Harley VRSC or 12GS to Finland?

[fatone]

Much as it sounds like a no-brainer, there is an issue here. Namely that almost everybody travelling long-distance in Europe has a GS (it seems). A HD would be more 'entertaining' and therefore more 'fulfilling' - particularly watching the solid wheels disappear and trying to find a competent dealer.
Anyone out their done big miles on both?

 

[cookie]

i went to france earlier this year on my 11 year old GS accompanied by a friend on a 14 year old harley.

harley did 250 miles before retuning home via europe assist

one - nil, one nil, one - nil,

one nil, one - nil, one ni-il, etc.

 

[cookie]

i went to france earlier this year on my 11 year old GS accompanied by a friend on a 14 year old harley.

harley did 250 miles before retuning home via europe assist*

one - nil, one nil, one - nil,

one nil, one - nil, one ni-il, etc.


*sheared woodruff key somewhere i believe.

 

[Davel]

You went twice?

 

[Steptoe]

Cookie - i make that 2-0

 

[Steve]

You went twice?

It was a game of two halves....

 

[Wraithwrider]

Jeez Cookie only a Harley would use Woodruff keys nowadays.

Stone age technology.

(I bet someone 'll say that the Beemers got one too).

Peter

 

[cookie]

doh!

how did that happen?

 

[plasins]

Get the bike that you want to ride FOR and AFTER the trip. The trip will be between two/four weeks or however long you are going for. You will have that bike for the rest of the year.

Vic

 

[Commuter]

I think you need to maybe broaden your search. There are several bikes that can do that journey, some more comfortably and some much faster. The 12 is a good bike, if you don't get a dummy one. The Harley is a cruiser, you will HAVE to cruise, they are not good in the twistys and if you want to have additional fun whilst on the journey the 12 is going to be your friend. Luggage etc, there are better bikes than both of them, but I guess you know that. I also agree with Plasins above, the bike is not just for this trip.

Have fun and ride safe, Nick

 

[antarcticash]

I had a VRSCA for two and a half years.Furthest i went without it breaking down was 185miles in one hit.Couldn't bear to get it dirty or wet with the thought of weeks of cleaning and polishing.
Very unlucky or just a shite model.
No brainer really GS.

 

[fatone]

Sort of what I'd expected. Problem is I've got to sell mine to buy the GS and as everyone has twigged that Harleys are still 19th century technology, I'm going to have to lose a bucketful of cash to get shot of it.

 

[Pukmeister]

I recently toured Ireland on my GS1200 with full luggage and can't sing enough praise for the bike, it was very comfy and reliable over varied road surfaces from shiny new tarmac to farm roads and trails for 2500 miles in 2 weeks. Just the sort of bike I would take to Finland.

Have you been there before? I have been to Helsinki, nice place, as is most of the Baltic region.

Personally I would not entertain riding a Harley there, though I am sure if the bike is prepared well enough it can do it.

 

[antarcticash]

fatone
I lost £6000 in total with mine.
Harley dropped the prices of new ones so we all got shafted.I bit the bullet and washed my hands of it last week.My new gs is here and on the road 1st of september.
Can't wait!!!
Best move ever imo

 

[plasins]

Harley's may be 19th century tech, but with the gatso's, spec's, digital speed cameras etc we are heading for 18th century speeds. Had Harley's before and they never let me down. May be going back to one cos I can't trust myself on the 12.

Vic

 

[dazzer]

I ran HDs for 17 years,and did well over 200,000 miles on them,I went through 6 bikes in that time,the oldest beeing a 1942 WLA45,and the newest being a FLSTF .

I would say that the quility of the finish on the new ones is no where near as good as it should be.

If you want FUN get a well sorted Duo Glide from the late 50s..that way you have Tons of street cred,{ which you dont have on any new HD}.also its excellent at touring ,if you avoid the motorways that is.

But there is no way you can put them in the same class as a BMW.
I dont have a 1200, i ride a 1150GSA and i would not swap it for any Harley.

Hope you get the bike you want and enjoy riding it.