Any reason not to buy this Harley?

[BobS]

I sold my BMW a few years ago and now find myself looking for another bike. I'm just about to pull the trigger on an '05 Dyna Super Glide Custom. Any reason I shouldn't go with this model? My original inclinations here have to do with the ride height and the styling of the Dyna -- but should I be thinking of some other issues? This is my first Harley purchase. TIA!!

[911boost]

Bob,

I noticed you were in Fort Collins like me. I would stay away from Thunder Mountain, lets just say they aren't the cheapest around. Hell they have to pay for their new building somehow.....

What kind fo BMW did you have? Have you thought of going back to BMW?

Bill

[pwd72s]

Don't buy it...you'll break your leg! Well, that's what my dad always said. Never did break my leg, and the other injuries did heal.

[motion]

Bob - I don't know a whole hell of a lot about Harleys, but I'm looking at an 05 as well (Road King Custom). The new bikes have rubber-mounted engines, which in my mind take away most of the charm that makes these pieces-of-crap charming in the first place. My advice is to find out when the last year of the solid-mount engines was, and look for a used bike with all the chrome and pipes already on it. You might like the smoother engine, though, so disregard my suggestions.

[BobS]

Bill:

I had a K75 and never really warmed to it (after owning it for seven years). I also owned an R80 and loved it but it didn't have enough "oomph." I can't really get my head around the styling of many of the new BMWs, although the GS is a very nice bike -- too tall, however, for my inseam (I noticed you have one and I'm envious!). I checked Thunder Mountain and Greeley dealerships and, actually, Thunder Mountain (before any negotiation) was $2,000 less than Greeley. Thunder Mountain was willing to sell at MSRP before I even thought about working a deal (it's a pretty nice building!).

Suggestions are appreciated!

[911boost]

Bob,

Yeah the problem with GS is the height, although the newer ones do have some adjustment for the seat. I am 6'4" though, so its not really a problem for me, smile. I am surprised by Thunder Mountain willing to work with you, I was there on Saturday, and just did not get the impression that they would. I have heard good things about the dealership in Cheyenne, willing to negotiate.

Motion brings up some good points, and if you want power, then I am not sure if you are looking at the right brand. With the exception of the Screaming Eagle's ofcourse (by the way TM did have a nice SE in tan, in the used bike area).

Bill

[BobS]

Thanks, all. I don't need a lot of power (which is what I made it sound like) but I spend a lot of time riding two-up and the R80 was a bit small. Short touring trips and around town is what I'm after. Perhaps most important, I'm an admirer of the HD design these days. The rubber mounting is a disappointment I realize, but I'm just not sure where else to look. I started out looking at older models but I haven't found one I like there either. I'm in Laramie today where it is snowing so it's taking a bit of the shine off my need for instant gratification!

[911boost]

Have you looked at any of the Victory bikes?

[BobS]

I've only seen them on the web, never in person and I don't know anyone who owns one. Do you have any insights there?

[911boost]

I do know some folks that have had them. I also used to provide Security Services for the facitlity that did the R&E on them in Wisconsin. Big American V-twin like a HD, but Arlen Ness has had a strong design influence on them, which in my opinion, makes them stand out from all the HD's that honestly, all look the freakin same...

Bill

[RickM]

Originally posted by BSiple
which in my opinion, makes them stand out from all the HD's that honestly, all look the freakin same...

Bill

That's exactly why you dont want a Victory or any other Harley wanabe. Everyone personalizes their bike somehow. Now, look at the telephone book catalogs for HD accessories and look at what's available for any other competitor. Resale of a Harley will be much better over the others as well.

BTW, Rubber mounts have been around for quite a few years. I still get a great feel and don't suffer on longer runs. If you want to do more than Boulevard cruising then I'd think seriously of how you're going to live with a rigid mount.

[911boost]

You're right Rick, Harley's are cool. Why do something different?

[kumma]

bob

no reason you shouldnt buy it. the dyna is basically a bigger version of the sportster and should be a nice bike for around town. wont be the fastest or best handling bike around but hell a neon handles better than some 911's. the twin cam motor has gobs of low end torque so its gonna be fun to ride. it will be small for 2 up touring.

also no reason to pay more than msrp for a new bike. the motor company is crankin em out now so there not scarce. motion has the right idea to buy used for more value and add ons and such. I got a pretty good deal on my road king that way.

have fun and get used to the Harley bashing its non stop once you buy, mostly from people who have never owned a bike in there life.

[911boost]

Craig,

By no means was I HD bashing, and yes I own a bike, and trust me, the bashing I recieve is much greater for my choice than anything you will riding a HD. I was merly stating that I think the Kingpin is somewhat cool and a little different, thats all.

Bill

[KFC911]

Originally posted by RickM
....BTW, Rubber mounts have been around for quite a few years. I still get a great feel and don't suffer on longer runs. If you want to do more than Boulevard cruising then I'd think seriously of how you're going to live with a rigid mount.

It's the Sportsters that switched from solid mounts to the rubber mounts on the 2005 models.

[juanbenae]

you will miss the realiability of the BMW once a harley's in the garage.

[motion]

I dunno.... the new Harley's are fuel-injected and don't seem to leak as much. Although my '02 was just in the shop for an oil leak, lol.

The new GS1200 BMW is proving to be fairly unreliable. BMWs are definitely not on par with the Japanese bikes as far as reliability goes... here's a good place to learn and ask about the new GS:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

[BobS]

K911SC-
I've heard about some HD reliability issues. Can anyone elaborate?

[911boost]

Richard,

I rode the new GS, no way. Didn't like it at all. I'm keeping mine for the long haul...now if I could just talk the wife into some Jesse bags for it...

Bill

[motion]

I agree, Bill... the new GS isn't for me either. By the way, the Jessie's are the tit$!!