Made the jump... Mother Honda lost another one...

[Quiet Thunder]

Started out my riding career with a 1949 Harley Davidson Dou Glide. A 74 Cubic inch my uncle bought NEW the year I was born. He sold it to me when I was 16 along with a 1950 Studebaker Hawk. Bought them both for $100. (Boy I wish I had them now!). Anyway for the next 40 years, I've been with Honda. 750, 900, 1000, 1100, 1500 Valkyrie (2 of them) and 2 1800 'Wings'. Was waiting to see the design change on the 2015's but was totally disappointed! So the other 1/2 (what's her name) went to a Harley Dealer and purchased a 2014 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU). 14 miles on it and it sounded like a sewing machine. Noisy, hard to find neutral, hard shifting and all around wiz bang machine. Put 500 miles on it and things got better, quieter, nicer. Rode it nice, easy, carefully till the 1000 mile check-up. Had the oil changed and all required maintenance. Service manager brought it out to me after the service, handed be back the keys, and told me "Now, ride it like you stole it!". It has 8000 miles on it and it is quiet, smooth, and very driver friendly. It will run 80mph all day. Oh, when I got the keys back (really you don't need keys, it has a electronic fob), I put it in 1st and ran about a 50 foot strip in the parking lot. (I'm putting a car tire on it). 

This bike has all the features Honda missed out on, too many to mention. Biggest thing is the foot room. No engine to keep you from getting comfortable with. GPS, BIG BOOM radio and so forth. Rider comfort is a very big plus. No more hip pain, handle bars are at the proper height, and you sit lower in the seat. I loved my Valkyrie, but when the 1800 wasn't in the cards, I moved on. Looked at the F6B, but it was a Goldwing with out the box.

If Honda is going to keep sales going, they need to look at what the rider needs are.   

See ya out there!

[Bighead]

Have Fun.

[old2soon]

I get Honda resting on their laurels. Looked at both offshoots of the G/W and too cursed much like a G/W. And a LOT of the guys I ride P G R with are on new H/Ds. We have good discussions until we reach fuel mileage.  All that being said my local Honda dealer-West Plains Mo.-in the last month or so has taken 5 or 6 H/Ds for trade on G/Ws. If you would keep us updated on how the H/D is treating you as time goes on that would be insightful.  Thanks and RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

Ride what  you like, money is obviously not an issue.

Newer wings are not cheap either almost as much as HD's. 

Like said, ride it like you stole it since doesn't HD offer a full unlimited mileage warranty, for the first year at least, if not 3 years??

I for one will never spend much over 10 grand for any cycle since I am not a super high mileage rider per year and don't see the need to spend that much on something only can ride about 6 months of the year, if that.    Then again, this spring I spent 32K on a new truck always saying to myself I will NEVER spend over 30K on any new vehicle ever.    These vehicles nowadays are getting insanely high for not any better quality in my opinion and cannot justify the 3-4% yearly price increase.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I don't understand the need to change through so many bikes so frequently and the need to come here and tell us how much better your new choice is then what you had.  Enjoy your new choice and glad you change frequently........

[Pepmyster]

Have fun on no matter what you ride, just have fun!!!!!

[jimmytee]

  Have fun. I want power, comfort and handling. All of which my F6B delivers in spades. If I want comfort,power, chrome and noise I have my Valkyrie. I have plenty of brothers that ride Harleys. More power to them. I like being different in a sea of HDs.

[Willow]

What's laughable is someone saying the reason he has left Honda is because Honda hasn't updated, improved, advanced their motorcycles and that the manufacturer he found more acceptable in those areas is Harley Davidson.  Really????   ???

Enjoy your ride whatever you choose.  Rationalize whatever you require to justify your choice.  Post your twisted logic on a Harley board.  You should get a lot of applause there.

I ride a thirteen year old motorcycle, well and a fifteen year old and a sixteen year old.  I haven't chosen to "upgrade" to a BMW, Ducati, or Triumph.  I surely haven't chosen to move to a Harley.  I'm quite sure I would enjoy the wind on any one of those models, but I feel something special during my time on the Valkyrie.   

[Jess Tolbirt]

well you know what they say on here,, this thread is useless without pictures,,,

[Dark]

purchased a 2014 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU). 14 miles on it and it sounded like a sewing machine.

