I want this real bad! (Harley-Davidson content)

[EightmanVT]

This is kinda like a young new guitar player asking for advice and the guys on the board suggesting a Diezel and a Les Paul Custom. C'mon guys, this is a new thing to me. Take it easy to me and suggest a MIM Strat and B-52 amp or something. Your average person out there doesn't know a Sportster from something else anyway.

I still like this bike BIGTIME and I can't stop staring at it.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... :IT&ih=008

Get it!! Get what makes you happy...and that you'll be happy with. Better to start out with a smaller/lighter bike - generally speaking, although I didn't.

A huge +1 on taking an MSF course....but...that'll sink the bug in for sure. I took mine (after thinking about it every fall for 2 or 3 years)...and bought this bike a week later....while the wifey was out of town visiting her parents.

 

[daver101]

Actually, I used to ride a motorcycle, but it did get down to having a "near miss" almost every day. And this was before cell phones and iPods were big. People are even more distracted today.

I figured my chances of turning one of those near misses into a direct hit were pretty high, so I sold it off.

 

[daver101]

This is about twice as much, but I think it's alot cooler!!!!

Whod want to spend 5k on something that you have to power yourself and that will absolutely wreck your yambag and giblets in the process?

No thanks Bro, the only place I want to exert myself is in the gym or the bedroom...

Real men wear bike shorts!

 

[moronmountain]

You don't want it because it's a sporty. BTW, Sportsters are not considered "hogs." Only the new generation of "bikers" would even think to call a sporty a hog. Yes I'm being a harley cork sniffer right now hehe.

Sorry and you guys can make fun of me all you want, but I'm 99% sure I'd go with a Sportster if I did this. Mainly because of the price and availability.

Can't I tease you without you getting all serious? Sheesh! Sporties are actually cool bikes, but some of them can be a rough ride. Any Harley can as far as that goes. To be honest, I think you should get a cheap older Japanese bike and see if you even like riding. Plus it would be easier to learn on for the most part. Sporties still aren't "hogs" though.

 

[moronmountain]

Get it!! Get what makes you happy...and that you'll be happy with. Better to start out with a smaller/lighter bike - generally speaking, although I didn't.

A huge +1 on taking an MSF course....but...that'll sink the bug in for sure. I took mine (after thinking about it every fall for 2 or 3 years)...and bought this bike a week later....while the wifey was out of town visiting her parents.

I have started a conversation with the seller. He seems like a real cool guy. I asked him about routine maintenance and here's what he said... Does this all sound pretty spot on? I think there's something cool about owning an older bike, but then again, I dont' want a headache.

"depends on how hard you are on it. They do tend to do what's called "Fouling the plugs" which as i understand it too much oil and stuff gets on the plugs making them not spark right. You just put a new plug in and when you get home you wire brush and mabye starter fluid the old plug. Also they can be fickle to get started if you leave them sit for a few months. Aside from that, you just need to get in the habit of wiping off the bike with a rag after you ride EVERYTIME. The reason for this is that these big boys vibrate a great deal as you ride, and parts can get loose. I have so far lost rear view mirrors, a gas cap, the first kickstand, my first kick start, and the bolt that holds the speedometer on. I have since learned my lessons and by wiping it off by hand you can check for loose bolts. The good thing is that there are several people around our area that are old harley genious's and they work extremely cheap on all of the hard stuff. I got the tranny rebuilt for around 350, and have pretty much replaced most of the electrical system (generator,coil,starter) since I owned it and that was about 500 total. They are more work than new, but as i have always told my friends, its worth every penny when you pull into a place like fast eddies and immediately draw the girls!!"

Loctite is your friend. They do vibrate a lot. It makes your hands/forearms tired until you get used to it. Some peeps even wear kidney belts.

 

[moronmountain]

Can't I tease you without you getting all serious? Sheesh! Sporties are actually cool bikes, but some of them can be a rough ride. Any Harley can as far as that goes. To be honest, I think you should get a cheap older Japanese bike and see if you even like riding. Plus it would be easier to learn on for the most part. Sporties still aren't "hogs" though.

For me, it's either a Harley or nothing. Not because I'm all gung ho biker-wannabe, but I don't see a reason to own one if it ain't rumblin like that. Seriously... I'm a poser, I suppose.

That's why I don't have a bike hehe. Most of my time has been riding dirt bikes and even then I get Austrian bikes (KTM). I've ridden a teeny bit on the street but wouldn't spen any considerable coin for anything but a Harley, but then only a full size one. I'm partial to Dyna Wide Glides. My friend has 3 Harleys so I get to live through him a bit. I may look for an old cheap bike to play with until I can afford a Dyna though.

