I recently rented an Electra Glide for a long weekend in the Florida Keys and loved the bike. I want to buy a similar style to the Softail Classic but find hard to justify the cost.
2007-01-04 12:39:55 · 16 answers · asked by e_rider 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I personally think the Harleys are better than a Japanese cruiser. You discovered that for yourself in the Florida Keys. I'd say get what you know you really want. If you allow cost to be the determining factor, you're going to end up with something you really aren't going to be happy with and will probably end up selling it and getting the Harley. Avoid going through all that and just get the Harley. They do not require constant maintenance as some would want you to believe. Also, they hold their resale value much better than a Japanese bike. So when the day ever comes you want to get a newer Harley you'll be able to get a decent amount for trading up. When I got my first Harley I could not justify the expense of a new one. I searched and searched for a used one. It was worth the wait. I found a used one (5 years old) with very low mileage (3,800 miles) in excellent condition and got it far cheaper than a new one, yet it is basically like new. If you can't justify the cost of a new one, perhaps you should consider a newer used one. If you really loved the Harley you rode, you'll find a way. Never settle for second best.
2007-01-04 13:25:14 · answer #1 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 3⤊ 4⤋
I use to own Jap cruiser bikes. Then I bought a Harley. The Harley has given me far more enjoyment when riding than any of the Jap bikes ever did. I should have bought one years earlier. Mine is a 2002. Those that say Harleys require lots of maintenance, don't have a clue what they're talking about. Besides basic maintenance (oil changes, new tires, etc.) the only thing that has required more than basic maintenance is I had to replace the headlight bulb once. That must be considered high maintenance by some, but not me. It doesn't leak oil, starts on the first try everytime (including after winter storage) and has NEVER left me stranded on the side of the road. I can sit in the saddle for hours upon hours and not feel the least bit uncomfortable. If you want to race with the crotch rockets down the street, don't get the Harley. It's not a race bike and wasn't intended for that purpose. Just like the race bikes weren't designed for comfort and long rides. If you want a comfortable bike with little or no maintenance and one that maintains its value, get a Harley.
2016-03-29 08:12:16 · answer #2 · answered by Sharon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude, the ride of a softail is definitely not the ride of an Electra Glide. The Glide is built for comfort, the softail (I had a Heritage) is built for looks. Make sure that you plant you butt on the softail and take it for a cruise before you buy. I had to sell my because it was like riding a sawhorse. Buy one about 2 years old. There are thousands of guys that made the same mistake I did. I think Harley is a ripoff now but if you want a cruiser that's the way to go.
2007-01-04 15:46:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stick with what you love, it you cant justify the price to yourself and go ahead it will always be a niggle and affect the way you relate to the bike.
Likewise if you buy something you really didnt want.
If you really love the bike then why not buy second hand, at least it will be a cheaper entry option and wil be good to sell when you want to move up.
So what if the bike is a couple of years old, you will probably get more bike for your buck anyway.
2007-01-04 20:07:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One way to justify the cost**(A Harley will hold it's value). My 91 FXR is worth more now than when I bought it in 94.The other is the feel ,if you liked the Electra Glide you can obviously appreciate American Iron. Jap cruisers feel like ??? well a Jap cruiser. Its like the difference between a Cadillac and a Yugo. One can be proud of a Harley and a Jap cruiser is in my opinion second class. Sport bikes are another story as the Japs dominate that type of bike. It's all about your mind set ,Do you want an American bike you can be proud of ? Or just a set of wheels to ride?
2007-01-04 15:28:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
harley does its own financing, and if u wait until they need to really move out last year's models, u can save a big hunk of coin. there's still quite a few '06 models out in some dealers. they'll be itchin to sell these bikes to make room for the '07's...some slashing up to 2 grand off the sticker.
i found the interest rate was alot cheaper with hd than with metric. its ur money, but i can tell u that u will always wish u bought the hd every time u see an electra glide. the more u plunk down on the down payment, the cheaper the rate and the payments.
2007-01-04 12:50:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you want the HD, buy a slightly used one at the end of the season. I've seen bikes with very low mileage at thousands less than the new price. With a transferrable warranty. And no break in period!
2007-01-04 14:44:20 · answer #7 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Nowadays Harleys are as good as the Jap bikes in terms of reliability and maintenance. If you can't afford a Harley, look for a used Honda. I personally would go with the Harley because of the tradition and all the Harley clubs, groups, shows, and style. No Jap bike will ever be as stylish as a Harley.
2007-01-04 14:11:28 · answer #8 · answered by atvman_400 5 · 4⤊ 3⤋
You can get more motorcycle for your buck if you go Honda. The Harleys you mention are great looking bikes, but are typical of HD: over priced and under engineered.
2007-01-04 15:41:15 · answer #9 · answered by m. b 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Whatever you can afford. The newer Harleys have features to reduce maintainence costs, something to consider over the long run.
2007-01-04 12:48:05 · answer #10 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