What the heck kind of sewing machine do you have?
A neighbor rides 14 FLHTCU (stock) & it sure as heck doesn't sound like any sewing machine I've ever heard

Enjoy the new ride, hope it brings you many safe & happy miles is the saddle

[RDAbull]

I had a business meeting in LA last week and with the nice weather I took the weekend off and rented an HD for a ride down to San Diego and then up into the mountains.  Since I have moved over to the trike, I thought I would try out a Tri-Glide.  I have ridden several HDs over my time and have never been disappointed, but I sure can't say that about the Tri-Glide.  It just doesn't have enough power for the weight and bulk.

I sure wouldn't trade my '99 for it, unless they gave me enough boot to buy her back.

[mrtappan]

Don't forget to buy the mandatory "full Harley logo everything outfit" so you can ride it without voiding your warranty.

[BF]

Started out my riding career with a 1949 Harley Davidson Dou Glide. A 74 Cubic inch my uncle bought NEW the year I was born. He sold it to me when I was 16 along with a 1950 Studebaker Hawk. Bought them both for $100. (Boy I wish I had them now!). Anyway for the next 40 years, I've been with Honda. 750, 900, 1000, 1100, 1500 Valkyrie (2 of them) and 2 1800 'Wings'. Was waiting to see the design change on the 2015's but was totally disappointed! So the other 1/2 (what's her name) went to a Harley Dealer and purchased a 2014 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU). 14 miles on it and it sounded like a sewing machine. Noisy, hard to find neutral, hard shifting and all around wiz bang machine. Put 500 miles on it and things got better, quieter, nicer. Rode it nice, easy, carefully till the 1000 mile check-up. Had the oil changed and all required maintenance. Service manager brought it out to me after the service, handed be back the keys, and told me "Now, ride it like you stole it!". It has 8000 miles on it and it is quiet, smooth, and very driver friendly. It will run 80mph all day. Oh, when I got the keys back (really you don't need keys, it has a electronic fob), I put it in 1st and ran about a 50 foot strip in the parking lot. (I'm putting a car tire on it). 

This bike has all the features Honda missed out on, too many to mention. Biggest thing is the foot room. No engine to keep you from getting comfortable with. GPS, BIG BOOM radio and so forth. Rider comfort is a very big plus. No more hip pain, handle bars are at the proper height, and you sit lower in the seat. I loved my Valkyrie, but when the 1800 wasn't in the cards, I moved on. Looked at the F6B, but it was a Goldwing with out the box.

If Honda is going to keep sales going, they need to look at what the rider needs are.   

See ya out there!

Well....I'm glad you like it. 

Just shows to go ya, there's a seat for every ass. 

[R J]

I'm told a Harley is a good piece of equipment.

Of all of them sold in the past, about 60% of them are still on the road, the other 40% made it home.     LOL.    Laugh now........      

[old2soon]

Oh-as an aside-ask my brother and the guy he wrenches for-both Harley Mechs. RIDE SAFE.

[Quiet Thunder]

I don't understand the need to change through so many bikes so frequently and the need to come here and tell us how much better your new choice is then what you had.  Enjoy your new choice and glad you change frequently........

I had 2 Valkyries. A 1999 and Green and grey and a Black and red. Been a member since April 1, 1999. Lurking since I sold the Red and Black. Was hoping Honda would would get the design leadership back to improve on the Valk, but they have been to complacent. As of changing bikes frequently, I was looking for that 'one' comfortable bike, Honda would make. I found it, but it was made by Harley.

I still like to lurk, see what's been happening here. But as I say.......

[Quiet Thunder]

What's laughable is someone saying the reason he has left Honda is because Honda hasn't updated, improved, advanced their motorcycles and that the manufacturer he found more acceptable in those areas is Harley Davidson.  Really????   ???

Enjoy your ride whatever you choose.  Rationalize whatever you require to justify your choice.  Post your twisted logic on a Harley board.  You should get a lot of applause there.

I ride a thirteen year old motorcycle, well and a fifteen year old and a sixteen year old.  I haven't chosen to "upgrade" to a BMW, Ducati, or Triumph.  I surely haven't chosen to move to a Harley.  I'm quite sure I would enjoy the wind on any one of those models, but I feel something special during my time on the Valkyrie.   

I enjoyed my Valkyries, and they ran fine. Had no problems with them and they rode fine. Riding a 13 or 14 year old bike, well, ain't my thing. Made enough money in my life to enjoy the fruits of my labor. So when I went to look for a comfortable ride decked out with the tchotchke's I want, why would I buy a Yugo when I buy a Cadillac?

