The Harley Davidson experience.....

[ebiker]

...as we continue our saga of "Ed trades in his Roadster for a Harley"...

In four days of riding I have about 650 miles on the Road Glide and in that period nothing fell off. Nothing broke. No oil leaks. No oil usage at all. (YES, there is oil in the motor). It rattles and makes other noises----but then it's a Harley!! Good brakes (DOT-4 fluid), good handling, great high beam lights, crappy low beams and low on horsepower. (We'll come to that later)

Purchasing a Harley 101: There's the MSRP price tag and there's the dealer's asking price, oh yes it's been marked up. You want the bike OK....if not don't bother the salesman 'cause other people will buy it. The usual trade ins get a low ball number, but I did OK at local stealer, err dealer. (Stealer is a term often used by a number of disgruntled Harley riders)

After dropping off the Roadster and writing a check, I was passed off to the Finance officer who gave me the hard sell on prepayed $$$$ service plan. No thank you!! How about $$$$$ extended warranty? No thank you!!! How about $$$$$$ extended tire protection? No joke and no thank you!!!

Next person I saw was the "Chrome & accessory man". I was given a mega page catalog which described the add on stuff I must have to make me and my motorcycle happy. No thanks!!! I was reminded that the stock twin cam 88 motor produces only 67 HP---on a good day. BUT, we can fix that, I was told. My spending an additional $700 to $2,500 will get that mid 20th century design motor to really run. Oh, it's be a bit LOUD, too. The least expensive power upgrade is a new type air cleaner, aftermarket slip-on mufflers and reprogram the engine ECU. Adds another 10HP maybe, if done right. (So why can't the factory do that, I asked) Chrome man quickly changed the subject.

Great, now I have to pi$$ off the neighbors with loud pipes!!

I believe I'll hold off on that!

Service manager gave me the once over for riding the new bike. Don't lug the motor. (You might lose a dental filling I discovered) For first 50 miles, don't exceed 3,000 RPM. After 50 miles don't exceed 3,500 RPM. No high speed riding for at least several hundred miles--untill motor is broke in. Village of Vail Arizona is wondering who is the nut on a Harley running up and down the road at night, while shifting up and down!!

Do I miss the Roadster?? At times, yes. Especially when I want to pass something on the highway in a short distance. But we can fix that problem with the Road Glide, I'm told. And I do own a GL1800 for when I take a long trip.

IMHO, every motorcyclist should rent a Harley for a couple of days. Get the feel of all that thundering noise and power----err, low power, yes we can fix that.

Stay tuned,

Ed..

[Wass]

Ebiker -
I rented a Harley the last time I was in Las Vegas (Eagle Rider - positive experience) and my friend and I went up to Mt Charleston and all about.
We had great fun, both had Road Kings and they were fairly new bikes in good condition. On the long swooping road that comes down the mountain where you can see forever I made it go 105mph. Woulda gone faster but I decided I broke the law enough.
I do like the feel of a Harley, it is very different from a BMW. The biggest thing to get used to is the HUGE front end dive under braking, which is almost nonexistent on a Beemer.

My other buddies (Harley guys) all went to a big Harley sale last weekend somewhere here in the Detroit area and they each spent 5 - 800 bucks on doo-dads. Chrome floorboards, gage bezels, trim bits, superfluous crap.

Boy the Harley marketing guys really got it nailed huh?

[Just-Beeming]

Ed
Like many others on this board used to own a Harley. I had a loud thumpin' Dyna. I loved the noise, I loved the 'Harley' of it all.
My Husband had a road Glide.
It is a whole other culture. I don't begrudge them....they just were not "Us".

Get ready to spend lots of cash on sparkley stuff.
Have fun.

[Capt. Blackadder]

Bah... ignore the sparkly stuff, spend your money on upgrades that matter. Congrats on the new Hog, though!

[socalrob]

I rented a HD Dyna Glide for the last Texas Spring Hill Country Ride. Had lots of miles on lots of curvy roads. Very well put together bike with some problems I felt could be fixed if it were mine, except still not sure about the skinny front wheel & weak front brake, or maybe it was the front end dive & flex. But it was fun cruising around on a HD with a white full face helmet & in a bright yellow BMW Airflow textile jacket, with a tankbag to boot. Got some strange looks from the HD crowd.

BTW, loved the smooth 6 speed trans, & the 88 inch engine was a good fit for the dynamics of the frame IMHO. Had her up to about 95. I also learned to use the rear brake (My BMW has ABS partially linked brakes).

In a panic situation I would still want to be on my BMW.

Congrates on the new bike. BTW, I understand each HD model is very different from the next, so I might absolutely love yours. My main problem with the Dyna was the very forward controls (fixable), the saddle put me on my spine (fixable), and the fairly raked front end with a pretty skinny 19 inch front wheel (not sure if thats fixable, but its not on other HD models.). I do think HDs would greatly benefit from partially linked ABS.

