I made a mistake

[csj]

Shamelessly copied from a goldwing board.


So about three months ago I contracted a serious, life-threatening illness called “Harley Fever.” This illness primarily affected my sense of judgment and before I knew it, I traded my beloved 2015 Goldwing for a 2019 Harley Heritage Softail Classic.

After 90 torturous days of nothing but headaches and constant regret, the fever broke and my vision became clear. I looked around and saw the carnage that this illness had caused. There were expensive accessories littering my garage, apparently purchased in an attempt to make the Harley comfortable to ride for more than 30 miles. My closet was full of black T-shirts adorned with skulls and flames…and I’m not talking about my heavy metal concert T-shirts! No, these were Harley specific and according to my wife, a single Harley T-shirt cost almost twice as much as one of my beloved Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden T-shirts. Imagine my embarrassment when I saw that I even had purchased a Harley-Davidson coffee mug! (My wife said it leaked everywhere when I drank from it, but due to my illness I never even noticed).

As my mind healed, I sought forgiveness from those I had embarrassed. I soon realized what must be done to complete my journey of healing and redemption. I gathered what little money I had left, that hadn’t been spent on Harley T-shirts and assorted paraphernalia and headed directly to my nearest Honda dealer.

They say you meet the nicest people on a Honda, and they are right. Much like the parable of the Prodigal Son, they welcomed me back with open arms and forgiving hearts. I have once again joined the tribe of Comfort, Performance, and Reliability. I am the proud owner of a new Goldwing.

To those I have harmed or offended, I humbly offer an apology and a promise of “NEVER AGAIN!”


Apologies for the theft, Mr. Cote.

[John Schmidt]

My grandson here in De Pere, WI just bought a nice looking use HD. I've kidded him about it, told him it always sounds like it's only running on two cylinders. I'll watch and if he follows the same route your post does, I might make a copy and send it to him. If gramps can't zing the youngsters once in a while, who can? He's a great kid, all of 25, and every time he sees me I get a hug and an "I love you" both when arriving and when leaving. 

[Jess from VA]

Funny story.   

When I gave up my Harley of 18 years for my first Valk, some of my riding buddies asked WHY?

I told them I moved up and grew up.  They didn't care for the answer, but it was the pure truth. 

I actually held on to the old Hog for a couple more years, but after the flat 6 riding experience, I just never felt like riding it much again.  It got shipped to a collector in San Francisco (it was a one year model, one of a thousand, and actually a pretty good bike).

[old2soon]

     Had more than one H/D rider informing me after nickel trick was observed even should the nickel be welded to their transmission case It Would most likely shake off.  Well Jess I grew up and moved to greener patures my own self!  RIDE SAFE.

[klb]

The guy I bought my 2001 Blue with the White stripe Standard from back in 2019 bought a Harley because of peer pressure from the people he rode with. He said he was always catching crap about riding a Honda and needed to get a real Motorcycle. He caught the fever then folded and bought a Harley and stored the Valkyrie at his mini storage facility. When I went to look at the Valkyrie he told me his Harley had been in the shop several times and was currently in the shop that day. He was asking $3500 and after a test ride the front calipers were sticking but looked and ran like new with only 13,000 miles on it. Offered him $3000 and he agreed. Just before I left with it he touched the windshield like he was saying goodbye to a old friend. Good old peer pressure and Harley fever.

[Timbo1]

Congrats on your new ride.  Hope you have many trouble free miles of enjoyment on it. 

