I'm entering my 3rd or 4th mid-life crisis and am thinking about a Harley Road King or Softail or maybe a Yamaha Road Star. Everyone says get a Harley and never look back but the Road Star is about half as much money and does look pretty good. I like a retro-50s look since I was a kid then and remember them well and don't wanna go fast anyway, like these. Any opinions?

FLA,
Harley = Mauser of the motorcycle world.
I've had two Heritage Softails and a Road King. For longer trips I'd get another RK. The Softails sit a little lower and are great for cruising.

The BMWs are the only other bike I'd consider.

Knowing your taste in other mechanical devices, I just don't think you'll find long term happiness in a Yamaha.

Thanks, that's pretty much what I keep hearing. Yamaha a fine bike, great looking too, but still not a Harley.

....or get a Honda and wave as you drive by all those broke down Harleys.

VTX1800

If Honda would do away with those silly radiators, I would consider one. Must run hot. Shaft drive OK even though they rob power.

Well, I would agree with you but the VTXs and Gold Wings aren't well broken in until at least 50,000 miles, so they must be good for something. All kidding aside, it is amazing how reliable they are, but there is no doubt it is hard to beat that Harley sound. I've got a VTX but it is really a "sport" bike, just for short rides. Without a windscreen long rides become endurance efforts, not fun, IMO. Besides, it is sitting out in my barn wasting away, I don't ride anymore anyway.

I like the Honda Valkyrie very much, radiator and all. Whatever I end up with will mainly sit in the barn too. Rancher a few miles up the road just bought a Gold Wing or whatever they call them now. We're forming a pack, the terror of Farm-Market 443.

'98 Fatboy bought New Years Eve '97.


HOG members seem to love the pack mentality of the open road. But expect to be spat on at Sturgis if you show up on a Yamaha.

You only live once. If you like the nostalgic look of 50's Harleys, why not buy the brand that started it? HARLEY-DAVIDSON

If it boils down to the almighty dollar, wait a little bit and Harbor Freight Tools will offer a Commie Chinese copy of the '58 DuoGlide any day now.

Dave, that's a beauty. I like the wheels, fenders. What are the distinguishing features/characteristics of the FatBoy?

My problem with a Harley is that they are slow, which is a good thing because they have piss poor brakes. They don't handle, either. Get behind an 18 wheeler, and the slipstream causes the handlebars to shake and the whole bike to move around under you. Roll on the throttle to pass, and you hear that Harley sound, but not much else happens because the acceleration is just not there at 70 mph. There are better, safer motorcycles out there. It's pretty sad to be stuck with a 1200cc motorcycle that doesn't make enough horsepower to break a rubber drive belt.

Get the shaft drive Yamaha. My ride is a GSXR 1100 Suzuki.

i rode HD's for 20+ years, until i finally couldn't justify the pricetag on them anymore. Then i bought a little honda magna just to toole around with. damn little thing doesn't have the ride of a harley, but it'll run circles around one, plus it just runs and runs, not fixin, just ridin

I rode for 40+ years, can't anymore

Put 78,000 on my last Ultra (91), had many HD's and others before that.

Always had on road and off road bikes at the same time.

Got a BMW K1200LT, put 9,000 in one month and never looked back at the Ultras.

If you do long distance,500 miles and more a day the BMW's and Goldwing's are truly the ticket.

HD's are better made now without a doubt. anti-locks,EFI, 6 gears,etc,etc,etc.

However,after over 250,000 miles or more on tourers alone; I do not place them in the elites of the tourers, though still great bikes.

If you just cruise, HD's are great, depends on your goals.

Make your heart sing, buy what moves you.

the only opionion that counts on this subject is yours what do you want??? I'v ridden all my life and and there are two things I know ONE there are those who have gone down and those who will go down.And if you have to ask you will not understand the answer. 3oo.ooo club

quote:

Make your heart sing, buy what moves you.

