Harley Motorcycles
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: the beaches of florida
Harley Motorcycles
Is it worth the money? Most guys i talk to say no. When they say no they mean in a sense of for that money i can get a bike that performs better, lasts longer, etc.
My buddys dad has a really nice Harley. I never got to drive one (or any motorcycle) but he let me sit on it and rev the motor which was awesome. It is a beautifull bike, its an older one 80s something fully restored.
Im broke at the moment but ive been looking into it id like to have a bike in the future. Its not like i have to have a Harley, i wouldnt hesitate to buy a honda or whatever im not biased at all ill give any make a chance.
My buddys dad has a really nice Harley. I never got to drive one (or any motorcycle) but he let me sit on it and rev the motor which was awesome. It is a beautifull bike, its an older one 80s something fully restored.
Im broke at the moment but ive been looking into it id like to have a bike in the future. Its not like i have to have a Harley, i wouldnt hesitate to buy a honda or whatever im not biased at all ill give any make a chance.
Posting Guru
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From: Outer Banks, NC
I really like Harleys but is it worth the money? Personally I do not think so. If money was not that big of a problem and I wanted a bike I would get a Harley. I got a 2001 Honda Shadow Ace and a 94 Honda Shadow 600 for under $4000 together. I could not get one Harley for under that.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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IMO HD is an "image and lifestyle" thing. The bikes are much better now. Watch out for AMF years bikes, like '80s models. Always buy loctite by the quart for any hd as they are paintshakers. (sure, the new ones isolate it, but the engine is still down there jumping around)
They are not beginner bikes by any means.
They are not beginner bikes by any means.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
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From: Western Central NV
Motorcycles are all about personal preference. Harley's are today for the people that want to be identified as hard core bikers IMO. The doctor, lawyer, the office worker etc. In the old days only real bikers rode Harley's. They had to know how to fix them on the road etc. They built & repaired their own bikes. Harley's represented independence. Guys that could ride, repair & build their bikes. If you look at the majority of Harley riders today don't even come close to representing that. Please don't misunderstand me there still are real bikers that ride Harley's today. About 5% or less.
As for paying the price for one, again most real bikers buy used ones and customize them to suit there wants. I ride and I fix & maintain my bike.I ride a sport bike.
As for paying the price for one, again most real bikers buy used ones and customize them to suit there wants. I ride and I fix & maintain my bike.I ride a sport bike.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Princeton, MN
If you ever ride a yamaha warrior you will swear nothing handles better. 1700 cc's and you can toss it like a 600 cc crotch rocket. Victory (in my opinion the best American bike) makes a pretty nice bike too. Haven't ridden one, but they get tremendous reviews from their owners. I ride with a few of them.
Just depends on what you want to do with it though. European bikes ride pretty nice too.
Harleys seem to sell a name and maybe a lifestyle only. If you want to ride a classic vibrating irritation, that's your ride.
We have one guy that rides with us on a 197x Honda Dream 350. All the harley guys take pictures of his motorcycle. Seeing him keep up with everyone else screeming down the highway at 75 is a neat sight.
Just depends on what you want to do with it though. European bikes ride pretty nice too.
Harleys seem to sell a name and maybe a lifestyle only. If you want to ride a classic vibrating irritation, that's your ride.
We have one guy that rides with us on a 197x Honda Dream 350. All the harley guys take pictures of his motorcycle. Seeing him keep up with everyone else screeming down the highway at 75 is a neat sight.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
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From: Melbourne, Aus
If you are just after transport.
There are few better options than a slightly used Japanese bike. I personally like Beemers, but, I will admit, you are paying for the badge.
There are few better options than a slightly used Japanese bike. I personally like Beemers, but, I will admit, you are paying for the badge.
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The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Cloverdale, BC
The thing about Harley's is they don't depreciate much. Sure, you lose a couple grand riding off the lot, but a 10 year old Harley is still only 5 grand cheaper than a brand new one. Keep in mind that's what the owner sells it for. And there are buyers out there that will pay that. You can also find some real steals, ie a 2000 Fat Boy for 8 grand, but you gotta have cash. The seller won't take a cheque, certified or otherwise. I've been wanting a Harley for as long as I've been able to ride a motorcycle. But the practicality just isn't there. I'll probably end up with a Ducati instead.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Southeastern Indiana
Are they worth the money? 10 years ago I would have said yes, but today older, and wiser I would say no. The Japanese bikes today are pretty good and a lot cheaper. The American made Volcan is nice too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: San Francisco, Ca.
Originally Posted by FTE Fred
If you are just after transport.
There are few better options than a slightly used Japanese bike. I personally like Beemers, but, I will admit, you are paying for the badge.
There are few better options than a slightly used Japanese bike. I personally like Beemers, but, I will admit, you are paying for the badge.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
If I were to get a Harley, I don't think I'd look past a Sportster. You can get them in the $8K range which is not bad.
I wouldn't mind getting a motorcycle in the next few years, and one bike that I REALLY took a liking to is the Honda Shadow VLX. It's basically a Sportster ripoff for less than half the price. However, it's only a 650 V-twin so it's lacking in the horsepower department (only has about 40 hp) and I'm a big guy (6'4" 260 lbs) so I doubt I'd fit on it very well.
I haven't seen too many full size bikes that I really care for.
I wouldn't mind getting a motorcycle in the next few years, and one bike that I REALLY took a liking to is the Honda Shadow VLX. It's basically a Sportster ripoff for less than half the price. However, it's only a 650 V-twin so it's lacking in the horsepower department (only has about 40 hp) and I'm a big guy (6'4" 260 lbs) so I doubt I'd fit on it very well.
I haven't seen too many full size bikes that I really care for.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
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From: San Francisco, Ca.
I don't know if I'd get a motorcycle.
I live in a city that is one of the most dangerous places to ride in the country.
Too many drivers text messaging, reading the paper, on the cell phone, putting on makeup, eating, sleeping, picking their nose, sightseeing; basically not looking where they're driving into.
A lot of red light/stop sign runners.
A motorcyclists nightmare.
I live in a city that is one of the most dangerous places to ride in the country.
Too many drivers text messaging, reading the paper, on the cell phone, putting on makeup, eating, sleeping, picking their nose, sightseeing; basically not looking where they're driving into.
A lot of red light/stop sign runners.
A motorcyclists nightmare.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Outer Banks, NC
Originally Posted by ghunt
I wouldn't mind getting a motorcycle in the next few years, and one bike that I REALLY took a liking to is the Honda Shadow VLX. It's basically a Sportster ripoff for less than half the price. However, it's only a 650 V-twin so it's lacking in the horsepower department (only has about 40 hp) and I'm a big guy (6'4" 260 lbs) so I doubt I'd fit on it very well.