My experience after a weekend trip with my brother last year with him on a Road King, I realized he was getting much better mpg than I was so I ended up trading in one of my Valks for a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Since that time I've only put a little over 3k miles on it but from my experience and my wife's it's been a much better ride experience.  So much so that she's dozed off briefly on the HD where she was always tense on the back of the Valk.  One of the biggest things for me is how well the HD is in the road. Perhaps due to the extra weight or different rake idk but it feels more stable in the road. Neither of my Valks have been in the road this well. Both my Valks were Standards so I'm kinda comparing apples to oranges as the Electra Glide has many more features like a batwing fairing, vented lowers, 6th gear, ABS, air shocks, cruise, stereo etc... that help improve the experience.  Perhaps if I had an Interstate my comparisons would be different.  I think the higher gear ratios and 6th gear help create a feeling of easy cruising even at 85+ mph. I've not had any issues to date but when or if I do I'll most likely be taking care of anything I can figure out myself before taking it to a shop.  I do have 2 yr extended service plan so I won't dig to deep into anything until after that period is over.  A comparison of power delivery clearly favors the Valk, there's more of it and it is delivered much smoother.  The Valk is much cooler riding as the HD can really be a ball burner in stop and go traffic and it's not even really hot out yet.  There is a feature EITMS that really makes the bike sound like it's about to die as it shuts down the rear cylinder at stops to help cool the motor down but it really makes the bike lobe running on 1 cylinder.  The main objective of better fuel mileage has held well getting around 40 mpg on the HD no matter if I'm running 65 or 85 mph.  In my eyes one of the biggest advantages HD has going for it is the abundance of parts & aftermarket parts and accessories available that in many instances the market is saturated and parts or accessories can be found relatively cheap.  At this point I've put less than 1k miles on the Valk since I purchased the HD and it has been relinquished to an around town scoot for the most part.

[3fan4life]

Congrats on your new ride.  Hope you have many trouble free miles of enjoyment on it. 

My experience after a weekend trip with my brother last year with him on a Road King, I realized he was getting much better mpg than I was so I ended up trading in one of my Valks for a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Since that time I've only put a little over 3k miles on it but from my experience and my wife's it's been a much better ride experience.  So much so that she's dozed off briefly on the HD where she was always tense on the back of the Valk.  One of the biggest things for me is how well the HD is in the road. Perhaps due to the extra weight or different rake idk but it feels more stable in the road. Neither of my Valks have been in the road this well. Both my Valks were Standards so I'm kinda comparing apples to oranges as the Electra Glide has many more features like a batwing fairing, vented lowers, 6th gear, ABS, air shocks, cruise, stereo etc... that help improve the experience.  Perhaps if I had an Interstate my comparisons would be different.  I think the higher gear ratios and 6th gear help create a feeling of easy cruising even at 85+ mph. I've not had any issues to date but when or if I do I'll most likely be taking care of anything I can figure out myself before taking it to a shop.  I do have 2 yr extended service plan so I won't dig to deep into anything until after that period is over.  A comparison of power delivery clearly favors the Valk, there's more of it and it is delivered much smoother.  The Valk is much cooler riding as the HD can really be a ball burner in stop and go traffic and it's not even really hot out yet.  There is a feature EITMS that really makes the bike sound like it's about to die as it shuts down the rear cylinder at stops to help cool the motor down but it really makes the bike lobe running on 1 cylinder.  The main objective of better fuel mileage has held well getting around 40 mpg on the HD no matter if I'm running 65 or 85 mph.  In my eyes one of the biggest advantages HD has going for it is the abundance of parts & aftermarket parts and accessories available that in many instances the market is saturated and parts or accessories can be found relatively cheap.  At this point I've put less than 1k miles on the Valk since I purchased the HD and it has been relinquished to an around town scoot for the most part.

To each his own I guess.

My ONLY experience riding a Harley was in 2007.

We went to Daytona for speed week that year and I decided to rent an Ultra Classic for a day.

It was a beautiful bike and was the first year of the 6 speed transmission. 



I enjoyed riding it but there was no way that I even considered buying one.

My biggest gripes were it shaking like crazy at a stoplight and it felt like I was shifting myself to death.

As I rode it up and down A1A and every time the speed limit changed I had to find another gear.


We went to speed weeks again in 2008.

This time I took a Valk.




I recently bought a 2021 Goldwing.

In many respects it is a much better bike than my Valkyries.

But then it's 20 years newer.




I do have several bikes up for sale at the moment, including some Valkyries.

But I plan to always have at least one Valk in the stable.


