Help me NOT trade my bike!!!
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 330
From: Hamilton, Ontario
Help me NOT trade my bike!!!
This should be a good thread for a Saturday night
When I was buying my first bike I had to decide between newer and smaller (Sportster) or older and larger (dyna/softail) for my budget. Reliability was a big issue for me as I planned on riding some longer trips. I settled on my 09 Sportster because it only had 2182km on it and it fit me well.
Well today I stopped in at my local shop and he has a 2004 Softail Standard sitting there with 22,000km for a VERY good price. If I traded in my bike on it we would be very close on price.
I didn't ride it and yes I know you have to ride it to see if you even like the bike but it got me thinking.
I am back at the new/older/smaller/bigger debate again. I do love my Sportster and it really isn't lacking in any area for me.
So here I am throwing this debate open to the forum.
Pros for the Sportster
low low km
fits me well
I like the paint job (see below)
reliable
Cons
maybe a little uncomfortable on longer runs
Pros for Softail
more power
I like the style a little more
Status of owning a bigger bike (sad but true)
Possibly more comfortable
Cons
It has a custom paint job that I am not big on
older and more km
forward controls, I have short legs
HELP!!!
When I was buying my first bike I had to decide between newer and smaller (Sportster) or older and larger (dyna/softail) for my budget. Reliability was a big issue for me as I planned on riding some longer trips. I settled on my 09 Sportster because it only had 2182km on it and it fit me well.
Well today I stopped in at my local shop and he has a 2004 Softail Standard sitting there with 22,000km for a VERY good price. If I traded in my bike on it we would be very close on price.
I didn't ride it and yes I know you have to ride it to see if you even like the bike but it got me thinking.
I am back at the new/older/smaller/bigger debate again. I do love my Sportster and it really isn't lacking in any area for me.
So here I am throwing this debate open to the forum.
Pros for the Sportster
low low km
fits me well
I like the paint job (see below)
reliable
Cons
maybe a little uncomfortable on longer runs
Pros for Softail
more power
I like the style a little more
Status of owning a bigger bike (sad but true)
Possibly more comfortable
Cons
It has a custom paint job that I am not big on
older and more km
forward controls, I have short legs
HELP!!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,550
Likes: 1,842
From: Albuquerque, NM
Keep the Sportster if it works for you. Screw the "status" crap, and don't pay any attention to the crap that people sling around here.
I've got a buddy who has been riding since the 1970's. He started on a Sportster. Three times since then he's bought a big twin because he figured that's what he "needed." All three times he ended up back on a Sportster because that's what he likes more. He says he wishes he learned his lesson the first time.
This guy is as "biker" as you're going to find. For a couple of years back in the '80's he basically lived on his bike, traveling around the country, south in the winter, north in the summer, and hired on at a jobsite whenever he needed more money. (hes a carpenter) And he loves a Sportster.
One more thing. Forget the "you can't tour on a Sportster" or "they're no good for long rides." Pure BS. People toured for years on smaller bikes than that.
Bottom line: If you like your Sportster, forget the other BS.
I've got a buddy who has been riding since the 1970's. He started on a Sportster. Three times since then he's bought a big twin because he figured that's what he "needed." All three times he ended up back on a Sportster because that's what he likes more. He says he wishes he learned his lesson the first time.
This guy is as "biker" as you're going to find. For a couple of years back in the '80's he basically lived on his bike, traveling around the country, south in the winter, north in the summer, and hired on at a jobsite whenever he needed more money. (hes a carpenter) And he loves a Sportster.
One more thing. Forget the "you can't tour on a Sportster" or "they're no good for long rides." Pure BS. People toured for years on smaller bikes than that.
Bottom line: If you like your Sportster, forget the other BS.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo
I had a Sportster for my first bike.
I now have a Softail :P
Much more comfortable. I'm also 6'2 though, so that is a big reason why. The Softail doesn't have the best suspension, but still better than my Sporty. I've bottomed out my Softail a handful of times - I'd bottom out the Sportster a couple times every time I took it out :P
I'd hold off on the trade in though. Just my own personal rule, I never trade in for something older. And also, if you don't like the paintjob now, will you like it after 1-2 years of ownership? There will always be more choices
I now have a Softail :P
Much more comfortable. I'm also 6'2 though, so that is a big reason why. The Softail doesn't have the best suspension, but still better than my Sporty. I've bottomed out my Softail a handful of times - I'd bottom out the Sportster a couple times every time I took it out :P
I'd hold off on the trade in though. Just my own personal rule, I never trade in for something older. And also, if you don't like the paintjob now, will you like it after 1-2 years of ownership? There will always be more choices
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
You say you're in love with your current bike. Why are we here? Keep it!
3 out of 4 couples end in divorce for this very same reason.
3 out of 4 couples end in divorce for this very same reason.
Last edited by jt metal; Jul 25, 2015 at 07:20 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
Easy,
* "never trade in for something older",, has been said,, and that's sage advice.
* The 04 88TC is the old style cam tension-er engine that can have trouble. (but it is a "B" balanced motor)
* Just take the soft-tail for a ride,, you won't like it,, sure it's smooth, it'll have a little more power,, but when you lay into a corner,, it sucks compared to a spring loaded rear end.
You will want to upgrade someday,, but that FXSTI isn't the bike that'll do it for ya.
* "never trade in for something older",, has been said,, and that's sage advice.
* The 04 88TC is the old style cam tension-er engine that can have trouble. (but it is a "B" balanced motor)
* Just take the soft-tail for a ride,, you won't like it,, sure it's smooth, it'll have a little more power,, but when you lay into a corner,, it sucks compared to a spring loaded rear end.
You will want to upgrade someday,, but that FXSTI isn't the bike that'll do it for ya.
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