Twisted logic? I was just giving an honest opinion to a community I used to be in. Sorry of I offended you. I do go to sights to learn about the bikes I ride, and am on the various sites for Harley.

Enjoy what you ride, I am...

[Gavin_Sons]

Cadillac?   Wow, I would never consider a Harley a caddy, maybe a log wagon. They do make some beautiful bikes, and their sound systems are awesome, just cant get past the v twin or the harley emblems ( I need a puking face inserted here).

[czuch]

Well, you just go and have a good time.
I'll just go and have a good time.
If we ever get together, well have a good time.
Thats nice.

[Gary]

As mentioned earlier, would like to see some pic's of the new toy!!! 

Hope you get all that you'd hoped for out of her.

[Detn8er]

Cadillac?   Wow, I would never consider a Harley a caddy, maybe a log wagon. They do make some beautiful bikes, and their sound systems are awesome, just cant get past the v twin or the harley emblems ( I need a puking face inserted here).

[Gavin_Sons]

Cadillac?   Wow, I would never consider a Harley a caddy, maybe a log wagon. They do make some beautiful bikes, and their sound systems are awesome, just cant get past the v twin or the harley emblems ( I need a puking face inserted here).

Hey, thats it, exactly what I was looking for  

[Rams]

Enjoy what you ride, I am...

I'm happy that you're happy.   I don't pretend to understand the logic, other than you can afford to trade as you see fit.   That, I'm envious of but, I doubt I'll ever see an HD parked in my garage that I own or under my ass.   They simply don't build a bike I like or want.    Doesn't bother me a bit that they built one you like but, what I really don't understand the need to come tell us about it.

Edited: I need to correct the above statement.   If HD would build a flat six or something similar, I'd seriously consider it but, I see the chances of that happening as about as high as Obama being re-elected.

What ever, ride safe.

[Bonzo]

Enjoy it!  I looked at new Valkyries and Harleys, End  up with a 98 Tourer. If I would have seen a new Indian Chief Classic it might have been different.

[Momz]

Did the dealership give you the new slogan,...."If your not on a Harley, you may as well be riding a moped"? 

[Pepmyster]

Don't forget to buy the mandatory "full Harley logo everything outfit" so you can ride it without voiding your warranty.

Don't forget the trailer also!!!! When we did the trip on our 2001 Interstate from Montreal to St. Petersburg, we saw a ton of Harleys on trailers. Not rideable?

[Robert]

The sound and feel of 6 cylinders is something that I would miss. Harleys just dont do it for me as one cylinder pops it sounds and feels like one foot in front of the other. The Rocket has a similar sound and feel and it always makes me think of a moped. I am not bashing Harleys there are some really nice bikes out there but just could never get used to the culture or the engine lack of smoothness. Enjoy your ride it sounds great my son sells Harleys and I may have had a new Valk if mounting accessories was a bit easier and there was a bit more chrome. I bought this bike with the idea of keeping it, I have had it for 11 years now and I must say that the thrill is NOT gone. I have tried to part ways with her but somehow at the showroom she just has something special that I have not found in another bike. The latest and greatest is not always either.

[Popeye]

Congrats on the new bike.  Sounds like your happy with it and thats all that matters.

If i could afford it, I would have a new Road Glide and a new Indian.

[Jack B]

I was shopping for a new bike this summer. I tested a H.D., Indian, Goldwing, F6B, and Victory. All great bikes!
but after riding a Valkyrie's for the last 14 years with that great flat six motor it was hard to go and buy a V twin. All the bikes had good power and rode and handled well. I would then ride my Valk home with that great six and I knew I could not go with the V twin. I ended up with the F6B. Great motor great bike great price. It doesn't have a lot of the new toys as the other bikes but it fits me well.
So enjoy your new H.D. Also a great bike.

[Jack]

As Gramps use to say, "Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya."
See ya on the road with my 15 y/o Valk.

[Jess Tolbirt]

I'm told a Harley is a good piece of equipment.

Of all of them sold in the past, about 60% of them are still on the road, the other 40% made it home.     LOL.    Laugh now........     

yep 60% are still out there running around and enjoying thier ride and sights,,the 40% that made it home? well either their butts cant take it or they had to go earn a living to support their families and their chrome feddish..

[RainMaker]

Enjoy your ride and be safe.  

