Harleys; have you? Did you? Would you?

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Re: Harleys; have you? Did you? Would you?

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I've got some radiator paint somewhere if you want it. 👍
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Re: Harleys; have you? Did you? Would you?

Post by Pirahna »

I owned a Buell back when they were a thing. It had so many recalls and warranty repairs I spent more time riding the loan Harley's than I did the Buell, I was commuting 80 miles a day on them. I've put thousands of miles on every Harley from the 97/98 model years and to be honest it put me off for life. I'm sure the new ones are much better but it's a place I won't visit again.
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Re: Harleys; have you? Did you? Would you?

Post by Alan PBTD »

Had Harleys for quite a few years and currently own a 2015 Road Glide and done 20,000 miles + on it. Had Sportsters/ Dyna's before. Summing HD up - it's a different mindset. I prefer the older ones to the new ones - the build isn't as good and they've certainy not got the suspension / electronics right. Pan Amercia is a good bike but owners have had too many electronic problems are are getting rid - which has not been helped with so many sat in the showrooms. The residuals on used bikes are stupidly high and there's a mountain of bits u can buy - to get the bike how u want, both in looks and performance wise.

Their simplicity, engine performance, the sound is what I like - my RG can take either me or me and the missus with all we need for many miles in good comfort and where ever we go the bike turns heads and sounds mint. Then there's the social side - meeting like minded peole all over the UK and Europe has been a massive bonus and I've even met up with an old boss from the early 90's via HD. There's a Harley event somewhere all year round u just to pack your bike, book the ferry and ride. Riding them is fun - just at a less relaxed pace. Like I said, a different mindset you accept the bike as it is and just enjoy.

Having said that they are getting a bit expensive now - even for die hards with top of the range CVO tourer over £40K list and entry levels sat at just under £10k. And there's a lot of competition on the market. HD have been screaming out for the next generation of riders to come on board for years but are missing the market by miles. They just arent attracting the young pups and are now faced with an ageing portfilio of riders. Like me I suppose..

So over the last year or so I've been looking at several options - change the RG for a newer one - but colours are crap / mines got a lot of extra's on it / and they £15 K to do the deal on a basic bike. Or spend a few £k getting the engine upgraded. Or take £10K / £13K and see what's about. When u start looking there's lot...
Long story short - ended up collecting a late 2018 BMW 1200GSA in white with full luggage and 3500 miles. Never had one / never ridden one but I like the look and the missus finds it comfortable ( but doesn't like the look ! ) Went out yesterday for a local spin - felt well strange - and riding like a twat but there we are. Looking forward ot getting some 1/2 off road tyres in the spring and having a very novice potter on the local fire tracks around here and then hopefully France / Jersey in September.

Yes they are a love / hate relationship - my knephews rides bikes but hates them - but then again when he rode with group fo 30 HD's for the weekend a few years ago he sort of changed his mind - a bit..Say's can I leave him mine in my will. I'll still have it then.