First Post and first HD (advice)
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: TX
First Post and first HD (advice)
'Lo everyone!
Before I start I want to thank everyone here that reads this and contributes. I have been reading (not posting) for some time and have learned so much.
I am going to ask for some thoughts (advice) and input so I guess I will start with a little about me:
I am 41, 5'9" and 185 and have owned bikes in the past. The bikes I owned were upright sport type bikes (think Suzuki Bandit) and I rode in my early 20s. I will be taking the safety course as a refresher and to get my license.
I have spent a lot of time reading, talking to friends and sitting on bikes at the local HD shop. the Sportster is nice but does not give me the feel I want. I have moved up to the Dynas and the FBob seems to be right up my alley...good strong lines, thick aggressive look.....just right. I like the FBoy Lo but it seems almost "too comfortable" if that makes sense?
I will be riding solo most of the time and long trips (2-4 hours) infrequently. This bike will be pleasure riding.
With all that said, here are some questions:
-What is your take on the FBob "drag bars" for comfort? In the shop they feel good, how about on the road?
-What is reasonable to expect a dealer to move on the $15k price tag? I want this to be a pleasant experience and don't want price to dominate the conversation. I know they need to make a profit so any guidance on realistic / fair pricing would be helpful.
- I want to add V&H Big Shots and have the dealer do the fuel setup (power pack?)...which is better...the HD interface or the power pack?
-How long did it take you to adjust to forward controls when you first rode with them? I can see where they would be great for riding but my mind keeps telling me it is going to feel weird when I am moving.
I appreciate any input and I know some of this would be answered by renting and test driving but I want to get some opinions while I am waiting for the course.
Thanks again in advance!
Before I start I want to thank everyone here that reads this and contributes. I have been reading (not posting) for some time and have learned so much.
I am going to ask for some thoughts (advice) and input so I guess I will start with a little about me:
I am 41, 5'9" and 185 and have owned bikes in the past. The bikes I owned were upright sport type bikes (think Suzuki Bandit) and I rode in my early 20s. I will be taking the safety course as a refresher and to get my license.
I have spent a lot of time reading, talking to friends and sitting on bikes at the local HD shop. the Sportster is nice but does not give me the feel I want. I have moved up to the Dynas and the FBob seems to be right up my alley...good strong lines, thick aggressive look.....just right. I like the FBoy Lo but it seems almost "too comfortable" if that makes sense?
I will be riding solo most of the time and long trips (2-4 hours) infrequently. This bike will be pleasure riding.
With all that said, here are some questions:
-What is your take on the FBob "drag bars" for comfort? In the shop they feel good, how about on the road?
-What is reasonable to expect a dealer to move on the $15k price tag? I want this to be a pleasant experience and don't want price to dominate the conversation. I know they need to make a profit so any guidance on realistic / fair pricing would be helpful.
- I want to add V&H Big Shots and have the dealer do the fuel setup (power pack?)...which is better...the HD interface or the power pack?
-How long did it take you to adjust to forward controls when you first rode with them? I can see where they would be great for riding but my mind keeps telling me it is going to feel weird when I am moving.
I appreciate any input and I know some of this would be answered by renting and test driving but I want to get some opinions while I am waiting for the course.
Thanks again in advance!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
1) I'd buy through private owner if you can. Right now the economy is putting Harley's at a really low price point through private seller. I haven't bought one from a dealer, so I can't help you there.,
2) I rode a sport bike for 5 years before I bought my Harley, and I can tell you, that the adjustment to front pegs and riding position took about 10 minutes.
Now had I gone from Harley to sport bike, I think it would have taken months. But for some reason, it was butter to go to the Harley after ridding such an aggressive bike.
However, what you will need to work on is the transition from lean to push/pull.
Sportbike, and aggressive standards do a lot of their turning from body lean and only really require push/pulls on very tight turns, where a Harley is going to do most of its from pushing the bars or pulling the bars (whichever you are comfortable with)
2) I rode a sport bike for 5 years before I bought my Harley, and I can tell you, that the adjustment to front pegs and riding position took about 10 minutes.
Now had I gone from Harley to sport bike, I think it would have taken months. But for some reason, it was butter to go to the Harley after ridding such an aggressive bike.
However, what you will need to work on is the transition from lean to push/pull.
