bdog1234 said:
I am currently riding a 97 Honda shadow deluxe 600. It was my first motorcycle. I like it, but it is underpowered and I feel uncomfortable riding it at 70mph down the road. It is like it is all it has got to keep highway speed. I am not looking to race, but want to have power to pass, and not be wound out at cruising speed.
I have about 10k to spend and am looking at purchasing a harley as I have always wanted one. Problem is I don't know jack about them. I went to the dealer today and I really like the look of the softails, but they were out of my price range. The sportsters were the only ones I could afford, and some of them were ok, but others I did not like the look. I am not at all opposed to a used bike, and I am thinking 1200 as a minimum.
I will be mainly riding the bike to and from work (30 miles each way) and taking the occasional trip with the wife on back. Any recommendations on what to look for, and any tips for the new uniformed buyer?
Thanks in advance.
Hello, and welcome to the forum
If your budget is tight, stop looking in dealerships.
I bought both of my bikes used, ( 98 Fatboy/04 Police Glide ) and I have no regrets.
There is no such thing as a "Harley, within your price range"....light a match to that thought, and enjoy the smoke.
The bikes that are in your price range, you won't like, and the bikes you like, won't be in your price range...hey wait, did I just repeat myself ??
Seriously, if I were you, I would start by checking out the
www.Harley-Davidson.com website, and just think about the bike that YOU want.
Don't worry about how much the bike cost, just think about what you would buy, if money were no option.
At that point, I would begin looking for the bike on Ebay.
My opinion is to let someone else take the depreciation hit.
Patience is a virtue here....I must've looked at a dozen bikes over a 6 month period before I found my Evo, and I still end up paying 22k for it...again, waaaay over my "price range."
NOTE: The "buy it now" price means nothing. No matter what the seller is asking, knock 15% off of that price. If they don't want to come down, move on....again, patience is a virtue, don't buy the first thing you see.
You can also find nice used Harley's in Mom and Pop shops. I found my Glide in a little shop north of Indy, with only 965 miles, for 16k, out the door.
I'm a small guy, 6 foot/155 lbs, and there is NO WAY I would ride anything less than a 1340 motor. I have often found myself pegging the throttle on my Evo when I'm on the Interestate, so if you intend to ride 2-up, be patient, save your money, and get yourself a 1440 motor ( 1999-2006 ) model. You can find a nice 1999-2002 Road King for 12-13k this time of the year, if you have cash.
This is the type of motor that you'll be able to grow into, and trail your wife on, without any power problems, if/when you need to pass.
good luck!
David