When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Any bike is better than no bike! But, I have had a VStar and it was a piece of sh*t. Also had a few Honda's and they were pretty much flawless. I'd pass on the VStar and look at some Hondas.
There are Harleys out there priced for everyone, what's your budget? Buying new or used? There are RK's in the local newspaper selling for less than $10K (03', 04' w/756 mi.) with BO in the ad.
My thoughts exactly. If you want a Harley, you'll get one, simple as that, and FWIW, I would venture to say that most of us at one time or another have had to make sacrifices for our Harley's. I have anyway.
It really all depends what your priorities are don't you think?
I was in the same situation when I bought mine. But I wasn't goin to buy until I could get a Harley. I settled on a super clean 95 roadking. And only paid $5500. I may get a new one down the road but I'm really loveing this one. So if u really what a roadking and your not in hurry u can find a great used one in your price range.
I've looked at the math every way there is. If I get an old RK the term of 36-48 months pushes the payment up and then the price of a new(ER) bike just starts out too high and the payment ends up back at $300.
The Yama I found retails for 10500 and I can leave for 7500. This puts the payment at 150(ish). I've already made the phone calls and found the aftermarket parts I want.
What do you guys think? My age and eagerness are hurting me right now.
I have had Yamaha's and Honda's, nothing wrong with either one. We have a great Honda/Yamaha dealer here in Kansas that probably sells more new bikes than any other dealer in the U.S. I know of people that have flown in from the coast and bought their Goldwings and then rode them home because his prices are so good. The bike you are talking about he has for $6,500 brand new. It's an 08 leftover but it's still a brand new bike with full factory warranty. He always has great deals going on if you don't mind traveling a little. Here's a link to his website, if you have any questions let me know. http://www.kirbyssupersports.com/
My thoughts exactly. If its a pre owned Yamaha you are talking about, get it for the best deal possible and sell it next year for what ya paid for it. Just get out there and RIDE....
That's what I would do. Pre-owned so you don't take a huge depreciation hit if you go to HD. I road my Honda 3 years and exactly broke-even
As a former Yamaha Road Star owner and POTENTIAL (just read the "trans leak" thread) HD owner, I say take a look at the Yamaha Road Star, too. They have a solid 102 CI motor, single pin crankshaft, like a Harley (nice, loping "potato-potato" exhaust note) and they are bullet-proof. I loved mine.
If you can find a Roadliner or Stratoliner those bikes are awesome. I had an 06 Roadliner. Those things are rocket ships. Plus they have the single pin crank with a very nice exhaust note. 1854 cc's and right at 100 hp stock.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.