getting my harley, torn between which model
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2008
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getting my harley, torn between which model
i fell in love with the v-rod series. that has been my bike of choice for a while now. with only a few weeks until i make a purchase, some of my friends are trying to talk me out of a v-rod, saying its too big for me. my second bike of choice would be the nightster. after really going in to depth with researching the nightster, i have also fell in love with this bike. howver, the V-rod is still at the top of my list.
the dilemma is, i'm only 5 ft 6 inches, 150 lbs. while i love the v-rod, i'm wondering if i will regret it in the long run because of my height. i admit, the nightster is much more easy for me to balance, control and overall reach... but i LOVE the v-rod.
any suggestions or input?
the dilemma is, i'm only 5 ft 6 inches, 150 lbs. while i love the v-rod, i'm wondering if i will regret it in the long run because of my height. i admit, the nightster is much more easy for me to balance, control and overall reach... but i LOVE the v-rod.
any suggestions or input?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
Both bikes just ooze steeze. Nu skool vs. re-newed school. Can't really go wrong here.
The questions then are:
1) Are you an experienced rider?
2) Are you new to Harley culture? (maybe you know people who have 'em even if this is your first\\; maybe not)
I ask because an experienced rider will know what s/he likes in a bike. The stripped down approach to the NIghtster appeals to some\\; the high-tech bad-***-ness of the VRSC appeals to others. You should know what you like: minimalist with style\\; tradition+technology in a high-performance machine.
Also, most folks new to Harleys will suffer from cubic-inch envy in a year. In other words, people will have a lot of fun with Sportsters for a year and then feel insecure about having a "small" Harley (even though a NIghtster will blow away any other stock air-cooled Harley). But, I'm guessing you're not going to fall for this. The V-Rods have smaller engines then the "big twins" but slay 'em low-end, high-end and everything in between.
GO ride them both adn be honest about what you will use the bike for.
The questions then are:
1) Are you an experienced rider?
2) Are you new to Harley culture? (maybe you know people who have 'em even if this is your first\\; maybe not)
I ask because an experienced rider will know what s/he likes in a bike. The stripped down approach to the NIghtster appeals to some\\; the high-tech bad-***-ness of the VRSC appeals to others. You should know what you like: minimalist with style\\; tradition+technology in a high-performance machine.
Also, most folks new to Harleys will suffer from cubic-inch envy in a year. In other words, people will have a lot of fun with Sportsters for a year and then feel insecure about having a "small" Harley (even though a NIghtster will blow away any other stock air-cooled Harley). But, I'm guessing you're not going to fall for this. The V-Rods have smaller engines then the "big twins" but slay 'em low-end, high-end and everything in between.
GO ride them both adn be honest about what you will use the bike for.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Lady's Island SC
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
Definitely go to a dealer a rent one of each for a day. A short trip around the block is not an accurate test of whether you'll like the bike. Once you bought it it will be tough to change if you're not happy. Did you try a Deluxe? Low seat height and balanced real well. \\; Good Luck!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
these bikes are at the opposite ends of the hd spectrum. there almost couldn't be more diffs between any \\;2 models. you should def ride both a few times.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 3
From: Inland Empire, So Cal
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
I have always wanted an XL1200C Sportster, but was told by others that I would grow out of it and want to trade it in and would loose big bucks doing this. \\; So, I went down to the dealer with all intentions of buying a Dyna Super Glide. \\; As I was chatting with the sales person to buy a \\;Dyna, my eyes kept wandering over to this Vivid Black 1200C. Well to make a long story short, I bought what I wanted and not what others said I \\;should get. \\; I have no regrets.
 \\;
Don't listen to your friends and buy the bike you want. \\; Size should not be an issue for you. \\; I'm only 2 inches taller and have sat on them all. \\; The only model I felt I was too short for was the Dyna Wide Glide. \\; That bike is just set up for tall folks. \\; However, seat heights foot and hand \\;controls can be adjusted to make \\;all the models fit a certain stature. \\; Get what \\;your heart is set on and you will avoid the costly mistake of trading in early. Good luck and have fun with your shopping experience.
 \\;
Don't listen to your friends and buy the bike you want. \\; Size should not be an issue for you. \\; I'm only 2 inches taller and have sat on them all. \\; The only model I felt I was too short for was the Dyna Wide Glide. \\; That bike is just set up for tall folks. \\; However, seat heights foot and hand \\;controls can be adjusted to make \\;all the models fit a certain stature. \\; Get what \\;your heart is set on and you will avoid the costly mistake of trading in early. Good luck and have fun with your shopping experience.
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Joined: May 2008
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RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
Same dilemma here.I keep looking at Road Kings and like them including the non counter balanced engine.BUT everthing I want is on a Heritage Classic.Some Fatboys have all that I want on them also.I want a Road King that looks like a Heritage including the handlebars. I plan on one or two what I call long trips from Georgia maybe Florida coast to Texas.Help! LOL
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Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 75
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From:
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
I am a short rider as well 5' 7" and 180lbs. \\; I rode a Buell, Vrod and then a Fatboy. \\; I ended up on the 08 Fatboy, the Buell was not even a option and the Vrod made me bend way forward to ride. \\; I am 49 and have had a 1972 stroker since 1980. \\; At times I still have a need for speed. \\; I thought I needed the added performance, but after a month on the 08 Fatboy \\;with the 96" motor I feel I got a good riding bike for my size and can still get a nice thrill from the 96" motor as needed. Believe me my old 72 stroker is fast 120+ hp, and will run streight line with a Vrod easy. \\; 99% of the time it just don't matter, go for the bike you feel rides the best for you.
 \\;
 \\;
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,003
From: Charleston, SC
RE: getting my harley, torn between which model
Give yourself a break, 5' 6" is NOT short. \\; At your height you could handle a Street Glide. \\; My wife does....
She also has a Street Bob and has ridden a Softail heritage without any problem at all. \\; She weighs less than you.
 \\;
As much as I like the V-Rod (because it's fast) there are ton more HD bikes out there you could choose from.
If you plan on riding more than 50 miles at a time, you might want to think about buying a bike with bags and a windshield.
 \\;
Just about any HD bike can be lowered... and don't go buying a bike your going to grow out of in a year (nightster).
 \\;
Just my observations.
 \\;
lp
She also has a Street Bob and has ridden a Softail heritage without any problem at all. \\; She weighs less than you.
 \\;
As much as I like the V-Rod (because it's fast) there are ton more HD bikes out there you could choose from.
If you plan on riding more than 50 miles at a time, you might want to think about buying a bike with bags and a windshield.
 \\;
Just about any HD bike can be lowered... and don't go buying a bike your going to grow out of in a year (nightster).
 \\;
Just my observations.
 \\;
lp