Someone told me this past weekend that making the choice between riding the New Wing or riding a Valkyrie was like deciding whether to drive a new Corvette or a hot rod 57 Chevy.

Either one is a pretty good choice.

[Timbo1]

My biggest gripes were it shaking like crazy at a stoplight and it felt like I was shifting myself to death.

As I rode it up and down A1A and every time the speed limit changed I had to find another gear.

Someone told me this past weekend that making the choice between riding the New Wing or riding a Valkyrie was like deciding whether to drive a new Corvette or a hot rod 57 Chevy.

Either one is a pretty good choice.

It does do the shimmy shimmy shake at stops, especially when EITMS kicks in.  It doesn't bother me much as I don't spend much time at stoplights if I can help it.  On the shifting I feel I shift less as it seems with the higher gears I stay in gear across a broader rpm range than I used to.  Biggest problem I've had shifting is forgetting I have a 6th gear since 5th seems to be adequate for most highway speeds.  I also believe there may have been some changes to the gear ratios between the 2007 - 2014 models in addition to a little larger displacement.

My comparisons are apples to oranges and your analogy I agree with.  They are both great bikes both have pro's and con's.  Just depends on the type of trip I'm going on which bike gets to hit the road.

[Knapdog]

My Valkyrie is up there as one of the best bikes I've ever had. I love the sound and the power and the looks.
Wherever I park up people comment on it. It surprises me how many people love the colour, particularly women and often older women. Don't ask me why.
Due to the way I ride, I get good mpg, around 44 miles per UK gallon. Yesterday I pulled in to a filling station with 198 miles on the Tripometer though I did fill up either 19.93 litres.
I've been right through the bike servicing and synchronising the carbs, the shaft drive, coolant, fluids, the lot and I know every inch of it. You become closer to the bike the more you do.
I would say that my biggest disappointment is the quality of the ride. Despite having a dealer service the forks and Interstate shocks fitted I regard the ride as still being a bit jolty.
Also despite numerous tweaking of the windshield position, I still get buffeting (and I have wind reflectors on the forks).
I met a guy in my Honda dealership last year who told me he should never have sold his Valkyrie.  He had gone over to Harleys about 10 years ago.
Anyway, this is where I raise some eyebrows.......
I'm considering a newish Road King, Yes it will cost me but I've never owned a Harley and at my age probably should try one out even if I regret it.
The riding position appeals to me and would be similar to a Virago 1100 I used to fondly own. I also love the sound of a twin.
I've never wanted one before and can't stand how some Harley riders look down their noses at other bikes. Some BMW riders can be the same. I've no interest in joining any Hell's Angels or buying any Harley Davidson sausages.
The Road King, for me, seems about right and I already know that selling the Valk could be a regret. It may never happen but for the first time, I'm thinking about a H-D, though, I repeat, with me loving the Valk, it's unlikely to happen.

[Rams]

My Valkyrie is up there as one of the best bikes I've ever had. I love the sound and the power and the looks.
Wherever I park up people comment on it. It surprises me how many people love the colour, particularly women and often older women. Don't ask me why.
Due to the way I ride, I get good mpg, around 44 miles per UK gallon. Yesterday I pulled in to a filling station with 198 miles on the Tripometer though I did fill up either 19.93 litres.
I've been right through the bike servicing and synchronising the carbs, the shaft drive, coolant, fluids, the lot and I know every inch of it. You become closer to the bike the more you do.
I would say that my biggest disappointment is the quality of the ride. Despite having a dealer service the forks and Interstate shocks fitted I regard the ride as still being a bit jolty.
Also despite numerous tweaking of the windshield position, I still get buffeting (and I have wind reflectors on the forks).
I met a guy in my Honda dealership last year who told me he should never have sold his Valkyrie.  He had gone over to Harleys about 10 years ago.
Anyway, this is where I raise some eyebrows.......
I'm considering a newish Road King, Yes it will cost me but I've never owned a Harley and at my age probably should try one out even if I regret it.
The riding position appeals to me and would be similar to a Virago 1100 I used to fondly own. I also love the sound of a twin.
I've never wanted one before and can't stand how some Harley riders look down their noses at other bikes. Some BMW riders can be the same. I've no interest in joining any Hell's Angels or buying any Harley Davidson sausages.
The Road King, for me, seems about right and I already know that selling the Valk could be a regret. It may never happen but for the first time, I'm thinking about a H-D.

