This is what I might buy to get good gas mileage.

RobertN · Sep 12, 2005

Ok. Now you are cracking me up /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My old GS550E leaked oil worse than either of the Harley's we have now. Parts fell off of it, even though it was well maintained. And, even though it was very clean when I sold it, depreciated to barely a $500 bike /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif It ran well, handled well and got good mileage. But it sure sprung oil leaks. And the cam cover plates fell off on the freeway. And a few other things fell off. Oh, and the fuse panel breaking on I80 coming off Donner Pass at 12 midnight, that was special /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

My wifes '93 FXRS is stock. Never a problem with it. One of our Cub Scout leaders has a '94 FXR that he commutes on. At 145,000 miles, he had the topend refreshed. In those miles, no work except tires, brakes, oil/filter change kinda stuff. Runs good, still looks good, and rides good.

I would put any factory hog made in the last twenty years against any of the other manufacturers for reliability.

Now, I wouldn't include modified bikes in there. What I have seen, where issues exist, is from folks modifying thier bikes. That I have seen. But, I have seen that issues in other brand bikes, cars, pickups ect. I see more modified Hogs than any other bikes, because the others are too hard to tinker with.

Best bang for the buck, is a Hog. See above about the Suzuki GS550E $500 bike. My '83 FXR Hog is worth more now than when it was new. Even a nice bike like you GSXR aint worth what you paid for it now. Few other bikes besides a Harley retain value over time.

Now, the funny thing is, pretty much all the Curisers are built over here, have been for a number of years. So, remember, you'r eblanket statement includes Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and others /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I like most bikes, I just like mine more. I like the GSXR's, and think they would be fun to blast around on.

gsxr1100 · Sep 12, 2005

I disagree big time.

I work with over 10,000 people and see the HD all lined up nice and pretty (joy). Priced from 15 to over $45K. It is a flat out joke how bad they start, oil leakes, stupid, yes, stupid loud, electrical issues, pouring smoke for minutes...should I go on???? I see it daily (everyday) and I laugh. You paid what for what and that is how it is. Todays one was a guy with blown primary belt and another one had a starter issues....hmmm, look nice guys.

If you want to up keep your value by a HD. If you really want to ride the bike do not buy any HD. I love when HD people bring up the value deal. It is a total joke here. yes, you paid a lot and will get a lot when selling. I paid half as you, half the issues, no high price crap to go with it (aka, jackets, cool bean caps, over priced everything), way cheaper parts and service big time. Nevermind the cool one arm blinkers pointing the way you are going.

If you think the best bang for the $$ is HD, you are brain washed.

I paid only $8000 for my bike in 1993 and is only worth 5K now. I bough to ride not as an investment. If I want an investment, bikes are NOT it!

But a GS550 here. What year, late 70, early 80??? come on.. That is almost 25 years ago and a 550... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif That is below a starter bike.

I know a guy my complete life that loves HD for years (bright move) and has fat boys, shovel heads, pan this and that, soft tails blah blah. He has over 10 bikes and just baught a Goldwing...Says he wishes he bought it years ago...He is also the head guy (LT) on the Ma state police on the bike team.

I also go to bike week in FL everyyear and the bikes with issues on the side of the road at 85% HD here. You do not see a truck (flat bed) following inports here, only the cool HD people.

Oh, I also LOVE when HD people say there bikes are 100% american made...Are you sure???

I like bikes too but I you could not give me a HD. Nor do I ride with people that have them. It is not the people but attitudes, again stupidly loud, can’t stay up, pulling over for this or that since the helmet laws aren’t cool….I can go on and on. Nevermind the way over reving just to hear it.....Come on guys, grow up....I am here to ride not for the morons.

8561 · Sep 12, 2005

It's funny, I was thinking about this the other day. I ride a Ducati sportbike. I've been riding it a little more than usual to work, because of the fuel mileage. I get between 45 and 50 mpg with it, depending on how hard I go. My GMC Sierra gets 17-18. Must be cheaper on the bike, right? Well I then thought about my 4000 mile old rear Michelin tire that needs to be replaced ($175), my 4000 mile front that has maybe 2000 miles left in it ($140), the Klotz oil it gets at $6/quart (times 4) and filter every 1500-2000 miles. I'd own the bike either way so the registration and insurance are spent money. Guess what - it was 85 degrees out today and I took my truck to work anyways.

HGM · Sep 12, 2005

GSXR1100, I will choose to respectfully disagree....

