Someone Please tell me why...
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Another question...Have you gone on any rides with packs, such as a poker run or other group ride where you're one of a couple of hundred hogs? If not, try that...it really is something else! You might like your bike more afterward, as "like" is a psychological state which can be affected by experiences, good or bad.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
I've been riding Harley's for 20 years now, along with other brands, Moto Guzzi's mostly.
I bought my 2011 Road King knowing full well the 2012's would all have the 103. Most of us theorized since the 2011's first came out that the 2012 Touring line would all have 103's the way things were progressing. Didn't make a damn bit of difference to me because I like the 96 just fine. It is one of the sweetest running motors I have ever had, and I have ridden allot of different bikes. It pulls like a train, and has the smoothest throttle response I have ever experienced on a fuel injected bike!
My bike is bone stock and I am loving it this way, and I have no plans to touch it.
After hearing all the heat complaints, I was a bit worried it would fry my legs off.
I had a 2002 RK that was just fine in the heat department, and was a little apprehensive about this.
Well, it's not hot! Well, no hotter than what I consider normal, and I can tell no difference in heat from my 2002. But I don't ride in shorts and always wear mid calf height riding boots.
Does you wife ride with proper riding boots and at least heavy denim jeans? If not, this will really help with how much heat she feels.
Also there should be many easy, and relatively cheap fixes for foot placement issues that are causing her to hit the bag guard.
I do believe Harley should upgrade the rear shocks. Many never have a complaint, but the aftermarket has some much better performing shocks out there.
I am always amazed at the different perceptions people have riding the same bike.
I bought my 2011 Road King knowing full well the 2012's would all have the 103. Most of us theorized since the 2011's first came out that the 2012 Touring line would all have 103's the way things were progressing. Didn't make a damn bit of difference to me because I like the 96 just fine. It is one of the sweetest running motors I have ever had, and I have ridden allot of different bikes. It pulls like a train, and has the smoothest throttle response I have ever experienced on a fuel injected bike!
My bike is bone stock and I am loving it this way, and I have no plans to touch it.
After hearing all the heat complaints, I was a bit worried it would fry my legs off.
I had a 2002 RK that was just fine in the heat department, and was a little apprehensive about this.Well, it's not hot! Well, no hotter than what I consider normal, and I can tell no difference in heat from my 2002. But I don't ride in shorts and always wear mid calf height riding boots.
Does you wife ride with proper riding boots and at least heavy denim jeans? If not, this will really help with how much heat she feels.
Also there should be many easy, and relatively cheap fixes for foot placement issues that are causing her to hit the bag guard.
I do believe Harley should upgrade the rear shocks. Many never have a complaint, but the aftermarket has some much better performing shocks out there.
I am always amazed at the different perceptions people have riding the same bike.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Jack, I'm curious as to how much air you're running in your rear shocks? Did you refer to the owner's manual for the correct pressure?
I know it seems like a no-brainer, but when I ran the pressure at what the manual recommended, it was and is a sweet ride. That holds true for the '05 ElectraGlide Classic I had, the '09 ElectraGlide Classic I had and the '11 Road King Classic I have now.
I know it seems like a no-brainer, but when I ran the pressure at what the manual recommended, it was and is a sweet ride. That holds true for the '05 ElectraGlide Classic I had, the '09 ElectraGlide Classic I had and the '11 Road King Classic I have now.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Ozarkistan
You're not telling them anything they don't already know. Just don't give them any new ideas!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
Living with something is different from a test ride. That applies to cars, motorcycles, and women.
Most motorcycle designers design the bike to work for a large percentage of people but there will always be some that want/need a different seat, different handlebars, etc.
In my perspective, my HD requires no more maintenance that the other bikes I have ridden. Change the oil (three places), flush the brake fluid, and keep the drive belt adjusted (in two years the adjustment on mine hasn't changed). With the hydraulic valve lifters, it requires no periodic valve clearance checks as some of my other bikes did. One should check fasteners periodically on any bike and especially on a Harley.
I can change my own oil and check the belt so my bike has not been back for service since I bought it. If you can do these things, there is no reason for you to pay the $350-$400 for service either. Spend about $60 for the factory service manual so you can get torque specs and instructions on how to perform services on the bike.
In regards to the saddlebag guards, does your bike have passenger floorboards or pegs? With floorboards, the passenger can move their feet around while riding to find a more comfortable position, including further out to get away from some of the heat or further forward to get away from the saddlebag guards. As someone else mentioned, they can also be adjusted up and down as needed.
