I want a Harley-Davidson

[speeder]

I've always had a soft spot for Harleys, (especially full-dress hogs), and I'm getting to the age where all I want is a cruiser/touring bike. I could never buy one of the Japanese or American Harley clones, no matter how "good" they might be.

I have very particular taste in them and don't care for 19 out of 20 that I see, (or hear), but if I owned one, it would be perfectly to my liking. As a cruiser, the modern HDs ride like a dream. I could totally see touring on one.

I like the 2003 100th anniversary models, amongst others. Something like this, though I think I'd want the totally kitted-out ultra classic:

Harley-Davidson : Touring in Harley-Davidson | eBay Motorcycles



I know that we have some afficianados here, (paging Higgins)! My questions are these: What years are significant break points where the bikes were improved a lot? Is FI a huge deal over carbureted models? Any input would be great, other than the usual HD trash-talking. I know what they are and I want one.

[sc_rufctr]

I've always liked them. Good luck with your search.

[Hard-Deck]

As long as you dress like a motorcyclist (ATGATT) and not a pirate I'm w/ you. Have fun searching.

[afterburn 549]

Anymore they make a OK "little" Bike compared to whats going past them.
In a couple years if not all ready the values will plummet!!...The Old Fart Wannabees will not be able to swing a leg over them..and the new generation could care less about a air cooled 4 valve archaic old gasping turn of the century design.
I will be VERY surprised if H.D. survives an other year.
That said I have owned many,,,But any more so turned offf by the instant Motif that comes with them......it seems a instant 1% metamorphic change takes place when one buys one of these..a closet 1%er comes out with a 9 to 5 job!
Yet they cant get over 45 MPH on the back roads and will not get to FK out of the way !
Rant over LOL
PS did I mention the transmissions shift with a thunk from helll and most lawn tractors have more technology in them ? LOL
Yoo Broo lets go to da bar and pick up chicks .......

[ckelly78z]

I understand wanting one that is customized the way YOU want it with the exhaust that makes YOU happy. What i'll never get, is all the guys who have to own one because all thier friends have made it clear that everything else sucks and only Harley owners are allowed into thier inner circle.

What strikes me as funny is that they all do the same things to thier bikes to personalize them and make them "thier own", when I can't tell whose is whose.

[afterburn 549]

I DONT understand 20 to 50000 thousand dollars and more for two tires and two pistons....

[Gretch]

I figure, (hope) I have another 8 - 10 years of riding. I've a '98 95th anniversary special Fat Boy, and a '01 Deuce fueli. Two decidedly different bikes that give very different riding experiences.

I enjoy riding in the country side.......

I don't think the desire for the Harley experience is going away any time soon. I see plenty of young men and women on Harleys every year at Laconia.

Most everyone I hear *****ing about the Harley experience, haven't or can't.

[911boost]

I have an 06 Full Dress Electra Glide I commute to work on often and have never had a single issue with it. I have made some subtle modifications to it, but it cruises just fine.

No surprise to see the typical bashing from idiots in this thread.

[ckelly78z]

By idiot, you mean not of your thinking ?

[911boost]

Nope not at all. I mean those with reading comprehension issues. Someone asked for advice and says he has heard all of the typical bashing, but in what's become the norm, that's all he receives.

[Gretch]

I think "idiot" is an accurate enough description,


unless you want to add descriptive adjectives, like arrogant, elitist, empty headed, twat..........

whoops,,,,,,, "twat" is a noun. sorry.

[MJHanna]

I put 75k on this one. Just did standard maintenance only had it on a trailer twice for repairs. Engine was left stock except for the exhaust and air cleaner and bumping the ECU. I wanted the leather bags as they could hold helmet vs the hard bags, I also liked the look when you took the windshield off.

[afterburn 549]

I never bashed "it" Just the facts.......
dont get so defensive .
They are better.In the Ol days we got 30,00 miles out of a top end
Now most go to a 100,000
Point being.......is just VERY old school.............but truly its the wantobees that bother me most of all.................and if they new what a 1% truly is, they would not aspire to them very much

[creaturecat]

I say let the Harley guys be.
Pirate suit, or not.
Their business, not mine.
Buy one.
Simple.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

In a couple years if not all ready the values will plummet!!...

That is already happening. It's been a buyer's market for the last year. Prices are way down, which is good if you are looking for a nice, low mileage, bike. HD quality is as good as anything the other manufacturers are putting out. And the guys that buy them, ride them. For every 1 I see of younameitmotorcycle when I am out riding, I will see 10 Harleys.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by BSiple

No surprise to see the typical bashing from idiots in this thread.

Originally Posted by BSiple

Nope not at all. I mean those with reading comprehension issues. Someone asked for advice and says he has heard all of the typical bashing, but in what's become the norm, that's all he receives.

Seriously, did you expect anything different??

Den, have you looked at a Street Glide? Its basically a semi- full dresser. Still a big twin, but not as bulky, so great for riding around town, besides long drives. Probably going to be my next bike purchase.

Ive been riding HDs for 30 yrs. Never had an FI model though. My current '90 Sporty is carbed. Never a single issue with it.

[VINMAN]

Street Glide

[Gogar]

I'd say just get a nice FI bike and you'll have more fun. I think folks go for the carbs when they want to tinker around. Have fun!

[LakeCleElum]

Denis: You want FI for sure. Gone are the day of spitting and backfiring when cold. The rear cylinder runs hotter and FI can adjust to keep it under control. 2007 and newer had the 6 speed transmission and 6 gallon tank as opposed to the 5 gallon.

Premature, catastrophic engine failure can sometimes be avoided by inspection/replacement of the troublesome Cam Bearings.

They are not for me or my riding style/ability/experience. Used to ride one for a living and could go on and on about horror stories, but too much of a gentleman to post that here.....Buy what makes you happy, I'll do the same.........

I'd buy a HD in a minute if I was single and looking for a younger gal.....Every HOG chapter seems to have a few that stop traffic and cause accidents in their tight leathers...Enjoy......

[motion]

Denis, get an XR1200 and lets go racing.