THE HARLEY ITCH and a trip to the UK's smallest city.
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2024
- The Harley Itch is real, I've had it since I was a kid - but should I get one? My Thunderbird could never be de-throned, but it could get a naughty little brother couldn't it?
In all seriousness though, there is something about getting a bike that's not meant to do touring and doing some touring with it. I saw literally hundreds of BMW GS's on my way down to Turkey last year and back. I only saw one Triumph Thunderbird Sport in a little town in Italy and a few Bonnevilles. The rest were all purpose built touring bikes for the long distances. Everyone I spoke to on the journey were shocked to hear how far I was taking the Thunderbird, it would be fun to do something similar on a HD Sportster or something like that - any bike can tour!
Let me know about your experiences in the comments, would love to hear about them.
Camera Gear: 📸
Walk around 4k video: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Handle Bar Mounted Camera: GoPro 10
Stills and Tripod mounted video: SONY A7iii
The only lens you'll ever need: Samyang 35mm 1.8
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini
Biker Gear: 🏍️
Motorcycle: 1995 Triumph Thunderbird 900
Helmet: Frank Thomas
Gloves: Weise
Boots: Richa
Jacket: Vented jacket by Furygan
Panniers: Kappamoto
Tent: Wingman Of The Road, Goose
Computer and Editing tools: 🧥
Laptop: Macbook Pro 14 M1 Pro 16gb
Editing Software: DaVinci Resolve
#mensmentalhealth #mototraveler #adventuretime #adventuremotorcycle #triumph #wingmanoftheroad #harleydavidson #sportster #travel #motorcycletravel #adventure #adventurerider #advbike # #flapjackery #mototouring #biker #adventureriding #turkey #bristol #bikersofinstagram #camping #outdoorlife #bristoltoturkey #stelvio #gopro #fujifilm #dji #triumphthunderbird #triumph_bikes_insta
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I remember when it was 10p to fill your tyres with air, i paid a pound last week, I guess that's inflation for you........i'll get my coat!
Haha, keep em coming!!
I took a 1990's 1200cc sportster down to the south of France a few times and the bike coped just fine, just make sure you get a decent seat (the standard ones are fine, just avoid the ones with buttons). The only issue with mine was the relatively small tank size, particularly on the French motorways.
I also did a couple of weeks in Norway on a 650 single, rode up to Nordkapp and back, an amazing place to tour and highly recommended. Just wrap up warm.
Nordkapp sounds epic. I'll make sure I have my heated gloves!
I have a 2004 HD Dyna Wide Glide. It's not very fast, doesn't handle very well, it's really heavy and the brakes aren't great but I love it! Screamin' Eagle slip on exhausts which are really loud. People turn their heads to see what is bumbling down the road towards them and it's just looks great. Does have forward controls but you'll get used to it
You fall in love with your bike don't you! That sounds like an ear drum splitting machine.
Simon, I also have a Wide Glide from 1993, so it's 31 years old, officially an Oldtimer now, or I believe that's a Modern Classic in UK. the EVO engine with 1340cc. Likewise, mine is not the fastest but ok for me, otherwise i'd have a late 80s Honda VF750C Magna in Red. With the brakes, I just about get by, because I know their capabilities now. We've been together for almost 10 years and I love her. But I now feel the need to sell because of my health. However im not sure it's a bike I would recommend to a HD novice like Matt here..., would you?
I get what you mean.
I really like the Iron 883. I like the looks, I like the ergos and I like that it can be made into anything I wanted it to be.
The noise puts me off as well as lack of fuel gauge. I live in the city center, noise is an issue. I have generated good will with the people that live near me due to my choice of quiet bikes. So they dont complain. Im pretty sure that if I swapped out to something that was loud, i would no longer be able to park in a safe spot and would get tons of complaints from neighbours.
As for the fuel gauge, I do like to ride for long ish distances and sometimes in scotland fuel stops can be a fair distance away, its useful to know roughly how much futher you can ride before your out of fuel.
