You have to share the road with a lot of inattentive drivers that chances are won’t see you. But a Harley they won’t have to see. They’ll hear it.
One thing to consider is where you intend on going / parking your bike. Harleys are liquid - as in they can easily be stolen and turned into cash/parts. Much less chance of a metric cruiser being stolen.
Old school bobbers.
If you find yourself to be a senior citizen who doesn’t heal as fast as a young buck, I’d recommend as the ultimate thrill-ride, either building a badass, fenderless rat-rod, or get a late model rumbling factory roadster...like a Mustang.
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.
A bit tough to find a dealer
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)
“Ask and you shall receive”
Enough posts here to answer your question?
My adders:
1. Don’t by new; used 2 yr. old bikes can be had cheap today;
2. Jap bikes are good in every way but one - depreciation. Their values drop like a rock. If you are haggling on a used one, be sure you get a good price.
3. Harley’s hold their value much better, as do BMW’s & Ducati’s - but then you don’t seem like a Ducati guy;
4. What kind of riding will you be doing mostly? That will determine the bike type - touring, cruiser, etc. Fit the bike to what you will be doing.
I ride a Harley ‘97 FXDWG Stage II that I’ve highly customized and can be quickly modified from a cruiser to touring by changing seats, backrests, adding windshield, etc. And two old Triumph’s that I restored for my hot, mountain & off-road riding: ‘71 Trophy 500 T100C and ‘72 Bonneville.
The answer is obvious. The question is. “Do you want a rice grinder, or do you want a motorcycle.” If you are just going to be a fair weather rider get the rice grinder, but if you really want to ride get the real motorcycle.
I started riding in 1968. Since then, I’ve had Japanese and British bikes of every imaginable sort, my all time favorite still is the Norton Commando 750. I’ve had 5 Commandos, still have one in perpetual restoration.
However, age catches up with all of us, and I finally had to admit to the lust for a V Twin. Almost bought an Indian before they went out of business. Ended up with a used ‘97 Road King, that was pretty anemic and a slug no matter what I did to it. Bought a Buell Ulysses for my son with an upgraded exhaust system that pinned my ears to the sides of my head when twisting the grip just like the Nortons did!
However, I’m now astride an ‘09 Road Glide, that I can ride all day long without fatigue. Powerful, smooth, handles beautifully, and the frame mounted fairing makes high speed cruising a no brainer. Six speeds lets the engine just loaf along on the interstate.
The best part about riding a Harley is the extended family you never knew you had all across the nation. Maybe this is why we’re dismissed as “posers” by those whose jealousy is barely hidden. And there’s something to be said about dealers everywhere should you need something.
Yeah, they’re expensive. But they do hold resale value like no other bike. And these days, you pick one up barely used for a song. And, we need to keep ours wives happy!
What would this need to carry? Just you, or a spouse as well?
I’ve got a 2000 Sporty 883, under 16K miles, looking to sell in Chicago area. Not exactly the most powerful bike in the world, but it’s a sweet, sturdy, rugged riding pony. Rock steady, highways feel like broad parking lots on this bike.
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.
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.
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.
My ride: 2011 BMW R1200RT.
Me, I like my Harley Dyna Superglide. Cruise the commute every day and do some trips on the weekends.
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.
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.
Both?!?