 

[Digital Jams]

Get it!! Get what makes you happy...and that you'll be happy with. Better to start out with a smaller/lighter bike - generally speaking, although I didn't.

A huge +1 on taking an MSF course....but...that'll sink the bug in for sure. I took mine (after thinking about it every fall for 2 or 3 years)...and bought this bike a week later....while the wifey was out of town visiting her parents.

I have started a conversation with the seller. He seems like a real cool guy. I asked him about routine maintenance and here's what he said... Does this all sound pretty spot on? I think there's something cool about owning an older bike, but then again, I dont' want a headache.

"depends on how hard you are on it. They do tend to do what's called "Fouling the plugs" which as i understand it too much oil and stuff gets on the plugs making them not spark right. You just put a new plug in and when you get home you wire brush and mabye starter fluid the old plug. Also they can be fickle to get started if you leave them sit for a few months. Aside from that, you just need to get in the habit of wiping off the bike with a rag after you ride EVERYTIME. The reason for this is that these big boys vibrate a great deal as you ride, and parts can get loose. I have so far lost rear view mirrors, a gas cap, the first kickstand, my first kick start, and the bolt that holds the speedometer on. I have since learned my lessons and by wiping it off by hand you can check for loose bolts. The good thing is that there are several people around our area that are old harley genious's and they work extremely cheap on all of the hard stuff. I got the tranny rebuilt for around 350, and have pretty much replaced most of the electrical system (generator,coil,starter) since I owned it and that was about 500 total. They are more work than new, but as i have always told my friends, its worth every penny when you pull into a place like fast eddies and immediately draw the girls!!"

Yes the old harley guys rode with rags and some extra oil but the newer ones are not like this. You can tell this guy is older school harley.

That said with this description of plugs fouling, parts falling off it vibrates so much, are you really still looking at this?

Wait till the riding weather is history and score a newer skir....oops......SPORTster because people will be selling to upgrade or get rid of.

 

[moronmountain]

Get it!! Get what makes you happy...and that you'll be happy with. Better to start out with a smaller/lighter bike - generally speaking, although I didn't.

A huge +1 on taking an MSF course....but...that'll sink the bug in for sure. I took mine (after thinking about it every fall for 2 or 3 years)...and bought this bike a week later....while the wifey was out of town visiting her parents.

I have started a conversation with the seller. He seems like a real cool guy. I asked him about routine maintenance and here's what he said... Does this all sound pretty spot on? I think there's something cool about owning an older bike, but then again, I dont' want a headache.

"depends on how hard you are on it. They do tend to do what's called "Fouling the plugs" which as i understand it too much oil and stuff gets on the plugs making them not spark right. You just put a new plug in and when you get home you wire brush and mabye starter fluid the old plug. Also they can be fickle to get started if you leave them sit for a few months. Aside from that, you just need to get in the habit of wiping off the bike with a rag after you ride EVERYTIME. The reason for this is that these big boys vibrate a great deal as you ride, and parts can get loose. I have so far lost rear view mirrors, a gas cap, the first kickstand, my first kick start, and the bolt that holds the speedometer on. I have since learned my lessons and by wiping it off by hand you can check for loose bolts. The good thing is that there are several people around our area that are old harley genious's and they work extremely cheap on all of the hard stuff. I got the tranny rebuilt for around 350, and have pretty much replaced most of the electrical system (generator,coil,starter) since I owned it and that was about 500 total. They are more work than new, but as i have always told my friends, its worth every penny when you pull into a place like fast eddies and immediately draw the girls!!"

Yes the old harley guys rode with rags and some extra oil but the newer ones are not like this. You can tell this guy is older school harley.

That said with this description of plugs fouling, parts falling off it vibrates so much, are you really still looking at this?

Wait till the riding weather is history and score a newer skir....oops......SPORTster because people will be selling to upgrade or get rid of.

The bike he's looking at is an older one. I'm pretty sure a '75 is an AMF as well, which makes the bike even more affordable. The AMF thing doesn't affect price as much as it used to, but it still does to some extent. I'm pretty sure a '75 Sporty will vibrate, leak oil, have parts fall off, foul plugs, you name it. Harleys kept this trait until the EVO motors came out, and even the EVO's had some of these characteristics. The newer models though? They are like luxury cars compared to the old ones.

 

[Digital Jams]

I do not ride bikes that were made by a company that drilled holes in 8-15 pound balls to be thrown by men wearing ugly shirts

 

[EightmanVT]

Get it!! Get what makes you happy...and that you'll be happy with. Better to start out with a smaller/lighter bike - generally speaking, although I didn't.

