8 Bikes You Might Have Bought If You Didn't Buy a Harley
People buy motorcycles for various reasons. For some it has to be Harley or they are walking, but for others they shopped around and found the Motor Company made the best bike for their needs. So what else did you consider?
1. Honda Gold Wing GL1800
Until the advent of the Harley-Davidson Project Rushmore touring bikes in 2014, there were many reasons to choose the big Honda Gold Wing flat six touring bike instead. The GL1800 had a reputation for being both comfortable and surprisingly agile for its size, and had Harley beat when it comes to power and high tech features. One thing Honda didn't have, at least not after 2010, was a factory building them in the United States. Even with the new Milwaukee 8 in the Road Glide and other Harley tourers, Honda still has about 10lb-ft more torque, and the flat six is silky smooth. Plus you can get a Gold Wing with an airbag in the tank that just may save your life.
2. BMW K1600GTL
When it comes to touring bikes, for years the only real players were Harley-Davidson, the Gold Wing, and whatever the latest was from BMW, which is currently the K1600GTL. If a Harley bagger just doesn't seem sporty enough for you, then BMW is the touring bike to choose, especially this one with its velvety straight six motor putting out an honest 160hp and nearly 130lb-ft of torque. Of course, the Germans load it up with all the latest technical gadgets too, but is it perhaps too smooth and technically advanced?
3. Vintage Japanese
For nostalgic reasons, a lot of middle aged and older riders are being drawn back to bikes they either had, or wanted when they were young men. The Honda CB750 from 1969-78, the early Kawasaki Z1 and KZ900 from 1971-76, and the early Suzuki GS750 and 1000 from the late 1970's being the most common objects of affection. Sometimes though, guys will spend good money on something like a Honda CX500, or Yamaha TW200, or whatever their very first street bike was, just to try to regain their youth. The great thing is that all of the early Japanese 4 cylinder bikes are still plenty competent and reliable, provided you maintain or upgrade the points, charging systems, and brakes.
4. Victory Cross Country or Vegas
Before Indian came back from the dead, if you wanted a motorcycle from an American company the only option besides Harley-Davidson was Victory. Polaris, the maker of snowmobiles, ATVs and personal watercraft launched their line of cruisers in 1997, but they really didn't hit their stride until about 10 years ago. Now their cruiser style Vegas lineup, and Cross Country (pictured) touring bikes are very attractive options if you are tired of your local Harley dealer. Sure, their ultra modern Vision touring bike had love it or hate it styling, but the rest of the models are all very cool looking, and have plenty of power and presence.
5. Ducati Diavel
Not many riders of Harley-Davidsons cross shop at Ducati dealers, but they are the whole reason for this bike's existence. The Diavel is what would happen if you were to cross a Dyna with a Ferrari; Yes it is a cruiser, but it is also a sport bike, somehow. The heart of the Ducati cruiser is a 90 degree V-twin, of course, detuned a bit from superbike duty with more low and mid-range for stoplight getaway and back road cruising. If you have always wanted the power of an Italian exotic, and most of the handling, in a more comfortable package, the Diavel is for you (as long as you can live with its looks).
6. Triumph Bonneville
Perhaps the only bike to rival the looks of the bikes from Harley-Davidson are the reborn Triumph Bonnevilles. For shopped looking at the Sportster or Dyna models, the Bonneville T120 offers a British alternative to the American cruiser. Depending on which Triumph you choose, it can be more sport oriented (Thruxton), more retro looking (with 2-tone paint), or more ready for off road adventure (Scrambler). All of them offer plenty of power from a 1200cc parallel twin, competent handling and comfortable sit up and beg riding position.
7. Indian Chief
For a long time Indian was considered dead, despite frequent attempts to attach that name to various bikes by various companies. In 2011, Polaris bought out the company that was turning out all new Chiefs in low numbers and proceeded to update and re-engineer everything about them, resulting in the 2013 Indian Chief with Thunder Stroke 111" motor. Now they offer a variety of models in the Chief and Chieftain lineup, plus the Roadmaster full dress touring bike. If you love the sound and feel of an American V-twin, but are tired of seeing everybody and his brother on a Harley, the new Indian Chief may be for you, as long as you want a bagger, touring bike, or heavy cruiser. If you want a lighter Dyna or Sportster type bike, check out the more modern looking, water cooled Scout.
8. BMW R Nine T
Perhaps the only motorcycle company with a continuous history of building street bikes as long as Harley Davidson is BMW, and the R Nine T is their entry into the nostalgia market. Now sure, this bike doesn't look much like an old /5, but it has a standard riding position for all day comfort cruising the two lanes. Also, like a Harley, BMW made this bike to be finished by the rider, with plenty of parts and accessories available. If you prefer German engineering to American style, this BMW may be for you.
If you already have a Harley, and need help with maintenance or repairs, click over to the HDForums How-To Section.