There are many reasons I prefer a Harley. For one I cant stand the stereotype crotch rocket mentality of those that must do 120mph down my quiet residential country street because they chose to buy a race bike. Dont get me wrong, I would ride one periodicly, just dont see the logic behind a dragster on the street. I prefer a cruiser myself, yes an alternate manufacturer may have good quality. When you compare a Japanese cruiser to a Harley for the same money, and look at the depretiation of both the choices seem simple to me. I'm not sure what type of Harley riders you know, but I cannot believe they have not modified their bikes if they have the problems you describe. Naturally you'll see more Harley's with issues and on trailers going to bike week, because it was started by the Harley biking culture. I would venture to guess that 80% of the bikes there are Harleys. I have been there several times, and though there are the yuppie Harley bikers trailering their toys,I see quite a few crotch rocket guys trailering too because they arent suited to ride more than 40miles at a time. I have freinds that ride both types, cant fault any of them. All bikes have a purpose and a type of clientel, we can all make our points and preferences. Bottom line, you like yours and I like mine.. That wont change. Good luck enjoy your ride, and I'll do the same.

The smartest thing I have seen on this post is sneeky petes recomendation of a motorcycle safty course. Though, I dont care if its your first bike or if you've ridden for 30yrs, you can always use the practice and can stand to learn something.

txdon · Sep 12, 2005

I did the motorcycle route during the last big gas crunch (70s-80s?). When there is just a light rain the road turns very slick and going around corners is heart stopping. You are invisible to cars and they constantly run you off the road. You must be very alert to road debris that would go plop plop under you car could be fatal if you run over it on the motorcycle. Wind chill factor chills you to the bone. big bugs are very painful, small bugs get stuck in your hair (I wouldn't have that problem anymore). One small accident and you will loose any savings, maybe a lot more.
Even the smallest cars are more comfortable, safer, and almost as fuel efficient.

But if you get DO get it, equip it with the bright hot pink flag so I will see you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

goodoleboy · Sep 13, 2005

A neighbor got hit with his son on the back both in the hospital for weeks land ost a leg.Fast foward a 6 months and he still cant work and his house is in foreclosure. Im sure he will sue the other guy so he can keep his house but is a limb really worth saving $100 a month on gas?

RobertN · Sep 13, 2005

Where to start, where to start...

I said a stock bike. Stock bikes are quiet and reliable. 145,000 miles on a stock bike. My wifes bike is stock, except a mild muffler(much quieter than those aftermarket pipes on so many sport bikes). Never a problem.

I said specifically you will see problems with modified bikes. Harley, Suzuki, cruiser, sport. Pickups, cars. I see it, and have had it happen. I have poked around on mine. Only issues I have had is with mods.

I have seen, and even helped guys on sport bikes and imports. Not stock bikes, except one ran out of gas...

I said HD retains value if kept in good condition. I, me, I, did not buy mine because it retained value; it is simply a side benefit. I got mine because I have always like them, way before they were "cool" RUB things.

Interesting you bring up the $$$ stuff that goes with it. I am taking a class at the local JC. Heck of nice guy sits in front of me. He rides a Honda CBR. And, he comes in to class wearing full leathers, boots, gloves and helmet that musta cost $$$.

By your descriptions about liking to open it up now and then, I would assume you ride in more than a nylon jacket, tennis shoes, and jeans. I would take a guess that you probably have some $$$ tied up in safety gear.

As far as parts and service, I think you may be right. For 5-10 years after purchase. My expierience with import brands is they change so drastic year to year, they do not keep parts available for years. That's doubly so for dirt bikes, but that's another story. Parts are available for HD, either by factory or aftermarket for about anything made since the '40s, and a lot of stuff before then. What happens when your GSXR or CBR is 20 years old?

Two things happen... One, you will have a hard time finding parts for it. Two, it will only be a $500-$1000 bike, that is not worth investing in repairs unless you are a collector.

In a basic scenario, I paid a little more than you. I have had no issues, except when adding an aftermarket part. I have not needed service. I don't have any more money into jacket/chaps/boots/helmet than I would if I had a GSXR. Then I'd still have full leathers, knee pads, helmet, gloves ect.

The GS550E was early 80's. It was a great starter bike. It was lite, handled ok, and was easy to learn on. My buddy got it new and learned on it. I got it later as an "in between bikes" bike. I sold it to somebody as a starter bike, who sold it to someone else as a starter bike. It was great as a starter. A clean bike that cost only $500 after it's iniital extreme depreciation. Heck, even I'd rather drop a $500 bike when learning than a $8,000 GSXR, CBR, FXRS ect.