That's the best advice you can get, however, sometimes, like a good looking girl BEFORE you've taken her out, what you think makes your heart sing may have some sour notes upon closer inspection.

You're doing the right thing, ask around, ride a few and consider what will work best for you. As mentioned above by Duggaboye and I, if you're cruising a couple of hundred miles or less a day max, then any kind of sport/performance cruiser will serve, so whatever makes your heart sing should be your choice. However, if you think or are even mildly considering a longer distance multi-day trip (say to Florida or Las Vegas or the Rockies just as an example), then you need to REALLY consider your comfort level. You can ride a helluva lot further in comfort with bikes set up for it than you can on sport bikes. Until you've tried it, you won't believe how much more pleasant even a simple wind screen makes cruising as opposed to the bug in your face helmet.

Thanks for the input fellows, I've enjoyed it. I had 2 bikes in grad school, a long time ago, Kawasaki 500 & Honda 450, so any of the above would be a big step up for me. Butchloc, I agree, the Honda Magna V-4 is a neat mid-size that will run rings around most cruisers:

One other not so pleasant thing to think about---the fasting rising death toll in riders is the 40+ bracket.

The young squids still kill them selves off at at greater numbers ,but the old guys(and gals) are rapidly catching them.

Ride like your goin Downtown Hanoi Mig Alley ---cause they ARE out to get you.

And WE aren't as good as we wuz

Sorry for the damper ,but after 25 years in the ER and loosing a veritable stack of Buds,--
I gotta say it

That said, I miss it --daily

You sound like my wife.

my next bike,when the boy is a little older.just for scooting around town,trips only a few miles long.

We've had several local riders killed in the last couple of years, one guy was riding home, probably too fast and hit a stray horse dead center, horse didn't do well but neither did he, DOA.

I bought this current bike, the VTX, to cruise around on with my wife behind me.....I've ridden on and off all my life except for about 10 years in the 90s and I'm one of the lucky ones who hasn't ever gone down, except for a few times dirt biking, which doesn't count......we rode a few times and I got to thinking about it, we've got 3 young kids, no close relatives, and I just can't in good conscience ride her around with me, so it kind of took the fun out of the whole deal.

Fla3006:

I know you rode in college so this may not apply to you, but the most dangerous time in a new bike riders career, IMO, are from about 6 weeks to a year or so, depending on how much he rides......they start out being kind of scared and hesitant, which, in general is a good thing on a bike, then after a few weeks they've got it figured out, they think......get a bit fast, come around a curve, hit some gravel.....opps, or a thousand variations of the same thing, their confidence outruns their abilities. Be careful out there, they are out to get you, especially little old ladies turning left in front of you.

And remember, if a car has a turn signal on, it doesn't mean he's going to turn, he probably bought it that way.......

Several of you guys brought an important (and personal)subject: risk vs reward. Riding is a lot of fun but it has a high level risk. I gave up my Harleys after the kids came along and I just decided that I had too many folks depending on me to justify the risk of riding. My wake-up call came when some redneck tried to run me off the road; accidents are one thing but when somebody tries to kill you just because you're on a bike, you have to ask yourself is it really worth it?

Only two bikes I'd consider ... but then I'm a little eccentric ...

quote:

Originally posted by fla3006:
What are the distinguishing features/characteristics of the FatBoy?

Well certainly the 16" disc wheels. After that it's the fat front forks (ala 58' DuoGlide), big bucket headlight, shotgun dual exhaust, footboards, lowrise seat, 80 cubic inch Evolution V-twin rubber mounted air-cooled powerplant.

But H-D doesn't make them like this anymore. They increased the displacement, which makes more heat, increased the trans from 5 to 6 speeds (I get lost counting past 5), bigger 200 series rear tire, bigger fuel tank, and overall 100 pounds heavier. Mine's more nimble and I like that. I didn't buy the Fatboy for cruising the interstates. 45mph on back roads, seeing the sights, and smelling the roses (or cow manure) is more my pleasure.

