H.D. dealer selling hondas
Novice
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I like the idea. I was thinking I might buy a dirt-cheap late 80's/early 90's Japanese bike (nighthawk, GS, intruder, etc) to learn on and then move up to the big show. I sat on a Forty-Eight at Southside H-D here in Indy the other day, had the sales guy take a pic while I was on the bike. I have to say I'm not crazy about how I look on a Sportster (@ 6'3/250# I look like a fat kid on a scooter). I'm probably not going to fare much better on an older bike as listed above, but they are a LOT cheaper than picking up a sportster from what I have seen.
I know there are ways around the comical size issue (Nightster Sportster has a hell of a setup on his XL1200N) but I'm not sure I want to get a bike that I might ruin during my first year because of my lack of skill and flush a lot of money down the tubes making it fit properly (mortgage + tuition = tight budget) if I'm just going to trade up to a heavy bike in a year or two.
I don't want to highjack the thread, but am I just splitting hairs here or is this a better idea than getting an HD right out of the gate?
I know there are ways around the comical size issue (Nightster Sportster has a hell of a setup on his XL1200N) but I'm not sure I want to get a bike that I might ruin during my first year because of my lack of skill and flush a lot of money down the tubes making it fit properly (mortgage + tuition = tight budget) if I'm just going to trade up to a heavy bike in a year or two.
I don't want to highjack the thread, but am I just splitting hairs here or is this a better idea than getting an HD right out of the gate?
I rode for 2 years in my early 20's (Honda CX 500, anybody remember those?) and stopped for 20 years. When I got back into it in 2009, I took the MSF course (easy enough, well worth the $300 and a weekend), and bought a low mileage 1987 Suzuki Savage. I rode it for the summer, decided I wanted a Harley after all, and bought a new XL1200C last October.
In my case, I wasn't worried so much about wrecking the bike as I was immediately ponying up big $$ for a new bike only to find that it wasn't what I wanted. Riding the Savage for a season gave me time to think it over.
As far as smaller starter bikes, I do highly recommend the Savage. It is a 650 air-cooled single, easy to work on, not fast by any means but has decent torque so you won't feel that you've outgrown it in a month like you might with a 250. Plus, it weighs only 360 lbs and handles very well. It is a small bike, however. I am OK with it for an hour or two, but I am 6', 180 lbs. For my much smaller wife (who now rides as well), it is perfect. This is an added bonus, since I now have an older bike that I can ride in the rain (that's the only real flaw with a new Harley... they are too pretty to ride in the rain).
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 59
From: Chicagoland
TNT in Quincy, IL sells darn near every manufacturer under the sun in the HD dealership. Metrics sitting right next to softtails, dirtbikes next to touring models, cats and dogs living together... it's crazy.
When you pull up to the dealership, there'll be 50-100 machines sitting outside. Metrics, dirtbikes, atv, pit-bikes, you name it. Ironically, they're not a very friendly dealership either. And high price tags on everything in there.
When you pull up to the dealership, there'll be 50-100 machines sitting outside. Metrics, dirtbikes, atv, pit-bikes, you name it. Ironically, they're not a very friendly dealership either. And high price tags on everything in there.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
For you guys that feel you are a little big for a Sport, like me (6'2" and 230), a Fat Bob tank and a custom seat will make all the difference in the world. It won't make it into a dresser, but it does turn a "chick" bike into a much nicer bike. Not that I GAF what someone else thinks about my bike, anyway.
I have owned HD's, (2), Yamahas (4 street and 2 atv) Kawasakis (1), they all have a place. I will ride with any brand of bike, as long as the rider is respectable to me. Variety is the spice of life, but then again, maybe that is why the world is so damned screwed up, lmao.
I have owned HD's, (2), Yamahas (4 street and 2 atv) Kawasakis (1), they all have a place. I will ride with any brand of bike, as long as the rider is respectable to me. Variety is the spice of life, but then again, maybe that is why the world is so damned screwed up, lmao.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,914
Likes: 4,660
From: West Texas Sandhills
My local dealer, Kent's HD in Abilene, Tx is also a dealer for Honda and Suzuki. I have seen several HD dealers selling other brands. Champion HD in Roswell, NM is another multi line HD store.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 903
Likes: 54
From: Liberty Hill, Tx.
Guess the rumor that Honda is buying out HD is true!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I cant for the life of me remember the dealer... but in Tx when I was in sport bikes.. The dealer sold HD, Yam & Zuk's all side by side. The one thing I would see sales men doing if they guys started looking at high end import bikes.
They would start the metal vs plastic debate. Walking guys between VTX's & Fatboys.
At the time was a good idea... but now given the HP & build of some of the import bikes... It really comes down to what they person is looking for.
Its a win for the customer I think. You get to really see apples to ....whatever else is out there.
They would start the metal vs plastic debate. Walking guys between VTX's & Fatboys.
At the time was a good idea... but now given the HP & build of some of the import bikes... It really comes down to what they person is looking for.
Its a win for the customer I think. You get to really see apples to ....whatever else is out there.