Sportbike, and aggressive standards do a lot of their turning from body lean and only really require push/pulls on very tight turns, where a Harley is going to do most of its from pushing the bars or pulling the bars (whichever you are comfortable with)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
There is no easy answer to price. Depends on your market, how many dealers you shop and make compete against each other, etc. It is the dealers job to get as much as possible including finance, add-ons, extended warranty and accessories. Your job to push back, walk away and haggle or if you prefer to not play that game just buy it and enjoy.
My advice on tuners, bars and set-up would be to ride stock. Put some miles on and visit here for some specific advice to tuners another post regarding set-up, comfort or other. The major changes I made to my RKC new in 08 are gone/replaced. What I thought were the right moves pre-buy turned out to be less then satisfactory after some miles and research.
Good Luck and Welcome to the forum!
My advice on tuners, bars and set-up would be to ride stock. Put some miles on and visit here for some specific advice to tuners another post regarding set-up, comfort or other. The major changes I made to my RKC new in 08 are gone/replaced. What I thought were the right moves pre-buy turned out to be less then satisfactory after some miles and research.
Good Luck and Welcome to the forum!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
There is no such thing as being "too comfortable" on a Harley. 
I'm 5-10 and 170 so we are close to the same size. I also sat on a lot of bikes and it didn't take me long to find that the softails were the way to go.
Heck, for a couple grand more you can go with the Deluxe or Heritage and have the right bike from the get go.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
I'm 5-10 and 170 so we are close to the same size. I also sat on a lot of bikes and it didn't take me long to find that the softails were the way to go.
Heck, for a couple grand more you can go with the Deluxe or Heritage and have the right bike from the get go.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,573
Likes: 113
From: Fort Worth, TX
Welcome aboard. I also started on sportbikes, you will have no problem adjusting to a Harley. I finally installed highway pegs on my bike after not wanting them for the longest time. You know what? I can't live without the highway pegs now. Yeah, it may look weird and uncomfortable, but it's quite the opposite.
I would also try to buy used/private party but if you go the dealer route, I would not pay a penny over MSRP. We are entering prime riding season, so I don't see dealers budging on price much, but you never know. Good luck!
I would also try to buy used/private party but if you go the dealer route, I would not pay a penny over MSRP. We are entering prime riding season, so I don't see dealers budging on price much, but you never know. Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: TX
There is no such thing as being "too comfortable" on a Harley.
I'm 5-10 and 170 so we are close to the same size. I also sat on a lot of bikes and it didn't take me long to find that the softails were the way to go.
Heck, for a couple grand more you can go with the Deluxe or Heritage and have the right bike from the get go.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
I'm 5-10 and 170 so we are close to the same size. I also sat on a lot of bikes and it didn't take me long to find that the softails were the way to go.
Heck, for a couple grand more you can go with the Deluxe or Heritage and have the right bike from the get go.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
I am still really undecided though, and all this feedback helps.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: TX
Welcome aboard. I also started on sportbikes, you will have no problem adjusting to a Harley. I finally installed highway pegs on my bike after not wanting them for the longest time. You know what? I can't live without the highway pegs now. Yeah, it may look weird and uncomfortable, but it's quite the opposite.
I would also try to buy used/private party but if you go the dealer route, I would not pay a penny over MSRP. We are entering prime riding season, so I don't see dealers budging on price much, but you never know. Good luck!
I would also try to buy used/private party but if you go the dealer route, I would not pay a penny over MSRP. We are entering prime riding season, so I don't see dealers budging on price much, but you never know. Good luck!
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
1. What is your take on the FBob "drag bars" for comfort? In the shop they feel good, how about on the road?
2. What is reasonable to expect a dealer to move on the $15k price tag? I want this to be a pleasant experience and don't want price to dominate the conversation. I know they need to make a profit so any guidance on realistic / fair pricing would be helpful.
3. I want to add V&H Big Shots and have the dealer do the fuel setup (power pack?)...which is better...the HD interface or the power pack?
4. How long did it take you to adjust to forward controls when you first rode with them? I can see where they would be great for riding but my mind keeps telling me it is going to feel weird when I am moving.
1. I prefer apes, but to each his own. Think more about the grips than the bars. If they are stock grips, get rid of them asap.
2. Don't know what part of Texas you are in but around the Metroplex, most dealers are selling at MSRP and usually have some kind of different incentive to give to get you to buy from them.
3. Don't let the dealer do it. Find a good indy shop. You will save around 50% on labor.
4. I came from sport bikes years ago. The adjustment should take you less than a week. Then, if you ever hop on a bike with mids, you will soon remember why you like your forward controls.
Hope this helps you.
Last edited by nilro; May 11, 2011 at 09:28 AM.