I was getting around 50 mpg. He was in the mid 40's. All freeway. This was a few years ago, and I don't know what year his Tiger was.

 

That fellow was *me* and although I thought I had my mind settled on an HD, I'm back into wishy-washy decision mode again. For my riding style and skill set, either a Sportster or Bonneville fits the bill (and budget) and I'm sure I'd be happy on either one. (Right now, as I have no bike and am trapped in a Ford Taurus cage I'd settle for my old 70's Honda 125 right now- ANYTHING to get me on two wheels again! LOL!)

I went through the pros and cons and was convinced I would be getting a Sportster, but as you noted: man, look at that Bonneville One of the members here noted that as I've had a Sportster in the past why not give the Bonnie a tumble in the hay this time around, and I'm really leaning that way again.

I don't in any way want to be put in the same class as the recent HD-to-Gold Wing troll we put up with here, but I give high marks to BOTH Triumph and HD for my riding purposes. Whichever I wind up with in the end- and whatever you ride- I'll be happy to join you on the road

 

Yeah John. I remember now. I think you had some posts over on the Triumph forum too. There are a much bigger percentage of "Harley Haters" over there than there are Triumph haters here.

I seriously doubt that I'll sell mine. It's just that right now, there's something lacking, something not quite right. I just put a new set of Pirelli's on a few days ago and that seemed to make an improvement, but it's too early to tell because I only have a few miles on 'em, and I don't wanna push too hard in the corners yet. Then there's the exhaust tone. It's quieter that a BMW, and with the mechanical sound the engine makes, it's kinda like a sewing machine running ***** out. I tried a set of different mufflers, but it made the bike sound like an old Honda CB350 with no mufflers at all. There has to be something in between that doesn't cost over $1000.
So, I'll dink with it and maybe I'll find that certain something that makes me anxious to get on it and ride. For now, the Softail scratches that itch. The Bonne gets me back and forth to work….and it still looks good!

 

Fuel mileage on Harleys is better because they turn lower RPMs. Pushrod engines don't turn high RPMs as efficiently as OHC engines, so they are designed with larger displacement for their power. Pushrod engines get more complete combustion, less weight and better fuel mileage in high CID form. OHC engines trade off a lot in efficiency for their high horsepower bling.

 

Could be worse. You could have TWO of EACH in your garage. Both me and my GF have one Triumph (Tiger/TigerXC) and one Dyna (Superglide/Low Rider). They're both great at different things. I say keep them both and ride them.

 

Please add close-up pics of your tires, I'd like to see the chicken strips.

It reads as if your riding both bikes as if they were sport bikes. :-)

 

Correct! I do post on one of the Triumph forums every so often- getting a feel for what owners of each are experiencing both good and bad from all around is part of my pre-purchase homework. I have a feeling how it's going to go down is that I'll get a Triumph first and if indeed I inherit my uncle's Electra-Glide I will keep that or trade for a HD that's a bit less bulky. I will be more than happy to own (at least) one of each

 

This post makes me miss my Bonneville!!!!! Makes me want to go find a basket case '73 and start a project......wouldn't be the first time!!!!!