The fuel guage thing did get a bit stressful at times, especially if I ever forgot to reset it back to 0, which happened once or twice!
Everything you say about Harley is very true, even of it being agricultural! I know, I have ridden HD for several years. If you really want one, the Sportster 883 is not particulary ideal for touring, and the 1200 will only pass, as long as you're not planning on going to Timbuktu again! I'd certainly suggest fitting another seat, as the stock ones are renownd for being uncomfy on long trips! HD's are only loud because everybody replaces the factory fitted pipes with "straight throughs", and one of those, like you were sat on, would certainly cause bad feelings, as you accelerate along your street.
A really enjoyable ride and video again, the quality and editing getting better with every release, one could almost imagine you enjoy doing this for us. lol. Thx.
That's very kind mate. Yes I am enjoying it a lot. Wish I had more time to dedicate to it. Perhaps one day.
I've done a couple of 3k plus mile trips on an 883R to the French and Swiz alps, it was great fun and you want the twin disks if you are pressing on in the mountains. You need to get the 4.5g tank or carry a fuel bottle as tank range on the 3.3g causes some anxious moments. It was a great bike in the alpine mountains, the torque out of the bends was great, bit tedious on the paige. I did the stage one - free flowing pipes and air filter which livened it up a bit. I've subsequently bought a bigger Harley but miss the 883R. Did Chamonix to Calais in one hit and loved it!
That's really cool to hear. I know there is a Sportster down the line for me, can't shake it. It's the 883r which has the most interest too, largely because of the twin front disks. Do you have any video from the trip?
@@thebristolthunderbird Unfortunately no video, quite a few photo's and great memories. Doing the dolomites, Italian lakes and alps, then onto Punta Bagna this year
Definitely give the Harley a miss, your riding the best bike, having toured extensively on a big Indian I much prefer my Triumph now. Happy Travels.
But the itch!!! How can I get rid of it!!??? Haha.
I've always liked the Sportsters, as well, in spite of not being a Harley guy. I'd like one of the ones set up with the twin front discs. A little suspension upgrade, and I'm sure it would be a great bike.
Me too, it's the Roadster that appeals to me the most. That's the one that has the twin front disks. Lovely machines.
Norway is lovely on the bike Matt, you'd have a blast. Great vid, look after yourself
Thanks my friend!
Great video Matt, I've had a 883 sporty before and i can honestly say that i didn't get on with it, uncomfortable on these roads, lots of vibration specially on motorways, and heavy. I'm like you with the Tbird its here to stay. I'm doing the valve sims on mine at the moment after almost 30 years and never been touched so they are well out of spec. I'm getting her sorted for spring 😁 Norway trip sounds incredible, will look forward to that. Thanks again mate
Norway is a must. Going to be doing some maintenance on the Thundy too, shims and some other bits and bobs that need fixing after the ride last summer. Should have done it all by now...
Sure looks nice in Wells, worth a visit. I have a 2001 Sportster 1200, an enjoyable bike to ride but there are better to go long distance. I've kept it stock and the standard exhaust is quiet but has a nice note. Too much noise would spoil the ride.
I think I'd need to keep the standard pipes, can't do the ear splitting noise from some of the straight pipes I hear sometimes.
I fancy going to Norway too one day. I also have a confession - I sang in Wells Cathedral when I was a choirboy many years ago. Be careful, I fear a bike collection starting. The fork cover rubbers have perished on my TBird too plus various other rubber bits around the clocks etc. I think they have all got to about that age. The new range of Harleys seem to have lost that charisma so I would stick to the older sportsters like the 883 or 1200. I have ridden the Heritage Springer and it handles surprisingly well for a big cumbersome bike - I even rode it over obstacles such as see saw and a slalom was amazed how well it handled it.
Hope you're still singing your heart out mate! All kinds of rubbers need changing on the Thundy at the moment. Need to crack on with some maintenance before the sun comes out and I put it off for another year!
