Harley curious

sagalout

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So, I’ve always secretly like Harleys, and after having a GS for 8 years now I fancy a total change. I’m finding the Harley model names / platforms totally confusing though.

I’m looking for a bike that can cover some pleasant bimbling around the Yorkshire Dales, popping into town / commuting but also some long tours to Scotland / Europe. As much as I like the look of the massive all out tourers, as an only bike (apart from my track bike) I can’t see them being convenient for commuting and shorter rides.

I really like the look of the Sport Glides. The modular approach looks closest to that ‘all rounder’ appeal of the GS. I was looking at this one earlier which looks great (I’m bored of black bikes!) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202008132419452

Is my logic sound? Will this bike do pretty much everything? Any other options I should be looking at?

Any advice much appreciated!
 
I do like the current Softails, and having tried a few, the 107 is possibly a better package than the 114.

I can't quite fathom Harley's pricing, in particular why there's such a cost differential across the Softail range when there's not that much difference in the bikes (from an engineering/manufacturing perspective).

The sport glide is the most confusing as it's far better equipped than any other bike in the range but is mid priced, and seems (for a Harley) to offer remarkably good value.
 
There is so much to say and yet so little.
The only answer is.....Go and ride one, ignore all the comments about why and why not, just go and ride one, you will either like it or you won`t.

As for the people who ride them, I have met the best....I think it may be the audible experience that draws a certain kind to the Harley, but if you ignore all the HOG shite, then you are left with the real people.
 
JuanKing said:
... but if you ignore all the HOG shite, then you are left with the real people.
Click to expand...

When I was seriously considering buying a Harley last year, I was going to ask how much more it would cost to not be given HOG membership
 
Yeah, I’m not into group riding anyway. Riding with a couple of mates is my limit, otherwise prefer to just do my own thing. Looking at Harley despite the image rather than because of it!

Probably won’t get chance to test ride one. I hardly every test bikes to be honest. Bought both GS’s without ever trying them and same with my Street Triple. I don’t think you can really learn much on one ride - it could put you off a good bike or make you think one is better than it is.

Anyway, the other bike I was looking at was the Road King. What are the main differences between the bikes? I gather the Sport Glide is a soft tail, which I thought meant rear suspension, but I presume all the modern bikes have rear suspension anyway?
 
they are all , ponderous tanks , touring ones are like armchairs on wheels , a sportster is only sporty after a big one ...,handling is limited , braking is ok up to 80 mph . never show a big one the 3 b's , a bend , a bump , or a braking point. don't cross white lines in a corner . ride them like an old airhead , be brave and stick to your chosen line .

i have 2 of them . they can be great fun , the motors are like a turbine , very linear power delivery.

go ride some.
 
sagalout said:
Yeah, I’m not into group riding anyway. Riding with a couple of mates is my limit, otherwise prefer to just do my own thing. Looking at Harley despite the image rather than because of it!

Probably won’t get chance to test ride one. I hardly every test bikes to be honest. Bought both GS’s without ever trying them and same with my Street Triple. I don’t think you can really learn much on one ride - it could put you off a good bike or make you think one is better than it is.

Anyway, the other bike I was looking at was the Road King. What are the main differences between the bikes? I gather the Sport Glide is a soft tail, which I thought meant rear suspension, but I presume all the modern bikes have rear suspension anyway?
Click to expand...

So you hardly ever test ride bikes......Then simply fuck off.
 
Reckon HD have done a good job of the Sport Glide, the QD stuff ( Quick Disconnect) works well and the panniers and batwing are off in seconds...I ride an EVO but have ridden Twin Cams and M8’ think

EVO = Airhead
TC = 1150/1200 Hex
M8 = 1200 LC

The softail range are a modular series with a new gen frame and mono shock - The touring bikes are twin shock and have a frame last updated about ten years back - Touring bikes are heavier and longer etc - the softail range merged the old Dyna Range and the old Softail range into a common platform.

Various rubber mount/balancer options are in play....

The touring platform goes from a road king to a road glide with varying levels of tat bolted on....

One question..... do you tour two up? If so you may find the physical dimensions of the softail a bit limiting....Check this out...

