Advice on first Harley
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 3
From: Inland Empire, So Cal
I have both a 96 inch 6 speed with EFI and an 88 inch 5 speed with carb. They are both good bikes, but if you can find a smoking deal on a used carb 88/5, I wouldn't let the newer engine/trans/EFI be a deal breaker if I were you. The EFI is convenient, but I'll tell you this much, my carb 88 runs alot cooler than the 96 EFI. The 6 speed is nice, but does not really make that big of a difference in my opinion. Heck, I don't even use it until 75mph. Good luck with your choice. Since you plan on having it a long time, take your time. I have bought both new and used bikes, but have most likely bought my last new one when I purchased the Heritage. Too many good deals on lightly used bikes out there where you do not have to take the depreciation hit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I agree with everyone. I just sold my yamaha roadstar and traded for a 2007 flhx street glide. I am so excited, my first harley. I really like the new engine, efi, 6 speed tranny. I am in love with the street glide. I have alays wanted that one since introduced. I took a little hit on my roady but it is worth it now. Can't wait to go for my first ride on my sg
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
I was like you...but had a Sportster and wanted a big twin. Sat on every bike in the dealer...until I sat on a Lowrider. It fit me perfect and the angle of the seat to the hand grips took all the strain off my neck & back by just sitting on it...it fit me perfectly....SOLD. 
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
I personally prefer the EFI, but I know alot of people that prefer carb and you'll get a mixed bag of responses. If your going to do alot of Highway riding the 6-speed might be nice otherwise there is really no need. I love the look of the Duece and it has low miles. Even though it's older I would seriously consider it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
Harley Davidson spends a lot of money.
And the HD dealerships spend a lot of time puttin on Demo rides.
They do this so you can take the time to go and sign up to do the Demo rides.
You have to have a M for motorcycle on yer drivers license.
And you have to have long pants and they perfer you have boots on.
You can ride everything from the sportster up.
what might catch yer eye. and feel good to sit on might not ride like what you expected.
And after you ride all the bikes are the dealership you will have vastly improved yer knowledge on what bike you like best.
And I've seen a lot of people that liked one bike only to find something else that they hadn't even considered that rode better.
I have a friend that has a 07 Deuce that hes been ridin for a few years.
he's never ridden or considered a bagger.
A couple weeks ago, I let him ride my Electra Glide Standard.
He came back with a big smile on his face.
He said I like that bike, it rides much smoother and takes the curves with ease compared to my Deuce.
I never imagined that I would like that bike.
I never imagined I would ever progress to a Big bike like that.
I'm blowed away.
His girlfreind also said, I like it better too.
When he left he was talkin to his girlfriend and nobody could wipe the smile off his face.
So take the advantage that Harley offers and go to Demo rides.
You can go to the HD dealerships around you and sign up for them on the computer.
Call the dealerships or go in and ask when they will have Demo rides.
You can go to them as far away as you like.
I've ridden 100 miles to ride a demo ride, only to go and demo them again at another dealership.
Ride as many of them that you can. you will enjoy the ridin different bikes and learn more than you can imagine.
It will be the best advice anybody can give you.
And the HD dealerships spend a lot of time puttin on Demo rides.
They do this so you can take the time to go and sign up to do the Demo rides.
You have to have a M for motorcycle on yer drivers license.
And you have to have long pants and they perfer you have boots on.
You can ride everything from the sportster up.
what might catch yer eye. and feel good to sit on might not ride like what you expected.
And after you ride all the bikes are the dealership you will have vastly improved yer knowledge on what bike you like best.
And I've seen a lot of people that liked one bike only to find something else that they hadn't even considered that rode better.
I have a friend that has a 07 Deuce that hes been ridin for a few years.
he's never ridden or considered a bagger.
A couple weeks ago, I let him ride my Electra Glide Standard.
He came back with a big smile on his face.
He said I like that bike, it rides much smoother and takes the curves with ease compared to my Deuce.
I never imagined that I would like that bike.
I never imagined I would ever progress to a Big bike like that.
I'm blowed away.
His girlfreind also said, I like it better too.
When he left he was talkin to his girlfriend and nobody could wipe the smile off his face.
So take the advantage that Harley offers and go to Demo rides.
You can go to the HD dealerships around you and sign up for them on the computer.
Call the dealerships or go in and ask when they will have Demo rides.
You can go to them as far away as you like.
I've ridden 100 miles to ride a demo ride, only to go and demo them again at another dealership.
Ride as many of them that you can. you will enjoy the ridin different bikes and learn more than you can imagine.
It will be the best advice anybody can give you.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From:
You can buy a new used bike for thousands of dollars less than brand new. 4 million RUB's out there that buy a bike, add pipes, stage 1 kit, pegs, grips, and other assorted parts that they will never get the money back. They put 500 - 1000 miles on it and sell it. Others truly run into some bad luck. Either way, you can score big time if you shop. I traveled from central Arkansas to Chicago for my last bike and saved 2500 bucks. For me I'll take the 96 cu in and 6 sp tranny. But that's me, not you. Go with what fits you. Shop around and you can save.