Best motorcycle forum?

[ddb123]

Any suggestions on which motorcycle forum to join? I'm in the market for a used Harley Davidson Road King or Yamaha Road Star. I've had a few other bikes, but they were always newer, low mileage bikes. I don't know how many miles one can realistically expect from a V-twin. Is a 25,000 mile bike all used up? Are parts readily available for late 90s Road Kings? Are they hard to work on? These are the kinds of questions I have.

 

[Trials]

That's easy: Beginnerbikers.org Active forum, great people from all over the planet (majority reside in north america), wide variety of experience and skills, not brand or type specific, some of the regulars are even full time motorcycle mechanics.

Harley's are one of the easiest bikes to source parts, the dealership representation is world class and the bike models have changed very little in decades. If you take good care of them, motorcycle last a lifetime.

 

[ddb123]

That sounds perfect, thanks!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Harley's are one of the easiest bikes to source parts, the dealership representation is world class and the bike models have changed very little in decades. If you take good care of them, motorcycle last a lifetime.

Models have changed very little??? I think that would be big news to Harley!

Maybe the "names" are the same, but that's it...

There has been a pile of changes in the last 10 15 years to the big twins......in the motors, trannys and electronics! They may look the same, but they aren't.

Personally I think 25K is quite a few miles on a big twin, but that doesn't mean one won't go a lot longer...

SR

 

[Zerk]

Models have changed very little??? I think that would be big news to Harley!

Maybe the "names" are the same, but that's it...

There has been a pile of changes in the last 10 15 years to the big twins......in the motors, trannys and electronics! They may look the same, but they aren't.

Personally I think 25K is quite a few miles on a big twin, but that doesn't mean one won't go a lot longer...

SR

Agree.

I got 50 and 70 on my FLHs. But there are a lot of bikes with 10k miles. Most people just don't ride, no mater the brand. So I would look low miles, depending on how much money you got.

Personally I'd get a Twin Cam, just for engine size. The 88s are somewhat cheap now, and can be upgrade to a 95". 90s Evo can be really cheap though.

Myself I wouldn't be afraid of 25k. But I have done alot of work on them. 40-50s you my start replacing some stuff. Engine should go around 100k or more. Early twin cams with chains and spring tensioners had failures. Could be converted to gear or hydraulic.



For years Harley didn't change much, but starting 07, they started changing the baggers every few years, or more.

 

[Trials]

My comment on the Harley-Davidson parts was a relative one not a literal one, for examples click any of the following links if you care to explore the extensive list of models and years that each of these single parts assemblies can interchange with, just click on where it says "View all bikes this part fits"

Performance Clutch Kit-38002-04" -> Screamin' Eagle Performance Clutch Kit-38002-04 | Engine & Components | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store
Standard heigh shock absorbers -> Premium Ride Emulsion Shocks ? Standard Height | Suspension Kits & Shocks | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store
Air filter -> Screamin' Eagle High-Flo K&N Air Filter Element-29400020 | Air Cleaners | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store

in my experience this is fairly unique in comparison to many other motorcycle brands.

 

[Zerk]

Things have changed alot the last 10 years. One advantage of Harley is use the same parts year after year, which is an issue with Jap bikes. They like to inprove/change alot.


I have an 01 and 07, there is alot of differences. 88/96 inch, single phase vs 3 phase, bigger stator, 5/6 speed, and more. 08 six gallon tank, IDS, and brembo brakes, 09 different frame.

Lot so of people like 02, last year Timken bearing, first year Delphi fuel injection. I would not get an earlier fuel injection. Over next few years after that crank gets flimsier. They have been chasing problems with the comp nut and tranny. Not sure where it is at now.

 

[woody]

I am a member of venturerider.org, it is mainly a yamaha site but there is all kinds of bikes and a multitude of knowledge there. it is a family oriented site with some of the best people around. Personally I ride a Harley Triglide and just sold my 2006 Yamaha Venture. go ahead and get the wind in your face and good luck with whatever you choose to ride.

 

[Zerk]

For Harley related info I'd say Vtwinforum is pretty good. It is hard to find a forum that covers both, with the same interest.

 

[om21braz]

Maybe not your "cup of tea", but then again you & others may find it interesting

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