Well,I really think your Triumph is a cool looking bike ( I'd have to have a fuel gauge though to keep my stress levels under control).I enjoy riding that way either via Chew Valley or Burrington Combe.Try the cafe at Wookey village ( The Hub) as they do homemade flapjack..( Not Wookey Hole). Richard ( Brizzle - cheers drive )
I'll check that Cafe out, sounds good. The Thundy is a good looking machine, don't think I can ever get rid of it. What are you riding mate?
@@thebristolthunderbird A Honda 500 CBX 2017; not the sexiest bike out there but it takes me to some great places ; Off to the Yorkshire Dales in March.
@@thebristolthunderbird Just sent you a link on your instagram ; the route from the cafe
There’s a guy just like yourself building his own successful channel. “1 guy a Harley and a drone”, look him up. He talks about how there are negative points to a Harley but he doesn’t care. And he loves it! that’s the point, if it puts a smile on your face then that’s the bike for you! What are you waiting for?
One more point.
If you worried about losing subs because you change bikes then I don’t believe that’ll be the case, your videos are great and I for one would look forward to watching videos of you trying others bikes.
I'll be looking at that channel, thanks. Had soo many recommendations for various channels, I've got my watching sorted out for me. I totally agree with you, if the bike makes life feel good then it's a good bike. Perfection and imperfection are not really relevant.
There was a Harley Davidson Experience Tour last summer, maybe they’ll put it on again this year, whereby you can try the modern day Softails and Tourers with the M8 engines, an engine which first came out in 2017.
I’ve got a 1200cc Sportster 48, it’s fine for 150 mile days out; but when I test rode the Softails and Touring Harley’s they are another level of comfort but possibly too refined and quiet in stock form.
The Sportsters with their Evolution engines do have the more traditional sound and feel that you talk of, I love mine.
There's just something about them. Perhaps after I've tried one I won't like them as much. Have a feeling that won't be the case though.
Wells is lovely, I used to go caving near there at Priddy. Our smallest city in Wales is St David’s in Pembrokeshire also worth a visit if you down this end.
Love Pembrokeshire and St Davids, been there a number of times, not on my bike though. I think a trip over there in the spring would be lovely.
Hi Matt hope you are well - I parked my Bonneville in exactly the same spot recently-! It’s a great run from Keynsham for a coffee.
I did Europe trips last two years on Bonneville but have also bought a tiger for longer trips now. I love the idea of a HD but not sure it would suit your touring needs fully. Stay safe ,Mike
Thanks mate. Part of the thinking is to try a long tour on a sportster. It's not really built for it, but I'd love to try anyway. It would be good to tour on the thundy, the sportster and then try a trip on a proper tourer to see how different it feels.
Wild Hogs 😅
I'm in about the same age bracket I think...
😂😂That's exactly how I described it; The Harley Itch. A year or so ago, I decided I'd had it with big touring bikes (I had a BMW 1250 RT and a 2020 Goldwing) and bought an Enfield Interceptor, which I absolutely love, (although the new Shotgun 650 might sway me 😉) Anyway, I got the Harley Itch and it had to be scratched. Spent more hours than I care to think about, looking for the right bike and have recently bought a 2018 Harley Low Rider. Completely different beast to my other bikes. Think it could be a keeper. Any good for touring? Hell yeah! It's got two wheels and an engine, which is all you really need
That's it mate,m two wheels and an engine and the tour is almost ready to go - just need a couple of pairs of pants and it's all good to go!
Love my Triumph, love my HD, toured them both extensively. Sportster fuel tank capacity potentially a little small for touring but not a reason to rule one out! Enjoy, whatever you decide.
Good to hear from someone who has both. To be honest I see myself with both the HD and Triumph, love both makes.
Just sold my Harley ,had 3 over the years great bikes but if you're not a mechanic and want peace of mind no, very reliable never let me down but the belt can be a problems in some situations stoney roads , the other thing is if it snaps only Harley have on and on a big Harley about a grand to fit , not a problems on any other bike, and in Europe if you have a problem other garages don't like dealing with Harley. Great for Sunday ,s .
Thanks mate. Yea, a lot of people talk about their reliability - especially the sportsters.
