Harley or Jap Bike? I really want a motorcycle!

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padre45	Harley or Jap Bike? I really want a motorcycle!		Lead	[-]
Posts: 232 06/30/09 10:40:08	I've wanted a motorcycle for years, and my wife is encouraging me to go ahead and get one now. For many years I've envisioned having a Harley in my garage, and cruising around Texas, the wind in my hair, listening and feeling that distinctive racket they make, just enjoying the experience, and of course, looking so cool. Now, I'm about ready to buy a bike, and I find that Harleys are a LOT of MONEY! Not a news flash for most of you, I'm sure. Anyway, my Googling research shows me that with a Harley, I'm paying at least $5K for the privilege of saying "I ride a Harley." That may or may not be worth it to me. I'm reading a LOT of posts from ex-Harley owners who say their new Yamaha cruiser is smoother, more powerful, leaks no oil... and they flat-out enjoy it more than their previous Harleys. The true-blue (and currently invested) Harley owners seem to mostly just dismiss the Japanese Bikes as unworthy of comparison to their beloved Harleys, yet most don't address the specifics, like horsepower difference, reliability, handling... price! So, I ask you, my honest and true fellow vets. PLEASE tell me the real deal here... If I throw out the whole "NAME" thing, which bike do you think I'd be likely to enjoy more: a 2006 Harley Road King with 10,000 miles on it, or a 2009 Yamaha Stratoliner? Does it make me less loyal to the USA to buy a Jap bike, considering how Harley is using a LOT of Japanese parts on their motorcycles? Thanks for any inputs - I really appreciate your collective wisdom! -Padre
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dean9908		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1344 06/30/09 10:48:27	Harleys are more of what I consider a hobby. The ability to pick and choose accesories ie pipes, chrome additions, bags, paint jobs etc. Other brands quickly loose value where harleys generally loose little value and can go up in value. As far as horsepower and cc's it is all in personal choice and what your riding ability and plans are ie: around town or over the road. Will the wife ride with you? do you want a radio? and what level of comfort do you want?
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nmfxstc		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 14691 06/30/09 11:06:43	You're kiddin'? Right? "If I have to explain; you wouldn't understand"... Seriously, those of us who ride Harley-Davidsons probably started on them years ago (I had the lousy AMF Sportsters) and the HD "brotherhood" is very real. As far as a first bike...don't even think about brand, model, size, etc. UNTIL YOU TAKE AND PASS A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE! There is no damn room for error or a steep "learning curve" on two wheels! You have to know and understand riding technique (apexing curves, when to power up and out of a turn, counter-steering, how to brake normally, in a panic mode, in traffic, etc. You need to understand that you ARE INVISIBLE on a scooter!! In all honesty, my guess is you will end up on American iron eventually...(you seem to already suspect that yourself, eh?) Jap bikes (Yammies, Honda, Suzis, etc.) are all good machines and I have no qualms with them at all (I'm just die hard HD "potato-potato"). Late model HDs don;t leak and are not maintenance nightmares! get over that notion (the AMF days are gone, thank God) My advice: - Start on a reasonable sized bike...NOT a Sportster (you'll outgrow a Sporty real fast...sorry, Sporty riders) - The Honda VTX 1300 is a very maneuverable, powerful, and comfortable ride at a good price. Good first ride! - Stay away from anything under a 650 cc... - Don't rush out and buy a Gold Wing or Ultra Classic until you fully understand riding and are ready for serious riding - Plan to upgrade within a short time, so don't squander bucks on your first bike "tricking it out" - Know what riding does to your body! No booze/smoke/drugs (obviously) HYDRATE! You lose fulids in weather! There is nothing like cruising in the environment and enjoying the