New Old Guy
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Portage Michigan
New Old Guy
Hi gang, been hanging around for about half a year, joined last month and want to say this is a great place any kind of info on motorcycles. You guys & gals have already given me tons of answers to questions I had pounding in my head. This is my 1st post because I just ordered a 09 RK Classic today and it only took me 50 years. So settle in, grab a beer or a coffee or whatever you prefer cause here's my story. Back in Detroit as a kid in I had already been bitten by the Harley bug, I was fascinated by the loud 2 wheel machines. By the time I turned 15 yrs. old I decided I wanted a blue Sporster. (loved the rake of the handlebars) Back then at the downtown Detroit Harley Davidson dealership they would allow anyone to put money into an account which could increase until there was enough cash for a down payment or you were old enough to purchase a bike. No fees, no penalty even if you withdrew your total. I had $850.00 in my account but was still 17 years old & I knew my dad wouldn't sign on the dotted line for a new bike so I was stuck dreamin about the open road. Then at the place where I worked a guy was selling his Triumph Bonneville. He had the tank painted a bright candy orange and it hypnotized me into drawing my money out of the Harley account & scrounging up the rest of the bucks I needed to buy the Trumpet. It was a great bike had some power and seemed to always run with little maintenance. I rode that bike into my 20's throughly enjoyed it but back in the corner of my mind I always regretted not waiting another 4 months and purchasing the Harley. Then along came marriage, kids, $40 a week for milk for three boys, sports, college and of course all the other stuff that goes along with a growing family. Long story short (which is kinda late now) the bike was sold with the idea of always getting another. Well, after 32 years together we went thru a divorce which had to happen, no regrets we still talk. And in the process of looking for a new place to make my home I found a place to rent and when I opened the garage to check it out there was a bike in the corner. It was at night and no bulb in the ceiling fixture but I got excited because the bike looked like a Harley RK.
But after throwing some light on the motorcycle it turned out to be a 650 1999 Honda Shadow Ace Delux. I found out they called it shadow because it resembled a Harley Davidson. I ended up buying the bike for $3100.00 and have rode it for the last five years. Not a bad bike, rides nice with no leaks, looks pretty good and always started. Could use a little more power and did shake a little when I hit the xpress ways. But on the whole I was getting the same bugs in my teeth as you guys & girls were. Alright now here comes the closing - After five years of working day and night to pay off the 54K marriage debt (don't ask) I am in the position for my first Harley and it only took 50 years to do so. As stated before, today I put down 500 beans on a vivid black Road King Classic to be delivered in March. I also bought an 09 RKC set of tank, fenders & side covers from a dealership in Ill. for $700 which I am taking to a friend of mine tomorrow who air brushes bikes & cars here in the area he's going to add some smoke blue flames. So when the RKC comes in I can switch the metal and hit the road all in the same week. I want to thank the person in the HD forum who gave the "buying a Harley 101" post I used his method and got $1375.00 worth of extras which the dealership is going to put on the bike and also they are going to switch out the metal and make sure the electrical is AOK. So hopefully the salt is off the streets by the end of March. Once I find the name of the b-a-H-101 post I will thank him personally. Well that's my story gang I hope some of you are still awake. I promise no more lengthly post in the forum, mostly I just read and take in all your good advice. Ahhh, I take that back once I get riding I'll probably have a bunch of questions. - Safe riding to everyone -- Atlast09 - Gary L. :0)
But after throwing some light on the motorcycle it turned out to be a 650 1999 Honda Shadow Ace Delux. I found out they called it shadow because it resembled a Harley Davidson. I ended up buying the bike for $3100.00 and have rode it for the last five years. Not a bad bike, rides nice with no leaks, looks pretty good and always started. Could use a little more power and did shake a little when I hit the xpress ways. But on the whole I was getting the same bugs in my teeth as you guys & girls were. Alright now here comes the closing - After five years of working day and night to pay off the 54K marriage debt (don't ask) I am in the position for my first Harley and it only took 50 years to do so. As stated before, today I put down 500 beans on a vivid black Road King Classic to be delivered in March. I also bought an 09 RKC set of tank, fenders & side covers from a dealership in Ill. for $700 which I am taking to a friend of mine tomorrow who air brushes bikes & cars here in the area he's going to add some smoke blue flames. So when the RKC comes in I can switch the metal and hit the road all in the same week. I want to thank the person in the HD forum who gave the "buying a Harley 101" post I used his method and got $1375.00 worth of extras which the dealership is going to put on the bike and also they are going to switch out the metal and make sure the electrical is AOK. So hopefully the salt is off the streets by the end of March. Once I find the name of the b-a-H-101 post I will thank him personally. Well that's my story gang I hope some of you are still awake. I promise no more lengthly post in the forum, mostly I just read and take in all your good advice. Ahhh, I take that back once I get riding I'll probably have a bunch of questions. - Safe riding to everyone -- Atlast09 - Gary L. :0)
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
From: Redmond, WA
Welcome to the forum Gary and congrats on finally getting the bike of your dreams! You will love your '09 RKC. Make sure you send us some pics so we can see how those smoke blue flames look. Now all you have to do is wait for Spring.
Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,046
From: Wisconsin
Welcome, Gary. Your story sounds very much like mine. Rode a lot in the 70s and 80s, Limey bikes and a 1946 Indian. Two back surgeries and raising a family put riding on hold until 5 years ago. Was watching TV one Saturday morning and I turned to the wife and said, "I'm going to go buy a Harley". She said, "Go ahead". I didn't hesitate and headed out to the dealer. It's really changed my life.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
Welcome, you are 50 years old, they dont call them geezer glides for nothing. You are right on time. Great choice in bikes, I traded my 07 on the 09 UC but still miss the RKC. Thinking about getting a 07 FLHP trade in next year as second bike to fiddle with.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 3
Welcome Gary. Sounds like you got a great deal on the RKC.
Now it's time to meet the UPS driver and give up a nice tip. Maybe even get a cell number so you can meet a couple blocks down the street for deliveries.
Now it's time to meet the UPS driver and give up a nice tip. Maybe even get a cell number so you can meet a couple blocks down the street for deliveries.
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