MOTORCYCLE PURCHASE ADVICE NEEDED!!!!

[ladder13]

Yes, the old AMF days , my first Glide from back in the day. $3400 otd, brand new. Rode that thru the winter of 75-76

 

[shooboy]

Nice Shovel Mike, did you have to fight off the chicks with a stick ??? Tell me you didn't ride that through an Upstate New York winter back in the day ??? Shoo

 

[ladder13]

Nice Shovel Mike, did you have to fight off the chicks with a stick ??? Tell me you didn't ride that through an Upstate New York winter back in the day ??? Shoo

I did, AFTER the plows came thru. Didn't take long for asphalt to show on Bronx streets. Just had to stay off the sidewalks

 

[dmar]

Based on the use you describe, I'd say a HD Road King, or Street Glide would work great for you. Yes, HD is more money than the imports, but IMO, you can't beat a Harley for cruising.

I've owned a Road King for years, and its a great overall (versatile) bike; nice around town, and very good/comfortable for long trips (just attach the windshield and go...). You don't have the bulk of the full dresser, if you are just doing short trips, around town putts, but again, can dress it out for long trips.

The Street Glide also has these qualities, but does have the permanently attached upper fairing/windshield (not too bulky, but definitely more than a Road King). I've owned other HDs, but once you own an FL, you are hooked.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[GKC]

Nothing wrong with Japanese bikes. I've owned a few and enjoyed the hell out of them. Main problem is that ya might not always be able to get parts or service on a 5year old or older 'non-current' model.

I'll throw out another vote for the Honda VTX. The 1800cc version was discontinued a couple of years ago, and many dealers still have new ones in the crate for some real discounts...you can find them with zero miles for around $8K. A great bike, lots of power with EFI and liquid cooling (which may not be such an issue in Maryland, but here in Texas it can be a real good thing to have...it was 107 here today.)

Even though discontinued, there will be parts and available service for many years to come...if you ever need it. Most Hondas never need anything beyond regular maintenance.

 

[65kaiser]

(Nothing wrong with Japanese bikes. I've owned a few and enjoyed the hell out of them. Main problem is that ya might not always be able to get parts or service on a 5year old or older 'non-current' model.)

My Roadstar is 10 years old and parts are not an issue at all.

 

[james56]

I've been checking out e-bay for HD's. Some really nice scoots in my area. And some good price's. Got the Itch bad again!!

 

[animalmother]

I've been riding motorcycles since 1982 (when I turned 16). Have almost 30 years experience.

I have owned nothing but Japanese motorcycles (1982 Suzuki GS 300, 1982 Yamaha Maxim 750, 1991 Honda CBR 600 F2, 1993 Honda CBR 900 RR, 1997 Honda CBR 1100 XX, 2003 Kawasaki ZZR 1200) and have never, ever had a single problem of any kind with any of my bikes.

Get a Star 1300. Great bike. 1300cc liquid cooled engine, fuel injection, 4 valve head, etc. This engine puts on more power than most bikes with 1500-1600cc engines.

Buy a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamaha (Star) cruiser. The money you save will more than pay for accessories, gas and insurance.

There are plenty of reviews of the Star 1300. I am considering transitioning from my current bike (2003 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 that I bought new old stock in May 2006) to a Star 1300.

My current bike

 

[ladder13]

The reason why I love Harleys, is probably the reason some don't. Cause they're big and fat and can't get out of their own way, unless of course you're talkin' V-Rods.
The slower the better, if I had one of those Kawasuzuki's I'd probably kill myself. Around here, 90% of the biker fatalities are Yamahonda's. Most involve excessive speed, lane splitting or just plain stupidity.
Flame suit donned.

 

[Ricknoone]

You mean there is another type of bike out there .All I have ever noticed is the electra-glide that is why I ride one every day.
For your older heavier and more comfort seeking American rider there is nothing else out there .Besides my wife tells me they are chick magnets(older chicks, but stlill)

 

[Snapping Twig]

Been checking into this thread for a while and thought to toss in my two cents.