A huge +1 on taking an MSF course....but...that'll sink the bug in for sure. I took mine (after thinking about it every fall for 2 or 3 years)...and bought this bike a week later....while the wifey was out of town visiting her parents.

I have started a conversation with the seller. He seems like a real cool guy. I asked him about routine maintenance and here's what he said... Does this all sound pretty spot on? I think there's something cool about owning an older bike, but then again, I dont' want a headache.

"depends on how hard you are on it. They do tend to do what's called "Fouling the plugs" which as i understand it too much oil and stuff gets on the plugs making them not spark right. You just put a new plug in and when you get home you wire brush and mabye starter fluid the old plug. Also they can be fickle to get started if you leave them sit for a few months. Aside from that, you just need to get in the habit of wiping off the bike with a rag after you ride EVERYTIME. The reason for this is that these big boys vibrate a great deal as you ride, and parts can get loose. I have so far lost rear view mirrors, a gas cap, the first kickstand, my first kick start, and the bolt that holds the speedometer on. I have since learned my lessons and by wiping it off by hand you can check for loose bolts. The good thing is that there are several people around our area that are old harley genious's and they work extremely cheap on all of the hard stuff. I got the tranny rebuilt for around 350, and have pretty much replaced most of the electrical system (generator,coil,starter) since I owned it and that was about 500 total. They are more work than new, but as i have always told my friends, its worth every penny when you pull into a place like fast eddies and immediately draw the girls!!"

Um...well...let's see. The fact that you'll be working on that bike alot...yes, that sounds about right. The fact that things will vibrate off...yes...that's about right...it's a freakin' Harley!! Harley Davidson has always done one thing right - and no, it's not related to how they build bikes - but how they market them. I was riding the other day with a buddy who has a 2003 Anniversary Dyna...nice looking bike...as we pulled into a parking lot, his kickstand fell off...hilarious!! The new Harley's are a definite improvement - but still aren't there. Those expensive ass Road Kings burn your thighs on a warm day. I also don't know what he means when he says "big boys"...I don't think of a Sportster as a "big boy"...but...since it's a Harley...it will vibrate like crazy. All bikes do to a degree. The good thing is - if you're handy and motivated - this will be a good way to learn a lot about bike repair...and I do agree that it will be easy to find parts. And...the paint job is nice

Me...I don't like to spend time wrenching...I just want to ride.

The VRODs are growing on me a bit though...but that's really a porche

 

[EightmanVT]

I dunno guys, I can't stop thinking about buying one. Maybe that older one I linked to a few times or maybe a newer one. But that older one looks the part if you ask me. I absolutely love the looks of it.

I don't mind wiping the bike down and checking the bolts and crap every-so-often. That's almost fun, to be honest. I do that crap on my guitars all the time and enjoy tinkering with things.

But if the transmission went out one day, the breaks went out the next, the gas tank fell off and burst into flames the next, etc... Well, that's a pain in the ass and I'm not looking for that.

I think the idea is that I'd just ride it locally with maybe a 20-100 mile trip every-so-often. Nothing more than that. So I don't know if trying to find a newer Sportster that's kinda plain is the way to go or go for something older like this mid '70s bike that looks the part. I dunno.

If it feels right...do it!! Life's too short!! Sounds like you've already made your mind up anyway.

 

[moronmountain]

I dunno guys, I can't stop thinking about buying one. Maybe that older one I linked to a few times or maybe a newer one. But that older one looks the part if you ask me. I absolutely love the looks of it.

I don't mind wiping the bike down and checking the bolts and crap every-so-often. That's almost fun, to be honest. I do that crap on my guitars all the time and enjoy tinkering with things.

But if the transmission went out one day, the breaks went out the next, the gas tank fell off and burst into flames the next, etc... Well, that's a pain in the ass and I'm not looking for that.

I think the idea is that I'd just ride it locally with maybe a 20-100 mile trip every-so-often. Nothing more than that. So I don't know if trying to find a newer Sportster that's kinda plain is the way to go or go for something older like this mid '70s bike that looks the part. I dunno.

