Lately, I’ve been getting the new bike itch. Not brand new, just new to me. It’s been a low-grade itch and I’ve been pretty good about ignoring it. On Saturday morning, my girlfriend and I were enjoying our morning beverages (coffee for me, tea for her). I was checking my Facebook when I came across a post in one of the motorcycle pages that I follow from a guy at a Harley dealership saying that his dealership was giving 120% of market (not blue book) value for trades for one day only. I messaged him and he sent his phone number. We talked for a bit and I asked him if the offer applied to used bikes also. He assured me that it did.
I would never get rid of my Valkyrie but the KLR is another story. I tried to fall in love with it but it never happened. Too tall, too slow (35 horsepower) and just not my style of bike as I don’t ride off road. Plus, with Long Way Up airing right now, the prices around here for dual sport or ADV bikes have bumped up.
When I got to the dealership, the first thing I was struck by was how small it was. This is truly a mom and pop size dealership. I thought Harley only had those gigantic mega-plex dealerships. This was much more my style.
The salesman that I’d been talking to was in the parking lot and came over as soon as I pulled in. He remembered my name, offered me a cold bottle of water and did a quick walk around of the KLR. On the spot and in writing he made me an offer for trade in value that was VERY generous.
Let the test riding begin!
First up was a 1200 Sportster. Not comfortable at all. Next was a Slim, which I love the look of but the comfort was only ok. Third was a Softail Standard. I HATED this bike! The mid controls were way too high (Imagine raising the pegs on your Valkyrie about 6 inches. WTF?) Finally, I saw it. A 2016 Dyna Switchback with 2500 miles on the clock. The test ride was amazing. Not since I first rode the Valk have I felt that a bike fits me so well.
A short time later, the deal was done. Goodbye KLR, Hello Dyna!
unnamed (3) by
Scott Sapers, on Flickr
unnamed (1) by
Scott Sapers, on Flickr
unnamed by
Scott Sapers, on Flickr
I really like it. It's no match for the Valk in the acceleration department but the 103 H.O. makes good torque and the 6 speed uses it well. This will be my daily while the Valkyrie undergoes her long deserved makeover.
Ride Safe,
Alien