sights, sounds, smells and environmental changes on a bike! There are lots of organized rides and site seeing tours to enjoy, but pack/formation riding is best delayed ntil you can really handle your scoot in all situations. Until you can "clutch out/feet up" and do a 360 turn in a two lane back road without putting your feet down and without "duck walking", refrain from riding with groups and carrying passengers. Motorcycles are not toys...they are inheritly dangerous, but the rush is something that is addictive as heroin! Go for it! But really read and learn about motorocycling...it isn't all roses, it isn't all fun (get caught on the plains in a hailstorm and you'll learn that one real quick like!) and "cage drivers" really don't see you, so a good course and continuous refreshers and reminders are essential. See ya "in the wind", Bro! I like smoke and lightning... Heavy metal thunder... Racin' with the wind
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RWSVol		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1484 06/30/09 11:32:38	I have two '08 scoots. One HD and one Suzuki. One is designed for comfort. One is designed for flat out speed. Neither have given me any problems. Here is the kicker. HD thinks their mechanics are made of gold and worthy of an ungodly price for their work. The Suzuki dealer works on both of my bikes. I am talking oil changes, cable checks, tuning....regular stuff like that. Costs less than half of what HD wants. Of course I am not hooked or beholden to any specific maker. If you can get a better bike for less money, get it. Screw the people that take issue with what you ride. It is funny when I ride my crotch rocket the HD trash look at me like I am scum. Hop on the Road King and suddenly I am worthy of waving at. I don't wave at anybody so I don't give a rat's arse. It's not what you ride. It's that you ride. Brands be damned IMHO. I am loyal to my checkbook first and foremost. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this. Do a little comparison shopping on parts for an HD compared to a comparable Metric. Again, HD thinks their parts were made by God or something. V "You do not greet Death. You punch him in the throat repeatedly as he drags you away." Last Edited By: RWSVol 06/30/09 11:35:41. Edited 1 time.
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jdogonroad07		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 101 06/30/09 12:01:30	I personally have ridden and owned,exclusively Kawasaki's ( a 1500 and 800 Nomads) . Great bikes. But the majority of my friends ride HD. It's all personal preference. I felt I got my moneys worth, especiall with after market add ons. No matter what you get, my choice would be a bike with a belt or shaft drive (chain drives are a pain in the a--) and fuel injection. All that being said, I agree totally with NM and V. Learn on a smaller bike first, and don't get one to bigt for you to handle.
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1SGRetired		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2916 06/30/09 12:07:09 Top	I would say depends on where you live and what it is you want to accomplish while riding on it. Certain Rice Rockets are in such high demand they are the number one bikes being stolen like crazy. GSXR's are the number one stolen bikes out. Now if you want long cruise rides enjoying sites and sounds then HD style bikes are the way to go, speed and short term riding then sport bike is way to go. I honestly love both styles but with the injuries I have and disabilities. I can no longer ride those type bikes. Ride Hard and Ride Free U.S.Army Infantry Retired 100% IU SSDI 70% SC PTSD 1-5 Cav "BlackKnights" OIF 2, OIF 3 1-8 Cav "Mustangs" OIF 5 "Those who haven't Sacrificed for this Country, have nothing to say that's worth hearing"
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jdave		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 5198 06/30/09 12:09:32	If you really really really want good advice, listen to me: Don't listen to the biker bunch, they're just plain freakin' NUTZ! Of course, I mean this in the nicest possable way. jDave Besides, fo $10K you can get a really nicely restored Volkswagen Type 181.
