First-time HD - Buying Advice
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 7,150
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Hey All!
First time poster, long time lurker. I'm getting the itch to get another bike, and coming from sportbikes and previously a ducati monster 1200 I want to slow it down and cruise a bit... as I really think thats more my style the older I get (38, and never ridden a cruiser). Anyways, I've been really looking at a Street Bob as I like the old school, simple bobber look, not to mention handling. I'm 5'10, 180 lbs and wondering if there is anything to keep in mind / look out for with this bike. Any used buying advice? I'd love new but seems they don't change much through the years.
Anyways, any insight/advice much appreciated!
First time poster, long time lurker. I'm getting the itch to get another bike, and coming from sportbikes and previously a ducati monster 1200 I want to slow it down and cruise a bit... as I really think thats more my style the older I get (38, and never ridden a cruiser). Anyways, I've been really looking at a Street Bob as I like the old school, simple bobber look, not to mention handling. I'm 5'10, 180 lbs and wondering if there is anything to keep in mind / look out for with this bike. Any used buying advice? I'd love new but seems they don't change much through the years.
Anyways, any insight/advice much appreciated!
Now, as far as engine displacement size vs. power output~
Sport bikes develop considerably more power per cubic centimeter (or inch) than "cruisers." Remember, these are cruisers. Root word here being "cruise."
Sure, they'll both do 110mph. The sportbike may only need 10% throttle to accomplish this while the Harley will need most all of it's throttle to attain this speed. This, you'll have to get used to. The HD chassis isn't designed for these speeds anyway, and the suspension isn't tuned for it.
Brake sensitivity is another hurdle to overcome. No more "one finger and stand the bike up on it's nostrils" when riding an HD. (Unless it's a Buell.)
The hardest thing for me to do is to bounce back and forth between Harleys and other bikes as the brakes/clutches are so different. Just have to get used to each to "re-become" proficient. Then again, I demand excellence from myself everytime I throw a leg over a bike. Everytime.
Last edited by NORTY FLATZ; Mar 19, 2016 at 09:56 AM. Reason: I HATE "auto wrong"
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
Coming from the sport bike world, you may want to adjust your riding style. Harleys are like a Barcalounger, instead of a sprint out of the blocks. Are you prepared to make this change? Many riders that have one riding discipline try to adjust for another, only to become disenfranchised with either, after awhile. Try to not let this happen to you.
Now, as far as engine displacement size vs. power output~
Sport bikes develop considerably more power per cubic centimeter (or inch) than "cruisers." Remember, these are cruisers. Root word here being "cruise."
Sure, they'll both do 110mph. The sportbike may only need 10% throttle to accomplish this while the Harley will need most all of it's throttle to attain this speed. This, you'll have to get used to. The HD chassis isn't designed for these speeds anyway, and the suspension isn't tuned for it.
Brake sensitivity is another hurdle to overcome. No more "one finger and stand the bike up on it's nostrils" when riding an HD. (Unless it's a Buell.)
The hardest thing for me to do is to bounce back and forth between Harleys and other bikes as the brakes/clutches are so different. Just have to get used to each to "re-become" proficient. Then again, I demand excellence from myself everytime I throw a leg over a bike. Everytime.
Now, as far as engine displacement size vs. power output~
Sport bikes develop considerably more power per cubic centimeter (or inch) than "cruisers." Remember, these are cruisers. Root word here being "cruise."
Sure, they'll both do 110mph. The sportbike may only need 10% throttle to accomplish this while the Harley will need most all of it's throttle to attain this speed. This, you'll have to get used to. The HD chassis isn't designed for these speeds anyway, and the suspension isn't tuned for it.
Brake sensitivity is another hurdle to overcome. No more "one finger and stand the bike up on it's nostrils" when riding an HD. (Unless it's a Buell.)
