Just wondering about Harleys. - Page 2

txwanderer · 10-20-2012, 06:32 PM

For the guys saying "Try a Victory", I have to agree. Got off a Goldwing and although not as optioned out, (Cross Country Tour), I have to say the ride, room, and storage is much better. How long will it go? Dunno, time will tell. The WIng was bullet proof, and a hoot to ride. The CCT is a great ride after some adjustment.It is lacking a little in giddyup, but no slouch.
Big question. What are YOU looking for? Nostalgia? The Group thing? The mystique? Then Harley is for you. Comfort, rideability, and storage can be had with HD also. But it has to be for you.
Ride all you can swing a leg over. Harleys will spin up in their time frame and get on down the road. Some equate that to "performance". Victory will do the same, with a little faster pace, Goldwing will pull out of the hole and leave some folks really wide eyed. How much do you want to shift and how fast do you think you need to get there, and how much do you want to spend on engine upgrades? All are certainly capable of getting you point A to B in stock configuration.
If you want Sport tour performance none of these are for you. The BMW 1600 or the new Tiger Tour may be more to your liking.
Bottom line, figure out where you want to go and read all the reviews of reliability. Some think a $300 bill for service and only a few breakdowns a year aren't a problem. Some like to wrench their own and can save a lot as well as get to know your ride.
Leave your options open, it is your money, time and ride, so what ever you decide you have to ride it and hopefully love it.
Happy Hunting

PhilB · 10-20-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sargev55

so the smaller actually fun to ride bikes are lower end?

thats great thinking!

man i cant wait till i can afford a $20k+ roadking, goldwing, victory UFO looking son of a bitch so i can have a high end boring as hell road barge.

btw, all the bikes mentioned are great bikes, thats just stupid thinking.

That isn't what he said. What he said was that the lower end Victory was a lot better than the lower end HD. That's all; he didn't say anything about how either compares with the highend bikes, or with anything else.

PhilB

NHADV · 10-20-2012, 06:36 PM

I have had Harleys for almost twenty years. I am partial to the Road Glide. My boss has a street glide and is switching to a Road Glide because he feels more stretched out. I am sure you can go into any dealer and take whatever you want for a ride but whatever you do keep the Adventure bike too! I am on my third KLR!

DAKEZ · 10-20-2012, 06:54 PM

+1 to the Thunderbird and FLTRX (Road Glide) The ride of both surpasses that of any Victory I have ridden.

Where are you?

Fill out your profile. If you are anywhere near me I have bikes available for you to take out and see if they are right for YOU.

Max Buffet · 10-20-2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

+1 to the Thunderbird and FLTRX (Road Glide) The ride of both surpasses that of any Victory I have ridden.

Where are you?

Fill out your profile. If you are anywhere near me I have bikes available for you to take out and see if they are right for YOU.

Thanks!
I'll fill it out tonight.
I'm near Boise.

DAKEZ · 10-20-2012, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Buffet

Thanks!
I'll fill it out tonight.
I'm near Boise.

I am in Eugene. If you can make it here or Portland let me know. (PM)
We can take a few bikes out to help you see what (if any) is to your liking.

nskitts · 10-20-2012, 07:57 PM

Like the OP, I am 6'3" and have owned a KLR, a DL1000, FZ6, etc. I have a Road Glide now and it is my Long Term Bike. I payed it off, and it will always stay in my stable as long as I ride. It is not pretty like a Road King but I have great storage, weather protection, handling, and an open cockpit. In fact, today it was rainy and I stayed relatively dry even though I didn't have any weather-proof gear on. Some people don't like stereos on their bikes, but I was able to listen to the Ohio State game today while riding to a BBQ festival and I stopped to pick up a few beers at the end of the day and several dudes gathered around my bike as we listened to the last seconds of an exciting game.

To make this my perfect cross-country bike I would like to get: -a trunk, a rider backrest, heated clothing (the Harley touring bikes have a robust alternator), and rainproof gear.

Any of the bikes mentioned will be good, I just give my personal experience.

sargev55 · 10-20-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilB

That isn't what he said. What he said was that the lower end Victory was a lot better than the lower end HD. That's all; he didn't say anything about how either compares with the highend bikes, or with anything else.

PhilB

i understand that.

except i happen to have a sporty 1200 roadster, and have no desire to own any of the road couches of any manufacture. problem with that is, my bike is extremely well made and fit and finish is still excellent, and thats on my low end bike, that is now 7yrs old and has 22k rough miles. before i bought my roadster i tested a whole bunch of bikes, most were technically superior, except the 1200r just 'felt' like a motorcycle.

might as well call the bonneville, the thruxton, the w650 and now 800, the duc monster...i could go on, low end bikes.

