Considering Jumping Ship
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Waukesha, WI
I'll offer a reason not to switch. Unless you Warren Buffets love child the only reason you have the choice available is that the Road King still has a high percentage of its original value. If the swap were going the other way you'd take a much larger loss on the Victory.
If you like a new bike every few years, better stay with HD.
If you like a new bike every few years, better stay with HD.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 7
From: Shaconage
After 15 years of riding and loving the Vulcan line, one of the hardest things for me to understand is why my 2012 Ultra is not water-cooled. I had actually forgotten about engine heat and power fade until I bought this bike. I like my new Ultra, but I believe HD has reached a tipping point where larger engine displacement and air-cooled are no longer compatible. They seem to be throwing out minimal stop-gap measures like heat deflectors, oil coolers, and rear cylinder shut off. Maybe I'm not as old school as some, but I would still buy a HD even if it had a slightly different engine design and a radiator. Especially, on the touring models.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I understand why others don't care what you are riding, but I'll be damned if I understand why I should care that you are riding.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
No, do it man! Take three steps forward and start screamin "You dirty sons a bitches".
You don't have a hair unless you do it. You know you want to. Go for it!
You don't have a hair unless you do it. You know you want to. Go for it!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 923
Likes: 2
From: Back in NEW YORK!!
You and me both, I can't wait for a liquid cooled HD. I'll be first in line. Just hope the radiator's not some huge gaudy thing hanging off the front of the frame..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I saw the drawings that accomanied the design patent that Harley applied for about 16 months ago. In the drawing it showed the radiator to be very clean and not obvious. It was sanitary. Very little hardware involved and all located between the frame directly behind the front fender. The big thing was the heads that had water jackets in them. The engine still has the same look (45 degree) as always. Conventional wisdom would have this engine released as an anniversary edition within the next year or so. Maybe even mid-year as an option. Who the hell knows for sure. For their part the MOCO is better at keeping a secret than Sister Mary Francis.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey