Posted on 04/17/2011 8:44:32 AM PDT by Grizzled Bear
I've been looking at motorcycles. I need something a bit more fuel efficient than my 1-ton pickup! There are two that I really like. One is an 09 Yamaha V-Star touring bike (not used, been sitting at the dealer) and the other is a Harley Fat Boy. Any recommendations?
Excellent! Looks well maintained.
I am a seasonal construction worker in Alaska, so my income is only coming from half the year.
I really wanted to buy the Yamaha Raider, it was $14,000 or so. I do have a Harley dealership about a 1/4 mile from where I work, they balked a bit about my “limited” income, they wanted no less than $2,000 down and said I could only use the in house Harley financing. Yes its a lot higher than the local credit union that financed two new vehicles for me over the years.
So in summary Harley burned me, made me feel like an immature newby looking for a toy with nothing more than the Harley name. I’m serious, they never tried to sell me a new Harley but kept me looking at a row of used ones, the cheapest costing much more than what I predicted my monthly payments would be when I drew unemployment insurance for at least 5 months every winter.
This is why I bought the Star XVS1300 Tourer, it was about $10,500 with the extended warranty, zero down, they used my credit union and my payments were only $222.00 a month. This new Star was a lot less brand new than 5 year old Road Kings. But I was not afraid to buy a rice burner, I don’t have to run with the pack so to speak.
Forgive me FReeper Harley owners but its the truth, Harley just wants money, they know too many people are afraid to NOT buy the name, and they count on that.
Thanks. It’s only 5 years old. It’s still like new. I picked up a 2009 Zuma on Wednesday. The Stella will have to be used for longer rides this summer.
So you are saying a Harley is the dame vibration as a BMW? Never in a million years.
Good deal. Wish I could find tires for my bike at a reasonable price, but apparently Honda created this tire for this one bike. Just one more thing to put on the checklist when I'm ready to buy the next bike.
I really enjoy riding my bike, but I understand that it is an extra expense, not a net savings. And I'm trying to spread the word to my students ... count the cost.
I’m just saying that the cost of fuel is not the only thing to consider. If you want to buy the bike, then buy it. Just don’t pretend you’re going to make money on the deal.
What does that have to do with the selection process?
Stupid question.
What “accessories”?
We’re dealers for most companies and can get them for you 10% above cost.
I love my 2004 Roadstar 1700. My commute is 100 mile round trip.
My bike has had only tires, oil, battery, and brakes replaced in 50k miles.
I can take my wife for rides and have plenty of power, stability, and comfort. A Mustang seat would be a great addition.
I’ve heard nothing but good things from the V star riders 650, 1100, 1300, and you can get into them a lot easier than even a base sportster.
My buddies with Honda 1300s love them, very good handling.
Kawasaki 900LT has the big bike look on a smaller bike and seems to get good reviews.
No raggin’ on harleys, but I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been extremely frustrated by their bikes and dealerships.
But like someone else said, bikes aren’t cheap; tires alone cost over $100 each plus costs for mounting.
But I can’t put a pricetag on the time I get on my bike.
Fair weather riders?
LOL...I always thought HD and their riders melted in the rain!
Triumph Rocket 3. 2300cc, 3 cylinder, 800 lb. behemoth. (see profile page)
NOT recommended as a first bike or a first-bike-in-a-long-time.
That said- I’ve been riding for 25 years, and I will NEVER give up this bike.
My HD Superglide rides down the road just fine without shaking. My only issue is the mid-controls and handlebars doesn't put me in the best posture for how I like to ride. A set of forward controls and new handlebars will be on the bike soon.
I'm OK usually, except for my hands, which are two agonized claws of frozen meat when I get to the office. I've been seeing people with bar clip-on plastic shields that keep the wind off of the rider's hands. Looking into that.
Don't kid yourself, they're all in it to make money. There is no motor company in it for altruistic reasons.
Don't kid yourself, they're all in it to make money. There is no motor company in it for altruistic reasons.
Don't kid yourself, they're all in it to make money. There is no motor company in it for altruistic reasons.
Glad you like your Yamaha. To me, it doesn't matter much what you ride. My motto is "two wheels good, four wheels bad". :-)
LOL! The Orwellian Rider. :-)
Man reasons to buy the Harley. Chief amongst them for me is the sense of nostalgia that I get on my bike. I know how my father must have felt tooling down the road in 1947. I’m nnot sure I’d get that feeling on a Yamaha. Haters can say what they want, but that aspect is important to me.
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