Advice on a new purchace...Harley experience a plus...

[Mulletbiker]

The softail chassis is far from ideal for two up cruising or good handling.


Yes a softail is a pretty bike and can be fun but it is probably not the best choice for his needs.  I love my 1098 but I wouldn't recommend it for what he wants either.

This is where we disagree I have over 100,000 miles riding experience on this particular bike, most of which was 2 up. I have had fun & have been comfortable 2 up wether on twisty mountain roads in New England or riding long distance from here to Milwuakee/Memphis/Daytona. It is a solid handling Moto that serves exactly the purpose he was enquiring about extremely well.

[ducpenguin]

Thank you all for your help!  I know some may think HD is for posers...but I think all bikes have some posers that ride them.  My reason for looking more at HD (other than the wife wants one) is that, in my mind, it is the original...same reason for me buying a Monster.  I could have bought a myriad of cheaper naked bikes, but in my opinion they are not the original.  Don't get me wrong...given different circumstances...age, money, mentality, etc. I would have gone with one of the other bikes...there is nothing wrong with other naked/cruising bikes, just not what I wanted.  I believe everyone should have the opportunity to ride, regardless of what it is on.  It is a community of riders...not bikes. (In my opinion)

Causeofkaos: I will certainly check out the Blvd M109R...I have an open mind, and if there is something that she will be more comfortable on...She would have an open mind as well...Thank you

VW51: I appreciate your input, but I think we are staying away from the sporty type cruisers...she says I already have one for that type of riding.

Roseguy: She did sit on a Vulcan...similar to a gold wing...and asked where the remote was! 

Mulletbiker: Thank you for the insight...she hates that the front wheel is so small...so it looks like we will probably pay more attention to the Heritage.

Again, thank you all for your words of wisdom and advice...Please feel free to post more if it comes to mind...

[ducpenguin]

Not bad and good are two different things.  The softail chassis is far from ideal for two up cruising or good handling.

The FL and FX I refer to are completely different chassis with real working rear suspensions and rubber mounted engines.  These would be the super glide, wide glide, convertible, low rider, road king, electra glide, road glide, ultra glide, etc.

Thank you as well silentbob!  I was able to give her your list for her to peruse...

Saltlick:  That is a sweet bike...just too sporty for what she wants...Thanks!

[DucDucGoose]

I've spent some time on a Road King and loved that bike, If I were to add another bike to my scoots thats what it would be. the FL series touring bikes (road kings and glides)  are the best way to go for two up. I can ride all day and night on one

[Rob Hilding]

Since you are leaning toward a Harley - you might consider the V-rod.

Great "motor" and a so-so chassis that can be easily improved with aftermarket shocks and a spring kit for the front end.

The Porsche designed engine is smooth and powerful.

Lots of good 2-up seats on the market too.

If you get one you'll want an '07 or newer with the larger fuel tank or an older model with a aftermarket tank OE capacity on the pre- 07's is 3.7 gallons with about 3 useable 

[vfrhans]

If you should look for extreme economy, you might want to consider a Kawasaki Concours. Now that the 1400 is out, the previous litre bike model can be had for a song (1986 - 2007). Plenty of power, lots of comfort, hard luggage. Lots of spare parts (new and off scrap yards) and easy to work on. Obviously, it's nothing to brag about or to pose with, but when you arrive at your destination, you'd have enough money left for one (or many!) of these  or  .
Just a suggestion for a solution that doesn't require a stimulus package...

[Travman]

I have ridden about 30,000 miles on a Dyna and have ridden most of Harley's models since 2001.  If you want to ride a Harley two up I would go with a Road King or Electraglide touring model.  I like the Harley Softail Classic that was recommended by another, but it does grind its floorboards a faster than the RoadKing or Electra.  The Softail chasis does a good job of soaking up the bumps, but the Touring models are more comfortable.  Also, since 2000 the Softails have the counter balanced Twin Cam 88B engine.  It is smooth, but boring.  You don't feel any speed.  I dislike an antiseptic engine.  It also doesn't rev as freely as the rubbermounted engines.  By contrast the rubbermounted engines bounce around a little at idle and smooth out as soon as you go.  This year Harley's touring bikes are "all new";  new chassis, new exhaust routing, new wheel sizes, and a few other updates, but they look pretty much the same as before.  I haven't ridden the updated touring bikes yet, but they are getting great review (but then again it seems all new bikes get great reviews). 

If you buy a new Harley you will need to spend the money to open it up.  Pipes, aircleaner, and EFI tuner are a must in my opinion.  They come very lean and choked up from the factory due to EPA regs.  This causes a lot of excess heat and is not good for the longevity of the engine. 

