Honda to HD?
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 38
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From: Liberty, Ky
Honda to HD?
Im new to the forum but not currently a HD owner. Right now I have a 04 VTX 1800 Neo Retro. I love this bike, the power, size, styling, and the little maintence involved. But I have always wanted a touring bike and the Goldwing is defintally not the thing for me plus Im only 20. But I found a guy selling a 98 electra glide classic with 12,000 miles for 12,000 and it looks brand new. Its has the lower fairings installed, stage 2 kit, & other little things. Question is do you think I would be happy with this buy since I will be significantly downgrading in power? Any info on the bike such as problems, tips, or anything would be appreciated. Here is a couple of pics of my current bike.... wether u like it or not...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Honda to HD?
I'm prejudiced, but I'd say go for it. You're getting an Evo motor, which ain't the latest, but is a very reliable workhorse. Yeah, you'll be down on power compared to your VTX, but unless you already make a habit of too much acceleration, you'll get used to it. It'll still exceed the speed limit on any road you find.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
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From:
RE: Honda to HD?
Welcome to the forum. I just made the change over to a harley this year myself. I was riding a 04 yamaha 1700 silverado. I really did like that bike alot. I bought an 05 Ultra Classic back in Feb. I really do like it alot as well. I had the stage 2 kit and SE pipes put on it at the time of purchase. I was worried about the loss of power as well. But to tell you the truth, I can't tell a lot of difference between the two bikes. The HD runs great and has good pulling power with the stage 2 kit installed. So the power deal is no big deal to me. I rode both bikes on trips of 1800 miles or more and both rode really great. i do love the stereo on the Ultra, thats a big plus. Another plus is the storage area. definetly got more room now. I have not had a bit of problems with mine, and am very happy with it. On resale of the Yamaha I took a huge loss on it. that was the only down side to that bike. Anyways, good luck in your decision.
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[IMG]local://upfiles/1518/DF48B8F21E8046DAAD47CDD6118BAB26.jpg[/IMG]
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
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From:
RE: Honda to HD?
I was on a Honda VTX 1800 Retro for two years. Loved the bike and it's power but always knew it wasn't a Harley.
I bought my father-in-law's '04 Road King last Spring and never really missed the power the VTX had. I can get up to cruising speed with ease and I still have the passing power, all from the stock 88. Of course the bike you're looking at has the EVO but I've heard good things about that engine as well. I'm not one that puts too much into the whole "HD respect" thing, but I have to tell you that you do get SOO much more attention than with the VTX and the available upgrades are literally endless. No match for the pretty good sized aftermarket for VTX parts.
I don't look back at my decision at all.
Yeah, WAY more money than the Honda, but you really get a lot for the price. No plastic parts either !!!
- KB
I bought my father-in-law's '04 Road King last Spring and never really missed the power the VTX had. I can get up to cruising speed with ease and I still have the passing power, all from the stock 88. Of course the bike you're looking at has the EVO but I've heard good things about that engine as well. I'm not one that puts too much into the whole "HD respect" thing, but I have to tell you that you do get SOO much more attention than with the VTX and the available upgrades are literally endless. No match for the pretty good sized aftermarket for VTX parts.
I don't look back at my decision at all.
Yeah, WAY more money than the Honda, but you really get a lot for the price. No plastic parts either !!!
- KB
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: Honda to HD?
Plastic must be pretty heavy as my VTX Retro weighs 840 lbs. with a tank of gas and no luggage. I like my VTX on some days and my RKC on other days. Two very good bikes. The X doesn't have a "little more power", it has a WHOLE LOT MORE POWER. Then again the Harley's agility is far superior to the X's. I just like them both. When I ride the Harley I wave at everyone and I don't feel like I'm better than anyone else because I'm riding the Harley. Nor do I feel inferior when I ride the X. Basically, I just like riding motorcycles I guess.
Gary
Gary
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
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From:
RE: Honda to HD?
Gary, I feel the same way. I have a new Gold Wing and a Road King. The Road King is a lot of fun and it makes you feel like part of the "club". The Wing is very fast and smooth. I love to ride them both. Funny how some people don't wave because of what you're riding.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 193
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RE: Honda to HD?
ORIGINAL: Randcoll
Gary, I feel the same way. I have a new Gold Wing and a Road King. The Road King is a lot of fun and it makes you feel like part of the "club". The Wing is very fast and smooth. I love to ride them both. Funny how some people don't wave because of what you're riding.
Gary, I feel the same way. I have a new Gold Wing and a Road King. The Road King is a lot of fun and it makes you feel like part of the "club". The Wing is very fast and smooth. I love to ride them both. Funny how some people don't wave because of what you're riding.
Anyone who waves at me because I am riding a Harley, can just not bother as far as I am concerned. I bought the bike because I loved it (and still do), not because I wanted to join the "club".
I wave at Crotch Rockets.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
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From: Nowhere
RE: Honda to HD?
Nice bike Nabnormal. Harley's are great bikes, I don't think you would be disappointed either way. ~~~~I don't get the respect comment though. It's going to take a lot more than owning a Harley to earn my respect. Also, I don't understand the "Harley's" only ride. I thought we left that sh^t in kindergarten.