Harley- a year later.

[Ghost]

I have owned the Harley for a year now, i had two Valkyries before that. I put a little over 12,000 miles on it since i got it. I just now replaced the rear tire at a cost of $162.00, I bought this bike used and it had 32,000 miles on it at a cost of $..............., you really didn't think i was gonna tell did you. Anyway at 35,000 miles i had to put $500.00 in the motor, would had been a $1,000.00 if i let Harley do the labor. I like the bike for my size it fits me well, on a 300 mile day i am not tired at the end. The bike is top heavy but handles great. The Valkyrie is by far a better Bike. The Harley is what it is, mine is an Ultra Classic which is about the same as an Interstate. The Valkyrie will cost less to operate and i will own another one someday. I am giving my honest feelings on this bike, and in no way am i trying to sway anyone about bikes. I also think every man should have ten bikes and ride whatever he wants whenever he wants.

[Hoosier Valk]

Petty looking bike, looks great! Thanks for your insights.

[AussieValk]

I disagree.


I think seven bikes would be sufficient........one for each day of the week. 

[Sludge]

No, even 10 is an anemic number.     Everyone should one one of EACH 

[MCRIDER]

The Valkyrie is by far a better Bike. 

I do agree with you.  The Valk is a better bike.

[Jess Tolbirt]

i dont think we should have to put disclaimers below every post we make...

[R J]

I rode Harley's for years.    Rode other brands also.   Harley's didn't cost me anything to ride as the fine state of California bought and maintained them.

I've ridden Guzzi's also, 1 Duc we got to test, then we got Kawasaki's.   That was a good move on the CHP's part.

My personal bikes were about every brand in the field, including an early Boss Hoss.   I won't rate any of them.  They all were good, they had 2 wheels, some had windshields, some required more maintenance that others, but they still got my face into the wind or on the circle track in the early days......

That's all I have to say about that.
(Forrest Gump)

[Ramjet]

Out of curiosity, what had to be fixed on your Harley?

[Kaiser]

That is a sharp HD!

[rockrat]

Probably an oil change

[Walküre]

I rode Harley's for years.    Rode other brands also.   Harley's didn't cost me anything to ride as the fine state of California bought and maintained them.

A little over 40 years ago, when San Diego PD got rid of the Harleys, and went "metric" (probably Kaw,  can't remember), our neighbor quit the force, loaded up, and moved to Montana or Wyoming. I babysat his two sons, so remember it well. What I hated most, was that he took his '41 Ford with him...

[alph]

that is a sweet looking cycle.  if i were to ever buy a harly, that would have to be the one.  (but, that'll never ever happen.)

just out of curiosity, does it ride smooth, or does the handle bars bounce up and down like a lawn mower?  i test rode the victory vision, nice cycle but way to much vibration in the handle bars!!  only rode it for about 20 miles, my hands fell asleep!! 

[elraque]

Nice looking ride...

I looked at various rides before the "thick chick" found me. HD's Ultra classic was at or near the top of the list of candidates.

Then I took the Valk for a test ride. Then I let Mrs. elraque go for a test ride with me. She said that the Valk could go home with us, and the decision was made.

I'll test ride more motorcycles in the future, but it's gonna take something pretty spectacular to convince me that it's better than riding a fast, black Valkyrie.

When (IF) I get filthy rich (instead of just filthy, like I am now) I might consider and Ultra as a second (or third) bike. In the meantime... vroom.

[Ghost]

Out of curiosity, what had to be fixed on your Harley?

   The Timing chain tentioners were worn, in fact one of them was chipping away and would had came apart and really caused alot more problems. Harley says to change them at 35,000 miles. I caught mine just in time. The biggest problem i have with this is Harley never told me a thing about it when i bought the bike, i was just talking to them and they told me after i bought the bike. I ask them if they were going to fix it or at least go 50/50 with me since i just bought it. They said i was out of luck, i have not been back in that store since.

[Ghost]

that is a sweet looking cycle.  if i were to ever buy a harly, that would have to be the one.  (but, that'll never ever happen.)

just out of curiosity, does it ride smooth, or does the handle bars bounce up and down like a lawn mower?  i test rode the victory vision, nice cycle but way to much vibration in the handle bars!!  only rode it for about 20 miles, my hands fell asleep!! 

At idle it does vibrate alot, after idle its really not bad. i rode a big dog through town, my hands were asleep before i could get it back to the dealer, this in no where close.

[elraque]

How does that "shortie" windshield perform? And how tall are you (I only ask because it's pertinent to the windshield performance)?

[Ghost]

How does that "shortie" windshield perform? And how tall are you (I only ask because it's pertinent to the windshield performance)?

 I am 5ft 9inches and 205lbs, when i sit on the seat i look right over the top of windshield, i have another windshield for winter and its clear and taller. I would rather ride with hat, gloves and hoodie anytime than in the heat, i will do more riding in the cold than the summer.

[Dougger]

I used to carry my green & Silver I/S on the back of the motorhome back and forth to Florida from Michigan.
A couple of years ago we sold the motorhome and left the Valk in Florida. Bought a used Ultra Classic in Michigan. It is now for sale and have a Red & Black I/S in the garage in its place.

[Big Rig]

You would need only 7 if they were all Valks...if you throw other types in, keep in mind that you will need one valk for every other model...

[godfire]

I have a baby Harley (a sportster) it's a fun bike to ride.....just don't go too far out of town.