While I've never been tempted to ride (much less buy) an HD, I do understand the desire to experience new and different things.   It's OK, you'll be welcomed back once you eventually see the error of your ways. 

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I rode this 1986 FXRD (HD's first sport tourer) for 18 years.  Despite some issues (charging system, leaky air shocks and forks, small oil leak, need for new top end engine rebuild at 70K) it was a great bike.  Lighter and faster than all FLHs.  80 inch Evo, rubber mount.

After I got my 2d Valk, I had 5 bikes.  The maintenance, tires, insurance, inspections, and storage became a pain in the ass (and wallet).  I thought the variety would be fun, but discovered I preferred to ride the Valks.  So the others got sold.

[cookiedough]

yah, our 20 year old or so Valks are cheap to insure as compared to almost all other big or small cruisers.  Am sure has to do with the old age of them.  My kids 1997 honda magna 750 is only one cheaper to insure.  My 2008 250cc scooter and 2003 burgmann 650cc scooter costs more to insure than the valks or magna by a smidge.

[Knapdog]

My Valkyrie is up there as one of the best bikes I've ever had. I love the sound and the power and the looks.
Wherever I park up people comment on it. It surprises me how many people love the colour, particularly women and often older women. Don't ask me why.
Due to the way I ride, I get good mpg, around 44 miles per UK gallon. Yesterday I pulled in to a filling station with 198 miles on the Tripometer though I did fill up either 19.93 litres.
I've been right through the bike servicing and synchronising the carbs, the shaft drive, coolant, fluids, the lot and I know every inch of it. You become closer to the bike the more you do.
I would say that my biggest disappointment is the quality of the ride. Despite having a dealer service the forks and Interstate shocks fitted I regard the ride as still being a bit jolty.
Also despite numerous tweaking of the windshield position, I still get buffeting (and I have wind reflectors on the forks).
I met a guy in my Honda dealership last year who told me he should never have sold his Valkyrie.  He had gone over to Harleys about 10 years ago.
Anyway, this is where I raise some eyebrows.......
I'm considering a newish Road King, Yes it will cost me but I've never owned a Harley and at my age probably should try one out even if I regret it.
The riding position appeals to me and would be similar to a Virago 1100 I used to fondly own. I also love the sound of a twin.
I've never wanted one before and can't stand how some Harley riders look down their noses at other bikes. Some BMW riders can be the same. I've no interest in joining any Hell's Angels or buying any Harley Davidson sausages.
The Road King, for me, seems about right and I already know that selling the Valk could be a regret. It may never happen but for the first time, I'm thinking about a H-D, though, I repeat, with me loving the Valk, it's unlikely to happen.

This hasn't taken a lot of thought. The fat lady is staying.
After reading numerous Road King reviews, I think a lot of the Cons outweigh the Pros.....5 hours to change a belt, floorboards scraping the road, at 50,000 miles Head Bearings need attention plus the forks need servicing. Short travel on the shocks. There are other things that are putting me off also.
I know that every bike is a compromise but if I sold the Valk I'd always regret it.
It's staying but the search is on for Kuryakyn 4050 Highway pegs ( none I can find in UK) and a pair of auxiliary front lights. Any recommendations?

[Jess from VA]

Kuryakyn 4050 Highway pegs ( none I can find in UK)

The 4050s have the strongest/best clamps of any hwy pegs, and the mount (with the pegs folded up) will not hit in a tip over or fall and slide (like all the pegs mounted on the outer sweep of the engine guards). They are the best.

 Note that the 1 1/4" clamps on most Hwy peg assemblies (for Harleys) are too wide for Valks (1" or 1 1/8").  And shimming with rubber doesn't cut it.  

KDog, I don't have any links, but the German Valk clubs and sellers carry a lot of stuff.

