Commuting
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
Commuting
I drive 100 miles round trip to an office environment everyday for work, twisty 2 lane highway. I had a nightster I used to commute on and would have to fill every morning for work. After awhile I stopped riding it and come weekends I would always take the Deluxe out so I decided to sell the Nightster. Since, I have been driving my wife's car and her 2010 car now has 80,000 miles. Looking at going back into a bike for the commute and as much as I would rather have American over Japanese you can't beat the cheap oil service, mileage and low cost of ownership. I have always liked sportbikes but I think that's for a younger crowd so I am leaning towards a dual- purpose or super moto type which should be fun on twisties.
Do any of you have a different bike for a long commute or simply use your Harley and deal with the cost of servicing?
Do any of you have a different bike for a long commute or simply use your Harley and deal with the cost of servicing?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I really would like to get a touring bike be it a roadglide or BMW or a Kawi. I do 80 miles round trip year round and would like to get a bike with a faring. Just for long trips and my daily commute. I like my softie but when its a torrential down poor or temps in the teens a touring bike would be nice. I'll pass on a dual sport. I'm a big guy and I like a heavy powerful bike.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 91
From: San Diego
I've got a 42 mile one way commute. I used to ride a softail, now I am on an ultra classic.
I have a service manual, and, have become a pretty good harley wrench. I change the oil in all three holes, forks, and shocks. I've installed a tuner, pipes, slip ons, SE air cleaner, oil pressure gage, kit to keep the driving lights on with the high beam, kit to turn the tour pack lights into turn signal indicators, a new am/radio antenna wire, and have done my brakes.
If you are going to put the miles on a HD you really need to think about doing your own maintenance. It is not really all that hard, just have to have patience, good selection of tools, and a desire to know your ride as well as save some serious $$$$. You will find you get a lot of self satisfaction doing it your self.
But, please remember, if you have to force it, you will probably break something. I have never been able to figure out how a lot of my buds can afford to take their bikes to the dealer for every little thing that needs to be done.
I have a service manual, and, have become a pretty good harley wrench. I change the oil in all three holes, forks, and shocks. I've installed a tuner, pipes, slip ons, SE air cleaner, oil pressure gage, kit to keep the driving lights on with the high beam, kit to turn the tour pack lights into turn signal indicators, a new am/radio antenna wire, and have done my brakes.
If you are going to put the miles on a HD you really need to think about doing your own maintenance. It is not really all that hard, just have to have patience, good selection of tools, and a desire to know your ride as well as save some serious $$$$. You will find you get a lot of self satisfaction doing it your self.
But, please remember, if you have to force it, you will probably break something. I have never been able to figure out how a lot of my buds can afford to take their bikes to the dealer for every little thing that needs to be done.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
I did infact just purchase the shop manual so on the next service I will try doing it myself and see how that goes. Did all the servicing on the dirtbike so hopefully with the manual it's nothing to be frightened about.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: LA Beach Area
I have probably the two most contrasting bikes... a Fatboy Lo for looking good around town... and a BMW RT for long distance hauling and commuting... Love, love, love both for such different reasons.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I read a while back that a Harley doesn't cost any more than a big Honda, Kaw or Suk.. when U average it all out per Yr on maintenance cost..
Even if it was a little more,, I'll take the Harley... just me.
.
Even if it was a little more,, I'll take the Harley... just me.
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