Got my first harley exactly a year ago, a 2019 107 cubic inch (1745cc) street bob, and I absolutely love it. Small fuel tank but still does around 150 miles between fill ups, gets tons of people admiring it. Mines got forward controls but I'm 6ft so they're perfect for me. It's a bit loud but I like that. Go test ride on at your local dealer, you'll probably love it. I did a 1500 mile trip down into France last summer with a couple of 300 mile days, absolutely no problems.
That is a beast of an engine. Sounds like a beauty. Good to hear they are good for long days on the saddle. My Thunderbird fuel tank isn't small but I'll only get about 120miles from it.
Yes it pulls well, 70mph is around 2500rpm. I've upgraded the cam to a torque cam, I now think it's physically impossible to stall it 🤣
On occasion I get to ride my wife’s grandad’s ironhead sporty. It’s a blast, but definitely a tractor. Your Tbird has the same vibes as my ‘80 cb900c. A classic design made to check all the boxes. Over here across the pond our flapjacks are thin pancakes. Basically unrolled crepes. Got to indulge every now and again for sure.
I think I'm going to have to come to the states and ride around a bit. I'm making some great connections over there and it would be so much fun to do some ride outs. You guys also need to have flapjack properly introduced.
@@thebristolthunderbird The States has great rides from coast to coast but I would suggest the Pacific Northwest if you focus on one area. Coastline, giant forests, volcanic mountain ranges and and high desert. Also, less people than just about anywhere else. If you ever get the chance I would be honored to share information, guide and host.
When i got back into biking i bought a brand new HD fat bob 114. i loved it and did 7000 miles on it. i also bought a Triumph Tiger 900 gt pro. i loved the Harley but it just cost and absolute fortune on servicing. over £300. Plus to get the harley out of the man cave i had to get the tiger out and then i would go on the tiger. the fat bob had forward pedals and after an hour i had to stop and get off as my ass was numb. My friend had a sportster and boy it was loud. I rode it down the motorway between services. i was glad to get off. the vibration was unbelievable. in the end i put the Harley and the tiger back to the dealer in Cheltenham and i have now got the Triumph Tiger 1200 gt pro. i love it. i do understand the itch for Harleys. i spent loads on new exhaust, stage 1 and cruise control about £2k . I still wear my Harley Tshirts when i am the Tiger. lol
Anything is expensive at main dealer prices, done all the work myself on the street bob, including full camchest upgrade. They're quite simple compared to jap and European bikes
The noise is the one thing that I'd like to do something about. I don's have to have a quiet sportster, just one that isn't obnoxiously loud. Not sure what the best exhaust option is though.
@thebristolthunderbird Vance & Hines make all different baffles for their exhausts so I'd look at those. Mine are called Cobra neighbour haters ( guess why 🤣), they were on the bike when I got it. I recently repacked them which has made them a bit less obnoxious.
Never did hear about that cake. not going to say the name any where. it's just sounds dirty 😛
I did like the HD 883 as a kid too. but they don't make them any more.
the new ones are just to heavy and expensive.
Another nice trip. Thank you very much 😀
Mate, you are missing one of the good things in life if you don't eat some flapjack, it's the best. Thanks for the comment and the follow my friend.
@@thebristolthunderbird Eat the cake yes. but saying the no. No way 😅😂🤣
A second hand road glide,street glide or road king ,all continent crushers 👍
So many HD's to choose from. Think I'll start with a Sportster and see how it feels.
I’ve had the Harley itch for years and same as you never ridden one but that is about to change I’m going to buy my long standing mates it’s a 2003 Harley road train 1600cc all black it’s beautiful with 30.000 miles on it I hope you get yours and enjoy hope to see some videos on it talking of sportster have you gave million dollar bogan a look he rode one for I think 1000s of miles even here in uk give him a look he’s very comical as well and Freddie Dobbs his latest video wares Harley dealers in London that is a great video only just out anyway ride safe take care 👍👋
That sounds like a beast of a bike. I'll check out that channel, would be great to see someone else who's tried the sportster over lots of miles.
