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

 

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

 

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

 

@gree:
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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

I do think the Harley is the way to go!

Anyone trying to argue must know that GeorgeC is not interested in H-D. He is just putting oil on the fire .
Goodbye GeorgeC , make a comeback when you have a driverslicence.

 

(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

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I purchased a Stratoliner in '07 when I couldn't convince the wife that the extra money for a Harley was worth the price if admission. "Both have a motor and two wheels" she remarked "but the Harley cost $5,000 more". Hard to argue with that line of reasoning so I bought the Star.

I too was looking at either a Heritage or the Stratoliner when I got the Strat. I actually did like the Stratoliner. The 113 CI motor was awesome, the handling good and the brakes were excellent. I didn't like the limited amount of space in the saddlebags but with an added trunk-bag, it was livable.

The wife and I did find out we enjoyed taking long trips with the Strat. So much that I decided the lack of storage was going to become an issue down the road. I started dreaming of an Ultra taking the place of my Stratoliner.

Which is exactly what happened one year later. I took a killing selling the Star but I got what I really wanted after all; a Harley. I tried to be satisfied with the Stratoliner, I really did. I kept trying to tell myself that the Strat was a better bike for a less expensive initial cost but I still had this pull that I'd rather be on a Harley.

Course it didn't help when EVERY time someone found out I rode a motorcycle the first words out of their mouth were "is it a Harley?". That is no joke either. When I'd tell them "no" you could almost sense a look of pity in their face at my answer. Didn't matter if they rode a motorcycle or not which seemed quite strange to me. Guess that shows how strong the mystic of Harley really is.

Probably the good thing about owning the Stratoliner for that one year was I now knew that a Heritage wasn't enough bike for what I needed a bike for. I rode a friends Heritage once when I had my Strat and the brakes on the Heritage compared to the Star were terrible. That extra disc up front makes a huge difference in braking power.

If I was going to replace a Stratoliner and not go with an Ultra I would have chosen the Road King. Same touring frame and you get the extra braking capacity up front. The Brembo brakes on the touring bikes are great! The 103 may not be quite as powerful as the 113 but after a little while I'd don't think you'd miss the 113. The drive train on the Harley is much smoother than the Stratoliner so that's a huge plus.

I don't think the Stratoliner was any less expensive to maintain. I remember to change the transmission fluid the exhaust had to be removed. At least that's what the dealer told me so I took it in to them to accomplish that task. More dependable? I don't think that's true either. I've got 78,000 miles on my Ultra and haven't had any issues other than a couple bearings going out.

Good luck with your choice. The important thing is to get what YOU want, period. If you really think a Stratoliner will make you happy, go for it. If you know you really want a Harley and you're compromising, you'll probably regret your decision.

 

I would go with the metric and put harley decals on the tank. You can chisle off the plastic stratoliner emblems real easy.

 

I like the Fatboy, Heritage, Road King and Road Glide.
Not really familiar where these fall, as far as touring or non-touring. I want a bike I can take a long trip on.
Don't like the Dyna; always liked the look of the old FLH.

 

for me the question to ask yourself is a very simple one:

"when I walk into the garage and see my (insert brand name/model name here) sitting there, how does it make me feel?"

if the Strat makes you feel good and you're happy you have it, then that's the bike for you.

if on the other hand, every time you look at it you wish you had gone for the Harley, no amount of money saved will make that empty feeling go away.

Since there's no REAL reason to own ANY motorcycle other than the way they make you feel, don't obsess over the money. get the bike that makes you happy.

Make your decision with your heart, not your wallet.

It's entirely a personal choice but I have a sticker on my helmet that sums it up for me.

It reads.............."No matter how much you polish that, it still won't be a Harley!"

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Glad to see you finally made a purchase, it looks nice!

for me the question to ask yourself is a very simple one:

"when I walk into the garage and see my (insert brand name/model name here) sitting there, how does it make me feel?"
.

4 and a half years ago I bought a sporty. I still look at it and smile. Did I do that with the other (honda, kaw, yama) bikes I have owned? No.
I don't have a garage, I live at the beach, and there is some rust due to the salt air...but I still smile and feel good inside because that dark blue and chrome sporty sure does look good!

I'm sure the OP will feel the same way a few years from now...grinning, ya know?

 

So what's the difference between the Heritage, Fatboy and Road King?

 

Ya know... since you're sitting in front of a computer connected to the information superhighway... there's always the Harley Davidson website.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/motorcycles.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US


There are reviews and comparisons all over the web as well

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2011-bagger-cruiser-shootout-90133.html


Maybe a little effort on your part?

What makes you think you want one of these two bikes? You really don't know much about them.... Knowledge is power.

