Impressions after first Harley experience.. confused!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
You never know till you ride them or at least go sit on them. When I first went looking, I was in the market for a fatboy, but once I saw the retro look of the heritage and deluxe, I was sold. (them both being about the same bike underneath). Stripped mine down and it's exactly the bike I want.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
A Harley's not a "sport bike", not a "crotch rocket". It's a rider, cruiser. The one you had was a rental or loaner. Dam, I'm 6'1" 265lbs. on a 94 Softail with an 88. And it hauls my *** around at speed no problem. Like previously stated Harley's aren't for everyone.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
You nailed it out of the park with this one, well, when talking about the carb'ed Harleys at least. The FI ones can be just as a pain as any other bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 224
Likes: 4
From: Hamilton Ontario
See?
Well, went back to the dealer today, and had a great experience. I rode the fat boy, fat bob and a road king, and I liked all three better than my first ride on the heritage.
It also turns out that the heritage was a used bike that had been traded in. It was pretty beat up and high mileage with a short after market windshield. Maybe all part of the problem on that first ride. I wouldn't be opposed to trying another heritage, especially now that I know I prefer the ride without the windshield, but like others pointed out, it may just not be the right bike for me. I still think they're one of the best looking. I'm a fan of the classic styling and studded bags.
The fat bob had that sporty feel, and plenty of power, even bone stock. But again, thats not my primary concern. The road king was also sweet, but maybe a little too big for me all dressed up. I think the fat boy was a good compromise.
I was impressed with all three bikes today. Thanks again for the guys here chiming in to help point me in the right direction. Its appreciated.
It also turns out that the heritage was a used bike that had been traded in. It was pretty beat up and high mileage with a short after market windshield. Maybe all part of the problem on that first ride. I wouldn't be opposed to trying another heritage, especially now that I know I prefer the ride without the windshield, but like others pointed out, it may just not be the right bike for me. I still think they're one of the best looking. I'm a fan of the classic styling and studded bags.
The fat bob had that sporty feel, and plenty of power, even bone stock. But again, thats not my primary concern. The road king was also sweet, but maybe a little too big for me all dressed up. I think the fat boy was a good compromise.
I was impressed with all three bikes today. Thanks again for the guys here chiming in to help point me in the right direction. Its appreciated.
You nailed it out of the park with this one, well, when talking about the carb'ed Harleys at least. The FI ones can be just as a pain as any other bike.
You've already started - you're finding the right bike for you - then you can mod it up and pay the harley tax, feel and enjoy the difference in the feeling and performance of it, and continue down a road of discovery that is not straight jacketed into RPM's and performance milestones. It's sort of integrated and more of a culture and a feeling than anything else I think. Kind of like what sports biking wants to be when it grows up.
I hope it sticks.
Last edited by Zuul; Mar 31, 2012 at 07:05 PM. Reason: had to add disco
Stage I
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
The heritage was my first ride on a shielded bike. So, my expectation was the opposite of what I got with all the wind buffeting. Thats clearly one of my confusions. I expected a more windlass ride- something that would make cruising with the half helmet better, not worse. And a bonus for keeping bugs outta my face.
I just picked up my own '12 Fat Boy. The temps here were about 50 degrees, and I rode with a 1/2 helmet and glasses. My face almost froze off. LOL. I wish I had a windshield. Come the middle of July, I don't think I'll feel the same. But, if I want one, I can always put one on.
Greg
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 52
From: Pt. Jeff Sta. L.I., N.Y.
You really need the Harley Attitude or you will never be happy. Sure there are lots of Jap, German and English bikes out there but owning a Harley is about the total American experience, buying American, riding free and customizing it to make it your own. After owning one for a while you will see what I mean. Stop at a light and see how many people comment on your bike. Park it down town and see how many people take photos of it. Meet other riders who say their next bike will be a Harley. I wouldn't trade my ride for anything. Choose well but remember, nothing beats a Harley Davidson.
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Joe Kucinski
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 23
From: MD just outside DC
You test rode one bike. Test more of them. From what you said maybe a sportie (I had one and put 27 k on it they can be fun rides) or I am fan of the deluxe (since I have one) but all the bikes ride different. The wind also was the stock windshield and your own height. many people change out their seat and handlebars which change the ride. But if you want speed and pick up then think about a sportie 1200 since with the weight it makes it pretty quick.
But like people have said don't expect it ride like other bikes but try more harleys.
Good luck.
But like people have said don't expect it ride like other bikes but try more harleys.
Good luck.
I can only go on personal experience. I owned a few metrics, the whole time I wanted a Harley but couldn't afford one (life & kids). Finally got a deal on an 883 sporty that ono had 126 miles on it. Was slower than any of the metrics I've had but the feel & the sound was what I always dreamed of. Then during free ride days at the local stealership I test drove a Deluxe while it wasnt any faster then my sporty (which I stage 1'd) the feel of that bike was on a whole different level. Hated the fact stock it sounded like a sewing machine & pulled like a Diahatsu but after the sporty I knew the Harley tax mustr be paid. A few thousand dollars later on mods it pulls a good as any metric I've owned, sounds like a beast in heat going down the road & I don't feel like a fool with ***** envy when Harleys pull up next to me (that was my most hated thing about the metrics). The most important thing to remember when buying a new Harley is your buying a blank canvas that with time & money can be molded into a reflection of your personality & riding style.