Mind sharing your knowledge with a new guy? ;)
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Sweden baby!
Mind sharing your knowledge with a new guy? ;)
Greetings from a cold Sweden,
My friends thought i was mad for suddenly selling off my honda CBR blackbird with the intent of purchasing a Harley. Neither did they think i was sane when i mumbled something about "damn plastic bikes have no soul.." and that i want a nice cruiser instead of a screaming banzai machine.
Yet here i am, problem is though that i know nothing about Harley's. And here is where i wonder if you guys could help me shed some light on what bike to purchase. at first i was looking at a 2004 sportster 1200, but since i'm a pretty tall guy at 6"5 and 220pounds and the bike's pretty small and nimble some indicated that it might just look ridicilous.
To hell with what people thinks, but it made me wonder since i do not know much about this brand, perhaps a older dyna, or softail is better to look at?
How is the quality, and engines of say a -97 dyna or softail for instance? And what should i look after when buying a used harley, any faults that are common or is there a page out there that can help me with tips for buying used?
Since i have no buddies that ride harley, and since I cannot located a Swedish HD forum I'll have to take my answers to you guys.
I mostly ride around town and shorter daytrips, but a weeklong trip is in the planning phase so it'll have to cope with that aswell.
So guys, anyone willing to help a disorientated swede?
My friends thought i was mad for suddenly selling off my honda CBR blackbird with the intent of purchasing a Harley. Neither did they think i was sane when i mumbled something about "damn plastic bikes have no soul.." and that i want a nice cruiser instead of a screaming banzai machine.
Yet here i am, problem is though that i know nothing about Harley's. And here is where i wonder if you guys could help me shed some light on what bike to purchase. at first i was looking at a 2004 sportster 1200, but since i'm a pretty tall guy at 6"5 and 220pounds and the bike's pretty small and nimble some indicated that it might just look ridicilous.
To hell with what people thinks, but it made me wonder since i do not know much about this brand, perhaps a older dyna, or softail is better to look at?
How is the quality, and engines of say a -97 dyna or softail for instance? And what should i look after when buying a used harley, any faults that are common or is there a page out there that can help me with tips for buying used?
Since i have no buddies that ride harley, and since I cannot located a Swedish HD forum I'll have to take my answers to you guys.
I mostly ride around town and shorter daytrips, but a weeklong trip is in the planning phase so it'll have to cope with that aswell.
So guys, anyone willing to help a disorientated swede?
Last edited by Edlund; Jun 5, 2009 at 03:15 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 3
From: Inland Empire, So Cal
I owned a 1200 Sportster and at my size, 5'8" an 175 pounds, I loved it. You sir are too big for a Sportster in my opinion. Take a look at a Dyna Wide Glide. It's good bike for taller folks.
Last edited by travroc; Jun 5, 2009 at 03:22 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Welcome to the forum.
I think you're right, you wouldn't be happy with a Sportster for very long. A good dyna or softtail will fit your needs very well.
In reference to your question, any of the late 90's or early 2000's bike will be good for you as long as they were taken care of. If you buy one from a dealership, most likely it is in good condition. If you buy one from a local person, I'd want to see their maintenance records. "They don't have maintenance records"?? Well, then it's up to you. If the bike is immaculate, chances are it was well maintained also. But be leary of anyone that doesn't give you straight forward answers to any maintenance questions or questions about any problems. You can also get the VIN and have your local dealership see if there is any issues with that bike in their computers.
Good luck, and welcome to the dark side. Get ready to find better friends.
I think you're right, you wouldn't be happy with a Sportster for very long. A good dyna or softtail will fit your needs very well.
In reference to your question, any of the late 90's or early 2000's bike will be good for you as long as they were taken care of. If you buy one from a dealership, most likely it is in good condition. If you buy one from a local person, I'd want to see their maintenance records. "They don't have maintenance records"?? Well, then it's up to you. If the bike is immaculate, chances are it was well maintained also. But be leary of anyone that doesn't give you straight forward answers to any maintenance questions or questions about any problems. You can also get the VIN and have your local dealership see if there is any issues with that bike in their computers.
Good luck, and welcome to the dark side. Get ready to find better friends.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
Welcome Edlund to HD forums.
As stated previously you would be better off with either a Dyna or Softail. Also as stated by DannyZ71 if the bike appears to be in immaculate shape it probably is. I think that most H-D riders/owners probably take better care of their bikes than their cars/trucks. Good luck and let us know what you decide on .
As stated previously you would be better off with either a Dyna or Softail. Also as stated by DannyZ71 if the bike appears to be in immaculate shape it probably is. I think that most H-D riders/owners probably take better care of their bikes than their cars/trucks. Good luck and let us know what you decide on .
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From:
I'm kind of biased but, if I were you I would look for a Heritage Classic it's the most versatile bike there is. It could be a full cruiser or, take off the bags and you have a bar hopper. I've spent 800-900 mile days on it without a problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
2000 - 2004 dyna or roadking
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 825
Likes: 1
From: east moline,illinois
softail baby,screw the dyna crowd(
) lol im kidding but im partial to softails and with your height maybe with extended forward controls.then lots of women will want you 
.no girl says who owns that Honda out front? its always "whos HARLEY is that? i want a ride"
) lol im kidding but im partial to softails and with your height maybe with extended forward controls.then lots of women will want you .no girl says who owns that Honda out front? its always "whos HARLEY is that? i want a ride"
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tom from http://harleygoodies.com/ here. At your height I think you might be more comfortable on a softail than a Dyna. Deluxe, Heritage, Fatboy. Late 90's early 2000's are mostly great quality wise. Do some searching and post what you find here. We can help steer you through if it's a good bike or not.
Regards,
Tom
Harley Goodies
Regards,
Tom
Harley Goodies
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Harley has a promotion going on right now that is ride whatever you want in the showroom. They have designated bikes from each style available. Get down to the dealer and see what suits you best, nothing like trying the real thing.