PhilB · 10-20-2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sargev55

i understand that.

except i happen to have a sporty 1200 roadster, and have no desire to own any of the road couches of any manufacture. problem with that is, my bike is extremely well made and fit and finish is still excellent, and thats on my low end bike, that is now 7yrs old and has 22k rough miles. before i bought my roadster i tested a whole bunch of bikes, most were technically superior, except the 1200r just 'felt' like a motorcycle.

My daughter's last boyfriend had a 1200 sporty. She hated the thing, especially as a passenger; she made him take the Vespa if he was going to carry her anywhere. And I rode it, and it didn't feel like a motorcycle to me; it felt like a crude implement of destruction. I'm not a Harley-hater. I've ridden bikes that represent most of the lineup -- Sporties, Softails, V-Rod, Road King, XR1200. Most of those were pretty good bikes. I like the Road King a lot. But the Sportster, not so much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sargev55

... might as well call the bonneville, the thruxton, the w650 and now 800, the duc monster...i could go on, low end bikes.

Every one of those IS a low end bike within their respective lineups.

PhilB

BCC · 10-20-2012, 09:29 PM

I'm 6'3" too. Have an electra ultra and a hyper s. Might someday add something like the new husky 650, but I'm done with big adventure or sport touring bikes.

The Harley is flat out the most satisfying to ride on tarmac at speeds 25 mph or less over the speed limit. Listening to tunes. In comfort.

Max Buffet · 10-20-2012, 10:02 PM

Thanks, you guys! Good info and I'm especially grateful to Dakez!
I can get to Eugene without too much trouble. Plus, it's one of my favorite areas!
It won't be very soon, but I'll be in touch.

Mrmerlin · 10-20-2012, 11:17 PM

since your a big guy,
I would strongly suggest you cruise over to the Triumph dealer,
get a ride on a Rocket III,
you will be amazed at how balanced it is once the wheels start rolling.
Moreso than the HD.

That said make sure your holding on before you twist the throttle,
as the bike may try to come out from under you,
the shaft drive works well
great brakes and handling to match,
Not much will be able to keep up if your on the pipe,
though its not a canyon scratcher it does have more lean then the HD baggers,
you can find low mile versions for under 7K,
SRSLY try one

read this informative article

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7...ries%3fstart=1

2tallnwide · 10-21-2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

+1 to the Thunderbird and FLTRX (Road Glide) The ride of both surpasses that of any Victory I have ridden.

Have you ever actually ridden a Victory Cross bike, or Vision? I can fully understand someone preferring a Harley for many different reasons, but it's hard to imagine anyone thinking the Harley is as spacious, or surpasses the ride of the big Vics. (unless they sell Harleys that is

)

Quedok · 10-21-2012, 07:08 AM

It looks like I am in the same boat as Max. I also own a GS that I will never get rid of and I too wanted another ride that was more relaxed. I agree that the Sportster won't fit the bill because of it's riding position. I tried the big Harleys along with the Victory's and big Triumphs and found the Triumph has the best fit of all.
If you like Harley cruisers you will love the Triumph Thunderbird. Get the 1700 as it has more power and it feels great at any speed, and the sound is really something to listen too.
I also have to agree with Mrmerlin about his comment on the Triumph Rocket. I was all ready to get a Thunderbird Storm until I got a chance to ride a Rocket Roadster. For bigs guys it's has a near perfect riding position and the power.........well it's exhilarating. Surprisingly easy to control once you get used to the torque but it can be addicting. Try them both if you can.

DAKEZ · 10-21-2012, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Buffet

I can get to Eugene without too much trouble. Plus, it's one of my favorite areas!
It won't be very soon, but I'll be in touch.

10-20-2012, 06:36 PM	#18
NHADV Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Gilford N.H. Oddometer: 474	I have had Harleys for almost twenty years. I am partial to the Road Glide. My boss has a street glide and is switching to a Road Glide because he feels more stretched out. I am sure you can go into any dealer and take whatever you want for a ride but whatever you do keep the Adventure bike too! I am on my third KLR! __________________ -Gary

10-20-2012, 06:54 PM	#19
DAKEZ Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Location: U-gene, OR. Oddometer: 18,061	+1 to the Thunderbird and FLTRX (Road Glide) The ride of both surpasses that of any Victory I have ridden. Where are you? Fill out your profile. If you are anywhere near me I have bikes available for you to take out and see if they are right for YOU. __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Dr. Seuss “Watch out for everything bigger than you, they have the "right of weight" Bib