 

Years ago I had a couple of Harley's. Marriage, children, life kind of took over for a while but I always knew I'd have a bike again. Fast forward to 10 years ago and the lust for a bike was raising it's head, big time. I decided that I should be a rational man and not spend the kings ransom to satisfy my lust. So, I bought a Honda Sabre 1100. That bike was a loads of fun to ride, never gave me a lick of trouble, and was many times mistaken for a Fatboy. I put 3 different exhaust systems on it trying to get it to sound 'right'. I kept telling myself that it was a great bike....and it was. Finally one day I just heard this voice in my head saying "No matter what you do to it, it will never be what you really want!"

A month later I was riding my new Harley, and couldn't have been happier. Still am. Oh yeah, the Honda was sold for a 50% loss.

Long story to say, go with what YOU know to be in your heart. It's the only way you'll be genuinely happy.

This is the day I brought the Harley home. See my 'Fatboy' in the background.

 

Years ago I had a couple of Harley's. Marriage, children, life kind of took over for a while but I always knew I'd have a bike again. Fast forward to 10 years ago and the lust for a bike was raising it's head, big time. I decided that I should be a rational man and not spend the kings ransom to satisfy my lust. So, I bought a Honda Sabre 1100. That bike was a loads of fun to ride, never gave me a lick of trouble, and was many times mistaken for a Fatboy. I put 3 different exhaust systems on it trying to get it to sound 'right'. I kept telling myself that it was a great bike....and it was. Finally one day I just heard this voice in my head saying "No matter what you do to it, it will never be what you really want!"

A month later I was riding my new Harley, and couldn't have been happier. Still am. Oh yeah, the Honda was sold for a 50% loss.



Long story to say, go with what YOU know to be in your heart. It's the only way you'll be genuinely happy.

This is the day I brought the Harley home. See my 'Fatboy' in the background.

That is one sweet looking bike!!!

 

:woohoo:I think you should buy the Yamaha. Take some of the money you save, go to the doctor and have him give you some 200 mg Ibuprofins and 100 mg viagaras. one will treat the stiffness in your neck as you snap your head every time a real harley rumbles past. The other will give you the stiffness you would have needed to deal with all the "problems" that appear when you ride a real Harley!:spank:

 

Fatboy and Heritage is same frame, different wheels. The Heritage adds windshield, different seat, saddlebags and different handlebars.
Road King is a touring bike, king of the road, no doubt.
All three bikes are great for long touring rides, however. Keep kicking tires until you get happy with a bike, then buy it.

 

Started riding again at 51 bought a VStar 950 which served me well for a year. But I realized I am needed more. Thought about a roadstar or a strat but I really wanted a Heritage so I bought a 2012 and never looked back. I have found the Heritage is about 100lbs heavier than the 950 but handles like it is 100lbs lighter and is better balanced than the 950. I also appreciate the fact that what plastic on the 950 is metal on my Heritage, and the Heritage is all about quality. My yamaha was a decent bike, but my Harley is a great bike and I am thankful that I, too like the others have stated took the leap and bought the Harley because I know I would have regretted any other brand. I do love my Harley!!

 

My Yamaha was a decent bike, but my Harley is a great bike

Mark,
To be fair, the V-Star 950 is a cheap, entry level, starter bike. You are comparing a $9,000 motorcycle to an $18,000 motorcycle. So the $18,000 bike is built better? I would hope so... Like comparing a Yugo to a Volvo.

 

I think because you are on a Harley forum your looking for that little push,what are the boys on the Yamaha forums saying let me guess.Since I have been riding Harleys since 1962 and know them inside and out can only give one educated answer.HD

 

I agree @gree:, you are likely are smack on with this comment.

 

I don't think resale value should factor into your choice. Buy what you want the first time and you'll be happy for years to come. If/when you decide to sell then get what you can and move on. Motorcycles are not an investment.

Choosing which model Harley to buy depends on your riding style. If you plan on doing a lot of highway/interstate riding, especially two-up, then i'd suggest you go with one of the touring models, i.e., Road King, E-glide, Road Glide. These models have more storage and are smoother at highway speeds. The softail models, like the Heritage, are more buzzy at high speeds due to the balanced engine. Either way, i suggest you get an 07 or newer model. These have 96 or 103 engines with six speed tranny. You can find some great deals on low mileage 07-08 bikes now days.

 

Looking at an 02 and 04 Road King, don't these have 96 or bigger motors? What about the police bikes? Are they worth buying?

 

They were pretty much all 88"ers till 07 cept for some cvo's ( limited edition pricey bikes) and a couple other rare exceptions. Thats the newer TC motor, b4 that the evos were 80.The cop bikes are nice IMO but it's all personal taste. Have you ever spent some decent time riding an HD? If not try to rent one for a day, might help your decision. For me, the fun factor on a HD beats most other bikes. They're just a blast to ride. As far as the 88", if you really want the bigger motor but your finding the best deal on an 88 and You really like the bike, a 95 or 98" kit isn't that pricey, especially if ya just want the cubes ( no cam, headwork, etc ) if you or a friend is a fairly competent wrench it's even cheaper , just be careful with performance work, it can become an addiction, a fun one but an addiction all the same.