Torn between a Heritage and a Stratoliner

[GeorgeC]

The Strat is such a strong highway bike, 1900cc of freight train. The Heritage is a really cool Classic bike, 2004.

The thing that gets me is, the Strat is less expensive to purchase, costs less to maintain and is more dependable. The Harley on the other hand, is cooler and more iconic.

What you guys and gals think?

[ultraplusrotax]

I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing ...
I said nothing can take away these blues,
'Cause nothing compares ...
Nothing compares to the Heritage

[RG50]

Ask this question on a Yamaha forum and see what they think!

[BigD]

Secretly, in the deep, dark places of their souls, they all wish they were on Harleys!

[FLHTDan]

Originally Posted by BigD

Secretly, in the deep, dark places of their souls, they all wish they were on Harleys!

My buddy rides a Yamaha Silverado. It looks a lot like an HD and he has done everything he can to make it sound like a Harley.
Purchased it it cheap. You know why? Cause no one wanted it.
If he sells it in a few years he'll probably only get a few grand out of it.

[Lefty]

Originally Posted by GeorgeC

The Strat is such a strong highway bike, 1900cc of freight train. The Heritage is a really cool Classic bike, 2004.

The thing that gets me is, the Strat is less expensive to purchase, costs less to maintain and is more dependable. The Harley on the other hand, is cooler and more iconic.

What you guys and gals think?

I agree with the costs less to purchase. Costs less to maintain and is more dependable? I dunno about that. I think you're a Yammy man, so go ahead and get it. BTW, that Strat Yammy will handle like a freight train too. To each his own.

[Rendell]

I rode nothing but Honda for decades, but like you secretly really wanted a Harley. I always thought, "Them Harleys are breaking down all the time, They sure look cool doing it..." (last couple decades.).. "They really don't breakdown that much, only when people mess with the internals of the motors.". Then I looked around and seen when people screw with the internals of Hondas they are destined to be roadside decorations also. The thing is Honda riders usually don't molest their bikes. and when they do they don't get inside the motor. Make sense. Also, when they do they do it to try to get confused with a Harley.
I watch my Buddies all go to Harley, and I would say, "why do they pay that much." Then I did something I like to call 'research'. I found that I could buy a used, low milage Harley that has not been molested for a bit more but less than new price, even somewhat affordable. Then I researched some more because I get excited that I might get a real Harley, and not have to pose like a Harley. I found that If I decided to resell my slightly used harley I could get almost all my money back... What? My Bike might have resale value.. Unheard of!..
Anyway, I bought one and I realized why when I asked guys why they rode Harley only they would say is there anything else. The handling put my Handas to shame, the resale value, the list goes on..
Does Yamaha still make the stratoliner? and I rode one once with the 1600cc motor a couple years ago, it didn't pull nearly as hard as my VTX1800 at the time, and handled like a freight train. I'm sure they have made some improvements, but I doubt I would buy one. Compare the dry weights of the two bikes in question. Not to mention how you can actually see the ride height, and center of gravity height difference between the two bikes. Clue: Lower center of gravity = better handling.
I also recommend that you go to the Yamaha forum and ask. Sure they will tell you how awesome Harleys are.
Hope it helps.

[TaylorMcStrat]

The OP must be new to fan boards on the Intertubez.

Yeah, go to the Chevy-lover's board and post: I can't decide whether to buy this Ford or this Chevy. The Ford has more horsepower and comfy seats, but the Chevy looks better. What do you guys think?

Sadly, the poor guy sounds serious.....

Troll alert aside, I wanted a Harley since I was 12. I rode a couple Hondas back int he 70's and 80's. I finally got my first Harley when when I was north of fifty. You still can't wipe the smile off my face.

Protip: All the adults here could care less what you decide, and no one's going to debate you or try to twist your arm so you buy the Harley you really want.

It totally depends on your criteria for how you want to spend your money. Make your own decision. Get what makes YOU happy.

kthxbai.

[GeorgeC]

Just the type of replies I was expecting.
I do think the Harley is the way to go, resale value is definitely going to be there. I don't agree that the Strat would ride like a freight train; technology has definitely improved the handling of newer bikes. I have ridden one, I know.

I would like to know, from the experts here, what year would be a good Heritage. I have seen some 94 through 98 bikes for sale; I just wonder how they compare to the 2000 through 2007.
Any particular year I should stay away from?

Thanks again for your input! Greatly appreciated!

[RKC-Charlie]

(I'd buy a new Heritage, or better yet a Road King), but suggest 2000 or newer. They run the B motor, a BUNCH smoother ridding. And 2000 up have the 88 or 96 CI twin cam mill. 2013 will be the 103 CI

[GeorgeC]

I would like to get a 113ci motor - are these available on the Heritage? Or, do I need to go with a Road King? or Road Glide?

[smitty901]

WOW could you narrow that down a bit like between a Heritage and a Fatboy or DYNA hard to compare the wide a choice.

[Bronxhog]

Go with the Heriliner,it runs the 113, and make sure you run Amsoil in all three holes.

[Hot Sparks]

Think with your hart not your wallet, if you truly want a Harley you will never be happy with anything else.

[Bowtie18]

Originally Posted by FLHTDan

My buddy rides a Yamaha Silverado. It looks a lot like an HD and he has done everything he can to make it sound like a Harley.
Purchased it it cheap. You know why? Cause no one wanted it.
If he sells it in a few years he'll probably only get a few grand out of it.

Not always.

I bought mine new for 10K, put 26,000 miles on it in 30 months, and sold it for 7. I'd say putting on 26K and only losing 30% of the price is pretty damn good.

Love my HD, but the whole resale thing is rediculous anymore.

To the OP, if ya like it, buy it.

Those strats are beasts on the road, light, fast, and nimble for thier size.

The Heritage is the best non touring HD, comfortable and beautiful

And that strat is one fugly bike!