I guess the biggest factor when buying a H-D is your ability to personalize it to any look you want...there's just so many dress-up accessories and add-on's available, it's unbelievable. Either factory or after market. I doubt very many Harley owners keep their bikes just like they came from the factory. I know I didn't.

I have owned many Harleys and still have a Low Rider that I just rode from California to Alaska - great ride! I also own a BMW K1200RS and find it to be the best compromise for touring and sport. It's hard to beat a Harley for the cool factor, but their brakes are the worst in the industry - you need to plan a week in advance if you want to stop. On the other hand, the new linked, anti-lock brakes on the BMWs are the best in the business, until the computer goes out. Try and find a place that will fix them in the middle of nowhere.

If it were me, I would find a nice BMW without the linked brakes.

Lou

I've ridden since I was 16. For the four and a half years I was on active duty in the Army a Honda Magna was my only form of transportation. I loved that bike! I bought my first Harley in 1999 and can honestly say I have never had as much fun on a bike or met as many great people as I have since I started riding Harleys.

I have a Yamaha Stratoliner, oops sorry a Star Strat, it is one heck of a machine. 1850 ccs and handles like my little 1100 cc machine. Well engineered, I have 23000 miles on it without a problem, except with the lock on a saddlebag. Plenty power to get around what needs to be gotten around.

Planning on going to the Grand Canyon early next month, from Arkansas. Longest trip so far is Toas, NM. Sorry but HD doesn't make a bike this smooth or this well engineered, that's just a fact. And yeah, it has good brakes as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Sorry but HD doesn't make a bike this smooth or this well engineered, that's just a fact. And yeah, it has good brakes as well.

I told myself the same thing for 17 years until I actually rode one.

You'll have a great ride in AZ! It is a beautiful state for bikers. Here is a website on riding in AZ. http://www.cyclerides.com/

Hey Dave, what color is your Fatboy? I have a 98 Fatboy also....bought from Schaeffers in Orwigsburg. Its the factory custom two tone burnt orange/birch white. Tons of chrome on it. I don't believe I could own any other make. Yes, its been down once. The wife spent 7 months recovering from the severe injuries. Still ain't right

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
Hey Dave, what color is your Fatboy? I have a 98 Fatboy also....bought from Schaeffers in Orwigsburg.

The factory calls it Laser Red Pearl, a $250 option over standard black. [I think those custom colors were $650, as I had a hot nut for their Sunglow Yellow Pearl paint scheme...Schaeffer's actually had a tank and both fenders in that color hanging in the showroom but I left after nobody waited on me for half an hour.] Bought from Whites in Lebanon...nice family business. Joe White's mother actually filled out my paperwork as they were closing 1PM New Years Eve. I live much closer to Crossroads H-D and do business there now.

quote:

Originally posted by Lhook7:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Sorry but HD doesn't make a bike this smooth or this well engineered, that's just a fact. And yeah, it has good brakes as well.

I told myself the same thing for 17 years until I actually rode one.

You'll have a great ride in AZ! It is a beautiful state for bikers. Here is a website on riding in AZ. http://www.cyclerides.com/

Thanks for the website, we will spending quite a bit of time in AZ. and Utah. I'll be losing sleep soon just thinking about it.

Not knocking HD they are good bikes, far more reliable these days than they get credit for. I've rode my brothers 2007 Roadking, quite a bit, nice bike, but the transmission is not so smooth, brakes are only ok, and it is underpowered for my taste.

Rode my newphews 1200 Sportster, now that is an interesting bike, it will give you a wheelie with out trying. Rode a friends, fatboy and it left me cold, underpowered, roughriding, no brakes, clunky transmission, and you need to be an ape to operate the clutch.

HARLEY DAVIDSON FATBOY 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION

I love this bike..

