I saw this one at the Harley stand at Brno GP this year - I though that is not a bad looking bike spec
100bhp from a 2 litre engine? My 81 Capri had that with an engine designed in the 60s. I know it’s about ‘character’ but I wonder how they manage to get such poor figures. The only thing I can think is that they purposely limit it for safety. The single front disc is unlikely to stop that tank in a hurry after all.
I just thought that it is a nice looking bike. I get what you mean about poor figures - and I hadn't noticed the single disk on the front. They likely limit the power by limiting the revs. It makes that 103 HP at only 5,020 revs. If it was made to rev to 14,000 rpm it would make a ton more horsepower. Generally make something rev higher to get more HP if the motor is designed for it. Your Ford Capri of 1981 (lucky lad !) must have just been made to rev higher - motors were already capable of high performance at that time. Personally, I just want/need more easy access - outside lane - oomph !
If looks is what you want fair enough. 103bhp at 5020? 120 ft/lbs tourque maybe. in the midrange? Single disc front on 680 lb's of weight? Not for me.
I’d rather have something like a classic Enfield/bsa if you’re on a *budget and only want to pootle about a bit. They sound better too.
I bet there’s not a single person in the uk who rides a Harley who looks as cool as they think they do
Totally agree - horses for courses etc - all in jest re: my comments - i have a good friend on here (not seen for ages) and he loves his, and most definitely is not an attention seeker, the lazy torque and seating suits his mood, they do look very relaxing.
Also at Brno - the BMW stand. Whilst this has double disks up front - still only has 95 HP @ 6,000 rpm and 81 lb-ft of torque - and somehow manages to not be a nice looking bike...
The Breakout (which is what that bike is) and the Fat Boy are what our American friends call boulevard cruisers or bar hoppers. Basically posing bikes for looking cool in between stops for burgers and donuts. There are two types of Harleys, Harleys for going and Harleys for showing. Those two are for showing. Nothing wrong with that if that's your bag but it wouldn't do for me. There are far better and properly capable options in the range. I think the single disc is a nod to heritage, but it's daft. You're right a bike of that weight needs decent brakes. STyle and nostalgia should not be a factor in brake design. They need to haul the thing up. The twin dics set-up I had on my LRS was very good indeed and should be standard across the HD range. Mind you, Harley aren't the only culprits. Triumph have fitted inadequate single discs to some of their retro Bonnie range to get the classic look and Enfield brakes are far from eye-popping.
..and don't let's get started on inadequate brakes when it comes to the rear of many Ducati models over the years.
Interesting about the different kinds of Harleys - but I still think it is a nice looking bike. Maybe sir would like this a little better......... (also from the Harley stand at Brno )