The biggest thing that bike has going for it is the price. What's the worst thing that could happen? You don't like dealing with all the nonsense and you sell it? Even if you took a loss it wouldn't be more than a few hundred. 2 things you need to think about. 1) The vibration is a bigger deal than you may think. Your hands can even get numb and cause you to be riding in an unsafe condition. You will get "used" to it, but it will always make you get fatigued on long rides so you should only take short trips at first until you know your limit. 2) Most people fall down and get a boo boo in the first 6 months of owning a new bike. This doesn't mean that you HAVE to fall down, but you need to think about it when you're starting to think you're an "expert" rider. Early confidence is usually the problem. You'll take a corner a bit faster than you should because you think you have it mastered. You hit some pea gravel in the corner and the next thing you know, you've got a broken foot. I always try to ride conservatively. I bought my first big bore dirt bike (KTM 380sx, that thing was a friggin rocket!) thinking it would be like a slightly faster 250 and I ended up getting a pretty big boo boo. My knee cap was actually sticking out of the skin even though I had on Kevlar riding pants. I personally recommend using a full face helmet for the first year of riding even though they look silly while riding a Harley. BOOTS! Do NOT wear tennis shoes while riding! Period! Layers of sturdy clothing are a good thing as well.

 

[Pepi]

A guy at work just bought a new HD Classic. He let me ride it yesterday. Fucking thing about shook me to death? I thought the newer HDs were pretty much vibration free This bike is no where near worth 21,000 dollars when my Yamaha Roadie is 10 time smoother and 1/2 the cost.

 

[moronmountain]

A guy at work just bought a new HD Classic. He let me ride it yesterday. Fucking thing about shook me to death? I thought the newer HDs were pretty much vibration free This bike is no where near worth 21,000 dollars when my Yamaha Roadie is 10 time smoother and 1/2 the cost.

The new ones still vibrate. Just not "as bad" as the old ones.

 

[moronmountain]

The biggest thing that bike has going for it is the price. What's the worst thing that could happen? You don't like dealing with all the nonsense and you sell it? Even if you took a loss it wouldn't be more than a few hundred. 2 things you need to think about. 1) The vibration is a bigger deal than you may think. Your hands can even get numb and cause you to be riding in an unsafe condition. You will get "used" to it, but it will always make you get fatigued on long rides so you should only take short trips at first until you know your limit. 2) Most people fall down and get a boo boo in the first 6 months of owning a new bike. This doesn't mean that you HAVE to fall down, but you need to think about it when you're starting to think you're an "expert" rider. Early confidence is usually the problem. You'll take a corner a bit faster than you should because you think you have it mastered. You hit some pea gravel in the corner and the next thing you know, you've got a broken foot. I always try to ride conservatively. I bought my first big bore dirt bike (KTM 380sx, that thing was a friggin rocket!) thinking it would be like a slightly faster 250 and I ended up getting a pretty big boo boo. My knee cap was actually sticking out of the skin even though I had on Kevlar riding pants. I personally recommend using a full face helmet for the first year of riding even though they look silly while riding a Harley. BOOTS! Do NOT wear tennis shoes while riding! Period! Layers of sturdy clothing are a good thing as well.

I hear ya man. I would DEFINITELY ride conservatively. That's just how I am. You're right. I mean, that price doesn't seem crazy to me? $5,500 for a killer looking bike with a new transmission and whatever else doesn't seem unfair at all. Plus, this guy lives REAL close to me. He could even deliver it until I took the class and got my license or something. The guy gave me his number and told me to stop by to check it out. I won't know what I'm looking at or anything, but I'm thinking about going there.

We'll see how this all play out. I appreciate everyone's input!

Well one thing you'll be looking for is how hard it is to start when cold. Ask him not to start it the day you're going to check it out. If it fouls plugs, you should be able to work that out with some leaner jetting. A bike that's been lowered and raked like that bike looks cool, but it will corner like crap. Be aware of that the first time you try and turn it. I've known several guys that have went straight through a corner on a raked/lowered bike. It takes some getting used to for sure.

 

[EightmanVT]

The biggest thing that bike has going for it is the price. What's the worst thing that could happen? You don't like dealing with all the nonsense and you sell it? Even if you took a loss it wouldn't be more than a few hundred. 2 things you need to think about. 1) The vibration is a bigger deal than you may think. Your hands can even get numb and cause you to be riding in an unsafe condition. You will get "used" to it, but it will always make you get fatigued on long rides so you should only take short trips at first until you know your limit. 2) Most people fall down and get a boo boo in the first 6 months of owning a new bike. This doesn't mean that you HAVE to fall down, but you need to think about it when you're starting to think you're an "expert" rider. Early confidence is usually the problem. You'll take a corner a bit faster than you should because you think you have it mastered. You hit some pea gravel in the corner and the next thing you know, you've got a broken foot. I always try to ride conservatively. I bought my first big bore dirt bike (KTM 380sx, that thing was a friggin rocket!) thinking it would be like a slightly faster 250 and I ended up getting a pretty big boo boo. My knee cap was actually sticking out of the skin even though I had on Kevlar riding pants. I personally recommend using a full face helmet for the first year of riding even though they look silly while riding a Harley. BOOTS! Do NOT wear tennis shoes while riding! Period! Layers of sturdy clothing are a good thing as well.