I have buyer's remorse every time I buy a different car or motorcycle. I start comparing it to the one I had before and start thinking how it was better than the new one. Then I realize that if it was so good, why did I get rid of it? Eventually that feeling goes away.
I hope you find a way for both you and your passenger to be happy with the purchase.
Most motorcycle designers design the bike to work for a large percentage of people but there will always be some that want/need a different seat, different handlebars, etc.
In my perspective, my HD requires no more maintenance that the other bikes I have ridden. Change the oil (three places), flush the brake fluid, and keep the drive belt adjusted (in two years the adjustment on mine hasn't changed). With the hydraulic valve lifters, it requires no periodic valve clearance checks as some of my other bikes did. One should check fasteners periodically on any bike and especially on a Harley.
I can change my own oil and check the belt so my bike has not been back for service since I bought it. If you can do these things, there is no reason for you to pay the $350-$400 for service either. Spend about $60 for the factory service manual so you can get torque specs and instructions on how to perform services on the bike.
In regards to the saddlebag guards, does your bike have passenger floorboards or pegs? With floorboards, the passenger can move their feet around while riding to find a more comfortable position, including further out to get away from some of the heat or further forward to get away from the saddlebag guards. As someone else mentioned, they can also be adjusted up and down as needed.
I have buyer's remorse every time I buy a different car or motorcycle. I start comparing it to the one I had before and start thinking how it was better than the new one. Then I realize that if it was so good, why did I get rid of it? Eventually that feeling goes away.
I hope you find a way for both you and your passenger to be happy with the purchase.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Bastrop, LA
HD is my bike of choice. I have owned 4 total and I currently own 3. Love them. I bought my first HD brand new and then made modifications that drained my back pocket. My seond HD was slightly used, as was my third and forth. I have learned that I can buy the HD I want with very low mileage for approximately $5k to $7k less than new price, and then make the modifications I want for riding comfort for about $3k (shocks upgrades, seat, handlebars, passenger backrest and footrests, etc).
If HD is what you have always wanted, once you get the bike modified to your liking, I am sure you will be extremely happy. Keep on working at it and you will be glad you did.
If HD is what you have always wanted, once you get the bike modified to your liking, I am sure you will be extremely happy. Keep on working at it and you will be glad you did.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I do understand the need for a vent session, even if it is in the HD world, I've done it a few times. I understand your views on service, my Hayabusa or any other of my GSX's for regular maintenance was never so much $$$$$$.
I have to be honest I test the rode the hell out of all of the touring bikes & made sure to even test ride the used ones so I could feel the difference in motors & frames. That is research. The only thing I screwed up was forgetting the years for MM EFI. (thats my fault I don't blame anyone)
Sounds like you just went with what you wanted as a kid & not as a adult.
You really have 2 choices, TRADE IN, or Drop more $$$ coin chasing "fixes"
Lucky you its very common right now for people to swap in their 10' and 11"s for the new 2012's with the `103 motors & not take a total bath in trade in.
I have to be honest I test the rode the hell out of all of the touring bikes & made sure to even test ride the used ones so I could feel the difference in motors & frames. That is research. The only thing I screwed up was forgetting the years for MM EFI. (thats my fault I don't blame anyone)
Sounds like you just went with what you wanted as a kid & not as a adult.
You really have 2 choices, TRADE IN, or Drop more $$$ coin chasing "fixes"
Lucky you its very common right now for people to swap in their 10' and 11"s for the new 2012's with the `103 motors & not take a total bath in trade in.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...I honestly feel as though the last few years Harley's aren't really getting "better". Ya, sure...they are bigger in engine, have more electronics, and gizmos...but the essence of the bike is, IMO, being lost,with too-much emphasis being put on marketing reasons for people to want to trade-up. We are now getting over priced, loaded up, thigh-melters...that need heat deflectors, and limp-modes. They are morphing into something between Gold-Wings and Victory's...Harley should concentrate on getting these engines to out-perform ALL OTHER TWINS....l
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 887
Likes: 133
From: Upstate NY
To understand your situation you need to understand the Harley business model. This is the Gilette razor model. They get you into a bike that is a plain handle. Then they charge you to make it functional. Sure they make money on the bike, but it is the chrome and goodies that have the highest margins for everyone that touches them. This is not the Motor Co. from years ago. This is corporate america at it's best, tayloring to the the baby boomers and yuppies crowd. The disposable income gang.
So you are now in the cult of harley personality. On your clothes, your skin and anywhere a royalty paid logo will fit.
Welcome... BTW what is the current stock quote for HOG??
So you are now in the cult of harley personality. On your clothes, your skin and anywhere a royalty paid logo will fit.
Welcome... BTW what is the current stock quote for HOG??