Here's what I ride.

1985 Virago 700. I spent the last year restoring it to like new. 56hp, 43lb/ft of torque. I rebuilt the forks with RaceTech springs and emulators and replaced the rear shocks with WORKS dual rate Street Trackers. The handling is SHOCKING to say the least. My pals have Duc's and Suzuki's and Yamaha's and Kawi's and sportbikes all. I can easily hang with them or even lead through the twisties.

Mind you, we're not racers, but spirited riders. We ride to ride another day.

My point, get something that fits you, not overly powered and comfortable for a day's riding.

Buy used. Your first bike may not be to your liking once you develop your skills. Having less $$ into it makes it easier to move along.

In any event, since this is a gun forum, I believe you'll need a seat like this one.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Thanks Mike, Glad you like the Glide. Now keep quiet about the chicks to my wife please, Shoo
P.S. The Kawasaki Vulcans are great bikes too in my opinion, rode an 800 Vulcan Classic for a few years and my buddy still owns it, has been trouble free. Chatanooga Phil has the bigger Vulcan shown above, and that's a beauty

Thanks.

Speaking of Vulcan 800... I had an 800A, pics below. Like you, I didn't care for the seat on the 800 though I really liked the style of the bike. The 1500 has a great seat. When I was 20 seat comfort was among the last considerations. As the years have gone by.... comfort is now a high priority.

 

[keith44spl]

Ya can ride one of them rascals right to the top of the world & back again...

I know, I've seen me do it.

Su Amigo,
Dave

BTW, H-D Softtail Springer SE

 

[LLN]

presently I ride a Harley Low rider--good bike---used to have a Yamaha 1200 V Twin--good bike--years ago -- 70's--a Kawasaki LTD 1000--a very good bike-wish i still had it-----

 

[animalmother]

A question for the HD riders: what is your take on the engine heat generated by an air-cooled engine?

A few of my work place friends have HD and have told me that the heat can get pretty bad sometimes but that they put up with it because they love their bikes so much.

I learned all about engine heat from an air-cooled engine on my 1982 Yamaha Maxim 750. During the summertime, in stop-light to stop-light driving, things got very hot and unpleasant.

 

[ladder13]

The heat coming from my Twin Cam 88 is awful when sitting still for any amount of time, when moving not bad at all. I use synthetic oil,and probably should install an oil cooler. Fact of the matter, when the temps and humidity soar, I use my air-conditioned car. The engine heat helps during early spring and late fall.
Only other brand I would consider would be Victory.

 

[The Big D]

Okay, fellas, here's the update on my search for a motorcycle. (Actually not much of a search as I was occupied with a few things since my OP.)

A pal dropped off his Suzuki Boulevard C90T at my house this a.m. He wants to sell and think I might get a deal. We shall see...

But about the bike...I am impressed. Climbed aboard and rode about the 'hood for a bit before taking it out on the road. Only problem was busting my shin on the back seat rest and straining my groin as I rassled it about.

Truth be told, this big guy is bigger than I thought I needed, but it's surprisingly agile and easy to maneuver.

I shall post a photo in the morning, but if anyone is knowledgeable about this particular bike kindly post your thoughts/advice.

Be safe.

 

[feralmerril]

Just horning in with some pictures of old harleys I had. I want to get back into it myself.

 

[michael thornton]

i have my heart set on a road king classic, some day i hope before im too old to ride it!

 

[feralmerril]

Guys let me add something about rideing harleys. I have rode probley 150 K on hawgs years ago. At the same time I also owned other brand bikes, mostly the english ones. It was noticable to me that while rideing the harley other cars would respect my space. When I rode the other brands I was habitualy getting cut off haveing cars pull out on me always closer than on the harley. Something to think about! However in that one picture of my wrecked harley that didnt hold true. But overall, I did notice it!