Which Bike?

none | today | me

[Eye of Unk]

I have heard that the Harley will be stolen no matter how much you try to prevent it while a Yamaha will likely be ignored. If it was such that you think it may be damaged easily, trashed or stolen then why spend $20,000 on a bike?

Its sounds like you are pretty much decided on the 2009 Yamaha, if its the same model as mine you will want to change the bars out for some more pullback. Yamaha made the position too low and too far forward for most people, the 2010 model corrected this with a different bar and seat arrangement. And I hear the “Ultimate” brand seats are the best.

[RS_Rider]

Just picked up a leftover ‘09 KLR650 for $3999. Replaced my ‘88 finally. Great bikes and they eat up Pittsburgh potholes and lousy roads.

[blackdog]

I’ve been a Bob’s customer for years. Have not been able to get what I need. Thanks for the link.

[Errant]

On the insurance, it is very minor difference if any. Check the price of a similar used 5 yo Yamaha on Ebay or Craig's List and you'll see what a beating they can take on resale. Figure that into your operating/ownership costs.

Owning a Harley is one of those bucket-list items for many people and there is the kool factor that can't be ignored. That said, I couldn't imagine being without a motorcycle of some kind! I've been riding for 40 years. My first bike was an Allstate scooter that I bought for $15 and carried home in several buckets.

[nobamanomore]

First off, don’t buy into the poser/rider BS. Some HD riders are posers, some Japanese riders are as well. Also don’t believe the old Harleys aren’t reliable. Any of the newer Twin Cam models are pretty much turn the key and ride. As far as which one, can’t answer that. One thing I can add is that if you can buy the HD for $1000 more, it will be way cheaper in the long run. In other words, see how much difference in price between a 10-year old HD FLSTF and a 10 year old VStar. I ride about 8-10000 miles a year on a Street Glide, and have had three HD bikes in recent years. None have been in the shop. The reality is that 8-10000 miles is quite a bit of riding for a guy in the midwest who has a job. The fuel injected Harleys will get 45-50 mpg without making any effort to ride easy, just riding. Have fun on it and don’t believe the obviously biased ones.

[mainevet]

I would buy the Fat Boy.

But, you know there’s a lot of 4 wheel vehicles that get outstanding gas mileage. Like a VW Jetta TDI. My 02 got 48 to 52 mpg plus it has a back seat AND a trunk.

[jmckay8497]

VStar 1300, went on several trips over 1,000 miles on mine. Never had an issue, very confortable, great gas mileage. I added the crash bars, a lot of extra chrome. Loved it, have some physical issues so I can’t ride anymore. Sold it for what I bought it for. Highly recommend. Mine was the red one that was more comfortable than the Harleys I rode with.

[corkoman]

MotoGuzzi = bike full of soul

A bit tough to find a dealer

[RS_Rider]

I have a ‘94 BMW R1100RS and I don’t even take the key out of it when I park. Owned it from new 85k on the clock, never been stolen.

[troy McClure]

Old is cool.

I ride a 1976 KZ750B. 750cc vertical twin, Its former owner was “The Duke”.

I also ride a 1972 YankeeZ 500cc.

Great riders forum:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12

[Grizzled Bear]

After their third Olds was stolen, they switched to a Volvo after the third.

Where do I pick up my redundancy certificate of redundancy?

:-P

[wardaddy]

My first bike..mine was white similar tricks H2:

Next...GS1100RS..street version

Next up...Kawasaki 1100GPZ triple bored and gassed

I've actually considered getting an old H2 for the hell of it...just to hear it roar with 3into3 chambers

But for everyday old man riding I'd get a BMW touring rig..or some manageable V-Twin testosterone two wheeler if that's your thing

make sure you have good medical and life (if you have dependents)

[bmwcyle]

http://secure.capitalcycle.com/privacy.asp

[mad_as_he$$]

Since you asked. I gave up bikes years ago. I got tired of working on Harleys. I bought a CJ that I can drive year round and still work on it less than any Harley. It is uglier than I am but women like me for my money not my ride.

[Grizzled Bear]

Shhhh! I just convinced the Mrs that a motorcycle is a good idea!

[Eye of Unk]

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

And if she does want to do the back seat thing make sure its comfortable FOR her, or get her a bike as well.

[Errant]

My first real motorcycle (Honda 450 CB - DOHC) that I bought when I was 16. It would easily do 100mph. But I didn't weigh nearly as much back then. ;)

[wardaddy]

Honda pretty much led the way on affordable ridable larger 4 stroke Jap bikes in my youth..

I think the 305 Dream was maybe the first of this trend we now take for granted.

[Mariner]

"My wife really wants me to get the Harley"

There's something to be said for that...and it's nearly universal. I rode Harleys for years.

With this recession you can get a damn nice Harley for $10-12k. You can get them serviced and get parts for them in any berg in America.

They don't break anymore, start every time, first time.

They also hold their value better than any other bike...and they ARE prettier than all others.

And, I like that fact that they weigh 700+ pounds. The heavier the road bike the better the ride...and they DO rid3e very very well.

And yes, they are slower than any other big bike on the road.

[Waverunner]

My experience with Yamaha is with my Waverunner. It uses the MR-1 engine, which is the marine version of the R-1 engine. Absolutely dependable. I’ve run 120+ mile trips with it on the St Johns, and out in the ocean I’ve been as far as 20 miles offshore with no concerns. It starts. It runs, and it doen’t slurp fuel. I’ve been out with Kawasaki and Polaris riders who have to haul extra gas to make the trips, and I come back with a few gallon left, even though they have bigger tanks to start.