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This thread hits near home. About a month ago I sold my 2004 R1150GS and bought an 06 Electra Glide Classic. Two completely different bikes.
I looked at the HD's when I was looking back in 2003, and also the BMW's. I had decided early on that those were the two that I liked. At the time my next door neighbor had an R1150R that I enjoyed riding. I was looking forward to riding in the canyons, and since I live in Colorado, where there is an abundance of fire roads riding them. With that being said I bought the GS. I really enjoyed that bike when I got it.
Unfortunately, like with everything else, things change. We had 2 children, and I was only riding the BMW on the interstate 60 miles each way to work. Gone were the weekend rides. I had bought the dirtbikes, so fireroads were boring as hell, and the GS was heavy as hell to be riding on roads like that after I got used to the lighter weight dirtbikes.
I outfitted the GS for commuter duty, but being 6-4, just couldn't find a windsheld that prevented pretty bad helmet buffetting at 75-80 mph. The speed I need to ride to keep from getting run over by semi's on I-25.
I actually went to the local HD dealer with a friend to look for him, and stumbled upon the 2006 Electra Glide. Since all the 07's have 96 ci motors and 6 speeds, they were really blowing out the 06's. Funny thing is, the final drive ratio's are almost the exact same for the 5 and 6 speeds, and I wasn't buying a HD so it could be fast, so i didn't really give a poop about the newer stuff.
I have over 500 miles on the Electra Glide already, and the thing just moves right on down the interstate. The difference between the two bikes is amazing, but I can't say I like the HD better than the BMW, because of the differences. The HD is just better at what I primarily use it for, which is long interstate riding.
I have taken some chrome and worthless stuff of it, but honestly don't plan on doing much else (I also replaced the seat, as the stock one I think was desinged for bigger folks than me and was pretty wide).
Now, with all that said, I still wear my full face Arai helmet, my BMW riding jacket with all the armor and my boots. The difference is that I can ride with the visor open, and not feel any wind. Will I buy a leather jacket. Sure, but it will have all the armor in it like my current textile one (I happen to like what Vanson Leather produces), but it will not be of the desing that makes me look like the Biker from the Village People, more of sleeker design.
I honestly don't care what anyone thinks, its my damn bike and I will ride it how I want. Plus, I heard a guy say once when someone asked him why he wore a helmet and all the gear all the time and he said "Riding motorcycles is only one part of my life. Why let that one part ruin the rest of my life?". I tend to agree. Not saying with all the gear on in the world your are totally safe, but you know what I mean.
Just my thoughts...
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