Considering Buying a Harley...
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 221
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From: Southern California
Considering Buying a Harley...
Hi everyone... I currently have a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic and have been thinking of getting a Harley for a while. The problem is I can't decide which one I want. The sporters are attractive because they look nice and the price is excellent. I rented a Street Glide and a RK Classic. I really liked the ride of them both. The only thing I haven't brought myself to do is spend the $20k for one.
I am a weekend rider and plan on most of my rides being less than 100 miles. How is the ride of the Sportie 1200C? Since I currently have a bigger bike how do you think the power would compare to my metric 1600? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
I am a weekend rider and plan on most of my rides being less than 100 miles. How is the ride of the Sportie 1200C? Since I currently have a bigger bike how do you think the power would compare to my metric 1600? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
As far as power, you'll be ok. I had a buddy who rode a 1500 Mean Streak, and he couldn't keep up w/ my 01 Sporty, 883 converted to 1200.
As far as the ride, it's stiffer. Rent one and be sure you like it. It's a completely different bike than what you're used to. That said, when I gave up my Vulcan I wasn't impressed w/ my Sporty at first. But now I've grown to love it and won't go back... I'm on my 2nd XL.
As far as the ride, it's stiffer. Rent one and be sure you like it. It's a completely different bike than what you're used to. That said, when I gave up my Vulcan I wasn't impressed w/ my Sporty at first. But now I've grown to love it and won't go back... I'm on my 2nd XL.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
I have never ridden a bigger cruiser style bike... so I'm sure yours is a very comfy ride. The sporty is HDs least comfortable ride for sure.
That being said, if you are seriously going to be 100 and under (I usually stay 300 and under...) I think you'd really like the sportster. Being a smaller bike, they can really look clean and MEAN. For me, the power is more than enough - I could have even ridden an 883 for a year... but, I've loved the heck out of my sporty!!!
Also, I don't know exactly what yer looking for or why yer changing brands, but the sporty WILL give you that HD sound and feel. (With stage1 of course...) I definatly ride with the less hardcore HD crowd, like... just riding buddies, not M/Cs... and no one has ever bad mouthed my sporty...
Presonally, I love the Road King - but can't afford it right now... the sporty has been a GREAT first HD... I would reccomend to anyone.
That being said, if you are seriously going to be 100 and under (I usually stay 300 and under...) I think you'd really like the sportster. Being a smaller bike, they can really look clean and MEAN. For me, the power is more than enough - I could have even ridden an 883 for a year... but, I've loved the heck out of my sporty!!!
Also, I don't know exactly what yer looking for or why yer changing brands, but the sporty WILL give you that HD sound and feel. (With stage1 of course...) I definatly ride with the less hardcore HD crowd, like... just riding buddies, not M/Cs... and no one has ever bad mouthed my sporty...
Presonally, I love the Road King - but can't afford it right now... the sporty has been a GREAT first HD... I would reccomend to anyone.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 221
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From: Southern California
RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
My Vulcan is pretty nice... good power, smooth ride... I'm just hung up on the fact that's it's not a Harley. I like the look and sound of the Harley engine a lot more.... then again who doesn't? If I got one of the bigger Harley's then I would sell my metric. If I got a Sportster I might hold on to it for a while.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 186
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From: S.W. Florida
RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
I was surprised at how stiff my 06 883 Sportster feels. And I do get the tingling hands feeling, after say a hundred miles of cruising. Comfortable, naaa, fun, YUP!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
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From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
cootertwo,
Git yourself a pair of Kuryakyn ISO Grips with the Throttle Boss - they "isolate" the vibration to the hands and make all the difference in the world - you'll love 'em!
Thumper26
Git yourself a pair of Kuryakyn ISO Grips with the Throttle Boss - they "isolate" the vibration to the hands and make all the difference in the world - you'll love 'em!
Thumper26
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RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
ORIGINAL: joetst2
Hi everyone... I currently have a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic and have been thinking of getting a Harley for a while. The problem is I can't decide which one I want. The sporters are attractive because they look nice and the price is excellent. I rented a Street Glide and a RK Classic. I really liked the ride of them both. The only thing I haven't brought myself to do is spend the $20k for one.
I am a weekend rider and plan on most of my rides being less than 100 miles. How is the ride of the Sportie 1200C? Since I currently have a bigger bike how do you think the power would compare to my metric 1600? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Hi everyone... I currently have a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic and have been thinking of getting a Harley for a while. The problem is I can't decide which one I want. The sporters are attractive because they look nice and the price is excellent. I rented a Street Glide and a RK Classic. I really liked the ride of them both. The only thing I haven't brought myself to do is spend the $20k for one.
I am a weekend rider and plan on most of my rides being less than 100 miles. How is the ride of the Sportie 1200C? Since I currently have a bigger bike how do you think the power would compare to my metric 1600? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Still prefer the Roadstar for two up touring if it will be more than overnight, but that could just be a seat issue.
Cheers,
Mark
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
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From:
RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
This is my first bike an 01 883 and very happy with it.I find the
power to be just fine even with a passenger on.You won't be
disappointed.
power to be just fine even with a passenger on.You won't be
disappointed.
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Joined: May 2005
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RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
I've got a 1200 C.....my dad and unchel both ride Victory bikes.....i can keep up with my unchels 92 cube but not my dads 100 cube motor with a 6 speed.....it's not the most comfortable harley but very fun to ride.....the power is good also....i'm putting a set of 16 inch apes and a solo spring seat and that will make all the difference in the world on a trip....my one buddy has a similar set up im doing and he rides all day in comfort......their are TONS of aftermarket parts out there too.....you can make them look VERY GOOD.....Go for it....you won't be disapointed.....get a 04 and up....rubbermounted much smother ride and power compared to the 03 and older like i have
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: Considering Buying a Harley...
My 2 cents...
I think you'd love the 1200C - decent power/weight (especially with Stage 1) so you shouldn't feel like you're lagging too much behind the Vulcan. And with a good seat, you can log 300+ mile days no problem...
And even though this is a Sporty section (and I have and love my 883!), have you considered the Dynas? Much less (at MSRP starting around $12k) than the other BT's and you get a little more size and more cubes...
If ya join the Sporty family, though, it's like no other!
Good luck with your choice!
I think you'd love the 1200C - decent power/weight (especially with Stage 1) so you shouldn't feel like you're lagging too much behind the Vulcan. And with a good seat, you can log 300+ mile days no problem...
And even though this is a Sporty section (and I have and love my 883!), have you considered the Dynas? Much less (at MSRP starting around $12k) than the other BT's and you get a little more size and more cubes...
If ya join the Sporty family, though, it's like no other!
Good luck with your choice!