Faults:

I have owned this bike since 1993, and in all that time I have only needed to perform normal maintenance, and replace worn items such as tires and a new rear shock absorber. However this last year I needed to have the carbs rebuilt due to the ethanol.

General Comments:

The motorcycle has great acceleration, which was made only that much better after the carbs were rebuilt. It was quite pricey, but since this was the first major expense, and as such gave me a very much improved motorcycle, I am quite happy.

I intend to keep this bike for as long as I can still get parts, which I hope will be for another 20 years.

Faults:

The bike is big and heavy, but with time you get used to it.

Chrome finish on instrument cluster is chipped off.

Warms up rather slowly. Re-jetted carbs helped a lot.

Other than that, it is the best performing, most reliable bike I've owned.

General Comments:

I hope mine lasts forever, and at the rate it's aging I think it just might! It's got the perfect amount of power and torque for my needs, and has never left me stranded. I put a Corbin saddle on mine and noticed a big difference on the long rides.

This bike blows my past bikes out of the water!

Faults:

Nothing has GONE wrong with it. It had minor problems when I bought it. I fixed the wheel bearings and the carbs, as well as giving it a major tuneup, including setting the valves (which required no parts!). I still need to fix the fork seals.

General Comments:

It's big - too tall and too heavy. It's cold-natured; warms up slowly. It tends to foul the carbs, because the pilot jets are tiny (Shell premium gas keeps the crabs clean and functioning well). It's 20 years old, as well - getting parts can be a challenge. It sucks fuel, like there's no tomorrow. I own a car that gets better mileage, by far.

HAVING SAID ALL THAT, this bike is grand!

The rake (front fork angle) is extreme. Time is required to become accustomed to riding the "Z" (as they are called). That time is not too pleasant! It drives like a California chopper, but not quite as extreme as that. Ah, but once you get used to it, there is no better ride. The wind will not buffet it. The bike is more stable, the faster it goes.

There will be no need to do anything to it. It works really fine, just like it is. I sure as hell don't need more power from it! If you drink heavily or are uncool on 2 wheels, you should choose another bike, 'cause this one will hurt you... probably while riding it before becoming familiar with it.

She has the power and the weight to put that power on the ground, without wheelies or burning rubber. It will do both, but you will have to do those things on purpose. The bike is steady and solid as a big rock, with no surprises.

This is a highway machine - born and bred, for the hammer lane. Around town its 600 pound + weight and the rake make it less than optimal. The awesome power makes it deadly in the rain - especially when going over railroad tracks, etc. It's really easy to spin the back tire on the slick!

This bike is not for beginners or fools. I hated it, until I had it a month. It scared the living crap out of me on several occasions! But it didn't hurt me - LOL - just warned me.

Now I love the big brute. And it is a brute. Ah, but the power that motor makes can be used to make up for the sophistication it lacks :)

There is a group on Yahoo that has some invaluable information on this bike. Sadly, the people in there are a clique and "not too friendly..." I would just go there and read the information... For my part, put the stock tires on it. It is old, and not designed for the latest crop of tires.

Is this the bike for you? Probably not. You will need to be an adult, patient and wanting a highway cruiser... and a mechanic as well, due to the age of these machines.