Bike's Life Cycle
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
Something I and other riders I know have experienced over the years is once you've modded and added every doodad known to man to a particular bike, the charm wears off and you start the process over on a new bike.
As someone pointed out, getting older tends to slow this constant turnover down and that's where I'm at now. I have my 09 RK Police dialed in so right for me now that starting over seems more daunting than fun. Call it early middle age or whatever.
While I do seem to notice the weight of this bike more than I used to (spelled slow motion drops and then trying to pick it back up - proper technique and all), the answer for me is not going to be a lighter Harley but rather a new challenge - a sidecar.
Lots of pro's and con's to them, but a sidecar is the only aspect of motorcycling I haven't taken on. I've done long distances, insane high speeds on race replicas, cruising around town, pushing my myself in twisties on my current Speed Triple, etc, etc, but never a sidecar.
Should be an interesting - even if dangerous - next stage when I get there.
As someone pointed out, getting older tends to slow this constant turnover down and that's where I'm at now. I have my 09 RK Police dialed in so right for me now that starting over seems more daunting than fun. Call it early middle age or whatever.
While I do seem to notice the weight of this bike more than I used to (spelled slow motion drops and then trying to pick it back up - proper technique and all), the answer for me is not going to be a lighter Harley but rather a new challenge - a sidecar.
Lots of pro's and con's to them, but a sidecar is the only aspect of motorcycling I haven't taken on. I've done long distances, insane high speeds on race replicas, cruising around town, pushing my myself in twisties on my current Speed Triple, etc, etc, but never a sidecar.
Should be an interesting - even if dangerous - next stage when I get there.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
This is a great post. It answers a few questions I have had as well. My 09 UC has 47k on her and she runs great. I really like the bike but like others, I see those new shinny HD at the dealer and want a new one. But, after due consideration, it would be foolish to spend another $ 30 grand on a bike that is basically the same one I now have except for the miles. It has been said before, but HD just keeps building the same bike year in and year out with little improvement other than new paint and other minor improvements that should have been on the bike in the first place. One example is; they have a new oil dip stick with a handle on top to make it easier to remove. They want like $ 30.00 for the darn thing. Why not put it on the bike in the first place? ie; locking saddlebags, proper fairing braces, painted inner fairings and the list goes on and on.
No, I am going to kept my bike for a long time unless I hit the lottery then, of course, all bets are off.
No, I am going to kept my bike for a long time unless I hit the lottery then, of course, all bets are off.
Last edited by Terrabella; Jul 29, 2012 at 09:42 AM. Reason: spelling
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,199
From: Oxford, Nc
I think that the 99 to 02 motors were fundamentally the best Twin Cam motors Harley produced. Stout forged cranks, Timken Lefty bearings, throttles that open with a cable. No "limp" mode or "parade" mode. No need for S/E compensators or compression releases and no real heat issues.
So while I had to address weaknesses with mine such as cam chain tensioners, ( there's gear drive cams in there now,) and I know there is a Harley wobble in there somewhere too, ( but I've never seriously experienced it,) the bike is so basically right for me that a visit to the Dealer showroom leaves me shaking my head, ( They want how much for that? $$$)
I can replace parts as needed 'til the cows come home and not get near what a bike payment over 48 or 60 months would cost, and as has been stated, you're just buying the price of admission for $22,000. The 'fun' starts after that.
Just got back from a 5 state tour this past July 4th and am also planning a Labor Day visit to my daughter in Louisville.
The bike just turned 113,000 miles. I guess I'll keep it for awhile longer.
So while I had to address weaknesses with mine such as cam chain tensioners, ( there's gear drive cams in there now,) and I know there is a Harley wobble in there somewhere too, ( but I've never seriously experienced it,) the bike is so basically right for me that a visit to the Dealer showroom leaves me shaking my head, ( They want how much for that? $$$)
I can replace parts as needed 'til the cows come home and not get near what a bike payment over 48 or 60 months would cost, and as has been stated, you're just buying the price of admission for $22,000. The 'fun' starts after that.
Just got back from a 5 state tour this past July 4th and am also planning a Labor Day visit to my daughter in Louisville.
The bike just turned 113,000 miles. I guess I'll keep it for awhile longer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
I told my wife a while back...I said, you know, 15 years ago i would killed to have a 5 year old FLHTC with 72000 miles... I just ride it..it goes, I am thinking i will keep it for another 5 years at least...Hell maybe a lot longer than that.
With that said, i look at new models, sit on them, test ride new models but when i get back to the dealer i say, is it worth it and the answer is usually NO.
With that said, i look at new models, sit on them, test ride new models but when i get back to the dealer i say, is it worth it and the answer is usually NO.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Save some dough if possible, and pick up a 2nd used bike. As someone posted earlier, I have had a similar financial changes (furlough days/inflation) and not in the positive area, so I'll be holding off on the new suspension, but I plan to keep her for years to come.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Its easy to get sick of something you don't play with you put everything in place of riding and all you get to do is look at it........ go out and ride the shitz out of it pick a day to do nothing but ride or a weekend or a week just ride it then make a decision
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Every time I stop in at the dealership, I look at the new touring bikes and think "that'd be nice to do some touring on." However, I've ridden friends newer bikes (with all the amenities) between stops, and am usually glad I am back on my bike. Interesting that I get comments from guys that have ridden my bike and most say "Wow, that's a smooth and comfortable ride"
So, I'm planning on keeping it until it pukes or I win the lottery. Don't think either one is going to happen anytime soon, if ever.
So, I'm planning on keeping it until it pukes or I win the lottery. Don't think either one is going to happen anytime soon, if ever.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Flat Rock, NC
I have owned many bikes over the years. I guess I just never found "the one" until buying my present bike (2000 RK). I love this bike, the styling, the colors, the feel, the all round do it all bike. When I go out to the garage after all these years and miles it still makes me smile. Best bike I've ever owned.
All that being said, I still look at the new bikes and demo ride them every year. I think I could enjoy owning a new Road Glide Ultra but I'm afraid that replacing what I feel has been "the bike" would be a huge mistake.
The money isn't there to own both so I'll keep "the bike" until it can't fulfil it's present level of enjoyment (it has set a very high bar).
All that being said, I still look at the new bikes and demo ride them every year. I think I could enjoy owning a new Road Glide Ultra but I'm afraid that replacing what I feel has been "the bike" would be a huge mistake.
The money isn't there to own both so I'll keep "the bike" until it can't fulfil it's present level of enjoyment (it has set a very high bar).
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 5
I don't recommend it, but I'm on the 35 year plan. I bought a new '74 Kawi Z-1 (fast bike, still ride it), then in '09 I bought a new Street Glide as my retirement present. There was a 19 year stretch where I didn't ride at all, too much work, family, house, etc. No regrets except not riding more and not getting the Harley MUCH sooner. I plan on keeping this one until it's trike time.
