The worst thing to do is buy a particular model bike based only on looks.

There are many differences in frames and suspension between model families.

There are also big variances in ergonomics.

You say you have $7K to spend on a bike. Almost any used bike is going to require a little money beyond the purchase price. It might be to fix old worn out parts, broken stuff, a simple tune up and tires, not to mention things to make it fit you better such as seat, possibly handlebars etc. There are plenty of pristine bikes out there, but you need to prepare for the unknown plus ergomic adjustments.

In other words, you need to allow money for those things.


All that being said, if you are 450' pounds and 7' tall, you would look pretty funny riding a Sportster.


Rent a bunch of bikes from each model family. Rent a different one every weekend. Sure, the new bikes will be different than older ones, but it will get you a feel for the differences between models.

 

7k is plenty realistic. I've always bought used bikes, never new.
The 2x nicer bikes I've had have been in the low 7k range.
1x bike was an older Shovelhead in the 5k range, it was old and in need of work, hence that price. And my wifes Sporty was right on 5k.

You've got to decide which chassis style works for you.
FX...Dyna...like a large Sportster.
FL...touring/bagger.
XL...Sportster.
And then you have the Softails...the FXST and FLST (depending on which front end is on it).

I'll skip the vrod 'n Streets...they're a whole different thing.

I've had all 4x chassis types. (well, my wife has the Sportser..and I personally had the other 3 types). But needless to say I've spent time in all 4.

What works for me, for my love of old school, and for my tall lanky frame, is the Softail....especially lately because of my very bad lower back. For me, the Softail allows you to sit IN it...sitting low, leaning back, like you're in a lazy boy recliner chair going down the rod.

All other models...you sit ON top of the bike...you're up higher.

You can always change how a bike feels or positions you a bit by customizing bars, seat, and foot controls.

All of 'em will ride 2x up fine.

All of 'em will let you pour on the miles for long rides. Granted a Sporty is a bit more darty on the highway.

Soooo...factor in what kind of riding you'll mostly be doing. If you plan on doing a ton of touring with lots of gear, "perhaps" a touring model will be better for you. personally I don't like windshields or hard bags, I prefer floppy leather throwover saddlebags. But that's just my preference, it's what works for me. I also like older bikes with carbs....prior ride was a Shovelhead, current one is an Evo. I just like simple, easy to work on, and that old authentic Harley sound. It speaks to me. New fuelie twinkies don't do that for me (I've had one). But again..that's a personal preference.

Take your time, learn the different chassis types, learn the different models...sit on as many as you can, see how it feels for you, and...get what speaks to you!

 

The nuances don't really matter if the bike does not fit. For example, when I decided to move up from my Sportster, I had never even considered looking at a Heritage until someone suggested that I give it a look. I ended up test riding several bikes, but as soon as I go on (or should I say in) the Heritage, I knew that this was the bike for me. As you read through the thousands of posts on this forum, you will see folks swear by one model or another. The main reason they swear by a particular model is because it fits THEM. Yes, price is relevant, but various used models may be had at the same price, so give several models a test ride. I would suggest that you go to dealer that has a good inventory of used bikes and test ride some different models. If you decide to deal with an individual instead of a dealer, at least you will have zeroed in on the model that you are looking for. Good luck in your search!!

 

Gents, thank you for the additional insight. I am super pleased by what you all are saying. I wasn't sure my current budget would get me where I want to be but now I am feeling quite confident.

Also,I love all the advice, it really cleared up a lot of concerns and questions. I am one of those guys that actually does take and follow advice from those more knowledgeable (why wouldn't everyone...). Seriously I appreciate every comment!

I am:

Definitely going to try a few
Going to be patient
Liking the soft tail deuce look, a lot
Fine with carbs - rebuilt/re-jetted many
Eager to put down huge highway miles - 2x
Not interested in windshields or heavy touring accouterments
In Reston VA (near Dulles Airport) - Thanks for the deuce offer - very kind! Gorgeous bike
Seeing lots of those 'perfect' craigslist option out there too - thanks for the links!
Especially thankful for the descriptions on the model prefixes and naming convention
Certain I will spend more money on bars, footrests, exhaust, mirrors, heck let's just say everything lol.

Guys, thanks again. I am really looking forward to the Spring.

 

Seeing your location is Virginia and you mentioned Patriot, I am guessing that you are in Northern Virginia. Other dealers you could check are Groves in Winchester, Whitts in Manassas, Stonewall in Orange (used to be Waughs) and HD of Quantico (formerly East Coast Harley) in Virginia and HD of Rockville, HD of Frederick, and HD of Washington of Washington.

Another way to see most of the new Harley models is the Motorcycle Show at the DC Convention Center the first weekend of January.

 

My strongest expertise in things with engines is with sea going boats and a very common truth with boats is you will inevitably first buy the wrong boat and will inevitably lose $$ getting rid of that and into the right boat. It's a necessary part of the process and the sooner one takes the plunge the sooner they get to the right boat (for a few years until they change their mind )..

I don't think Harley's are very far off from that truth either, other than the differences between one full size Harley and another are not quite as extreme. You will not ever figure out what you want in a Harley until you own it and put 500 miles on it. You may want a bar hopper without the fairing and see no point in a radio or cup holder today, but a year later you realize you need all that to really use the bike or that you wish the bike didn't have all that, or that it's too slow or too loud or too low to the ground for your area or taste. You gotta buy one and ride it like you own it for awhile.

Taking a completely unfamiliar bike for a 5 minute jaunt around the block only tells you if it seems to be operating OK. I would not spend much time test riding bikes if you haven't spend a bunch of time on an HD already. It's going to feel weird no matter what, will only serve to stall you from making an offer as you attempt to test ride everything. If you are thinking not a sportster then OK skip those, if you are thinking not something with a fairing, then skip that (good because it's cheaper anyway).. Find yourself a good clean mid-2000 Dyna Fatboy, something like that, whatever full size HD meeting the basic idea, that you like to look at, feels OK, and is in good shape with < 20K miles. Ideally you find one with < 10K miles and that is basically stock, maybe just with pipes, so you are not paying for someone else's customizations you don't know if you want.

If you really want to make your $$ go further, shop outside of your local area - ie up here right now I bet there is someone who is real broke and having a real hard time selling their nice used bike; the market can be pretty slow in the winter when nobody is in a rush to buy a motorcycle, the heating bills come in, people realize they need to repair their plow truck or want a sled instead, they ask 10K you offer 7K and they very well may be in no position to refuse it etc.. etc.. Rent a uhaul and bring it home.. 7K though should be plenty for what you want anywhere though.

Jon

 

I guess the other thing to add too - it used to be a lot different with used Harleys, if you wanted something < 10 years old and clean 7K was just a touch above sportster $$.

Now they are a dime a dozen, especially those non-fairing models, as lots of people buy them new to bikes and decide they don't use it enough, or buy them and decide they need all the bells & whistles.

 

Be mindful of the early twin cams Cam Chain Tensioners. Replace them with the hydraulic version, should run around 900-1000 parts and labor.

 

Appreciate the wisdom Jon! I tend to feel the same way. I do need to familiarize myself better but I don't see a lot miles being done before I snag my first. Loving the deuce and those heavy dynas.

Thanks for the tip purpledeuce! I will address that..

 

What is your experience with riding?