Scratch the itch & just get one, they're not obnoxious with standar 9:07 d pipes, & they hold their value well enough that you'll get your money back if you decide its not for you.
A lot of people are pointing out the resale value being particulrly good with Harley's. That's another good reason to get one...
I've never been to Wells nor have I been to the Mendips, but I have been to Chew Manga and thought i'd at least see that again... but no!
I still haven't seen the Mendips, as you took the quicker route..., but I have now seen Wells. I suppose you're saving the Mendips for a nice sunny and warm day when all is in blum? Had I have known that Wells and FlapJacks go together like Fish and Chips, then I would probably have lived there now for years. My mother used to make Flap Jacks and I loved them, but she has long since passed, and i'm sure I have only had the pleasure of plastering them around my teeth once since then, and i'm quite sure that was in a Tea Room in Arundel and they were not very good either.
What ever is wrong with you English, having to pay for a little fresh air for ya tyres...! Well, somebody knows how to rob the poor, and rich alike.
Where I live, Air and Water is free, at all service stations.
So it should be!
I went to School in Chew Magna, and a lot of my mates still live there, so I'm over that way quite a bit. The mendips and Cheddar are on the list for sure to showcase on my local travels. There's a lot to see round here. Sounds like it might be time to hunt down some good flapjack in your area.
@@thebristolthunderbird It's not known in Switzerland!
I think the Harley itch is lurking at the moment. Certainly in my UA-cam feed anyway - Freddie Dobbs just uploaded a tour of Warrs in London which probably wont help with that itch of yours 😁👍. Ive certainly never been to much of a HD fan until i saw the 883 in person and that V-Twin noise 😍. Owned a Honda Bros 400 as my first "big bike" and that little v-twin was such an addictive feeling! 😁👍
It needs to happen doesn't it...
@@thebristolthunderbird on the condition the T-Bird stays 😉👍
@@Frenkentime the Thundy is never going anywhere. Too much history, it's a family member now.
@@thebristolthunderbird 👍😁
Try and Hire a harley for at least a long weekend, maybe that'll help you make up your mind, wether or not that boyhood crush is still alive.
If I remember correctly there is a place in Somerset that rent. Several years ago, I was looking to rent a HD, but ended up doing so in Shrops, but due to a death in my then wife's family, it never materialised. I do remember there being an address in Somerset, as well as in Woking Surrey and somewhere in West Sussex as well.
Probably the wisest thing to do before buying one!
That Triumph is better than any Hardley Dangerous ever made, overweight and under powered. I can understand the charisma, i used to have a Triumph T120 650 Bonnie from 1961 with open pipes, awesome bike.
Haha, yea the Thunderbird is hard to beat for sure. Can never sell it, it's like a family member now.
I've had both. H-D is the better bike.
I totally get the Harley thing I'm also very short so always a plus when you can get your feet down.
My dad has had them since we were young and still has a fat boy now so I agree they are cool to people our age (47) still have a cool draw. If i was gonna do it would be dyna or softtail standard. Check out Mr Darcy young lad has one. As for me sticking with the R9T.
I'll check out that channel for sure. The R9T is a stunner of a bike!
I had a Sportster for 10 years and only sold it to pay the tax man one year. It’s been 8 years and not a year passes I don’t regret not selling a kidney instead. I’ve owned Buells, speed and street triples, 1050 GT and Bonnies and as much as they are all lovely none of them scratch ‘that’ itch my old 1200 Sporty did. Mine had a 3.5 gallon mustang tank so touring with it was never a problem. You will curse at the stupid standard peanut tanks though. Buy one. Get addicted. Only your wallet will regret it. 😂
I am loving these responses to the video, been chuckling to myself while reading them on the fly today. Ah, the tax man - he gets his pound of flesh every time. I hope you get another one mate, and get to keep your kidneys too!
Scratch that itch, buy one but get a big twin!
The itch needs scratching for sure!