Also, depending on budget you can change pretty much every element of the ergonomics......... the after market stuff is immense......you can really plug and play at every angle

I’ve said it loads,,,. When you buy a Harley you will either have one for 6 months or for ever.... once under your skin you cannot get them out.
 
twizzle said:
Reckon HD have done a good job of the Sport Glide, the QD stuff ( Quick Disconnect) works well and the panniers and batwing are off in seconds...I ride an EVO but have ridden Twin Cams and M8’ think

EVO = Airhead
TC = 1150/1200 Hex
M8 = 1200 LC

The softail range are a modular series with a new gen frame and mono shock - The touring bikes are twin shock and have a frame last updated about ten years back - Touring bikes are heavier and longer etc - the softail range merged the old Dyna Range and the old Softail range into a common platform.

Various rubber mount/balancer options are in play....

The touring platform goes from a road king to a road glide with varying levels of tat bolted on....

One question..... do you tour two up? If so you may find the physical dimensions of the softail a bit limiting....Check this out...

Also, depending on budget you can change pretty much every element of the ergonomics......... the after market stuff is immense......you can really plug and play at every angle

I’ve said it loads,,,. When you buy a Harley you will either have one for 6 months or for ever.... once under your skin you cannot get them out.
Click to expand...

Just no.
 
sagalout said:
Probably won’t get chance to test ride one. I hardly every test bikes to be honest
Click to expand...

I’d say that is a big mistake,

I’m not anti HD, I hired a 103 Electra Glide in the US, I wanted to like it, I wanted it to change my preconceptions

Unfortunately the only surprise I got was how little sensation the engine had, it was gutless
The brakes and suspension were awful, the seats were very comfy though

Having said that I have a friend who rides an old Evo something or other and he loves it, and he’s not slow either :nenau

Seriously, try before you buy!
 
Harley tend to develop an engine - then a Frame - then an engine.....the touring range is due a frame update.... the Softail has just had it....

I would look closely at your riding.......I have two opposing bikes - an Electra Glide and a Triumph Scrambler.....the two complement each other well....

Gnarley back roads over the downs ......Triumph..

Ride to Spain......Electra Glide.....
 
leadfarmer said:
I’d say that is a big mistake,

I’m not anti HD, I hired an Electra Glide in the US, I wanted to like it, I wanted it to change my preconceptions

Unfortunately the only surprise I got was how little sensation the engine had, it was gutless

Having said that I have a friend who rides an old Evo something or other and he loves it, and he’s not slow either :nenau

Seriously, try before you buy!
Click to expand...

Wasting your time, these people are just so important that they will never have time to test ride a bike, they just want the lifestyle, they skim through life never having truly submerged themselves into something truly real.....But we are all real and we should appreciate each others differences in all ways that we can.
However, this is a Harley, so he can Fuck off.
 
Subtle as ever JK. Right though.

I enjoy a Harley, but wasn't converted properly until I rented a Streetglide for 2 weeks in the US. You owe it to yourself, after riding sports bikes, to get a decent test ride organised. What some think looks an attractive change of biking style, you may hate, so why risk the financial implications when there is no need. Reading your thread starter, I assume you tour solo, so the Sport Glide seems ideal. If you plan 2-up, you would be better off looking at the touring models, a Road King maybe, if you don't fancy the idea of a full dresser.

As an alternative, dare I say it here, don't discount Indian - fewer dealers or specialists, but decent quality. MCO at Wigan are probably nearest.
 
twizzle said:
No good for me... the new softail does not fit..... ( me that is)
Click to expand...

Because you are not the rider it is aimed at.....You are above average, so your life should really be aligned with that, you should be above average in every department and thus should be riding a custom made motorcycle of your choice.

I am average, so have to make do with what is available.
 
They dropped a bollock with the new Softail range.

The frame feels a bit cramped for anyone over 6 foot tall. :(
 
Tricky said:
They dropped a bollock with the new Softail range.

The frame feels a bit cramped for anyone over 6 foot tall. :(
Click to expand...

It’s strange - considering your average American is well built.... I’ve noticed a lot and I mean a lot of the advertising material contains female riders... reckon that’s to make the bike look normal.... stick a 6’2 bloke on it....



Honk honk....
 
You are right. In the advertising they are all being ridden by little thin men and women.

It’s very strange. :nenau
 
Fat ***** rarely used in any marketing material..........
 
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