[ducpenguin]

Very good input...thank you all again...seems in my opinion, as far as Harley goes, that the Road King might be the best fit...More time looking!  How fun!
Thank you!!!

[the_Journeyman]

Why not a used Bandit/standard or a metric cruiser?  Equal or better quality at a fraction of the price.

A Bandit would be worth a sit.  I had a 600 and WISH I still had it for 2-up duties.  Handled good, plenty of power (mine was a 600) and available new or used.  A low mileage Bandit 1200 wouldn't be expensive. They also go forever and need just very basic maintenance ~

JM

[DucHead]

This is the new Bandti 1250: liquid cooled, fuel-injected.  I'm pretty sure you could buy two of these new for what you stated the Harley cost.  Never has a choice been more clear.


Older used models are powered by a bullet proof powerful 1200 motor (>100 bhp and >70 ft•lbs @ 3200rpm).  Aftermarket and used parts are plentiful.

My '04 in touring mode:

[LA]

Did I just miss it or has no one mentioned an St4S.  Damn fine bike - especially as compared to a Harley.





LA

[Clickjack]

I think some of these posts were made from a biased opinion.  I have owned three bikes.  A Kawosaki, a Harley, and The Monster.  The Harley Softale Fatboy was far and away the most relaible, easiest to maintain and it was the most comfortable to ride.  Also if you ever need anything the company was amazing to me.

I have several cousins who don't own cars, just Harleys.  They drive all over america on them.  THe only problem they have had is their dads old dyna shakes the battery cable off every now and then.   

I prefer the Softale out of all of their bikes, but that's personal opinon, as there isn't a whole lot of difference in the ride between there bikes.  Go ride them, throw your lady on the back and see what you both like.  Also, teach her to ride.  You will both be happier.   And yes you will pay for everything with the HD name or logo on it... but it's all way cheaper than Ducati and as far as bike parts, it's all quality made.

[Speedbag]

Since you are leaning toward a Harley - you might consider the V-rod.

Great "motor" and a so-so chassis that can be easily improved with aftermarket shocks and a spring kit for the front end.

The Porsche designed engine is smooth and powerful.

Lots of good 2-up seats on the market too.

If you get one you'll want an '07 or newer with the larger fuel tank or an older model with a aftermarket tank OE capacity on the pre- 07's is 3.7 gallons with about 3 useable 

+1

Find an '06-'07 Street Rod, put on an aftermarket seat, and you have the best of all worlds (5 gallon tank due to the 'R's unique frame!). As I've stated elsewhere, my VRSCR is the best bike I've owned. And I've been on a lot of Harleys.

If you buy a new Harley you will need to spend the money to open it up.  Pipes, aircleaner, and EFI tuner are a must in my opinion.  They come very lean and choked up from the factory due to EPA regs.  This causes a lot of excess heat and is not good for the longevity of the engine. 

+1 again.

My Street Rod was nearly sputtering/missing lean from the factory. A PC3 solved it and added extra 'enjoyment' as well.  It has put down a best of 120.2 HP at the wheel, the only other mods being punched out factory exhaust and a high-flow air filter.

[silentbob]

+1

Find an '06-'07 Street Rod, put on an aftermarket seat, and you have the best of all worlds (5 gallon tank due to the 'R's unique frame!). As I've stated elsewhere, my VRSCR is the best bike I've owned. And I've been on a lot of Harleys.

Harley really got it right with that one.  It is a shame they discontinued it.  It fixed everything wrong with the standard v-rod.  De-raked triples, 17 spoked wheels, brembo brakes, inverted forks, mid mounted controls, bigger tank, etc.

[Speedbag]

Harley really got it right with that one.  It is a shame they discontinued it.  It fixed everything wrong with the standard v-rod.  De-raked triples, 17 spoked wheels, brembo brakes, inverted forks, mid mounted controls, bigger tank, etc.

+11tb 

The chassis for the VRSCR was developed/spec'd by a German road race dude, whose name I do not recall.

In early '07 I began my quest for an '07 model, but found out that they were very hard to come by. Reason? There were too many '06s languishing on dealer floors (and still are, believe it or not). Thus, most of the '07 'R production went to Europe. I then found my '06 sitting on a dealer showroom with a 'make offer' tag. I got it for less than $4500 under list in March of '07. More or less the reason I parted with my venerable M900. Did I mention I love this bike? 

If a person is much under 6', flat footing it could be a stretch. Beyond that, no worries at all. The 'typical' newbie douchebag H-D crowd shuns it, but if I want to ride an underpowered antique I'll ride my Panhead.