Ignore the harley hayers they don't really know what they are talking about! Stay clear of the sportsters, great as they are you will soon grow out of them. Try one of the newer M8 Softails. You don't have to have loud pipes, stock or maybe Screamin Eagles are just fine. At least go for a test ride. Wells is lovely by the way. Thanks.
I had exactly the opposite experience, I traded a sportster in for a big twin and didn't get on with it at all and ended up getting another sportster. Although I would recommend getting a 1200 if you plan on touring, they are just less effort to ride on longer trips. The big twins are much better if you take a pillion though.
I also had a Thunderbird and if you like that bike I suspect you will get on with a sportster just fine. Sportsters are also considerably cheaper to buy.
However, the best thing to do is test ride a couple and decide for yourself.
@@Walt_G I still miss my 48 but I don't miss the motorway wobbles!
I'm really looking forward to exploring a bit of the Harley Davidson thing this year. WIll start with a few test rides and see how they feel. Always loved to the look of the sportster though, it's simplicity appeals to me a lot.
You can get a cream from the chemist for that itch. It will be a lot cheaper,
Haha, been trying that for years mate, the Harley Itch is stronger...
Wells is NOT the UK’s smallest city !! Otherwise a good video - not really seen much about the old Thunderbird….well not the very old one but the 90s Harley.
There seems to be a lot of discussion around which city is the smallest. Wells is perhaps England's smallest city? St Davids is the UK's. This will slowly morph into a UA-cam history channel!! Haha.
Ha ha you may be right. Wells is indeed England's smallest city while St Davids is the smallest city in the UK. Have you taken a ride over there? Great riding on route including coastal. But once you are in St Davids you will be left in no doubt which is the smaller.
@@RobLittleuk Never ridden to St Davids but been there a number of times. Stunning little place with a beautiful coastline close by.
Wells is a lovely place, but a bit shit for bike parking...got chased away by the yellow striped vulture from a place where I parked without issue 5 years ago...now covered in 🅿️⛔ 👮♂️ signs. Went elsewhere and spent my lunch money there instead🏍️💨💨💨💨🤬
Seems you can park outside the FlapJackery without any issues. Never tried anywhere else on a bike.
Harley = crisis de mediana edad. Por que no las dos ? Según el estado de ánimo o el viaje por delante.
I haven't even used Google translate and I'm guessing it says Harley's = midlife crisis? Haha, you may be right brother! I've been in midlife crisis for about 10 year. It's my excuse for buying toys - works really well!
I think Dunblane is probably the UK's smallest city. Just saying.
Haha, seems there's a bit of a conversation going on around this, both on here and Facebook. We'll figure it out!
Any biker that doesn't have an itch for a bike they want must have too much money and space in the garage 😂😂😂
That is very true. I feel more normal now...
Go ride a Harley. It will cure your itch. If you are into the look rather than the riding, it will float your boat but I found it just too agricultural. They are characterful, to be sure but as a long distance tourer you have to be really committed to being a Harley rider. There are far better bikes out there for touring, even with a bit of character. But it’s your money and your choice.
That is my feeling about them, but I've never ridden one so it's all just speculation. I need to test ride one and see how it feels.
The Harley culture here in the US is terrible. Old men who think they own the road and look down on anyone who isn't on a Harley. That is the perception anyway. I suppose you get that with anything. Bit of the good with the bad. I've met both great and terrible people who ride Harleys.
yeah, it's no different in Europe with those old men looking down on non Harley riders, and if it's not the old guys, it's the youngsters with itchy wrists on the right hand side of the bars.
I think there is a bit of that everywhere with Harley's - which is a really unique thing, no other motorcycle can create that kind of division between people. Never worked out what that is all about, but that makes Harley Davidson even more fascinating in some ways .
@@thebristolthunderbird Harley Davidson is a way of life, a brotherhood. If you buy a Harley you buy into a separate way of thinking and living, and the snobiness comes automatically with it, the longer you submerge yourself into that life. It happened to my best mate, big time, but I managed to balance between HD and the rest, coz i've always liked BSA Triumph and Suzuki too much and would not allow me zo be overwhelmed by HD.