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nmfxstc		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 14692 06/30/09 14:00:22	HEY, Jdave! We ain't "Nutz".......we're just "special"!!!!! I like smoke and lightning... Heavy metal thunder... Racin' with the wind
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MiltStar		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2901 06/30/09 14:33:44
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padre45		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 233 07/02/09 15:20:52	Seems like my big Harley plans are gonna have to give way to a new central A/C unit for my house. Argh. Constant 100+ degree days here in Sunny San Antonio are KILLIN me!! Even with my AC wide-open, it's not getting below 80 in here and I have congestive heart failure. CRAP!! Probably will just force me to make that first bike a "non-Harley" since I'll now be back UNDER the $10K threshold. Thanks for all your advice, I really do appreciate it! I'll let you guys know what I end up getting - I gotta do this somehow! P.S. I do know the basics of riding - 20 years ago I was a hardcore dirt bike racer and I did have a few street bikes back then. Just haven't ever ridden one of those sweet low-rider cruisers where you can actually bend your knees while touching the ground! What is that like??? Padre
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Survivir		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 5152 07/02/09 15:33:53	padre45 wrote: Seems like my big Harley plans are gonna have to give way to a new central A/C unit for my house. Argh. Constant 100+ degree days here in Sunny San Antonio are KILLIN me!! Even with my AC wide-open, it's not getting below 80 in here and I have congestive heart failure. CRAP!! Probably will just force me to make that first bike a "non-Harley" since I'll now be back UNDER the $10K threshold. Thanks for all your advice, I really do appreciate it! I'll let you guys know what I end up getting - I gotta do this somehow! P.S. I do know the basics of riding - 20 years ago I was a hardcore dirt bike racer and I did have a few street bikes back then. Just haven't ever ridden one of those sweet low-rider cruisers where you can actually bend your knees while touching the ground! What is that like??? Padre Padre, I think "someone" is trying to tell you, something. Go buy the NEW AC for your House and Stay COOL. Ride around on the Outside...Inside a COOL 4-Wheel CAGE, too! Survivir
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Bandit16t	I've got just the thing for you Cheap	#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1466 07/03/09 03:39:01	Big training wheels always help.... I Trp, 3/11 ACR 7/67 - 7/68 www.blackhorsenomadsmc.com
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LoneStar77		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2194 07/03/09 10:17:21	nmfxstc wrote: You're kiddin'? Right? "If I have to explain; you wouldn't understand"... Seriously, those of us who ride Harley-Davidsons probably started on them years ago (I had the lousy AMF Sportsters) and the HD "brotherhood" is very real. As far as a first bike...don't even think about brand, model, size, etc. UNTIL YOU TAKE AND PASS A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE! There is no damn room for error or a steep "learning curve" on two wheels! You have to know and understand riding technique (apexing curves, when to power up and out of a turn, counter-steering, how to brake normally, in a panic mode, in traffic, etc. You need to understand that you ARE INVISIBLE on a scooter!! In all honesty, my guess is you will end up on American iron eventually...(you seem to already suspect that yourself, eh?) Jap bikes (Yammies, Honda, Suzis, etc.) are all good machines and I have no qualms with them at all (I'm just die hard HD "potato-potato"). Late model HDs don;t leak and are not maintenance nightmares! get over that notion (the AMF days are gone, thank God) My advice: - Start on a reasonable sized bike...NOT a Sportster (you'll outgrow a Sporty real fast...sorry, Sporty riders) - The Honda VTX 1300 is a very maneuverable, powerful, and comfortable ride at a good price. Good first ride! - Stay away from anything under a 650 cc... - Don't rush out and buy a Gold Wing or Ultra Classic until you fully understand riding and are ready for serious riding - Plan to upgrade within a short time, so don't squander bucks on your first bike "tricking it out" - Know what riding does to your body! No booze/smoke/drugs (obviously) HYDRATE! You lose fulids in weather! There is nothing like cruising in the environment and enjoying the sights, sounds, smells and environmental changes on a bike! There are lots of organized rides and site seeing tours to enjoy, but pack/formation riding is best delayed ntil you can really handle your scoot in all situations. Until you can "clutch out/feet up" and do a 360 turn in a two lane back road without putting your feet down and without "duck walking", refrain from riding with groups and carrying passengers. Motorcycles are not toys...they are inheritly dangerous, but the rush is something that is addictive as heroin! Go for it! But really read and learn about motorocycling...it isn't all roses, it isn't all fun (get caught on the plains in a hailstorm and you'll learn that one real quick like!) and "cage drivers" really don't see you, so a good course and continuous refreshers and reminders are essential. See ya "in the wind", Bro! I found this to be a very interesting post. I never had a large bike and I will never will. However, it was informative to read the suggestions above. Most importantly for me was the realization that I made the right choice to never buy one--I wouldn't be keyboarding this post if I had purchased a large bike. I live in a tourist town (actually about 2 miles away now) and it's amazing to see the newbies with bikes ride into town. Many of them can't even maneuver their bikes into a parking space on the street. On the other hand, they all seem to have new leathers. My hat is off to those of you who can ride...it looks like fun and I suspect there is a feeling of freedom out on the road. -- My remarks shown above are opinions unless stated otherwise or substantiating material is cited or quoted.--
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nighthawksh		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4858 07/03/09 11:09:38	Spending summers in the Black Hills, I see so many bikes it would amaze you. Everyone wants to "do Sturgis." It starts in May and does not really end until snow flies, but two weeks before the Rally and two weeks after are simply madness. I would say probably half the riders do not have a clue to what they are doing. Some haul their HDs up here on a trailer behind their 1/2 million dollar motor home, unload it for a couple of days of "biking," load it back up and go home, being able to claim they rode the Sturgis Rally. Point is, there are lot more motorcycles out there on the road than there are true "bikers." As to the OP, I rode a few rice-burners, a couple of "tea-burners," but never had the good fortune to ride an HD. Now, bad back prohibits riding any more. Stan H ,, nighthawk Visit Vietnam Vets & Friends
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brianwl		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10072 07/03/09 12:55:51	I think the quality of Harley's has come a long way in recent years since the company was bought back from AMF. My personal choice is Harley. Few reasons: Most manufacturers make bikes that look like Harleys and some even try (without much success) to sound like a Harley. I figure if you're going to ride something that looks and almost sounds like a Harley, why not ride a Harley? The only down side to the Harley's is they're heavy machines. But, you're not supposed to drop it anyway. If you know what you're looking for, you can get a great bike on eBay for an equally great price. Very often close to what you'd pay for a fake Harley. I picked mine up for almost 5k below book. Brian E-6 USAF Ch 61 Ret 80% IU/P&T SC SSDI "A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'" (Author unknown)
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padre45		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 234 07/03/09 20:23:06	Thanks again guys for all the good information - it is an interesting subject. Brian, I'm leaning your way, man. Dealing with a terminal illness puts a different perspective on everything in my life, and I end up putting a lot more thought into my decisions than I used to, back when I thought I was gonna live forever. I mean, why should I move forward saying "I almost had a Harley one time..." The things I'd read online about the "shortcomings" of Harleys had me kinda bummed out for a while, but I've been getting the rest of the story here. I read that Harleys are notorious for leaking oil, excessive vibration, subpar handling compared to Japanese bikes, for being ridiculously expensive to have serviced, and that many of them required modification kits to eke acceptable horsepower out of the motor even when they were bought brand-new. Those are some sobering comments to read - especially when they were made by people who currently OWN Harleys! All those gripes notwithstanding, I still only really have one question in my mind when I see a scooter coming at me out on the highway... "Is it a HARLEY, or some other bike?" On a personal note, last year one of my troops (before I retired in '07) was killed in a motorcycle accident. He really loved his Harley and he talked about it quite often at work. He did all the required safety courses you have to in order to ride on base, and he was not a hot rod. His name was Tim O'Neal, -- I handled the ceremony at his retirement about a year before he died. I spent a lot of hours putting together a slideshow of his career for that retirement, organized tons of pictures of him with his wife and kids. He knew it was dangerous to ride a motorcycle, but he loved doing it and probably would have kept riding if that accident hadn't taken his life. He was an Air Force MTI for many years, and a good one. Still can't believe he's gone. So yeah, I do get the safety part of this equation, and nmfxstc -- your comments to my original post definitely rung true. (Except for that smart ass opening sentence!) The truth is, there's no such thing as a "fender bender" when you're riding on less than four wheels. People walk away from some god-awful car crashes, but helmet or no helmet - you hit something hard while riding on a motorcycle and you're probably not walking away. At least not without a serious limp! I'll do it right if I'm able to do it at all. But I've still got a Harley in my mind, even if it never becomes a reality! -Padre
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brianwl		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10080 07/03/09 20:50:17	Padre, Good post. When I was young and bullet proof I rode a Kawasaki Z1B 900, fastest mass produced street bike available and I ripped down the highway at 130+ on a regular basis. Now that I'm 51, my fuel injected 05 Heritage Softail rips down the road just fine at 70 or the rare 75. That is on the rare occasions I take it on the highway. Usually I do just in-town riding at a mind blowing 35. The nice thing about the injected bikes is there is no throttle twisting or choke to mess with when starting. Just turn on the key, wait a couple of seconds for the fuel pump to ramp up and push the button. Also there is NO vibration in these later models. Just pure comfort. I'm to short for one of the Geezer Glides like nmfxstc has. Much better than both of my 88 Heritages. Even the one I restored and turned into a bike that ran like a raped ape. Brian E-6 USAF Ch 61 Ret 80% IU/P&T SC SSDI "A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'" (Author unknown)
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RWSVol		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1494 07/04/09 07:10:35	My Japanese bike handles WAY better than the HD. It also vibrates WAY less. For some reason the chicks love the Japanese bike WAY more. Of course I am married so that doesn't matter. Plus, you will never join the 200 mph club on a stock HD. As for modifying engine/exhaust etc. You don't have to do that to a HD. To each their own on that but I have never understood buying a $20,000 motorcycle just to spend another couple grand to make it go faster??? Those are not made for speed, they are made for comfort. My 08 Road King runs great and the motor/exhaust is stock. In fact, the head wrench at the dealership said to leave it alone, the pipes will get louder and he was right. Now, he could have tried to sell me some pipes, new breather, re map, dyno and all that but he was straight with me. Bore it out, add the Vance & Hines...It is still a frickin Road King/Dresser/Geezer Glide.... If you want a fast bike, buy a fast bike. If you want a comfortable bike, don't expect it to do 180, regardless of how much money you dump into the motor. I have added some chrome but that's it and she does what she is supposed to do. Cruise at 80-90 very confortably. Edited to add: Not slamming people who personalize/chrome/ for aesthetics. Just the ones that think their Geezer Glide and that extra 10 HP is now a race bike. You spend all you want on that Glide and get it going as fast as you want. I will blow by you as if you were standing still. And I spent way less on that rocket that just blew your windshield off. V "You do not greet Death. You punch him in the throat repeatedly as he drags you away." Last Edited By: RWSVol 07/04/09 07:49:30. Edited 3 times.
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1SGRetired		#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2974 07/04/09 08:36:54 Top	LOL good post V. But it isn't how fast you go by someone that counts, it's how comfortable and good you look going by those on the road. What good is it to buy a good look fast bike when one can barely see it flying by you. Then there is the other side of me I loved my GSXR 1000 it was smooth and fast and looked good and was just plain fun to ride. what you need to do is test ride both types to find out what is best for you. Both types of bike are totally different flavors. Either way good luck finding that bike. Ride Hard and Ride Free. U.S.Army Infantry Retired 100% IU SSDI 70% SC PTSD 1-5 Cav "BlackKnights" OIF 2, OIF 3 1-8 Cav "Mustangs" OIF 5 "Those who haven't Sacrificed for this Country, have nothing to say that's worth hearing"
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RWSVol		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1495 07/04/09 09:16:53	Nice that there is no sissy stripe on that back tire of yours. I love to see guys brag about how they can handle their rocket but you glance at their back tire and there is only a 6 inch strip of wear right down the center. Straight away sissies make me laugh. If you can't handle it in the turns, buy a Huffy. Ninja Killer. Mine is slightly modified. That little top end limiter had to go. V "You do not greet Death. You punch him in the throat repeatedly as he drags you away." Last Edited By: RWSVol 07/04/09 09:23:17. Edited 2 times.
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1SGRetired		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2976 07/04/09 10:43:36 Top	LOL yeah I use to catch a bunch of those young chaps heading out of Fort Hoods main gate into that nasty little turn those cats would just about come to a complete stop to get through it, I would do about 60 and just about wear out the knees of my BDU pant legs. LMAO U.S.Army Infantry Retired 100% IU SSDI 70% SC PTSD 1-5 Cav "BlackKnights" OIF 2, OIF 3 1-8 Cav "Mustangs" OIF 5 "Those who haven't Sacrificed for this Country, have nothing to say that's worth hearing"
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Harley or Jap Bike? I really want a motorcycle!

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