[Skibumtx]

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum and looking forward to spending many hours perusing the topics.

I was an avid rider in the late 70's - early 80's back up in Minnesota. I've owned 4 road bikes: a 175cc Honda, 250cc Suzuki, 550 Honda and, finally, a 1981 1000cc BMW R100RT. I absolutely loved riding the beemer, put 10K miles on it in one year without ever leaving Minnesota. I'd probably still own it if that damn 18 wheeler hadn't decided to rear end me at a stop light in '82 - but that's a differnet story. The thing I liked about the beemer was the handling and the smoothness of that boxer twin.

I've really taken an interest in getting back into biking and the Harley looks like the best solution out there. I'm not a canyon racer but I do like to go around a corner without slowing down unnecessarily

My question is - which models should I consider? I'm a bit confused by the wide variety of models that Harley produces. I understand that there are over 30 frames, 4 engines, etc., etc. From what I can tell it looks like the Road King may be a good fit - I like the upright riding position and retro look. Can anyone suggest other models that I should consider?

Thanks,
Ski

 

[Thealien]

Any Dyna, road king, road glide, any electra glide. Test ride as many as you can, rent the ones you're really interested in, and get back in the saddle !!!

 

[JimmyK]

In that you are in Houston, go to Mancussos right off the 610. They have a few hundred bikes on the floor and that would be a good place to start. I am not suggesting you buy from them as they will rip yer ass off. Just check the scoots.

 

[HIPPO]

Let me tell you. I had a little over 280K miles on the old R100RT when I sold it years ago. Since then have owned three different Harleys, and the Road Glide is the closest you'll ever get to the general feel on the road.

 

[Steve3]

Hippo, didn't realize you were a former BMW rider. It seems that quite a few members were or are BMW riders. I had an 83 RT and then got a 95 GS - loved them both. Got into Harleys last year. Thought I didn''t have forever to ride and wanted to see what this Harley thing was all about. Just got a RKC and I love it. I think it's a visceral thing -- the size, the sound, the vibration, the big lopeing power, the low-end torque, the comfort, the looks, the chrome, .... always enjoy your posts, even when I don't undrestand some of the technical stuff.

 

[dave51]

In that you are in Houston, go to Mancussos right off the 610. They have a few hundred bikes on the floor and that would be a good place to start. I am not suggesting you buy from them as they will rip yer ass off. Just check the scoots.

Jimmy, did Mancuso just open a new store on 290?

 

[HIPPO]

Steve, a lot of times it wasn't choice. It was transportation.
As far as 40 years ago, with the exception of one old Zundapp, most of my road bikes actually were italian.

 

[JimmyK]

Hiya Dave! I think that is the location of his new shop yes. He and The Woodlands are in competition. Things are growing but it looks like a bunch a boutique BS to me.

 

[dave51]

Well la ti da. I guess there's big bucks in the boutique crap. I understand that the one in the Woodlands is the most boutique-ish in the area.

 

[BigG]

Hi Ski - try them all out, but I went from a bimmer to a sportster, then a soft tail - now a road king - I think the king or the glide is where you might end up - a much different experience than the bimmer though.
Welcome aboard.
BigG

 

[rodan]

Zundapp

Hippo, I haven't thought of Zundapps in years. Do you remember Jawas (Checkoslovikian)?

 

[HIPPO]

Sure do. Great ice racing bikes too.

 

[Diver]

Jawa speedway bikes. Single cylinder 500s, no brakes, one peg (on the right side). To go left, turn right....wooohoooo

A place called Rocky's in Michigan's got one up on a shelf. Coolest lookin bike in the place.

 

[VA V-Rod]

Hi Ski,

If I could make a suggestion, I know deciding which bike is best suited for you is difficult, bit once you narrow it down to one or two and then rent each one for a weekend or so, ride it in as many places as you think you would normally go, before you decide on the one you buy. At least then you'll be able to have a bit of living with each one so you can make a better-informed decision. Good luck,

Dave

P.S. There are rumors that Harley is thinking about a V-Rod engine bagger in 2004

 

[MPZ]

There are not 30 different frames, nor 4 different engines. There is (1)a touring frame, the Electra Glides and Road Glides, (2)the Dyna frame, Wide Glide, Super Glide, LowRider, etc.,(3) the Softail frame, FatBoy, Heritage, Deuce, Springer, etc., and (4) the Sportsters. The V Rod doesn't really count.
Then you have the engines, the big twin Twin Cam, and the Sportster Evo. The softails have a balanced TC, while the Dynas and Touring Bikes have a rubber mounted TC without the balancers. Sportsters are solid mounted shakers, probably not the choice for an ex Beemer pilot. The others are all good for all day riding.

 

[Skibumtx]

Thanks for the inputs...

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and especially the recommendation to rent each bike for a weekend.

MPZ, thanks for the clarification on the frame/engine combinations. When I asked for an overview of the various categories of Harleys the salesman at Mancuso's just rolled his eyes and gave me the line about 30 frames and 4 engines. I figured he was just trying to blow me off, which seems strange when your trying to sell someone a $20k motorcycle! Maybe they've gotten too easy to sell and the salespeople just want to take orders.........

It looks like the touring frame is the most interesting to me because of the seating position, larger front tire, and retro look. The Heritage Springer/Softail may also warrant some consideration. I really like having my feet at the bike's pivot point so that I can let the bike rock 'n roll while standing on the pegs over rough surfaces. Forward mounted pegs don't really hold my interest.

So I guess that I need to decide between the King and the Glide........

To the former beemer drivers - would you ever go back?

Ski

 

[BigG]

Loved my beemer - will never go back to it though - just a totally different ride