I hear ya man. I would DEFINITELY ride conservatively. That's just how I am. You're right. I mean, that price doesn't seem crazy to me? $5,500 for a killer looking bike with a new transmission and whatever else doesn't seem unfair at all. Plus, this guy lives REAL close to me. He could even deliver it until I took the class and got my license or something. The guy gave me his number and told me to stop by to check it out. I won't know what I'm looking at or anything, but I'm thinking about going there.

We'll see how this all play out. I appreciate everyone's input!

Honestly -- You should go take the class...then go shopping for bikes. You'll be able to find used bikes like this at decent prices...pretty easily. Right now you're obsessed ( I know...because that's what I do...) - and that clouds your judgement. Go take the class... Even two days on a bike...willl give you a better appreciation of what you're getting into - then start shopping. I know a guy here at work - who was talking non-stop about buying a bike - took the class...passed, got his license - and still hasn't gotten a bike (over a year now) - because I think the class showed him - he didn't like riding as much as he thought he might. He may have just squeaked through , I don't know, but a rider that is not confident is better off not riding. Take the class first.

 

[Digital Jams]

A guy at work just bought a new HD Classic. He let me ride it yesterday. Fucking thing about shook me to death? I thought the newer HDs were pretty much vibration free This bike is no where near worth 21,000 dollars when my Yamaha Roadie is 10 time smoother and 1/2 the cost.

I friend of mine has a Royal Star, great bike and yes MUCH smoother.

You are not stopping picking up parts.

Not being a dick but I have to ask this......when buying a car do you overlook oil leaks and parts falling off?

Oh yeah, I own HD stock so I will insist on genuine HD parts to use to replace the ones that fell off

 

[jisham]

Virbration is part of the whole Harley "thing" ... period. My "expensive ass" Road King Custom is an 07, it VIBRATES, and it runs flawlessly and has zero reliability issues or parts falling off; I suspect any bike or car made in 1975 is gonna have issues; jesus christ. And it certainly doesn't burn my legs (WTF???). Most people who bitch about Harleys don't own one.

I spent 20 years riding mport cruisers and LOVED my old Yamaha RoadStar, but "I" always wanted a Harley and now that I can afford it, I bought one and never looked back. And unlike import cruisers, it'll hold its value -- I absolutely lost my ass on every import bike I sold. But they, that's how it is.

Chris, take the course and do some research. Buy what you're comfortable with taking care of.

 

[EightmanVT]

Virbration is part of the whole Harley "thing" ... period. My "expensive ass" Road King Custom is an 07, it VIBRATES, and it runs flawlessly and has zero reliability issues or parts falling off; I suspect any bike or car made in 1975 is gonna have issues; jesus christ. And it certainly doesn't burn my legs (WTF???). Most people who bitch about Harleys don't own one.

I spent 20 years riding mport cruisers and LOVED my old Yamaha RoadStar, but "I" always wanted a Harley and now that I can afford it, I bought one and never looked back. And unlike import cruisers, it'll hold its value -- I absolutely lost my ass on every import bike I sold. But they, that's how it is.

Chris, take the course and do some research. Buy what you're comfortable with taking care of.

You have an '07 and you can already make claims regarding reliability? I bought the EVH 5153 - it too is 'reliable' ....for the 1 month I've owned it The only people who get defensive about Harley reliability issues -- which are so well documented even the Harley sales staff will talk to you about it - are those who paid an xtra $10k so they could ride ...."a Harley" and be in the Harley club. I love what Harley has done - they've created an image...and many of their dealerships are really great -- when their bikes catch up to all that...I'll buy one that day on the spot. I paid just over $11k for a brand new stock 1800F that can smoke your underpowered stock $20k+ Harley (probably more) - and I've ridden the hell out of it...and have only changed the oil. Hell - I was in a Harley dealership last week...and he acknowledged the heat issues. But..I guess that too...is a "Harley thing". Harley has come a long ways in the last 3 years - due in large part to competition from the importers and pressure from government agencies - like the EPA. They have a ways to go before they can compete in the performance/reliability/value arena with the imports, unfortunately.

Oh - and before you go diminishing someone else's contribution - because -- it doesn't agree with your perspective - maybe you should do a little research first. Here's just one link a quick google search for Road King heat issues turned up... http://www.coolclimbing.com/2007harleyd ... classi.htm

That said - I rode last year with a guy who had a new Road King...and he must have gotten every option known to mankind - that thing was solid chrome...and gorgeous.

 

[jisham]

Yep, I bought a Harley and am not sorry one bit. Glad you like your 1800F too.