Time for a Harley?

[Rob]

Folks I need some feed back.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not adventure riding (R1200GS) and I'd like a more comfortable ride (read: low seat height). I'm looking for over 1000cc displacement, low COG, gobs of torque and HD comes to mind.

My question is how reliable are the newer HDs? I'm specifically looking at the street/road glide.

Hater gonna hate and all that. But really... I'm looking at 500+ miles a week... Can I do this on a HD without breaking the maintenance bank?

Edit: Also, I ride year round...rain or shine.

Yes...I've got a SUMOed Dr650 for fun rides... but I need a new commuter.

What say the genises...genuises... smrt guys on barf?

Oh, and I don't want this to turn into a "what's the best commuter?" thread.

 

[JakesKTM]

Trollers gonna troll.

 

[Rob]

shaddup... I ain't trollin. :x

 

[rodr]

If you want a cruiser and don't care about the "lifestyle", I'd suggest looking at the Suzuki Boulevard M series. M50, M90, M109R.

 

[JakesKTM]

I can think of 10 bikes off the top of my head that would be less money up front and just as cheap or cheaper to operate and meet what you described? Metric cruisers abound

 

[tuxumino]

I've ridden a Harley sportster for a day, wasn't uncomfortable but I think if I got a harley I'd have to upgrade suspension and brakes. From what I hear HDs are as reliable as any other bike out there.

 

[Beauregard]

Way more reliable than anything else in my garage, and if you have any idea of what's there then you know that's saying something. The only downside to HD ownership is HD guys. Seriously. The "howzit goin bruther" crowd is superfuckin annoying.

Test ride one first though. After you decide you like it there's a Street Bob in the MOTO section here that's set up right and priced well.

 

[Gary856]

Hope to see some good discussions in this thread. Someday I’d like to try owning a performance Harley for its look and feel – some kind of Softail or Dyna model, since I don’t want a touring dresser, and don’t like the look of the Sportster models that much.

 

[Rob]

Beau: I tend to be invisible to that kind of crowd. (small hairless male asian) :laughing

 

[redtail]

Folks I need some feed back.

One word, RENT. Do yourself a favor and rent a Harley, I know Oakland rents many of the late model Harleys. My opinion or anybody elses for that matter doesn't mean half as much as your opinion.

 

[asthmodeus]

griso 8V

 

[Papi]

Rob- I have always enjoyed my HD's over the years. My keeper is the FLHRSI. I like being on the Touring Frame of an FLH, but the slammed wideness of the RoadKing. My COG is super low, as the bike is already mildly slammed.

Should I want to buy another bike, or one like it, yes it would be another HD.
The extended warranty of the new bikes, plus low maint makes it a great ride.

Would highly suggest you rent one for a week and go try it.
http://www.eaglerider.com/
One thing the harley does every time I ride it; puts a smile on my face. :teeth
More so than my other bikes combined.

If you want, you can take my FL for a scoot. Just hit me up and we'll do a loop.

PS: Out of all the bikes I currently have, the HD has been the least trouble. Always starts, always runs, never breaks down.
My Goldwing by comparison has been in the shop 5 times for problems.

 

[High-Side]

Two of the guys I worked with owned street glides and loved them. One of them did a 60 mile round trip year round with no problems.

 

[mikev]

Still lust after the V-Rod. Badly.

one day.

 

[ST Guy]

Dumb riding position with your feet outstreched like you're at the gynocologist. And no weight supported by your arms.

Get a bike with a "standard" riding position.

 

[HIglesias]

personally, i think Harley's are horribly uncomfortable.

more standard is what i'd go for.

 

[davis53]

I have a R1200GS and a DR650 also. I would like to have a bike with a wider seat, lower, with low maintenance. I am in the same game as you.

One of my leading candidates is a Goldwing, HD is a nice motorcycle but the last one, a cam bearing failed and totally destroyed the engine. The last HD for me.

 

[High-Side]

Dumb riding position with your feet outstreched like you're at the gynocologist. And no weight supported by your arms.

Get a bike with a "standard" riding position.

You mean like the outstretched position you get with the freeway pegs people put on their bikes with a standard riding position?

 

[nickb]

Once someone wants a Harley nothing else will do. Never mind that there might be a dozen non-HD bikes w/low COG and gobs of torque (like a Bandit). We'd be riding rolling appliances if it were all about research and engineering numbers.

My coworkers argue I ride rolling appliances.

 

[day004]

If you want a cruiser and don't care about the "lifestyle", I'd suggest looking at the Suzuki Boulevard M series. M50, M90, M109R.

If you go this route PM me . I have a friend who wants to sell his clean low mileage M90