminals on the road, I actually find it kinda exciting. Sorry guys... too much rules and regulations in my work, so its kinda fun to get a bit naughty and play some hide and seek when I get out of work...

I guess I will still hang on to my bike, play some hide and seek with MR LTA every once a while. When I am on my bike, its my alter ego, so let's break some rules!

 

thumbs up.... same here

[hit.man]

okie so back to my brake pad question. anyone here use brake pads other than oem? Are aftermarket ones much better than oem?

[TWdude26]

okie so back to my brake pad question. anyone here use brake pads other than oem? Are aftermarket ones much better than oem?

i've tried Drag Specialities ones... got from Twins...

i love the improved braking power!