Can someone please explain to me why Harleys are getting heavir over the years and why so many riders add weight to their already hefty machines?
I realize we will never go for the featherwight numbers of Ducatis, but why doesn't anyone seem to work at slashing the tonage of our bikes? Less weight means better acceleration, improved handling and less wear on all parts of the bike.
I am on a campaign to slash the weight of my recently purchased Harley Street Rod and look forward to sharing my accomplishments in AIM later this year.
Any one else here into lighter Harleys for the street?
__________________ Buzz Kanter
Editor-in-Chief, American Iron Magazine
Don't get me started, Buzz...I personally dig light bikes but I think true light weight is not really a big part of the whole Harley Mystique for most people. A bagger that weighs 800 lbs and will barely do 100 mph is just fine with lots of folks. They have the sound, the look, and the inner satisfaction of being associated with this powerful symbol of Americana. You don't need light weight to maintain that dream in your head. Also if that six pack you had when you were 22 has turned into a keg and a half then a chunky style cycle is probably in order.
Oh and one other thing, the name of your magazine is American Iron Magazine. Not American Titanium Magazine.
"Get your motor runnin'.
Head out on the highway.
Lookin' for adventure and whatever comes our way.....
I like smoke and lightnin',
Heavy metal thunder.
Racin' with the wind and the feelin' that I'm under..." - Steppinwolf 1968
I've been licensed to ride for over 45 years and after riding or owning about every bike there is, I ride a Sportster today. If more buyers demanded that H.D. built lighter bikes I'm sure they could. But the buyer doesn't seem to care about weight. If more people went from a FLH to a Sportster, they would.
When I built the 120" sickle in '02 I weighed each large part or group of small parts before final assembly and recorded it.. Darned if I cannot lay my hands on the big yellow pad at the moment but I recall the figure was 430 lbs..
Add my 1/2 full 30 lbs. saddlebags, 5 lbs. tool bag and all fluids,, I reckon about 510 lbs..
I always strive for lightness and keep weight off the front end for handling..
__________________ "Fill your hands you son of a bitch"
Rooster Cogburn
Dry weight of an XL883 is 563.0 lbs. Dry weight of a XL1200C is 562.0 lbs. Dry weight of an FLHR is 740.0 lbs. Dry weight of a FLHTCU is 814.0 lbs.
And somewhere in between is my bike (see below) weighing in at 634.0 lbs.
But you're right... they do seem a bit tubby, don't they? I don't think my bike NEEDS to weigh 634lbs, but I refuse to put plastic and aluminum on her to make her skinny.
__________________ ===================== Rob 2007 FXDB San Diego, CA
John 1:14
It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD. ----Abraham Lincoln
I believe it was Colin Chapman, one of our times' great car and Formula One builders, and the founder of Lotus, who said his greatest goals was "to add lighntess to his vehicles." His reasoning was the less weight his cars had to deal with, the less stress and strain on all components from engine to trans, to brakes etc.
The lighter it was the better it handled.
The lighter it was the faster it accelerated.
The lighter it was the less stress and strain on all components to they do not wear out as fast.
Makes sense to me. Do how come our Harleys seem to be gettting progressively heavier. And is that why the factory continues to build larger displacement engines to push the additional weight?
__________________ Buzz Kanter
Editor-in-Chief, American Iron Magazine
Why do you think my lowly evo Superglide is capable of leaving many a Twin Cam sucking fumes? Power to weight ratio anyone? Did you ever see the wiring harness on a new Ultra? It looks like an underground inter-continental communications cable! Six gallon tank? No need unless you're constantly making trips across the desert. Most of us would have stopped long before we would have swallowed six gallons. And you can also thank the EPA for some of that added weight. " I like smoke and lightnin......................"
The biggest adjustment for me going from XL Models to my FLHT was the additional weight. I think Harley should go on a "Slim Fast" diet! My tires and brakes always lasted longer on an XL. The Glide offers more comfort for sure but there is no reason they couldn't be lightened up. A six gallon tank may be a good thing but it wouldn't matter to me as after 120-150 miles I'm ready to stop and work all the cricks and creaks out anyway. Ride safe...spring is a comin soon..I hope! Clif
Lighter Harleys 
Why do you think my lowly evo Superglide is capable of leaving many a Twin Cam sucking fumes? Power to weight ratio anyone? Did you ever see the wiring harness on a new Ultra? It looks like an underground inter-continental communications cable! Six gallon tank? No need unless you're constantly making trips across the desert. Most of us would have stopped long before we would have swallowed six gallons. And you can also thank the EPA for some of that added weight. " I like smoke and lightnin......................" 
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