The German VRCC site is in German (no Sprechen sie Deutsch).

Here's one: https://www.valkparts.de/About-us

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-4050-Cruise-Dually-ISO-Pegs/dp/B000GZQIN2/ref=asc_df_B000GZQIN2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309804735743&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10640598895446063978&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008188&hvtargid=pla-567809075907&psc=1

[Knapdog]

Kuryakyn 4050 Highway pegs ( none I can find in UK)

The 4050s have the strongest/best clamps of any hwy pegs, and the mount (with the pegs folded up) will not hit in a tip over or fall and slide (like all the pegs mounted on the outer sweep of the engine guards). They are the best.

 Note that the 1 1/4" clamps on most Hwy peg assemblies (for Harleys) are too wide for Valks (1" or 1 1/8").  And shimming with rubber doesn't cut it.  

KDog, I don't have any links, but the German Valk clubs and sellers carry a lot of stuff.

The German VRCC site is in German (no Sprechen sie Deutsch).

Here's one: https://www.valkparts.de/About-us

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-4050-Cruise-Dually-ISO-Pegs/dp/B000GZQIN2/ref=asc_df_B000GZQIN2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309804735743&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10640598895446063978&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008188&hvtargid=pla-567809075907&psc=1

Thank you very much, Jess.
Have just ordered (£214 + whatever Customs charges etc on top) from the Amazon link you sent me.
Arrival 8th - 22nd August.
Any suggestions for the auxiliary lights please, if I may be so bold?

[Jess from VA]

Any suggestions for auxiliary lights?

I really don't have any suggestion.

The principle question is;  do you seek lights to see better yourself, or to be seen by other drivers?

For better lights to see at night, I would recommend you search on here for all the threads about upgrading the standard headlight (or adding passing lamps to both sides of the headlight), from full assemblies to just adding better LED bulbs. 

I put old fashioned off-road (higher draw) Hella 80/100 halogens in my Interstates (in lieu of the OE 45/45 Honda bulbs or the most used auto parts 55/60 halogens).  But the Interstate has separate electrical relays in the lights the Std/Tourers don't have, and the fairing gets lots of air, so there has never been an OE wiring/heat issue which could be a problem for Std/Tourers with higher draw bulbs beyond 55/60s.  I run my 80/100s on dim only (never get flashed by oncoming traffic), and would only flash the 100s, never on constant (and I rarely ever ride at night anymore anyway).  These might require heavier wiring in the Std/Tourer bucket.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COBLKW?redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00&th=1

To add visibility, there are so many choices of smaller units which should be mounted lower around the engine guards or caliper mounts (to give the proverbial triangle of light to oncoming traffic).  Most of these are not showy chrome but black plastic.  30 to 50 watts is all you need to be seen, but don't add significant light for you to see (but may help light the sides of the road better).  Wide fogs, or narrow spots.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Auxiliary-Lights/s?k=Motorcycle+Auxiliary+Lights

[da prez]

  I was a Harley mechanic for about four years. I owned one  for about three weeks.  I doubt if I  would ever own another one.

                                                   da prez

[Jess from VA]

I owned one for about three weeks.

 

[Avanti]

Just met a rider on my travels last week in Broken Arrow OK, ridding a Road glide.  He started conversation by asking me about the old dog I was riding.  The old dog was hailing two up and pulling our camper.  I am filling up the old dog as I hear my wife say please be more respectful. I turn and say, he is taking about the the bike. She receives a very long apology. We had a nice long conversation about bikes and he tells me he has almost 50,000 miles, so time to trade in for new. I say 43 years and we still like each other and the bike is still under 700,000. That sparked more conversation.

[3fan4life]

Spent a few hours at a Harley dealership Monday before last while a friend was getting his 2015 Ultra Limited repaired.

That particular bike has given him tons of trouble including a complete engine replacement @ 15k miles.


Looking around the showroom it does appear that Harley really is trying to up their game.

Several of the new models a true water cooled bikes and they have an Adventure Tourer in their line up that is interesting.