Considering an HD
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71
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Considering an HD
I'm new and have never posted here before. Thought I might hang out here for a while and read up on the Harley's. I'm a metric guy and currently own a Honda VTX 1300C. I have nothing agaist HD or any other bikes. Recently I have decided to look at the HD. To make a long story short, I like what I see. Perhaps it was a money issue back then? I really like what I see at the stealership though. The bike I'm leaning towards is a Road King Custom. I have lots of questions regarding the the world of HD, but my biggest is the dependablity and wrenching. I like to do my own work and rarely do I take a bike to the shop. What can a guy expect for being a first time HD owner and owning a newer bike?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA (live in Manteca, CA)
RE: Considering an HD
First welcome to the forum. I'm not a wrench however I have did a couple of things to my bike that I surprise myself with. Get you Manual and you should be good since you are a wrench. Good Luck.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Mentor, Ohio
RE: Considering an HD
Michael,
Welcome to the forum. Mine is a daily rider, I have had no problem with reliability and from what I have read here, I don't expect any. Just a pain to wash after getting caught in the rain.
[IMG]local://upfiles/3520/7D2EA9F57A524142A9FF73BD0C7ADD71.jpg[/IMG]
Welcome to the forum. Mine is a daily rider, I have had no problem with reliability and from what I have read here, I don't expect any. Just a pain to wash after getting caught in the rain.
[IMG]local://upfiles/3520/7D2EA9F57A524142A9FF73BD0C7ADD71.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 592
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Considering an HD
I think Harley makes a pretty reliable machine these days- I've had the same Deuce for almost 4 years/11k miles, and it required nothing more than routine maintainence.
I do wish harley would get their heads out of there a** and start putting beefier motors and brakes on all of the bikes. V-Rod aside, I think they are underpowered and the brakes aren't very good. You remedy both issues with some modifications though.
I do wish harley would get their heads out of there a** and start putting beefier motors and brakes on all of the bikes. V-Rod aside, I think they are underpowered and the brakes aren't very good. You remedy both issues with some modifications though.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
RE: Considering an HD
Welcome to the Forum from Alabama! HD is a great choice no matter what model. Alot of people here do their own work and I can tell you form experience that all the tech help you might need is right here. Working on a Harley isn't rocket science for most things. Check out the DIY part of the forum. You will read posts that seem like we are bashing our own rides but we all love our Harleys and most wouldn't ride anything else. Problems come up with any brand and owners will always have something that needs to be improved/fixed/explained. If you have a question-ask. Enjoy the ride.[8D]
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,388
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From: Dallas,Texas
RE: Considering an HD
Welcome to HDFORUMS. you can get most question's answered by members. Or 2 of the MOD'S are wrench's.
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,081
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, Arizona
RE: Considering an HD
Howdy for Phx, AZ!
The King is a nice ride. I flipped flopped so much on my ride choice that I was driving my wife crazy! The Ultra won out in the end.
I too had rode metrics up til now. I'm never going back. The other bikes I had were just that, bikes. Its hard to explain but the intruder I had would never really draw comments and discussions like my Harley does. Heck I have conversations with people (cagers and other riders) at stop lights now. That never happened on the Suzuki.
And this happens a lot. Stopping at a Quick Trip store on the Intruder would get a couple of "Nice Bike" or "Nice Ride" from people as they were passing by. The Harley makes people stop, look her over big time, smile and then the comment comes (Usually more involved than Nice ride) and a conversation starts up for a few minutes.
The King is a nice ride. I flipped flopped so much on my ride choice that I was driving my wife crazy! The Ultra won out in the end.
I too had rode metrics up til now. I'm never going back. The other bikes I had were just that, bikes. Its hard to explain but the intruder I had would never really draw comments and discussions like my Harley does. Heck I have conversations with people (cagers and other riders) at stop lights now. That never happened on the Suzuki.
And this happens a lot. Stopping at a Quick Trip store on the Intruder would get a couple of "Nice Bike" or "Nice Ride" from people as they were passing by. The Harley makes people stop, look her over big time, smile and then the comment comes (Usually more involved than Nice ride) and a conversation starts up for a few minutes.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: sarasota, fl
RE: Considering an HD
Most new HD's are very dependable. Be careful what changes you make - read a lot in the forums and you'll learn from all the posts here. Buy the factory service manual and "Fix My Hog" dvd. Those plus the forum members can take you through about anything you'll need or want to do yourself.
Also, try renting one before you commit to purchase. Our dealer has a $75 rate for open to close (9-5:30) and you can switch bikes at he halfway point. You will get some idea of how the different models feel.
Good luck - summer's almost here so get going!!
Also, try renting one before you commit to purchase. Our dealer has a $75 rate for open to close (9-5:30) and you can switch bikes at he halfway point. You will get some idea of how the different models feel.
Good luck - summer's almost here so get going!!