The Japanese machines no doubt have fantastic reliability, but I find most of them, esp the modern ones lacking in that certain style that HD have........... problem is HD do tend to lack the power and handling of some of the Jap bikes.

I don't know about price comparison with HDs etc, or performance etc, but how about one of the new Indians....... they certainly have style and elegance in spades! http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/default.aspx

As to BMWs, great cruising bikes and I've had a few of them, but the current series tend to often suffer corrosion problems in places such as the mesh covers in the fairings and some parts beneath the fairing. Of course, if you live in a good climate, this probably won't happen.

I bought (new) one of the early but new range of R1100s when I lived in the UK. At the first service they had to change about UKP1000 worth of parts due to corrosion and the second service was another UKP1000. After that, I sold it and bought a Honda Silver Wing......... and didn't have a moments problems.

Nowadays, I've gotten into classics and current ride is a 1982 Honda CB900F and I'm hoping to add a British 650 twin soon.

Didn't know that they were still making Indians. I've always liked their style but I know nothing about their handling as I've never ridden one, but I'd jump at the chance. I will admit there is a mystic about HD bikes that Jap bikes and perhaps no other bikes have. I guess I just opt for the ride instead.

I didn't know that the BMWs suffered corrosion problems, would have been my pick in a tourer. I do tour quite a bit though with my crusier.

Indian went bust in 1953 and the name was taken over by Royal Enfield, but not used....... then the marque was revived not too long ago with similar models and styling etc. I've always loved 'em.

Here's the history: http://www.indianmotorcycle.co...bid/117/Default.aspx

I'd guess BMW may well have solved the corrosion problems now, but the early ones were SOBs for it. They're great tourers though and I loved the adjustable seat and hand heaters.

That Indian (2009) looks a lot like a HD Hertage to me, which is a good looking bike as well. My wife wanted one, but I succeeded in talking her out of it.

At about $26,000 for a standard model Indian, or over twice what most Sportsters cost, I think they're going to have a very tough row to hoe getting any economies of scale.

Charlie, I believe you are correct, at that price the Indian will not have a great appeal to the masses. Perhaps they are shooting for a select market, such as the Confederates, and will not be made to sell to the average Joe.

The Confederates are all dead. I don't care what market you're shooting for, you've still got to sell a bunch of motorcycles to pay for a production line, salaries, etc. I predict they won't last until the water gets hot even if they ever really get them into production. Of course, I've been wrong before, ONCE.....and that was the first time I said, "I do." I meant to say, "Hell NO!"

In fact, it is easier, not easy but easier, to sell one off custom bikes or cars and scratch out a living than to try to sell a factory made product. You can make a living selling a few of one, but you have to sell thousands of the other.

The main reason I think they're DOA is they don't have anything new or exciting to offer IMO. Nostalgia is fine, but at twice what a more accepted product sells for (HD) they better find a bunch of really nostalgic people. Considering the age of the last real Indian cycles, I think those people are mostly in the ground with the Confederates.

I agree with you they have a tough row to hoe, and I would bet against them, but they are not really twice the price of most HDs. If I remember correctly, my brother paid about 21,000 for his RoadKing. This was for the bike and a few extras, another friend paid 36,000 for his Screaming Eagle RoadKing.

That said HD sells more bikes in the US than anyone else by far, and it will be hard for Indian to steal these customers away from HD.

Didn't know the Confederates were gone, if I had a jillion dollars hanging around I would have bought one.

Here is how it has been explained to me.
[Many years ago I had a Honda, but I do not consider my self an expert on motorcycles].

If you want the BEST bike get a Honda.

If you want a Classic, and are in your second childhood... get a Harley.

Also if you want to buy American, get a Harley.

If you are a technical kind of guy get a BMW.

I was making a pun on Confederates, as in the War of Nothern Aggression, not referring to the MCs. In looks, the Indians appear to be mostly competing with the HD Sportsters IMO. That makes them at least twice as expensive as most standard Sportsters.