I've not ridden a HD in a while so don't know if I'd be happier with the config than I am with my Valkyrie Interstate.  I do know I'm happy with the Valk so will be happy to stick with it.  If you are happy with your selection, then life is good for both of us.

Honda is an automobile company now.  They make very reliable, somewhat boring cars.  It has become the same for their side business of selling motorcycles.

If they made the perfect upgrade to my Valkyrie, I don't know if there would be enough sales to justify the R&D.  I know I am not the target audience.  HD does a far better job of targeting my age and income range than Honda.

Keep the rubber side down and maybe we'll share wind someday.

RainMaker

[solo1]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo.  

so then why to give us the perceived impression that you think Harley is 1940's technology?
other than the number of cylinders (6 cly has been around for years as well as 2) Harley is by far more technologically advanced than your Honda is..water cooled, drive by wire, linked abs brakes, electronically controlled fuel injection, air ride suspension, on board communications, etc....  

dont get excited, i am just trolling here, LOL

[mrtappan]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo.  

so then why to give us the perceived impression that you think Harley is 1940's technology?
other than the number of cylinders (6 cly has been around for years as well as 2) Harley is by far more technologically advanced than your Honda is..water cooled, drive by wire, linked abs brakes, electronically controlled fuel injection, air ride suspension, on board communications, etc....  

dont get excited, i am just trolling here, LOL

Wait.... what?  So basically the same single pin crank shaft air cooled two valve engine that they never changed is more technologically advanced than what?  

I learned years ago that reasoning with a Harley owner is very similar to reasoning with a religious person.  If you could reason with a Harley owner, there would be no Harley owners.

[MAD6Gun]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo.  

so then why to give us the perceived impression that you think Harley is 1940's technology?
other than the number of cylinders (6 cly has been around for years as well as 2) Harley is by far more technologically advanced than your Honda is..water cooled, drive by wire, linked abs brakes, electronically controlled fuel injection, air ride suspension, on board communications, etc....  

dont get excited, i am just trolling here, LOL

Wait.... what?  So basically the same single pin crank shaft air cooled two valve engine that they never changed is more technologically advanced than what?  

I learned years ago that reasoning with a Harley owner is very similar to reasoning with a religious person.  If you could reason with a Harley owner, there would be no Harley owners.

Only slightly more advanced than a Briggs and Stratton...LOL...

[Gavin_Sons]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo.  

so then why to give us the perceived impression that you think Harley is 1940's technology?

Because this is a "HONDA VALKYRIE" forum.

[Jess Tolbirt]

IMHO the Harley is just a Cadillac in price only.  It's still 1940's technology, air cooled, two cylinders, etc.

However, if it's your bag, enjoy the ride.  Just don't give us the perceived impression that you think that a Valkyrie is a Yugo. 

so then why to give us the perceived impression that you think Harley is 1940's technology?
other than the number of cylinders (6 cly has been around for years as well as 2) Harley is by far more technologically advanced than your Honda is..water cooled, drive by wire, linked abs brakes, electronically controlled fuel injection, air ride suspension, on board communications, etc.... 

dont get excited, i am just trolling here, LOL

Wait.... what?  So basically the same single pin crank shaft air cooled two valve engine that they never changed is more technologically advanced than what? 

I learned years ago that reasoning with a Harley owner is very similar to reasoning with a religious person.  If you could reason with a Harley owner, there would be no Harley owners.

keep in mind when start going back and forth here, that i own 4 valks at the present,,and owned at one time 7 of them..
your engine is using the same configuration as they have used since engines were invented..one piston and one journal on the crank per piston since day one..yours still has carbs..
you said,,,
I learned years ago that reasoning with a Harley owner is very similar to reasoning with a religious person.  If you could reason with a Harley owner, there would be no Harley owners."  well same goes for honda owners too as well as suzuki and kawasaki owners...etc.

how come there are no hondas in the pro drags? only Suzuki and Kawasaki and of course the fastest bike of them all,,Harley!!!

ok break time,,,the comment about the briggs made me spit coffee everywhere,,,

[BF]

Awh jeeesh.  Not another brand bashing thread. 

I'm pretty sure we're all here because we love motorcycles.  Brand is just another flavor...and we all love different flavors, and we all love motorcycles. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

Awh jeeesh.  Not another brand bashing thread. 

I'm pretty sure we're all here because we love motorcycles.  Brand is just another flavor...and we all love different flavors, and we all love motorcycles. 

hey BF its winter time!!! gotta have something to laff about...