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I'm a Harley owner!

After 50 years of having a MC endorsement on my DL this year and owning countless bikes, I finally have a Harley-Davidson. Like most vehicle acquisitions in my life these days, it was unplanned. I'm like a magnet for machinery that people don't want anymore...I swear I don't advertise or even bring it up in conversation.

I've always liked certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles but of course they are expensive and I guess I never wanted one badly enough to shell out the dough. A friend of one of my shop mates was by the shop a few weeks ago and mentioned that he was moving out of the country and did I know anyone interested in a Porsche Macan or a Harley? I answered, "no" before he could even finish the sentence. I have too much stuff and need to thin the herd.

Then of course I had to ask about the Harley. Which model? "2012 Wide Glide." That is not on the top of my list but it's also not completely off the list, it is a Dyna, which I like, with wide front forks and a skinny front wheel, sort of their factory chopper-lite. Other than the rake of the stem and the forks, it's a Super Glide with forward controls.

Anyhow...when he told me how much he wanted for it, I asked a couple of questions and told him I'd take it. It was truly a *leaving town and don't want to deal with it* price, basically what it would be worth with a blown engine or transmission. He told me that it would need a battery because it's been sitting a while.

To make a long story long, I picked up a battery for it and after some drama with the security system, (the fob just needed a battery), it's running and at my shop. Definitely needs to be serviced and needs tires before I'll ride it but it's in decent condition. Needed a serious cleaning and detail but totally worth it under the circumstances.

I've already ordered tires, (expensive!), and will buy probably stock handlebars today. I don't like the goofy half-ape bars on it now. Can't wait to get it dialed in and ride it! :cool:

Here is what it looked like pre-purchase:

He even threw in all of this MC stuff, he's just clearing out his place. Filled my large Chevy trunk:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1757708567.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1757708567.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1757708567.jpg

Really nice soft bags, a good cover, extra racks, you name it. There is also a HD branded small cowl/fairing that clamps onto the front tubes, he bought it in Montana on a road trip and it had to cost a pretty penny. HD stuff is pricey at the retail level.

I'm sorry. Just kidding, I always give the Harley guys I know a hard time.

Congrats on the Harley! That’s a whole lifestyle in itself, and it’s clear how much passion goes into owning one. I bet the first big ride must’ve felt incredible. It’s almost like browsing on shop com, where you start with one thing in mind and end up discovering a dozen more you suddenly want — the excitement just builds.

Cool! Careful with the helmets- they age out like tires.

Even anrew approves :)!

Paging Higgins...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 12531741)

Cool! Careful with the helmets- they age out like tires.

I have my own helmet. He just threw in everything related to the bike! :)

The "Harley Chronicles" should be an interesting read.

Those are NOT tasteful modifications.

Thankfully the new owner knows better.

Try this instead:

First bike was this 2016 Low Rider:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1757716415.jpg

Second one was this 2023 Low Rider ST:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1757716471.jpg

Welcome to the dark side!!

.

What sort of tats you gonna get?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 12531806)

What sort of tats you gonna get?

The usual two "M"s on each ass cheek so that it says, "Mom" or "WoW" if I stand on my head. That and the standard "Born to be wild," but misspelled.

I'll try to stop after that. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN (Post 12531804)

Welcome to the dark side!!

.

Thanks, Vinny! There are a few of us here. :cool:

We had a fraternity song called "The Wild West Show." The tattooed lady had the Ms like that and when she did cartwheels it said "wow, mom, wow."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 12531818)

We had a fraternity song called "The Wild West Show." The tattooed lady had the Ms like that and when she did cartwheels it said "wow, mom, wow."

Yeah, that's what I said. :)

I knew you couldn't pass this one up, just too good of a deal. And sure, not your first choice, but a decent enough intro to get your feet wet with and learn your way around these things. Ride it for awhile, send it on its way to someone who really likes this kind of bike, make a little money on it, and get something like that Road Glide you mentioned. You are way too much of a rider to live with the compromises in ergonomics and handling imposed by this "chopper" platform, but it will be a great way to learn your way around these things mechanically. Have fun!

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder (Post 12531830)

Yeah, that's what I said. :)

Did you have the Bengal tiger?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins (Post 12531832)

Thanks, Jeff! And thanks for all of the help and advice off-line as well. I even told the seller that I was planning on cleaning it up, doing all of the maintenance and then probably flipping it to buy the HD I really want. He understood/didn't care. :cool: