Been thinking about a Harley... | Page 7 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Been thinking about a Harley...

Jampy00 - Do some test rides. If you buy a cruiser of any brand look me up and I'll ride with you. Cheers

Sure, I'm actually not in a rush to buy a new bike yet. Still thinking/dreaming. But I welcome the chance to meet another rider. Where do you typically ride?
 
Ultimately, despite my sentiment on HD's here, buy whatever you want. If that's a HD, great. If it's a Metric, great. It's YOUR bike after all.

But, my sentiment with regards to HD has more to do with not falling for the "glamour" of the nameplate (and the significant extra costs of ownership, AKA, the "Harley Tax") if that's not the be-all-end-all to your goal of just getting an enjoyable, affordable, and reliable cruiser - there ARE lots of very good alternatives.

But again, ultimately, if a Harley is what you're dreaming of and the dollars don't matter...buy the Harley. ;)
 
Ultimately, despite my sentiment on HD's here, buy whatever you want. If that's a HD, great. If it's a Metric, great. It's YOUR bike after all.

But, my sentiment with regards to HD has more to do with not falling for the "glamour" of the nameplate (and the significant extra costs of ownership, AKA, the "Harley Tax") if that's not the be-all-end-all to your goal of just getting an enjoyable, affordable, and reliable cruiser - there ARE lots of very good alternatives.

But again, ultimately, if a Harley is what you're dreaming of and the dollars don't matter...buy the Harley. ;)

Yep, I hear you. It's a big decision and one I don't take lightly. I'll be sure to do my homework. One thing I'm pleased with is the quality of replies both positive and negative. Gives me something to think about.
 
For some like myself, it's about the style, look, feel, and sound of a cruiser, not the nameplate on the side. I felt no desire to pay the Harley tax in the end, personally, and I love how my bike looks, feels and sounds despite not having HD on the side. Here's me and a fellow VTX rider on an excursion up to Fenelon Falls a few months back.

icebike2.jpg
 
Sure, I'm actually not in a rush to buy a new bike yet. Still thinking/dreaming. But I welcome the chance to meet another rider. Where do you typically ride?

Typically north and east of my location.
 
Tough call always to jump bike genres. I did the opposite as started on a cruiser as thought there's no way I'd be responsible enough on a 100hp screamer. A few years later I departed from the cruiser and hopped into sport/sport-touring. I've since tried a few times to make the transition back, but as you can see from my sig, I've thrown up my hands and just keep one of both and split the year. Insurance-wise Ontario is rather prohibitive on keeping both on the road.

I had the opportunity to grab a pretty good deal on my "ultimate" cruiser ride - a fatboy. However, when the time came to actually jump and head to the bank, I just couldn't do it. Not sure if I'm glad I didn't or not as the Road Star is a nice bike. Opposite to the norm, I feel like I'd be selling out if I ever actually purchased an HD. It just seems the easy thing to do.

I'd like to join in with being part of the grey thing - but with what little hair I have left ... :).
 
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Typically north and east of my location.

North I can do, as long as I stay away from Toronto area I'm good. Let's plan something for then near future?
 
North I can do, as long as I stay away from Toronto area I'm good. Let's plan something for then near future?
Yep msg me anytime. We're doing 4 days this weekend with a homebase east of Algonquin then out on the east coast until the 22nd. Anytime after that I'm free.
 
North I can do, as long as I stay away from Toronto area I'm good. Let's plan something for then near future?

If you're out his way, you're out my way as well, so let me know at the same time. ;)
 
Cool, I say we plan something. Nice classic car and bike show in Creemore end of August, was there last year and enjoyed it.
 
Tough call always to jump bike genres. I did the opposite as started on a cruiser as thought there's no way I'd be responsible enough on a 100hp screamer. A few years later I departed from the cruiser and hopped into sport/sport-touring. I've since tried a few times to make the transition back, but as you can see from my sig, I've thrown up my hands and just keep one of both and split the year. Insurance-wise Ontario is rather prohibitive on keeping both on the road.

I had the opportunity to grab a pretty good deal on my "ultimate" cruiser ride - a fatboy. However, when the time came to actually jump and head to the bank, I just couldn't do it. Not sure if I'm glad I didn't or not as the Road Star is a nice bike. Opposite to the norm, I feel like I'd be selling out if I ever actually purchased an HD. It just seems the easy thing to do.

I'd like to join in with being part of the grey thing - but with what little hair I have left ... :).

If you're smart, and it appears you are, you could put obnoxiously loud pipes on the Road Star to piggyback most of the HOG experience. Let some air out of the tires and suck on a lemon for the full experience:(............:D
 
Yep, I hear you. It's a big decision and one I don't take lightly. I'll be sure to do my homework. One thing I'm pleased with is the quality of replies both positive and negative. Gives me something to think about.


The "48" is part of the Sportster line which is one of Harley's longest running models. Since 1957. Sportster's are commonly referred to as the entry level, even if they aren't really. It has the largest after market for accessories etc. And can be had at a pretty reasonable price point in the used market.

Maintenance fairly easy too. Great run about.

IIRC, HD's test our metal demo for 2016 has a few Sportsters but, the 48 wasn't one of them. The Roadster, 72 and I think the 1200T were there.

In terms of reliability, they are pretty good. Rocker gaskets tend to weep after a few years but, replacement is fairly simple. Other than that, just regular maintenance.

Used, you can find an Iron 883 that may have a 1200/1250 kit and have a similar profile to the 48.
 
Friend of mine has a 1200 Sportster for sale as he just bought a SG. I think its a 2012 but I'd have to check. Black and chrome with low k. Just txt me if you're interested as I'll see him this weekend but I won't be on gtam.
 
Friend of mine has a 1200 Sportster for sale as he just bought a SG. I think its a 2012 but I'd have to check. Black and chrome with low k. Just txt me if you're interested as I'll see him this weekend but I won't be on gtam.

Thanks but no money while I still have the Honda. No sense owning 2 bikes..
 
Wow, nice bike. Sad story..

As much as I have the desire to switch things over, I'm going to put a few more miles on the Honda. But thanks for thinking of me :)
Np. Thought it may have been meant to be. Y'know, one father to another, in a sense.

Sent from my custom purple Joe Bass mobile device using Tapatalk
 
Np. Thought it may have been meant to be. Y'know, one father to another, in a sense.

Sent from my custom purple Joe Bass mobile device using Tapatalk

I agree, got a little chill.
 

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