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Toying with the idea of jumping ship and getting a Harley..what do you all think?

15K views 137 replies 71 participants last post by  stampde 
#1 ·
Hello fellow S3 riders. I wanted to take a quick poll and see if anyone ever got the itch to jump ship, sell their speedy and get in to the cruiser riding life style. I’ve been toying with the idea of slowing it down a bit and getting in to a Harley Soft tail or possibly a tourer like the Road Kind or Street glide. I currently have a 2009 S3 (3800 miles), love it to death, but somewhere deep inside I really just enjoy just a relaxing cruise. I had metric cruisers (Yamaha, Honda etc) in the past but I really like the look and feel of the Harley. I’d love to keep both but it wouldn’t make sense $$ wise, and I barley have time to ride one. Maybe it’s my age (42)?! Or maybe I just need a temporary change. Anyone ever get that feeling of a need for change? Any regrets after the change? :confused::confused::confused:
 
#5 ·
(Not an S3 owner/rider, so I hope you don't mind me chiming in...got here by way of "Active Topics...")

Well...I had the "urge" but in the other direction...

Wanted a "Harley" lost my job two years ago and had to 'settle' for a Honda Shadow 1100. My $3000 Dyna I call it. It's all setup with Mustang seat, bags, backrest, etc. Wife and I have done some 2-3 hr trips with great comfort and success. Can't say I fault the bike one bit for what it is. It's been a great bike.

But...

Two things happened... A friend let me ride his Ninja X10 (or whatever it was...), and I saw a Bonneville. My first bike was a Bonneville so Bonneville it was. The freedom and difference in performance on a bike even as tame as a Bonneville blew my mind. Kinda of a "You call that a bike?" "THIS is a bike!" experience...lol.

Anyway, what's my point? Oh yeah...

First off, if you can suffer the thought, I'd suggest keeping your S3 and buying a metric cruiser for less than half of what a Harley would probably run you. In this economy I'm seeing great deals on metrics for less than $4000 that look immaculate. Reason is, you know you are going to get the urge to really wring a bike like the S3 out sooner or later, and you just won't get that with a cruiser.

Best of both worlds in my opinion, and I thoroughly enjoy having the option of either bike at my disposal.

Now, if that's not possible, sure why not? Get the Harley-great bikes in their class, hold their value reasonably well, etc. Just remember-it's not a TRIUMPH!
 
#10 ·
I was toying with a metric bike a V Star Yamaha, which would also give me the opportunity to possibly keeping both bikes. What I think I am going to do for now, is go and rent a cruiser for the weekend and see if that helps my decision. Thanks for the advice!
 
#6 ·
At 1200 miles/yr, you should probably be on a Harley. Let somebody else ride the wheels off a S3.

And I don't mean that at all in a bad way--the Harley will hold its value much better and is the right sort of bike for the laid-back short-distance fun ride every once in a while when the weather is nice.
 
#7 ·
Got lent a storm whilst having my bike serviced,no thanks not for me was glad I had a full face helmet on so no one recognised me:D
Was tempted to get a sprint because I enjoy touring and the speed although a great tourer does not have the storage space.But as an all rounder I will not beat what I have,there is nothing out there that interests me.
 
#9 ·
Go for it, i'm not being sarcastic, I'll admit I ride triumphs but have ridden shedloads of others in the last 35 years.
What suits me I know doesnt suit others, otherwise we'd all be clones of each other.
If I had unlimited cash there would be an Alan Sputhe Harley sat in my aircraft hanger, maybe more than one.
Dont go to your grave wondering what if.

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#13 ·
serious question. from a harley owner/rider, here
What do you expect the bike to do, and what are you hoping to get?

I am a bike mechanic, and machinist, for a living. I get to ride more bikes them most people, and part of my job is finding both the good and bad in each of them

There is a bit if standard advice I give to most potential new motorcycle owners, who talk to me about it...
Go sit on as many bikes as possible. Find something you like and dislike about each. This is especially important on the bikes you do not like. You will find that some bikes just do not fit you. This not only gives you an idea about which bikes you like, but also which individual modifications you may want to really get that perfect fit.
If you like the bigger harleys, try sitting on a yamaha and a victory. If you are thinking sportster or dyna model, look at the triumph thunderbird.

couple things to remember about asking for advise on the net. When someone gives it, look at what they have. No one wants to spend their savings, or go in debt, only to admit they got something second rate. Everyone will swear that they have the very best bike on wheels, and they will have a laundry list of reasons why. Inevitably, power will be part of the equation, and there will be some boasting story about the other bikes they blew away. Ignore this. It is nothing more than a story, and you are not going to get all the conditions in a biased story.
 
#14 · (Edited)
42? 42? For crying out loud. Snap out of it, man!