Look at my post; I did not say HD was American made. I said all the cruisers these days are made/assembled in the US. HD, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha are all built here. As far as content of the particular bike, no doubt. I have sent my letters to HD decrying that. I have pulled stuff off mine to make way for US components.

I know the Showa forks(Harley let Showa produce forks in the 50's and 60's under patent; that's where they got thier strong start in suspension), Kehein carb, Hitachi starter... Read the post; I never made any claims about that.

I can see your buddy getting a Goldwing. I said I liked bikes. I like my HD better than most other bikes. If I wanted a sport bike, I would be right out there after a GSXR or one of the Suzuki TL vtwin sport bikes. I have ridden plenty of bikes, and do like others besides the one I ride.

I have been around folks with attitude. Had a buddy go down because of one. A sport rider was being obnoxious, and passed him riding real close. Clipped his handler bar. Put my buddy down hard at about 75mph. The guy on the CBR held control and rode off! Someone else caught up with him, and passed info to the police, or else he woulda got off scott free.

I do know folks who put on thier chaps and an attitude. I don't ride with them either. Who needs it? I ride with people who like to ride!

It goes both ways. I know and see sport riders who rev those hi-perf pipes just to hear them, or show off for the girl on the corner. I have heard them as loud as loud Hogs. Pulling wheelies in front of the grade school showing off for I don't know who...

I think the most important thing that has come out of all these posts, is training. Two people have mentioned it, and I think it is a good idea. Most states offer beginner riding classes. Some even count as part of the motor vehicles test.

Till then, I dare say I am right, but agree to disagree, because it is more important to be riding, in the wind /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif No, not making wind! to be in the wind /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Go for a putt. You go pop a wheelie at 120mph; I'll go cruise the canyon just north of here /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

gsxr1100 · Sep 13, 2005

HGH,
Again, if you buy an HD for an investment you are flat out nuts. Again, HD peole love to bring up resale value time and time again since it is there only loop-hole for selling all the money. I for one keep my bikes until they die so retail means nothing here. Plus it is only worth what someone will give, no more no less. Unless you plain on selling and not ridding, that is great. I plan on riding; not what is it worth down the road.

HGM · Sep 13, 2005

I agree that the resale is mentioned time to time. I dont agree that the real riders harp on it as much as you let on. The RUB's on the other hand or weekend warriors, some might call them are a different story all together. The guy that wants to ride will put alot more miles on his bike than you could possibly put on a sport bike. Dont get me wrong, like I said they have a purpose and can be fun to drive, but if you could ride your bike from Fla-Cal your a stronger man than I. You see Harley's making trips like that all the time, along with Goldwings and the like. It's a funny observation of mine that the hardcore biker crowd seems to accept the "Jap Bike " crowd better than the other way arround. We believe that if your riding, thats all that matters, if your not riding a Harley, you just havent gotten there yet /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I hear more Harley bashing, bringing up 30yr old history than is warrented. I havent seen a stock Harley leak oil since the Evo came out in '84. And I've seen alot of bikes.... Hey, like I said to each his own.

To reitterate, the saftey course in my opinion is the best thing sinced sliced bread.. I still to this day am a more cautious driver, even in a car. I learned to ride in the streets of Miami, if you havent had the experience, dont bother, its safer elsewhere.

gsxr1100 · Sep 13, 2005

( ( ( I dont agree that the real riders harp on it as much as you let on. ) )

Are you sure???? So far the two HD people above (you and Robert) bring up resale like popcorn......

( ]( he guy that wants to ride will put alot more miles on his bike than you could possibly put on a sport bike.) )

I do not buy that since I know buy where sport bikes that put on 15 to 30K miles a year. These are GSXR1300, GSXR1100, CBR909, Ducati 909 & 999R. I short run is 500 to 800 miles.

( It's a funny observation of mine that the hardcore biker crowd seems to accept the "Jap Bike " crowd better than the other way arround )

I do not know what "hardcore biker crowd" is/means because over my 16+ years of riding 90%, that is nine zero, of HD people can't even wave to Japanese "bikers".

But yes a safety course helps. I know what I was talking with some MA state police safety course instructors, most (85%) was already know if you have been riding. There are some good pickups to gain..