Harley-Davidson Owner Seeks Advice on Second Bike
Buying a second (or third) Harley-Davidson is easy. Choosing a particular model and explaining it to your significant other isn’t.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are like chips. You can’t have just one. Or, at least if you own one, you probably wish you owned another. But for most of us, the act of obtaining a second Harley-Davidson isn’t as easy as finding one and dropping the cash. There are other obstacles to clear, from financial to personal preferences. And of course, obtaining “permission” from your significant other.
All of the above are what drove Harley-Davidson Forums member wideglideCVO to start a thread seeking advice from those that have been there and done that.
“What was the main reason for your purchase of a second or third Harley? To have a bar hopper and a touring bike? I have a Wide Glide but want a touring bike to take on long rides more comfortably. Thinking of a Road King or Street Glide. Also, did your wife give you a hard time about having more than one Harley (if you have a wife/husband)? My wife is not too into me getting a second bike.”
Obviously, these are problems that we all face at some time or another. Especially that last one. And it didn’t take long for plenty of other members to chime in with some advice.
“Bad knees,” says Frostbite. “Had a bagger and blew out a knee trying to hold it up, so I got a trike. But I missed the two wheel ride so I got this to terrorize the locals. Wife is in a nursing home, 4 cans short of a 6 pack. She doesn’t know what I do.”
Of course, we’re not all that, um, fortunate. But some of us do have understanding spouses, at least.
“I have 3 bikes,” says giacomo56. “A 2017 SGS set up for touring with my wife. 2005 RK set up as a single. Too many upgrades and chrome for trade or sale. And a 2014 Sportster just because it’s nimble for quick local trips. Have a great wife who goes out shopping for HD stuff on her own. She loves the life.”
For others, gaining acceptance and permission often boils down to taking their spouse’s needs into consideration. And of course, taking care of “priorities” first. Imagine that!
“I just recently added a Street Glide back to my stable,” says CyGlide. “My wife liked having tunes and a little more comfort over the Heritage. The Heritage I bought from my dad and I’ve put too much money into it to sell it. She’s pretty much OK with anything as long as all the bills are paid first.”
“When I got married, my wife didn’t like riding on the lowered EVO,” adds flhchaz. “Said it was too bumpy. So I bought an Ultra. She liked riding on that, but then I traded the Ultra for a Limited. She knew I was keeping the EVO. Last weekend she bought her own 883.”
Then again, sometimes it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
“Learned when I went through a drawn out rebuild, no more just one bike,” adds nobodyknowsme. “Road King because I love it and have too much money invested. Road Glide because I love Road Glides. Now trying to hold out on adding a Triumph Trophy but don’t know how long I can do it. As far as the wife, I just show up at home with a bike. She may/may not initially be upset but gets over it quickly enough. Have done it that way with at least the last 3 bikes. I am impulsive.”
Super Glidester wisely points out that if the OP’s wife is going to ride and not drive, he might want to consider something that’ll keep her comfy over his other needs/wants.
“Whenever I had my OL out looking at bikes, she gravitated toward the Ultra Classic or the Electra Glide with the hard tour pack and saddle bags. She likes the big back seat on them. But yeah, ultimately the big FLH frame bike will be what most passengers like as far as roomy and comfortable.”
Then again, you could just go the path of ignorance. This probably only works if your significant other never steps foot in the garage, of course.
“Road King and Ultra. Probably going to trade the Ultra for a BMW. I don’t discuss what’s in the garage with my wife,” says big papa AZ.
Unfortunately, we’re doubting that approach will work for most people. But hey, we’re always looking for good advice! So head over here and chime in with your thoughts, the contents of your current stable, and how you get away with your “extra” Harley-Davidson purchases!
