Should I buy a Harley -or- a Recumbent bike?

Question

5 Years ago I sold my Harley Classic after15 years. (regretful circumstances). Now I am in a position to get a replacement. I am going on 65 but am in great shape. I *was* a bicycle rider in the past.
There is *nothing* like a HOG! Indescribable feeling just to be able to say "yep, I ride a Harley".
Could I replace the HOG with a bike and live with myself?

http://www.actionbent.com/EBAY_NEW_10-2006/GALLERYPAGES/Apoyo_EBAYGALLERY.html

Answer 1

Well, HD definitely established the brand name and the cult following, it does make a statement. And they look beautiful, tough, detailed, classy (I am referring to the stock Harley's). But I do not think they are the best bikes at all. Too much vibration, heavy, bulky, terrible handling, and very expensive for what they are. If you want a comfy ride, keep your hands clean, get good gas mileage, excellent handling, get a R or a K (although a little heavy) bike from BMW. You will not have to wait a few hours to get the feeling back on your bottom side and you will forget where the repair shop was.

Answer 2

I would strongly consider a Harley sportbike if they made one that was as good or better than the Jap sportbikes at a comparable price. Some will bring up Buell, but they are not in the same class as my CBR1000rr and that's not even this years model which is better than my bike in every way with the new redesign. I have a riding buddy with a Buell and he has trouble keeping the pace. Now if Harley purchased Augusta and will make a great sportbike, I would have to check it out but if they expect me to $16,000 for a bike that can not compete with a $12,000 I will not. I would also have to worry about the reliability of the bike since Harley will be new to the Inline4 or v4/5 motor, and who even knows if they will ever get away from v-twins. They will have to go away from the v-twin if they want to make a competitive engine. The current Harley riders will never accept change.

Answer 3

That's an interesting one. Different from all the others I have seen. I would think that long drivechain would be a nightmare, and a few other things. But, it's not a bad idea. If you were to look at some used HDs instead of new, you might save enough to have both. Exercise in the neighborhood, and a nice Sunday ride.

Answer 4

I would rather ride my honda for 1/2 the price of a harley.

Answer 5

Once you ride a Harley it's in your blood. You can try to hide it but you know it will always be there. Get the Harley. Nothing can replace a Harley. You know I'm right.

Answer 6

Well you'd get rid of that Harley beer gut for one thing :)

Actually nothing could be as physically punishing as riding a bucket of bolts Harley, so I think you'd find a bicycle way more fun in an entirely different way. I rode motorcycles (big ones) for over 20 years and I really love bicycle riding now---and if you get into mountain biking, you can have just as many thrills as on a motorcycle and probably live longer.

Answer 7

I have yet to see Honda Goldwing t-shirt..... with that out of my system, if you long for the wing in your hair buy what ever suits your fancy and enjoy the freedom of the road, via bike or motorcycle. It's all about the journey, you know what your heart wants go buy it and don't be the guy on the porch regretting what you didn't do.

Answer 8

If I could afford it I would certainly get that HD over any thing manually powered. Thats like a riding mower or a push mower, both will get the job done. How far do you want to go? I like my big loud cruiser, of course mine is metric.

Answer 9

No one who asks if he should buy a Harley should buy a Harley.

Answer 10

find your local victory motorcycle dealer and take a test ride on a kingpin !!