[Just-Beeming]

What I did not like about the low rider that I had for two seasons was that it 'beat me up' so badly on bumps, rail crossings, even seams in the pavement would sometimes rattle my fillings. It just was such work to ride.
I also am not one to like the attention that the thumpin pipes bring on. Oh don't get me wrong...I loved the pure acustics of the screamin eagle pipes, but when I am at a seren national park or place of serenity....It just seems like the HD's are screaming
"THE HARLEYS ARE HERE, LOOKY- ME... LOOKY- ME!"

Now I arrive unoticed, with no offence to the place.
Stealth like!

[yjleesvrr]

I've spent about a thousand bucks on accessorizing my Super Glide Sport, which is about what I spent on my Roadster. The thousand bucks bought me the Stage 1 kit, Screamin' Eagle pipes (not completely open, so not nearly as loud as some), and a few chrome trim pieces. What I have is a nice stylish bike that allows me to cruise around the country side without risking my license but still stay way ahead of any cage. I've also ridden it over 1000 miles roundtrip to Northern New Jersey from Southwest VA and back for a business trip. Not quite as comfortable as the Roadster for that trip, but certainly a capable long-distance steed. With front preload/rebound adjustment and rear preload, the suspension allows for a comfortable yet controlled ride.

Enjoy your bike Ed. I'm still enjoying mine.

[ebiker]

...as we continue our saga of "Ed trades in his Roadster for a Harley"......

We pick up at Ed's attempt to get a 1,000 mile service appointment for sometime this summer on his new Road Glide....

With just over 750 miles on the Milwaukee Vibrator, I decided to make an appointment for the 1K service. A few days after Memorial Day would be fine with me, I thought!

Hah, silly me.

Service writer "Mad Mike" told me that *Preferred Customers* get first preference on a service appointment. It's like this, *Preferred Customers* pay $$$$$ in advance for the first scheduled 10K services. I did not buy into this HD extortion gimic, so Mad Mike put me at the end of the line! Second week in June. Year 2006. I decided to not argue with Mike, 'cause he looked like he was getting mad.

I was told the 1K service would cost about $350 USD. I peeked at the Road Glide to see if there was a BMW Rondel on the tank! Nope, it's a Harley.

OK..... now to buy some Harley Davidson accessories. Which of course were not in stock, have to order them and you must prepay. Takes 7-10 working days for your accessories to arrive. From Milwaukee. Parts/Chrome man reminded me that Harley Tee-shirts were in stock!

Already, I miss BMWNA Los Angeles parts depot.

So I've prepaid for $250 in accessories (NO chrome) which I've yet to receive and I'm scheduled for service in early June.

BTW, today I phoned three Phoenix area Harley dealers for a possible service appointment. One promised me early Friday, this week.....and I didn't purchase my motorcycle there!

But I'll keep my service appointment with Mike. I certainly don't want to make him mad!

Ed..

P.S. so far nothing fell off the Road Glide!

[Capt. Blackadder]

*Preferred Customers* pay $$$$$ in advance for the first scheduled 10K services... but I'll keep my service appointment with Mike. I certainly don't want to make him mad!

You're expected to pay these people off to bump up your service appointments? Jeebus H. Chrysler, what an unbelievable racket. What's next? H-D running numbers, brewing moonshine, or establishing a chain of Genuine Authentic Heritage Springer brothels?

And another thing. Who cares if this Mike character "gets mad", and why do you care to stay with a stealership that tried to shake you down in the first place?

Sorry about the rant. I'll go get some coffee now.

[yjleesvrr]

My dealer in Roanoke, VA does not gouge its customers on anything. I bought my bike at MSRP, paid $175 for the 1000 mile service, and never have they asked me to pay more to move up an appointment.

Dealers are independently owned and operated. As they say, YMMV.

[ebiker]

*Preferred Customers* pay $$$$$ in advance for the first scheduled 10K services... but I'll keep my service appointment with Mike. I certainly don't want to make him mad!

You're expected to pay these people off to bump up your service appointments? Jeebus H. Chrysler, what an unbelievable racket. What's next? H-D running numbers, brewing moonshine, or establishing a chain of Genuine Authentic Heritage Springer brothels?

And another thing. Who cares if this Mike character "gets mad", and why do you care to stay with a stealership that tried to shake you down in the first place? Sorry about the rant. I'll go get some coffee now.

Yeah, *Preferred Customer* gets first choice on service appointments. Several BMW dealerships have started that gimic, too. I believe Victory BMW has some sort of pre-paid maintenance scheme. Honda dealer in Tucson tried that crap when I refused their deal on a new GL1800. Salesman told me: "We service *our* customers first". I told the service manager what salesman said. He laughed and scheduled me for next day service on a motorcycle that I bought elsewhere!!

