Harley Forum?

[Mrwurm]

Hey Harley owners, is there a place like TBN where I can learn more about Harleys. I'm thinking of buying one and I am a bit confused by the large number of available models and their seemingly subtle differences. I am heavily inclined toward the Dynaglide Low Rider, but others have said that I should consider a different model with the 88B balanced engine and fuel injection. I plan to park the Harley next to my tractor (Tractor related post).

I like the Low Rider because...

Low to the ground
Raked out front end
Forward foot controls

I plan to ride by myself with the wife requesting an occasional short ride on the back (ten miles or so). I would like to drive it to work a few days per week (about 30 miles each way). I don't plan on going on any long drives (a 50 mile cruise would be a big day for me)

Also, don't much like the styling of the Sportster so that one is out.

Jerry

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Jerry,

I've found a couple Goldwing forums online here but nothing for HD's. To be fair, though, I'm a Goldwing guy so I never really looked for HD stuff.

There is a Harley Owner's Group (HOG) on which you might want to do a search. I'd also suggest you contact HD dealers in your area. You could probably telephone HD in Milwaukee directly and ask for something like 'Customer Relations' and see what they might be able to do for you.

Good luck in your search. If you are set on going with the HD product, make sure you get someone with a good service department. You'll probably get to know them pretty well. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

Hi Jerry!

Looking to give the TC30 some competition, huh? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I'm not a Harley owner or rider, but it just so happens that Harley's 2002 #1 dealership is in my home town. Here's a link to it Kutter Harley . If you check out the web site, you'll find a gazillion (well, a bunch anyway) of different links, info. on different bikes, etc. I bet you'll find some info. on links to a discussion group! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Mrwurm]

Gary, I know you love those Hondas. I gave them a good look see and seriously considered buying a Honda Shadow. But, upon visiting three Harley dealers I am really taken in with the passion and enthusiasm among owners and dealers.

Garry (two r's), thanks, that's a good site. It's gonna take some time to view it all. (also, been busy studying awnings. Gonna order one, probably tomorrow)

Jerry

 

[5030]

You mean a "Hardly Davision" (tongue in cheek) a conglomeration of foreign parts, assembled in America? Kind of like my Kubota, some American parts, mostly Japanese parts (that makes it a tractor thread also!!!).

 

[looch]

No, he means a Harley Ferguson /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif - isn't there a forum for those here?

Just kidding, Wurm. Not my bag though - I ride a small beemer.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> "Gary, I know you love those Hondas." </font>

Actually, I love Goldwings. I really don't know much about the rest of the Honda line at all. I really tend to look at Goldwings as almost a separate entity from the rest of Honda's motorcycle line. Some may consider this knit-picking here, but, frankly, I think a lot of Wing riders are this way.

As to passion and enthusiasm, I had the somewhat unusual experience of seeing the annual HOG convention here in Fort Wayne one summer and the annual Wing Ding convention here the next and I can tell you a couple things. There was no difference in the level of enthusiasm between the two groups of owners and attendees. Each group was great.

I can also tell you the attendance at the Wing Ding was dramatically higher than at the HOG convention. This is not bias on my part. It was obvious driving around town and the Chamber of Commerce numbers bore me out on it. Estimates on the HOG convention were in the 6,000-9,000 range while Wing Ding estimates were 12,000-15,000.

I'd like to say I had a lot of fun with each group when they were in town. I got to tease with the HD folks about my Wing being the only one in the parking lot and got to tease with the Wing folks about my nearly two decades old bike next to their new ones.

I met a lot of great people and can honestly say there really weren't any differing stereotypes with either group I could apply other than possibly the HOG guys had a bit longer hair and more facial hair on average.

If you can get yourself to a Honda store that somewhat specializes in Goldwings, I imagine you'll see every bit of enthusiasm and passion there as you saw at the HD stores. If you're going to compare bikes, though, please compare the Goldwing to the HD. I think you'll be impressed.

Good luck with whatever you decide. The important part is the breeze on your knees, not what's between them. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> "a conglomeration of foreign parts, assembled in America" </font>

With that as the criteria, the only difference between the HD's and Goldwings would be whether the American assembly was in Milwaukee, WI or Saint Mary's, OH. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[AMP762]

compare the Goldwing to the HD
Now that would be like comparing apples to oranges would't it

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Hey Jerry,

What about the Softtail Standard? It has a similar build as the dyna, but comes with F/I and balanced motor. I was initially looking at the dyna wide glide, but I like the features (mentioned above) on the Softtail.

For what it's worth--I owned an 1100 Shadow and took several long (2000+ mile) trips. It was a great bike.

Good Luck

Bob