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-   -   A Guide to Owning a Harley-Davidson in India (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superbikes-imports/132941-guide-owning-harley-davidson-india-2.html)

Thanks Viju! You just made my day!

Great Info JosePeter! I was actually looking for some info on HDs.
I'm really aspiring to buy a HD, but unfortunately, it'll be at least a few years from now :(
Btw, Do you know whats the power rating of the 883 Iron and SuperLow? They have the same engine in the same tune state, right? The website only says about the Torque!

Also, whats the top speed possible and whats a comfortable cruise speed on good roads (like golden quadrilaterals)?

Good article josepeter, tempts one to consider putting off a car upgrade in favor of a Harley :D. It would be nice if you and other Harley owners can throw some light on the real-world (read real-India) impact of such low ground clearances. Your Superlow sits just 100mm off the ground, have you faced problems with speedbreakers, etc?

Awesome one Jose!

Hope this thread will be updated by you and others who own a Harley.

I remember reading somewhere here that water wash/water should be kept to minimum or so. Is this a right statement? If so, I was wondering how people in Kerala etc would manage one.

Also, can you share the cost involved for various addons/modifications?

State of tune,electronic is same for both. Both put out about 55-57 bhp on dyno without mods,on crank it would be around 70 . Top speed goes in excess of 170, highway speeds comfortable would be 110-120.
But then, no one would go on and buy a hd for above mentioned numbers. People after numbers generally go for japs.
I do not own hd!

I have a thread on my Super low here : http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superb...-superlow.html

It needs update...I shall do that soon enough!

Thanks for that Sudarshan! Much Appreciated!

We shall discuss that on the other thread.

Caring for a Harley is surprisingly simple! You can use a lot of water..no issues; but be sure you wipe or use an air compressor to get it all off and apply the necessary protectants. Bikes in coastal states need a little more care ( read that as more frequent washes).

There is one observation though : Harleys that are used regularly have no traces of rust/discoloration etc. But the ones in sheds have all that and more.



Top speed is upwards of 180, you can cruise all day in the legal speed limit :I Rule:

Budget says bike getting expensive, how much impact its gonna make on harley price? Some throw some light please.

Budget says bike getting expensive, how much impact its gonna make on harley price? Some throw some light please.


The import duty has been raised from 60% to 75%. I am not sure how will it impact the CKD units but my guess is that the New pricing of the Fat Boy will go up from 14.9 ex show room to approx 16.2 lacs.

Hi josepeter this is a very informative article. Since you are already a owner of a Superlow I thought I will take some clarifications from you. Last monthI took a test ride of the Superlow and liked it immediately.In Kolkata the on road price is 6.5 Lacs and another1 lac will be need for the accessories No engine mods though. Just adding pillion seat, pillon back rest, leg guard, pllion footpegs, tank locks, horn. At Rs.7.50 Lacs I will be seriously stretched to buy this one. Now I have few questions on the practicality of this bike.
1. With a ground clearence of only 100MM will this be a practical bike to ride on our roads where I will encounter gigantic sppedbreakers? I will be using it for touring purpose hence this will go to state highways as well where humps are plenty. I will not have the additional money to do the modification for raising the ground clearence.

2. The HD dealer says even if the bikes underbody hits a bump it will not damage the bike. But my question is what if I hit it at speed. It happened to me many times that I saw an unmarked hump late while I was doing 60+kmph and on my CBR I just stood up on the pegs and rode over the bump. What happens in a superlow? If I hit the bump it it likely that I will be thrown over. Hence I am asking you and other superlow owners advise on this.

3. Do you use normal petrol on the bike or go for 'speed', 'power' equivalent or higher octane petrol.

Looking forward for your advise.

Good to know that you are looking at a cruiser for long distance riding! The superlow is a very capable cruiser and is also blessed with the best fuel economy in the Harley range along with a large 17L fuel tank. You can do 350 kms between fuel stops.

Now the Achilles heel of the Superlow as u rightly pointed out is its low GC. What are the options available?

1. Raise the front shocks by 5mm on the triple trees. Set the rear shock to max pre-load. This can give you marginal increase in GC and lesser grounding on speed humps. Zero Cost.

2. Tyre upgrade : You can change the rear tyre to a 160mm and the front one to a 120mm one with a higher profile. This can be done when you wear out the first set of tyres; rear lasts 13000 kms and the fronts a little more. A set of Pirellis cost some 10K change.

3. If you still need more GC, look for a used set of rear shocks from an Iron, roadster, 48 or Dyna range. Many owners upgrade their suspension when new, look hard enough; you'll surely find a pair. Used ones can be 50% upwards of the stock price. You could also try air shocks from a Roadking, have seen some come for cheap on ebay. May need a little bit of tinkering around though.

4. Go for a suspension upgrade. Harley has a kit costly roughly 30K for a 30mm raise. You can get similar kits from Progressive suspension and others. Looks for good deals on ebay and amazon.

You should be really lucky to get the perfect set-up in the first try. But you will definitely get the perfect set-up after a few long rides and taking it easy : one mod at a time.

Hope to see you soon in one of the upcoming HOG events! Cheers!

Josepeter,
Thanks a Ton mate. I had promised myself a Harley & now see it turn into a reality. I have made a decision to get myself a 883R. I prefer the same as for its GC.
Suggestions welcome if any.
Cheers.

Will the Superlow be comfortable for 6 footers ? I'm planning on booking one, & my bro who's also a fellow T-bhpian will also be riding it.

Regards,
G D

Congrats on your decision! You will have great fun with 883 R! Its perfect for street riding. Bolt on some loud pipes and you are the lord of the streets. Cheers :)




We have quite a few really tall guys riding superlows. Two mods are compulsory; forward controls and wider bars. For the latter you could go for nightster or apehangers. Cheers!

Thanks for the prompt reply Jose, but if we mod the bike as you said would I be able to ride it ? I'm only 5' 6".

Regards,
G D

I'm 5'4"ish and ride bikes with these mods! No problems :)