I was just joking about making Mike mad. I have a few warranty issues to address when the HD goes in for 1K service, so I'll have local dealer handle it.

I'll be going up to Chandler, Messa or Apache Junction for further scheduled service. Local Independent HD shop will take care of oil & filter work. (I'd rather ride than wrench!!)

BTW, 1,000 mile service on a big twin cost about $300 in our area.

Owning a Harley is becoming an interesting experience!

Ed..

[new2BMW]

I stopped by my dealer on the way to work this morning in pursuit of a can of chain lube. (I ride a Yamaha MT-01).

When I came out of the shop, three mechanics had my bike on a rear race stand cleaning, adjusting and lubing my chain. Right there in the street and no charge to boot!

It was like a pit stop.

I'm afraid service will never be the same whenever I move back to the US. These Japanese guys know how to take care of a customer.

Ed,
Congrats on the new bike. There are so many HD shops in the US, you should find one that wants your business.

[Capt. Blackadder]

When I came out of the shop, three mechanics had my bike on a rear race stand cleaning, adjusting and lubing my chain. Right there in the street and no charge to boot!

Wow! That's more like it!

[rdsmith3]

Yeah, *Preferred Customer* gets first choice on service appointments. Several BMW dealerships have started that gimic, too. I believe Victory BMW has some sort of pre-paid maintenance scheme. Honda dealer in Tucson tried that crap when I refused their deal on a new GL1800. Salesman told me: "We service *our* customers first". I told the service manager what salesman said. He laughed and scheduled me for next day service on a motorcycle that I bought elsewhere!!

I think a lot of places do this, whether it is explicitly stated or not. At my local bicycle shop, I have been a customer for 10+ years and I have purchased at least 7 bikes plus many accessories (including expensive Thule racks, etc.). The last time I brought a bike in for service, they offered to fix it right then and there, even though they were backed up a couple of weeks for service. I thanked them but said it was not a big rush.

[ebiker]

...The HD experience continues as I joined the local H.O.G. chapter. Along with the purchase of a new Harley, I receive a free membership in the National H.O.G. clan. (For the uninformed, it's the Harley Owners Group) However, I had to pay $20 for local chapter membership, so I could ride with my peers!

I went on a few local chapter group rides---if anybody noticed, that was me all the way in the back!!! Prior to the ride, I watched a five foot tatooed woman manhandle a RoadKing around the parking lot, practicing tight donuts and figure eights---made the big twin do everything but say:"hello mama". While us men stood around muttering....."Damn, you're good lady".

I had the 1K service performed today---just under $300 with tax--a bit more than what I paid for the Roadster's first service.

BTW, my Roadster is still at the Harley dealership. I've been told that some key personal are impressed with it and riding it.

More to come,

Ed..

[Harry]

I had *always* planned on buying a Harley for my first "real" bike..... but then I rode a K75. I didn't care to ride anything else after that. I knew that I wasn't going to find anything better in terms of performance.

I've since ridden a few Harleys; Softail, Shovel head (the left mirror fell off in the road while riding), Dressers and even a Sportster.

I'll always loved and respected Harley Davidson because of the fact that it's a hugely successful American company and a beautiful motorcycle. But in terms of performance, sorry. I've found them to be heavy, slow, and sloppy feeling.

It just isn't even close to BMW.

[fnfalman]

I owned a Sportster 883 back in 1992. That was enough Harley-Davidson experience for me.

[Oilhead]

I owned a Sportster 883 back in 1992. That was enough Harley-Davidson experience for me.

LMAO!

Everytime I get stuck behind a Non-Rider on a Harley going half the speed limit around the twisties, actually pissing off people in cars, I say to myself, if I ever fall to that level, just shoot me!

[ebiker]

I owned a Sportster 883 back in 1992. That was enough Harley-Davidson experience for me.

883 Sportster? That's a girl's bike--what you doing on a girls motorcycle??

Everytime I get stuck behind a Non-Rider on a Harley going half the speed limit around the twisties, actually pissing off people in cars, I say to myself, if I ever fall to that level, just shoot me!

I rode the new Harley Road Glide 760 miles this weekend thru the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico. Saw lot's of Harleys, BMW, Hondas and Yamaha bikes. Didn't see anybody holding up traffic thru the mountain passes. I guess it's not the motorcycle--it's the rider!

And the Harley Davidson experience continues:

I have 2000 miles on the Road Glide. To date nothing fell off. No oil leaks. No head shake at speeds up to 100MPH. No factory recalls. Just add gasoline and check tires and oil level.

BTW, I hear BMW has another recall--ABS brakes.

Ed..

[Oilhead]

I have had this on and off desire to get a Buell....or better yet a 1200 Sportster Sport and modify it to make sort of a modern day XLCR and blitz it around the back roads...