In town it is great, quick, nimble, and responsive. But hit the road.... well the thing has never left me sitting....BUT! Any trip more than 200 miles has always been an adventure!
 

[fudgie]

Hey we all make bad choices!  Like I always said, thats one sweet bike!  Glad your still in the wind. It was good seeing you this spring. Hope you guys can make it down in October. Hell, we'll split a room with ya if you want. If not we always will have Hooters again in May.

[R J]

I have a baby Harley (a sportster) it's a fun bike to ride.....just don't go too far out of town.

In town it is great, quick, nimble, and responsive. But hit the road.... well the thing has never left me sitting....BUT! Any trip more than 200 miles has always been an adventure!
 

Someone told me the Sportster was a girlie bike?   Is that correct?

As Forrest Gump would say:
That's all I have to say about that.

[nerider2]

I had an 07 Ultra Classic, I'd love to get another one.  Almost no vibration coming off idle.  It is a fun comfortable bike to ride.  And I think they really look great.

[Valkahuna]

I've posted several times about the bikes in my life. I love them all, each for their own reasons. That's a great looking Ultra you have there.



Here is a pic of my Road Glide. Sweetest bike as far as smoothness and lack of any wind buffeting. The fixed fairing takes all the weight of the bars, and makes it handle unbelievably at low speeds. I know you guys see them shaking at idle, but at speed they are glass smooth! A real mile eater!



This second shot is  half way through a 1,900 mile four day trip on Rt. 13 in VA near Chincoteaque Island. It had rained the whole time with the temps in the low 40's. Sucked then, adventure now!

Point is this: Don't knock it unless you've tried it. They all have something good about them. Not one is perfect for anything, but between them all, it stays interesting. 

And by the way, I maintain three bikes, seven or ten is just too much. The way it is,I always feel guilty when I walk past one of them and ride the other.

[Ghost]

I've posted several times about the bikes in my life. I love them all, each for their own reasons. That's a great looking Ultra you have there.



Here is a pic of my Road Glide. Sweetest bike as far as smoothness and lack of any wind buffeting. The fixed fairing takes all the weight of the bars, and makes it handle unbelievably at low speeds. I know you guys see them shaking at idle, but at speed they are glass smooth! A real mile eater!



This second shot is  half way through a 1,900 mile four day trip on Rt. 13 in VA near Chincoteaque Island. It had rained the whole time with the temps in the low 40's. Sucked then, adventure now!

Point is this: Don't knock it unless you've tried it. They all have something good about them. Not one is perfect for anything, but between them all, it stays interesting. 

And by the way, I maintain three bikes, seven or ten is just too much. The way it is,I always feel guilty when I walk past one of them and ride the other.

  You have a great looking bike also, a mile eater i like that.  Thats what i think i like the best about this bike, how well it is for the long rides.

[Hef]

Ghostrider, That is a beautiful bike. I love those spoke wheels. In fact, I know why they went to the other s but I still like the look of spokes.

[Ghost]

Ghostrider, That is a beautiful bike. I love those spoke wheels. In fact, I know why they went to the other s but I still like the look of spokes.

  I have heard stories about the spokes coming loose and if i have any problems there is alot of mags on e-bay for sale. I have thought about going to the mag wheels because if i have a flat i am done where i could plug the mag wheel and tire and keep going. But i have rode bikes for 36 years and i have only had one flat, and of corse it was on the Harley. My fault also, i dropped a box of self tapping screws in the garage and thought i got them all. All but one, i left the house and heard a noise like a rock in the tire, i went back home and the tire went flat as soon as i pulled in. Rear tire also, all you can do is laugh at your self and fix it.

[Hog Killer DS0048]

I don't understand the comment about the Vision vibrating. I've owned one for a year and a half with 18,000 miles on it, and there is NO vibration. Almost as vibration free as a Valk.

[Crazyhorse]

I've put over 1000 miles on my Electra Glide in under 3 weeks. I like how it handles and it is comfortable on a trip. The trip was just over 200 miles so I haven't tested it like I will soon. The life of anything mechanical is good maintenace. I just change the oil/filter using Amsoil syntheic I'll keep you posted on how it holds up. Thanks for the infor about the timing chain and tensioners. I wish there was a board for Harleys like this one it would make things much easier.

[Kaiser]

I wish there was a board for Harleys like this one it would make things much easier.

There are.  HDForums.com is just one of many.

[Hoser]

I've put over 1000 miles on my Electra Glide in under 3 weeks. I like how it handles and it is comfortable on a trip. The trip was just over 200 miles so I haven't tested it like I will soon. The life of anything mechanical is good maintenace. I just change the oil/filter using Amsoil syntheic I'll keep you posted on how it holds up. Thanks for the infor about the timing chain and tensioners. I wish there was a board for Harleys like this one it would make things much easier.

You realize that you voided your warranty by changing your own oil, and not using screaming eagle oil, don't you?  Just Kidding (I hope!) ??? Very nice.    hoser

[Crazyhorse]

I mean forums that give you tech advise. That have a shop section like on here. I know some of the guys out there who ride Harleys work on their bikes. I've been on HDForum.com and V-Twin forum but haven't found them that helpful. I may have missed something. Hoser I don't have a warranty so I can do whatever I wish  . I realize my post included some infor from Big Al's post {Harley 3 3/4 years}.