I don't know if any of the motorcycle magazines have run performance comparisons between the Yamaha FZ6 versus the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, but it seems like these two bikes are indeed comparable in many ways, yet quite different in others.

But having only ridden cruisers, and not being all that familiar with sportbikes, I hadn't realized that these two bikes are similar in one other way: they're both considered beginner bikes.

The story goes back to last week when I was hanging out with some fellow riders at a Wings And Things in Murrieta, CA. Two of the guys there were from the local metric motorcycle dealer, one guy a salesman, and the other a wrench. Both were sportbike riders.

So I asked them what they thought about the Yamaha FZ6. I explained that I was actually interested in buying one, because I wanted something that could handle the twisties better than my Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic, that was a lot lighter, and was priced low. And the Yamaha FZ6 fits that bill.

Yamaha FZ6

Labels: Harley Davidson Sportster, Yamaha-FZ6

What happens when you cross a scooter with a Harley Davidson Sportster? You get a "Scootster".

And you can buy one.


The scooter is actually a kit that comes with the frame, allowing you to transfer parts from your Sportster to the Scootster.

When finished, you'll have a scooter capable of reaching speeds over 100mph, that will seat up the three people, and a long 24 inch luggage rack.

Cooler yet, is that now you can ride your motorcycle without needing a motorcycle endorsement (in some states anyways).

The basic kit costs $3,750.00.

Visit Scootster online at...
http://www.scootster.com

Labels: Harley Davidson Sportster

According to a Mexican newspaper, La Journada, a Mexican businessman, who happened to own the "Sportster" trademark in Mexico, won a four year battle against Harley-Davidson.

The Sixth Court Collegiate decided that Alberto Lenz is the rightful owner of the "Sportster" trademark, at least in Mexico. Hence, Harley-Davidson is now responsible for paying his company 40% of the sales price of every Sportster motorcycle sold in Mexico since 1989.

It hasn't yet been calculated exactly what that amounts to. But with each Sportster selling for between $6,000 to $12,000 since 1989, Harley's liability could be between $2,400 to $4,800 per motorcycle. That would work out to something like $3.2 million in royalties for every 1,000 Sportsters sold since 1989. Yikes!

Interestingly enough, Lenz had once offered the Sportster trademark for sale to the MoCo for a sum of $100K. But Harley refused, opting to instead to ignore the trademark dispute and let Lenz try his luck in the Mexican courts.

I guess what amazes me is that an American company like Harley was actually stupid enough to think that Mexican courts would see things their way. Duh!

This decision comes at a time when Harley-Davidson is going all out in selling it bikes outside US borders.

I haven't found any news of this printed in American-based media, only Mexican media.

Here is a link to La Journada (In spanish)...
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/....litigio-a-harley-davidson

And here is a link to the Google-translated article...
http://translate.google.com/....litigio%2da%2dharley%2ddavidson

Labels: Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson Sportster, Lawsuits

The Harley Davidson "Spudster" is actually an 883 Sportster, but with potatoes painted all over the body.

It was a promotional item from the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, and used to encourage consumers into buying more potatoes.




The promotion started in September 2006, and ran until May 2007. The WPVGA sent mailers to consumers throughout Wisconsin. The mailer invited them to visit the WPVGA website and enter a special "code" printed on the mailer. This registered them for a chance to win the "Spudster".

The Spudster was painted by Kurt Carloni of Oconomowoc, WI. It features specifically, "Wisconsin Yukon Gold" potatoes.

The winner of the Spudster turned out to be Joe Corsaro of Indianapolis Fruit Company, Inc.

The WPVGA still plans on featuring the Spudster at upcoming trade shows.

Source: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

Labels: Harley Davidson Sportster

A person going by the name "former_sportster_owner" posted a comment on this blog today claiming that Harley dealers would put him/her last for service because he/she brought in a Sportster...

You want condescending comments from HD elite, own a Sportster. I was treated like garbage cause I didn't own a real Harley. Dealers would put me last for service. After I sold my Sportster that was the end of the line with Harley. The treatment I receive lost me as a customer.

Labels: Biker Discrimination, Harley Davidson Sportster

I guess I didn't realize that Harley-Davidson makes police edition Sportster 883's...


http://www.harley-davidson.com/....pl_spxl883§ion=police

Perhaps you'd have to call it a "Copster". It comes decked out with hardbags, a trunk, and white/black police paint. The passing lamps double as blue & red flashers.

Imagine the HORROR on a motorcycle policeman's face when he learns that he's getting this instead of a Road King!

Labels: Harley Davidson Sportster, Police Motorcycles

Pro Street Choppers specializes in building choppers powered by Harley Sportster engines. They've got photos online of their creations. I like this Sportster Bobber the best.



Perhaps Harley Davidson could've used some ideas from these guys when designing their Street Bomb Bob.

Pro Street Choppers is run by the husband and wife tandem of John and Wendy Lehnherr of Medford, Oregon. John's custom creations have won awards at events such as Reno Street Vibrations Circus Circus, Redding Big Bike Weekend, Thunder Struck Custom Bike Show, Southern Oregon Power Sports and various other shows across the West Coast.

Their Sportster Choppers are priced starting at a very affordable $12,900.00.

They also build Buell choppers too.

Labels: Harley Davidson Sportster, Motorcycle Bobbers, Pro Street Choppers