My local HD dealer had a "test ride" day, and I enjoyed myself, being new to HD and having not yet made the commitment to buy a specific model (I like the Dyna Super Glide Custom, but the dealer won't get the '08 model I want until mid-November).

I rode the Dyna Lowrider today, and liked it. Then I rode the Fat Boy, liked that too. Kept going until I was on the Road King, liked it too. I wasn't too keen on the Sportsters, they were fine but I was surprised that the bigger twin actually was easier to balance and handle, at least for me. They are also better places for my wife to sit and enjoy the ride.

The question is: Where do you stop? The '08 Super Glide Custom base price has been cut to $12,995 in Vivid Black, a great deal. For only $2K more, the LowRider fits me a bit better (5'7"), adds a tach (which I use constantly - coming from sport bikes), a bit more chrome, a beautiful handlebar mount and the blacked out engine - all nice touches. OK, so I consider spending the extra $2K. Then I get on the Fat Boy and softail bikes, and find that the balanced engine feels very different from what I expected (less vibes at stop, pretty smooth until higher revs - enjoyable for casual, relaxed riding) and now I'm spending another $2K. Then I take out the Road King, and for only $2K more, I get a very different ride - not better or worse, but differnet. Then I talk with some RK owners and they all tell me that they started with a smaller bike and moved up - so why not just start at the top and save the money of trading? Buy the RK Classic, get the detachable windshield so you keep the wind off you on the highway, and then take it off for local riding - you get two bikes in one.

The logic seems fine, but now I've moved from a $13K ride to a $20K ride - not easy for me financially, but even harder to justify if I only ride 2-3,000 miles a year.

So, where do you stop? What do I need to consider? Where would you do?

 

Hate to break the news to you but...

.... you're screwed.

Welcome to the world of Harley lust.

 

You should just give up and buy an Ultra. Seriously, figure out what kind of riding you are going to do and if it turns out you are going to ride two up make sure you get a bike that is comfortable for the passenger.

 

buy "the" bike, get the one that works for you. solo oriented or 2-up. you will buy accessories, gear and goodies for this bike - (it's a rule!) enjoy it. just ride. when this bike doesn't "work" for you anymore, then buy another bike. this can occur after 6 months, or you might keep it for 20 years. just get the one that you can and will ride.

Obi

 

Like obi68 says accessories and gear. Count on it you can spend 5K in no time. Sooner or later you may want more performance than the Sky's the limit 7500-10K. Think about the kind of ridding your going to do. How much gear your going to want to take on a trip. TheCVO's really are a good dealin my opinion.

 

You can look at it several ways but, You can buy the bike that has the least amount of aftermarket and factory ad ons, and stop when you have them all, or you can realise that once you have them all for that bike, you'll be looking at a 'bigger' bike, with more potential.

If you want to carry stuff with you, get one that you can do that on, or you'll be wondering what the best ad on will be, and then...
Get one that is reliable, or you'll be unhappy!
I would say a bigger Question would be who's the best dealership to deal with that is honorable and wants to make your experience satisfying. This can make the difference between enjoying and staying with HD or looking at another brand of bike.
Now me, if I had someone elses money I'd get the screaming eagle ultra, why not go all the way, but I don't have someone elses money...[&o]

BTW there's a bad dealer, and a good dealer forum on here, just above the style of bike forums.

 

So many bikes, so little time.

 

2-3000 miles a year? get a sportster

 

If you are going to ride with a passenger, wife, GF whatever. Make sure the selection is comfortable for them. Not trying to add $$ to your purchase but this means acomfy seat for her & probably storage space for stuff. If she's not comfy you will ride alone. You will also find that your obligations (you & her together) will leave the bike ($$$$ you spent) sitting in the garage or starting arguments. If however you start out with her comfort in mind, as well as yours, you will get a lot more use out of it. You never get tired of "Where are we riding to today honey?"

Rini
YMMV

 

spend the extra money i have a few friend who bought sportster and traded them before they were a yr old. i bought a used sporty drove it for 2 months. my wife was lonely not being able to go with us .
stopped at the dealer for a part end up with a new rk .what 20 bucks more a month when your financing anyway

JR