The hardest thing for me to do is to bounce back and forth between Harleys and other bikes as the brakes/clutches are so different. Just have to get used to each to "re-become" proficient. Then again, I demand excellence from myself everytime I throw a leg over a bike. Everytime.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 7,150
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Then the Streetbob or Dyna Low would probably be a good choice. Both of those models have steeper steering, offering some handling. The SB has a single rotor up front. It's ok but can heat up if you decide to go "charging." Your tires will limit this too. The LR has dual rotors but in a slightly "relaxed" in position. The biggest thing I can think of positionwise will be your legs/feet not quite underneath you but slightly infront of you. This may be disconcerting when in some twistys.
Take them both out for a test ride. Still need more seat time on each? Rent each one for 24 hours. Ride the crap out of each. Put on 500-700 miles. Day/night/day. Then make some notes about your experience.
Rent the other model(s) you're interested in. Do this over the course of a month if you can.
Heck, rent a bagger too. Ride 'em all!
The dealership may reduce the rental fee to zero when you buy your bike from them.
Here's what you do~
Rent any/all the HD's you want. Let the dealership know you're evaluating these that interest you. Then, when it comes time to plunk down that hard earned cash, you'll have a pretty good idea what you want. And, more importantly, what you DON'T want.
It's easier to make a $300 investment, than a $21,000 mistake.
Take them both out for a test ride. Still need more seat time on each? Rent each one for 24 hours. Ride the crap out of each. Put on 500-700 miles. Day/night/day. Then make some notes about your experience.
Rent the other model(s) you're interested in. Do this over the course of a month if you can.
Heck, rent a bagger too. Ride 'em all!
The dealership may reduce the rental fee to zero when you buy your bike from them.
Here's what you do~
Rent any/all the HD's you want. Let the dealership know you're evaluating these that interest you. Then, when it comes time to plunk down that hard earned cash, you'll have a pretty good idea what you want. And, more importantly, what you DON'T want.
It's easier to make a $300 investment, than a $21,000 mistake.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
Yes I went to a Italian bike show and saw one in person and he revved it up for me. Sounds mean!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 525
Likes: 9
From: Brooklyn
You both should ride a Desmosedici... Holy ****
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Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
Then the Streetbob or Dyna Low would probably be a good choice. Both of those models have steeper steering, offering some handling. The SB has a single rotor up front. It's ok but can heat up if you decide to go "charging." Your tires will limit this too. The LR has dual rotors but in a slightly "relaxed" in position. The biggest thing I can think of positionwise will be your legs/feet not quite underneath you but slightly infront of you. This may be disconcerting when in some twistys.
Take them both out for a test ride. Still need more seat time on each? Rent each one for 24 hours. Ride the crap out of each. Put on 500-700 miles. Day/night/day. Then make some notes about your experience.
Rent the other model(s) you're interested in. Do this over the course of a month if you can.
Heck, rent a bagger too. Ride 'em all!
The dealership may reduce the rental fee to zero when you buy your bike from them.
Here's what you do~
Rent any/all the HD's you want. Let the dealership know you're evaluating these that interest you. Then, when it comes time to plunk down that hard earned cash, you'll have a pretty good idea what you want. And, more importantly, what you DON'T want.
It's easier to make a $300 investment, than a $21,000 mistake.
Take them both out for a test ride. Still need more seat time on each? Rent each one for 24 hours. Ride the crap out of each. Put on 500-700 miles. Day/night/day. Then make some notes about your experience.
Rent the other model(s) you're interested in. Do this over the course of a month if you can.
Heck, rent a bagger too. Ride 'em all!
The dealership may reduce the rental fee to zero when you buy your bike from them.
Here's what you do~
Rent any/all the HD's you want. Let the dealership know you're evaluating these that interest you. Then, when it comes time to plunk down that hard earned cash, you'll have a pretty good idea what you want. And, more importantly, what you DON'T want.
It's easier to make a $300 investment, than a $21,000 mistake.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,653
Likes: 4,147
From: Virginia
Majority of Harley riders end up on a touring bike. Small/Big is not the best way to decide what Harley you get. They can be modified endlessly to fit any stature rider. I've seen small girls ride dressers without any trouble. The biggest joy of riding a Harley is humming along on long rides in my opinion. I've owned 26 bikes, first 15 being metrics over many many years.
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