I'm 62, been riding (legally, on the street) since 1964...and the closest I ever got to driving a Harley was riding a Buell Lightning S1 (which I just sold)...I have yet to drive any sort of "cruiser". Although last year, when I traded my KTM Superduke 990 in on a 2011 (new model) Triumph Speed Triple, I was thinking the Triumph was a bit more of an all purpose bike than the KTM, and I was right. But If you absolutely need a Harley to cruise on, at least get an XR1200. They are slow but not totally embarrassing.

42? Go lie down in a dark room. Don't come out until you are feeling better.
 
#15 ·
If you absolutely need a Harley to cruise on, at least get an XR1200. They are slow but not totally embarrassing.

.
that is one of the largest reasons for unsatisfied harley owners...

People buy sportsters thinking they are getting a cruiser for 1/2 the price. They are not, and a sporty is NOT a cruiser. They are not even comfortable for a larger rider.
They an be fun little commuters, and it is very easy to make them torquey bar hoppers. They are not made to be comparable to the larger cruisers, in any way.
 
#18 ·
The VStar idea is sound. They are great bikes, had a 1300 and it was plenty fast, smooth, comfortable, pretty decent exhaust note (better than my Rocket) and the financial commitment will be less than a TBird or Rocket and MUCH less than a Harley.

Before going Triumph, I tried the HD bandwagon, but could not swing the asking price.
 
#19 ·
I like the VStars a lot too.. esp for the $$$...in any case I would be buying used like a 2008+ on which ever bike I settle on..and there are great deals on both right now in my area...just open Craigslist and your eyes start going wild....tons of Harleys and Metics...and a few S3 here and there.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I am 41, with similar responsibilities. I have owned more bikes then I care to count, often rotating through one or two a year, for 20+ years of riding. Each riding style has it's own benefits and challenges. As a larger rider, I find the sport bike riding position hard on my wrists and lower back. The more "relaxed" riding position of the 'busas, is probably the most comfortable, sport bikes, for me, but still not something I want for distance riding.
I currently have a hot rod harley, that was built mostly in response to smack talking harley bashers. It is far from the most comfortable bike I have had. I just got tired of the constant "Oh I beat every harley up all the hills, and blah blah blah...blah blah..." I built it because I could, and it is a lot of fun to challenge the trash talkers to roll their bike onto the dyno. Most of the trash talkers have llearned to zip it around me, and a large portion of them have started coming to my shop to make their own bikes run better. Still not something I would recommend for other riders, though.

if you are going to have kids on the back, I really like the road king model. They can hook their legs on the saddle bag mount/rear crash bar, and they are pretty much "locked in" Most of the better seats have removable back rests, as well (I hate them, but a lot of people seem to like having them). The softail deluxe is another nice rider. The older softies handled like dump trucks, but the frames are pretty stiff, now, and I recently rode a new one. it was a real pleasure to ride.
of the harley clones, the yamahas stand out as the hands down best. IF I absolutely had to have an import cruiser, it would be a star

If you are really going to do some touring, I cannot say enough good things about the new honda goldwing...
 
#21 ·
As someone who replaced his xr1200 with a s3, i'd suggest renting the hd you're interested in. That way you learn most if the ins and outs if it. Fwiw, i have no interest in cruisers, but did have a heritage? as a rental once. I'd actually ride that one across the country. Also had a roadglide as a rental, hated it.
 
#23 ·
My only big turn off about Harleys is the lack of modern engineering. I mean, engine cooling basically. Aside from the issues with the rear cylinder being baked, I cannot imagine straddling an air cooled motor in 95F weather in the summer. I find some of their bikes very aesthetically pleasing... I just dont like the old motor technology. Large displacement, meek performance, and nut melting temps.
 
#27 · (Edited)
...and now we're talking Goldwings...holy crap... I think you all need to find a dark room and lie down until you all feel better....

...if you want a family friendly motorcycle then have a look at the BMW line up...

..and by "cruiser". I meant a bike designed for just putt-putting around town...and that is what Sportsters are...I have ridden the XR1200...it sure felt like a "cruiser" to me....
 
#29 · (Edited)
ive test ridden just about every harley out there. i wasnt really a harely fan going into the test rides, but at bike week in daytona they have free unguided test rides so i figured i'd give them a shot before i put them down. first off all, those mother suckers SHAKE. i cant imagine your entire lower part of your body and hands wont fall asleep 30 minutes into a ride. also, i hit the rev limiter on EVERY bike i rode (except vrod) and also scraped the pegs. The sportster is a joke. I figured the name would imply performance....but my god was i let down. the big ass tour bikes are nice, but you could get a much more technologically advanced bike from one of the jap companies and save money compared to the harley.

the vrod is BY FAR the class of the brand. but then again, its everything that harley typically isnt. the engine was made by porsche. thats why it actually performs. but i scraped the pegs on both sides when i was cornering on it. its more of a look at me, straight line speed kind of bike.

i'd say if you are wanting something more comfy, better to travel with, can hold luggage, and good for passengers....get the Honda VRF 1200F. My dad has one and that thing is sweet. Really comfy but it actually performs. That thing will really haul AND it can corner. Not to mention it has that SSA and its a honda, so you will have tons of dealer support. Last but not least, the dealers have TONS of carry over models of these so they are all giving GREAT deals on them. My dad got his several thousand dollars off.

anyways, good luck in making your choice.
 