10-20-2012, 07:57 PM	#22
nskitts Beastly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Southern Ohio Oddometer: 2,709	Like the OP, I am 6'3" and have owned a KLR, a DL1000, FZ6, etc. I have a Road Glide now and it is my Long Term Bike. I payed it off, and it will always stay in my stable as long as I ride. It is not pretty like a Road King but I have great storage, weather protection, handling, and an open cockpit. In fact, today it was rainy and I stayed relatively dry even though I didn't have any weather-proof gear on. Some people don't like stereos on their bikes, but I was able to listen to the Ohio State game today while riding to a BBQ festival and I stopped to pick up a few beers at the end of the day and several dudes gathered around my bike as we listened to the last seconds of an exciting game. To make this my perfect cross-country bike I would like to get: -a trunk, a rider backrest, heated clothing (the Harley touring bikes have a robust alternator), and rainproof gear. Any of the bikes mentioned will be good, I just give my personal experience. __________________ "I never regretted any vacation that I took." --Dad, a few months before he passed.

10-20-2012, 09:29 PM	#25
BCC I know better Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Southern NJ Oddometer: 6,727	I'm 6'3" too. Have an electra ultra and a hyper s. Might someday add something like the new husky 650, but I'm done with big adventure or sport touring bikes. The Harley is flat out the most satisfying to ride on tarmac at speeds 25 mph or less over the speed limit. Listening to tunes. In comfort. __________________ Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects - Will Rogers Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you - Hillel If you can't be knowledgeable, be certain

10-20-2012, 11:17 PM	#27
Mrmerlin 1150GS/Modded Joined: Oct 2009 Location: Aurora CO Oddometer: 261	since your a big guy, I would strongly suggest you cruise over to the Triumph dealer, get a ride on a Rocket III, you will be amazed at how balanced it is once the wheels start rolling. Moreso than the HD. That said make sure your holding on before you twist the throttle, as the bike may try to come out from under you, the shaft drive works well great brakes and handling to match, Not much will be able to keep up if your on the pipe, though its not a canyon scratcher it does have more lean then the HD baggers, you can find low mile versions for under 7K, SRSLY try one read this informative article http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7...ries%3fstart=1 Mrmerlin screwed with this post 10-20-2012 at 11:32 PM

10-20-2012, 06:32 PM	#16
txwanderer Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2010 Location: Almost East Texas Oddometer: 359	For the guys saying "Try a Victory", I have to agree. Got off a Goldwing and although not as optioned out, (Cross Country Tour), I have to say the ride, room, and storage is much better. How long will it go? Dunno, time will tell. The WIng was bullet proof, and a hoot to ride. The CCT is a great ride after some adjustment.It is lacking a little in giddyup, but no slouch. Big question. What are YOU looking for? Nostalgia? The Group thing? The mystique? Then Harley is for you. Comfort, rideability, and storage can be had with HD also. But it has to be for you. Ride all you can swing a leg over. Harleys will spin up in their time frame and get on down the road. Some equate that to "performance". Victory will do the same, with a little faster pace, Goldwing will pull out of the hole and leave some folks really wide eyed. How much do you want to shift and how fast do you think you need to get there, and how much do you want to spend on engine upgrades? All are certainly capable of getting you point A to B in stock configuration. If you want Sport tour performance none of these are for you. The BMW 1600 or the new Tiger Tour may be more to your liking. Bottom line, figure out where you want to go and read all the reviews of reliability. Some think a $300 bill for service and only a few breakdowns a year aren't a problem. Some like to wrench their own and can save a lot as well as get to know your ride. Leave your options open, it is your money, time and ride, so what ever you decide you have to ride it and hopefully love it. Happy Hunting

10-20-2012, 10:02 PM	#26
Max Buffet ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2008 Location: Idaho! Oddometer: 125	Thanks, you guys! Good info and I'm especially grateful to Dakez! I can get to Eugene without too much trouble. Plus, it's one of my favorite areas! It won't be very soon, but I'll be in touch.

10-21-2012, 07:08 AM	#29
Quedok Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Long Beach, Ca. Oddometer: 183	I've tried most of them It looks like I am in the same boat as Max. I also own a GS that I will never get rid of and I too wanted another ride that was more relaxed. I agree that the Sportster won't fit the bill because of it's riding position. I tried the big Harleys along with the Victory's and big Triumphs and found the Triumph has the best fit of all. If you like Harley cruisers you will love the Triumph Thunderbird. Get the 1700 as it has more power and it feels great at any speed, and the sound is really something to listen too. I also have to agree with Mrmerlin about his comment on the Triumph Rocket. I was all ready to get a Thunderbird Storm until I got a chance to ride a Rocket Roadster. For bigs guys it's has a near perfect riding position and the power.........well it's exhilarating. Surprisingly easy to control once you get used to the torque but it can be addicting. Try them both if you can.

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