Impressions after first Harley experience.. confused!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 99
From: P.E.I. Canada
Try a few different bikes out. Not every bike is made for everyone. Mine Heritage fit me perfect, but there's Harleys that just don't (none I can think of off hand, maybe the v-rod...). You might find one you like, or you might not. If there's just one or two things about the bike you don't like, they can be changed, but if you don't feel right on it, then don't buy one just because you think you need to have a Harley. Oh, and there is a bypass for the cool sensor under the seat. You don't have to be around long to know that at least a few guys figured that out.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 2
From: Detroit
V-rod might work for you, if you dont like that try a BMW. Me personally I dont think much of the metric touring bikes. They are too much like Harleys so if you are looking for something different on a high end then the BMW R 1200 RT is a nice tour machine.
A Harley isn't for everyone, sounds like its not your thing...nothing wrong with that.
A Harley isn't for everyone, sounds like its not your thing...nothing wrong with that.
Supporter
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, TX
I was really really suprised how much my bike woke up after the pipes, intake, and fuel pak. The stock configuaration sucks due to all the EPA stuff. That being said the heritage is a great bike but not for me and sounds like you might be happier with another set up. Test rides are free and will really give you a feel for all the diffrent bikes out there.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Demo them all. I have and I still haven't found one I like enough to trade my Heritage in on. Power is fine and buffeting isn't a big issue. If I wear a full face helmet it's no issue at all.
If you think the lack of power is a big issue for you, just wait till you get stuck in traffic on a hot day. Had a friend who went from metric to a Harley Ultra. I bet he had 35k invested in that thing when he sold it 3 years later for 16k. His reason for selling the Harley: Tired of roasted nuts. He now rides a Goldwing.
As others have said, Harleys aren't for everyone. You must be special. LOL.
If you think the lack of power is a big issue for you, just wait till you get stuck in traffic on a hot day. Had a friend who went from metric to a Harley Ultra. I bet he had 35k invested in that thing when he sold it 3 years later for 16k. His reason for selling the Harley: Tired of roasted nuts. He now rides a Goldwing.
As others have said, Harleys aren't for everyone. You must be special. LOL.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: United States
Dont buy a harley if you wanna race and do wheelies down the road.... I've owned a Yamaha V-star in the past and after I bought my NT I cant believe I wasted my money on that other bike with the sloppy gear shifting and the flaky plastic chrome parts(JMO, I know not all are like this). I would suggest riding a few or at least sitting on a few different ones until you find something comfortable. And you can always change the bars to get the perfect fit.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Just being honest, sorry! I'd talk just as openly about the shortcomings of any bike I've ridden or owned. 
There's been much great advice here, and I'm learning a lot. Like I've said Im not trying to step on any feet, or be offensive.
That said, thank you all.. I'm off to the dealership in the morning to try some other models as suggested
There's been much great advice here, and I'm learning a lot. Like I've said Im not trying to step on any feet, or be offensive.
That said, thank you all.. I'm off to the dealership in the morning to try some other models as suggested
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 368
Likes: 1
From: Youngsville LA
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 92
From:
You say this is the first time you rode with a windshield? On any bike, getting the right height, angle, and distance from your head to the shield to avoid buffeting can sometimes be a challenge. There are a lot of variables and its definitely not unique to Harleys. Stock shields are designed to work for the average rider. You may need one taller or shorter or different shape. I've known friends to be unhappy with a windshield buffeting or noise, change to a slightly different size of type on the same bike, and then be completely satisfied. As a general rule, I find that if the top of the windshield is at or just below eye level when sitting on the bike, this will give the best all-around performance.
Welcome Aboard and Hope you find the ride that finds you 
As I always say: The Rider Does Not Choose The Bike, The Bike Chooses the Rider"
I use to be a speed demon from motocross racing to crotch rockets, but a Harley was always my dream bike and since then I have never looked back or at any other bikes out there. HD are the best built bikes in my opinion and wish one day I can get my hands on a knuckle head and a shovel head for my collection.
As for the speed demon in me: I have a Challenger
SRT8 for that little monster inside me 
.
As I always say: The Rider Does Not Choose The Bike, The Bike Chooses the Rider"
I use to be a speed demon from motocross racing to crotch rockets, but a Harley was always my dream bike and since then I have never looked back or at any other bikes out there. HD are the best built bikes in my opinion and wish one day I can get my hands on a knuckle head and a shovel head for my collection.
As for the speed demon in me: I have a Challenger
SRT8 for that little monster inside me .