Vtx riders now Harley
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
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From: jefferson,wi
Vtx riders now Harley
I'm considering buying a Harley, currently have a VTX 1300c with a batwing fairing and saddlebags. Any past VTX riders that have bought a Harley out there as to why I should spend a lot of money on a Harley. Looking at a street glide or road glide. Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I had an 08 1300C. Night and day difference. My OL went with me to test ride it, not keen on trading the X...one mile into the test ride, she said "we have to have this". It (08 FLHTCU) was the first Harley I've ridden and definitely won't be the last.
Mileage isn't as good as the X but who buys a Harley for the mileage? Everything else, my HD does better.
Mileage isn't as good as the X but who buys a Harley for the mileage? Everything else, my HD does better.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 744
Likes: 2
From: South of The ATL.
Welcome to the forum.
When I got back into riding three years ago after 30 years off, I wanted a Harley. The sticker shock drove me to look at some nice metric bikes. I was not sure how much I would ride and did not want to spend a ton of money on something I would not use.
In October 2010, I ended up finding a nice used 2002 Wide Glide. I kept that for about a year and a half then traded to a 2007 Street Glide in February 2012. I was not happy with the vibrations of the '07 Street Glide even after the Flywheel and Motor Mount replacement. I recently traded into an '11 Road Glide.
For me, I wanted a Harley. Not that I would not have been happy on a Honda, but I still would of had the wish for one. Dad wanted a Harley all his life but never got one. In some respects, I got the Harley in memory of him.
Ride what you think you want, then ride something else. There is IMO, a large difference between the Street Glide and Road Glide.
Best of luck and welcome to the form.
When I got back into riding three years ago after 30 years off, I wanted a Harley. The sticker shock drove me to look at some nice metric bikes. I was not sure how much I would ride and did not want to spend a ton of money on something I would not use.
In October 2010, I ended up finding a nice used 2002 Wide Glide. I kept that for about a year and a half then traded to a 2007 Street Glide in February 2012. I was not happy with the vibrations of the '07 Street Glide even after the Flywheel and Motor Mount replacement. I recently traded into an '11 Road Glide.
For me, I wanted a Harley. Not that I would not have been happy on a Honda, but I still would of had the wish for one. Dad wanted a Harley all his life but never got one. In some respects, I got the Harley in memory of him.
Ride what you think you want, then ride something else. There is IMO, a large difference between the Street Glide and Road Glide.
Best of luck and welcome to the form.
I had an 08 1300C. Night and day difference. My OL went with me to test ride it, not keen on trading the X...one mile into the test ride, she said "we have to have this". It (08 FLHTCU) was the first Harley I've ridden and definitely won't be the last.
Mileage isn't as good as the X but who buys a Harley for the mileage? Everything else, my HD does better.
Mileage isn't as good as the X but who buys a Harley for the mileage? Everything else, my HD does better.
If your looking for a bike with more comfort, whether for longer distances or what have you then I'd certainly consider a Harley. I prefer the Ultra Limited as you get a few things that don't come on the Street Glide or Road Glide. Take one for a ride, rent if for a day if your budget allows.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I have had 3 VTX's, 1 a 1300 and 2 1800's. Still have one.
I have always liked the VTX bikes. i went back to HD in 07 so I could get a true touring bike, Ultra classic. Now a 2012 CVO Street Glide. After a 30 month reconstruction of my 1800 VTX I took it back out to ride, it is only rode on anything Veterans, I could not believe how much smoother my HD's were compared to it. My wife complained big time.
There are several things that I prefer a HD over other makers. 1) accessories are endless, 2) comfort, 3) performance mods are easily to find and lots of builders available if you can't do it, 4) resale is better, not as good as it use to be but still good. I paid $18,800 otd from my 07 Ultra and after 5 years and 60,000 miles I got $14,500 for it.
HD's just fit me better, and of course the handling is great.
When you compare HD cruisers VS other makes of cruisers there really isn't that much difference as well as touring bikes. Have you priced a Goldwing lately?
I have always liked the VTX bikes. i went back to HD in 07 so I could get a true touring bike, Ultra classic. Now a 2012 CVO Street Glide. After a 30 month reconstruction of my 1800 VTX I took it back out to ride, it is only rode on anything Veterans, I could not believe how much smoother my HD's were compared to it. My wife complained big time.
There are several things that I prefer a HD over other makers. 1) accessories are endless, 2) comfort, 3) performance mods are easily to find and lots of builders available if you can't do it, 4) resale is better, not as good as it use to be but still good. I paid $18,800 otd from my 07 Ultra and after 5 years and 60,000 miles I got $14,500 for it.
HD's just fit me better, and of course the handling is great.
When you compare HD cruisers VS other makes of cruisers there really isn't that much difference as well as touring bikes. Have you priced a Goldwing lately?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
I've been riding a VTX 1300 since '07. Great bike after I upgraded the seat, suspension, pipes, jets, A/F, risers, added a stereo and audiovox cruise control. Bought a 2010 SG last month, ain't going back to the X! The SG runs smoother at hiway speeds, feels more powerful, and handles at least as well. And this is stock + stage one.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
I have a Limited in the UK but bought a VTX1800 that I keep in the US and ride for 2 weeks each year, slowly circumnavigating North America. $6k bought me an excellent bike and I really do rate it. Deadly reliable (touch wood) and rides great - perfect for what I am doing with it and I simply could not justify the money on a Harley
I don't love the bike like I do my Harley, but I do live the 2 weeks this tool facilitates!!
I don't love the bike like I do my Harley, but I do live the 2 weeks this tool facilitates!!
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 759
Likes: 17
From: Arizona
I'll chime in as well. I was riding a VTX 1300 that was about as done up as could be, but still can't compare to the 2012 Street Glide I bought last summer. IMHO I think the VTX is a great bike for what it is, a mid-priced cruiser. If you want ultimate comfort, performance, and endless upgrades an HD is the way to go.
I've had it bagged, un-bagged, etc and it was a great bike.
I've had it bagged, un-bagged, etc and it was a great bike.