#44 ·
ive test ridden just about every harley out there. i wasnt really a harely fan going into the test rides, but at bike week in daytona they have free unguided test rides so i figured i'd give them a shot before i put them down. first off all, those mother suckers SHAKE. i cant imagine your entire lower part of your body and hands wont fall asleep 30 minutes into a ride. "

In Canada, vibration can become an issue when you take your Harley out for the first ride in the spring...you forget about the vibration over the long winter layover...last spring I got the Buell (Lightning S1...streetfighter...slightly hot-rodded sportster motor...90 hp or so) out for its first spring ride...within one block I thought something was wrong with me or the bike...I literally couldn't focus my eyes because of the vibration...although my fillings were still intact, I felt like my cornea was becoming detached...But after a few days I ggggggggot uuuuuused tttttttto iiiiiit (sssssort of)...
 
#31 ·
Harely Davidson: Yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices.

Harely Davidson: If they made airplanes would you fly in one?

Harely Davidson: The most effecient way to turn gasoline into noise without the byproduct of horse power.

I admit I can't really dig on the whole cruiser thing. Sport bike, naked bike, motard, and even sport tourers. If I was going with anything outside of my current rides it would be a Ducati Multistrada. I've heard nothing but great things about that bike and I'm not a big Ducati fan. It such a versatile bike that you can cruise, tour, and hit the twisties can't go wrong with those choices. However, if I was looking at a cruiser it would be in order:
Yamaha Warrior
Suzuki M109
Yamaha Vmax
 
#42 · (Edited)
I admit I can't really dig on the whole cruiser thing. Sport bike, naked bike, motard, and even sport tourers. If I was going with anything outside of my current rides it would be a Ducati Multistrada. I've heard nothing but great things about that bike and I'm not a big Ducati fan. It such a versatile bike that you can cruise, tour, and hit the twisties can't go wrong with those choices.
+1. 'Nuf said.
 
#35 ·
Don't buy a Harley new. They just don't advance year to year enough to bother, and there are enough schlubs that buy new and put a few hundred miles a year on them before parking them that Craigslist is packed with good examples, particularly near summer's end. Remember that they're highly customizable so if you find a nice one that doesn't have the tank / seat / front end / whatever you want, it's usually an easy swap.

If you're going to tour and you're used to an S3's power, you should look at sport tourers - ST1300, VFR1200, ZZR / Concours, Sprint 1050, some of the BMWs. The cruiser position is an acquired taste but in general the legs-forward stance transmits more road bumps up your tailbone and back. Sport tourers give your legs plenty of room but keep them approximately under you where they help cushion shocks. Also, any of those bikes listed are turbojet interceptors performance-wise compared to the classic wooden prop-plane cruisers, and they tend to have a lot more tech gewgaws (ABS, traction control, better trip computers etc) than cruisers. Plus the big touring cruisers tend to go for retarded money (cruiser cost scales directly with size and acreage of chrome) while sport-tourers remain reasonably affordable.

I've been idly looking myself for something considerable more relaxed in both riding position and performance than my S3, with some travel capacity and a little more forgiveness for shadetree mechanic habits. Not to replace the Triple, but to provide an alternative on those days I'm not trying to attack the tarmac or observe blue-shift firsthand. Mostly limited to Sportsters and first-gen ('70s) Goldwings. Luckily I don't have the garage space to allow such purchases.
 
#38 ·
If your looking for the Harley "look" I would suggest looking at Victory instead of Harley. I've test rode both and was way mor impressed buy the quality and comfort from the Victory. Harley is more of a bike you park and look at and not ride. Anyone I know with a Harley has next to no miles, and they are constantly working on them. It may just be me but I buy bikes to ride, not pose next to.
 
#39 ·
Victorys don't have anything like the dealer/parts network that Harley has, and that matters to many people. Also they're much harder to find used, and like I said before, eating the depreciation hit of buying brand new a bike that is deliberately as close as possible to its 10-, 20- and 30- year old ancestors is a somewhat pointless. The smallest Victory is also a quite large bike, competitive with other recent big cruisers, but some people like something smaller, like an older Harley, or a Sportster.

Triumph classics have a non-trivially different riding position and torque curve. It may not seem like it today but they are trying to ape what were back in the day rather racy bikes, and cross-shop better against classic Honda CBs and other UJMs. Triumph cruisers are a better comparison, but again, in the US H-Ds are a dime a dozen used, and finding parts/service is as easy (if not necessarily cheap) as it's going to get.
 
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