Prospective HD rider question
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: brooklyn
Prospective HD rider question
Hello, fellow riders. I ride for 12 years. I never had a Harley and my only American made bike was a NEW Indian Scout that spent much more time in the shop than on the road. It failed to start at colder temperatures, ABS leaked and etc. etc. etc. I got rid of changing it back to a Jap bike - Yamaha Stryker. However it is not the best choice for my longer trips - I mean for more than a few days. So I am considering a Harley as my next bike. I rode a few of HDs and all of them seemed nice. But it is not enough for me to make a decision as my Indian also felt so good after many many rides. Until I got one on my own.
My question - what is the most reliable HD in 2017- 2020. The model that is not going to let me down on a colder morning when I come out geared up to ride to work and it wakes the whole neighborhood up but fails to start anyway at the end. Electrical issues. I ride in NYC and I have no indoor parking. I have a secured parking but it is open air. So I am looking for something that is going to survive being outside as all of my Jap bikes do. Also I ride long distances - day or a multi day trips - something like 400 - 450 miles a day. So obviously I am looking for something over 1500 cc.
Thanks to all your opinions!
My question - what is the most reliable HD in 2017- 2020. The model that is not going to let me down on a colder morning when I come out geared up to ride to work and it wakes the whole neighborhood up but fails to start anyway at the end. Electrical issues. I ride in NYC and I have no indoor parking. I have a secured parking but it is open air. So I am looking for something that is going to survive being outside as all of my Jap bikes do. Also I ride long distances - day or a multi day trips - something like 400 - 450 miles a day. So obviously I am looking for something over 1500 cc.
Thanks to all your opinions!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
An Ultra will check all your boxes EXCEPT low speed maneuvering thru the streets of the city and/or the inevitable stop & go getting into and out of the city
A Softail Deluxe or Heritage [with side-cases and a windscreen will also check all the boxes for travel and be more nimble and less obnoxious in traffic.
A Softail Deluxe or Heritage [with side-cases and a windscreen will also check all the boxes for travel and be more nimble and less obnoxious in traffic.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,844
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
In NYC you want a nimble bike, not a touring bike. You need a touring bike for 400 mile trips. 2 different animals.
The more you go on the internet, the more youll get paralysis by analysis. Go to a dealer and test ride some bikes. Youll know.
The more you go on the internet, the more youll get paralysis by analysis. Go to a dealer and test ride some bikes. Youll know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 766
From: north Carolina
They are all pretty reliable. As far as most reliable goes would probably be a sportster, they are simple basic motorcycles with bulletproof engines. But they don't fit into your other requirements that would be a bigger most likely touring bike. Road king would be a good choice
Actually I change my answer, I missed the NYC part. Heritage softail would be a good choice, more nimble than touring bike but still some touring capabilities. Damn I can't imagine leaving my bike parked outside in NYC. Good luck to you sir
Actually I change my answer, I missed the NYC part. Heritage softail would be a good choice, more nimble than touring bike but still some touring capabilities. Damn I can't imagine leaving my bike parked outside in NYC. Good luck to you sir
Last edited by shodown220; Feb 4, 2020 at 02:22 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 809
From: Ormond Beach, Florida
If you want real comfort, test ride a Street Glide Special or Road Glide Special or, to have all the bells and whistles, try an Ultra limited. And then of course there are all the various CVO's. All it takes is $$$$$.
All of the Touring models use basically the same frame. The Specials have the M8 114 motor while you can get a M8 117 in a CVO. All are very powerful and from what I understand and have experienced, very reliable, if given proper care.
As a ex LINY'r I know a little about Brooklyn and the parking situation there. I presume you use a good cover to protect the bike, if not you should definately do so. And, if you buy a new one get the one that says HONDA on it so nobody will want to steal your bike
.
All of the Touring models use basically the same frame. The Specials have the M8 114 motor while you can get a M8 117 in a CVO. All are very powerful and from what I understand and have experienced, very reliable, if given proper care.
As a ex LINY'r I know a little about Brooklyn and the parking situation there. I presume you use a good cover to protect the bike, if not you should definately do so. And, if you buy a new one get the one that says HONDA on it so nobody will want to steal your bike
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,844
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I am in Manhattan right now. You dont see too many Harleys parked on the street. I did see a Heritage with saddlebags, and a soft tour pack in Midtown.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
If you want real comfort, test ride a Street Glide Special or Road Glide Special or, to have all the bells and whistles, try an Ultra limited. And then of course there are all the various CVO's. All it takes is $$$$$.
All of the Touring models use basically the same frame. The Specials have the M8 114 motor while you can get a M8 117 in a CVO. All are very powerful and from what I understand and have experienced, very reliable, if given proper care.
As a ex LINY'r I know a little about Brooklyn and the parking situation there. I presume you use a good cover to protect the bike, if not you should definately do so. And, if you buy a new one get the one that says HONDA on it so nobody will want to steal your bike.
All of the Touring models use basically the same frame. The Specials have the M8 114 motor while you can get a M8 117 in a CVO. All are very powerful and from what I understand and have experienced, very reliable, if given proper care.
As a ex LINY'r I know a little about Brooklyn and the parking situation there. I presume you use a good cover to protect the bike, if not you should definately do so. And, if you buy a new one get the one that says HONDA on it so nobody will want to steal your bike
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: brooklyn
NYPD is cruel nowadays. they don't give you tickets anymore but impound your bike right away. I am not planning to park on the street. I meant that at home at my condo, my parking is outside. There is no way I am leaving even my 25 K miles $ 4000 worth Yamaha in NYC. It will be taken or knocked over in an hour