Help selecting a Harley
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 31
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Help selecting a Harley
I am interested in getting opinions on which Harely I should get. I sold my Honda ACE over a year ago b/c had a new baby, but I miss riding. I definitely want a Harley, but any input on which model would be helpful. I will use the bike to get to and from work, and for the long rides on the weekends. I really like the Dyna wide glide and the Road King. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Help selecting a Harley
My $.02
I would recommend working out a budget, keeping in mind that beautiful baby that you now have. Once you come up with what works for you, head to the local Harley shop and look them all over.
Get in the paper, go look at all of the used ones that are available. Something will just GRAB you, and you'll know.
The Sporty is a great entry level bike with TONS of options...the Dyna is sweat, but it will leave you hurting on long rides...the RK is going to be a little bit more of a "lumbering" bike as will the rest of the Tourers...
Hope this helps and good luck with your search. You could also check the thread "Why did you pick the model you did?"
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Mac
I would recommend working out a budget, keeping in mind that beautiful baby that you now have. Once you come up with what works for you, head to the local Harley shop and look them all over.
Get in the paper, go look at all of the used ones that are available. Something will just GRAB you, and you'll know.
The Sporty is a great entry level bike with TONS of options...the Dyna is sweat, but it will leave you hurting on long rides...the RK is going to be a little bit more of a "lumbering" bike as will the rest of the Tourers...
Hope this helps and good luck with your search. You could also check the thread "Why did you pick the model you did?"
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Mac
Novice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 19
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RE: Help selecting a Harley
If you look at a Sporty, I would suggest getting a 2004 or later. Also I suggest the Custom version, the larger tank, and the forward controls are a real plus. I just traded mine for a Superglide and hated to give it up. If I could have afforded to keep the Sporty, I would have but the boss would have had a fit.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 61
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RE: Help selecting a Harley
Forward controls on a sportster is the stupidist thing I've heard in a while. I can't believe the factory did it. A sporty if for carving up the road and hauling ***. You need your feet under you for that. I like the Dynas. They are by far the best handling of all the big twins. You realy get the best of both worlds with a Dyna. You get almost as good handling and acceleration as a sporty and the ability to go on longer trips being a rubber mounted big twin.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 31
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From:
RE: Help selecting a Harley
Have you thought of renting a Dyna and RK to try them out? Test rides are good but they are not long enough. It'll cost you a few bucks but it would give you a better comparison to make your choice. I came real close to buying a RK myself.
Randy
Randy
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Joined: Dec 2004
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RE: Help selecting a Harley
I have owned both the Sportster Custom and the Dyna. The forward controls on the Sportster felt great. I know that if I was using the bike for hauling ***, the controls should be below your body, but for cruising, the forwards sure are comfortable. I am not a young guy and my need for speed has waned. I want comfort and reliability so in that respect I like the Dyna best. For those who want mids or forward controls on a bike, with the Sporty you can have your pick. As for the RK, that is just too much bike for my needs.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Help selecting a Harley
One thing to consider between the Dyna and the Road King is if you plan on riding two up. If so, the Road King is a better choice. Beyond that, get the one that YOU like the best, based on ride, style, budget, etc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Help selecting a Harley
I kind of like the idea of being able to mod a bike any way you would like to...feet out for cruising, feet down for Haulin' ***..kind of cool in my book.
[sm=smiley20.gif]
Sort of what makes Harley, well, Harley. The ability to personalize anything to you.
My $.02
Mac
[sm=smiley20.gif]
Sort of what makes Harley, well, Harley. The ability to personalize anything to you.
My $.02
Mac