Honda or Harley

[Thunderball]

Need a new Bike, My problem is the wife likes the new Honda Gold Wing, she said the back seat sets better. I like the Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Besides being a Harley my feet are forward, not straight down like on the Honda, I don't think hiway pegs will work on the new Gold Wing. The price will be about the same, for ether one. But I have never rode on ether. So any info from other riders would be a great help.



Thanks

Thunderball

 

[BBean]

Thunderball, I have ridden both of these bikes, so I'll give you my perference. I put 85,000 on a 1990 Goldwing SE, and it was OK, but to me it always felt top heavy, and was hard to handle off the pavement. Watch a group of Goldwing riders who have their woives on, when they come into a parking area, especially if it isn't paved. The women always jump off, That's because of it's handling. They have lots of power, especially the 2001. The new one is supposed to be a rocket, and I haven't ridden one yet.

The Harley is a different ride, it is a cruiser, and it will get up and go too, but it just handles better, especially off the pavement. I perfer the Harley, but my wife likes the Goldwing. You know, it's nice and quiet, not noisey like the Harley. She does say that the comfort for the rider is every bit as good as the Goldwing.



I have a 96 Harley, Ultra Classic and I love it, in fact I just put my name on the list for the 100th year anniversary model, in 2003.



I have ridden since I was 18, and I am now 62. I would suggest that you go to the dealers and take a ride on each. They both have their good points and bad ones too.



Basically they are both good bikes, but Harley's just cruise better for me, as I have one knee replacement and the other on isn't too far off, so I like the knee placement on the Harley's as it is a little more forward, like you said, and it stresses my knees a lot less than the Honda. plus you can put your feet forward on the pegs, and change positions, as needed for comfort.



I just completed a 5000 mile ride in complete comfort, my knees didn't bother me after riding 500 miles a day, and that's what I need.



On my Honda I put the floor boards on before my wife and I did the 4 corners ride, in 94, and I still couldn't get my knees forward enough. After riding 350 to 400 miles, my knees hurt, also the Honda is a wide machine, and you really have to spread your legs apart to get them on the pegs, wide enough so that it's uncomfortable for me.



Let me know if this helps. Bob

 

[EMDDIESEL]

On Principal alone, i would go Harley. I cant stand copycats, all these ridiculous, "Royal stars", "Viragos" and "Gold wings" are nothing more then fake Harleys, or better known in most cases as the "Poor mans Harley" (Although the Gold Wing is far from cheap) I am sure they are more reliable then a Harley, but its still not a Harley. Anybody who has ever owned one will understand what i mean. Personally, the Gold WIng is a 2 wheel car, you cant even see the engine on one, and reverse?. Too many things to break, too hard to get to anything to fix it. Also, if you break down on a Harley, a Harley man will stop and help, if your on a Rice burner, they will point and laugh.

 

[RAMalama]

YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO BUY H-D

Financially, you buy an FLH, keep it for say three years and then sell it for what you paid, maybe more. It only costs you insurance, gas, and oil.



Buy anything else, keep it for three years and get maybe 65% of your money back...



I had a '93 FLHS (baby dresser) for 40,000 trouble free miles. No other bike rides with a passenger like a dresser Harley. It's like they're not even on the bike. The girl I had then, was not big or heavy, I'd just say to her, "you're just a formidable motorcycle passenger... " In spite of her size she was awsome. A regular "bike potato". Without that FLH she'd rode like a 5th wheel RV hitched to that old diesel VW truck.



Wow, ok, maybe she wasn't that bad. Just know if you plan on taking a passenger along, and often, buy the FLH with all the bells and whistles. It'll pamper both of you...



R/ Ian.

 

[Papa Joe]

Variety is the spice of life, right.

My wife and I have the Honda VTX 1800. Great cruiser. My advice is to at least take a look.



BTW, there is a world of difference between a touring bike (Goldwing) and a cruising bike (V-twin). You can tour all day five days a week. After four hours on a cruiser, I'm ready for the lounge.



JMHO, Joe

 

[Mr. Brewski]

Buy the Honda - the new 'wing is sweet! The engine is all covered up because you'll never have to work on it, and its smooth enough to keep the rest of the bike from jiggling apart. It is a far cry from a copy cat bike - Aluminum twin spar frame, boxer 6 cylinder, shaft drive... .



Dont discount the rice grinders - they do have benefits. Have you also lookd at the BMW K series and R series?



Dont forget - If you buy the HD to save a couple thousand dollars for a new wardrobe. Cant ride a HD in dockers...



If I could give you any advice, it would be to ride many different bikes, HD, Honda, etc. . Then pick the one that you like. I like my CBR1000F, and I wouldnt personally buy a HD because of principal. If I had to go out and buy a bike from an American company today, I'd buy a Victory V92SC. Too bad Excelsior Henderson went bankrupt...

 

[RAMalama]

NOW FOR SOME HARLEY BASHING!

Along the 'wardrobe' frame of mind -



and I can say this 'cause I ride and owned one, bugs in the teeth, paid the piper, got the T-shirt, AM the poster...



What does "H-D" stand for?... - Hundred Dollars.

Doesn't matter what you go the the dealer for, it'll cost at a minimum, a Hundred Dollars...



What's the difference from a Eureka up-right vaccume cleaner and a H-D motorcycle?

The Eureka upright has room for only one dirt bag! Oh! Oh! That's gotta hurt!



For the record, for me, NOTHING beats those engines at speed for hours on end. There's nothing like lopping two cylinders off of a radial airplane engine and fitting it on a motorcycle. The shared conecting rod bearing on the crank gives them that V-8 lope thats just music to my ears. Big pistons, long stroke, huge valves, good sound... Why, now when I think of it, there's only one other engine that compares... Didn't Clessie ride a H-D? Well maybe not but IF he were to ride a motorcycle...



Peace.



Certified Dirt Bag -Ian.

 

[Forrest]

Which is the better $ per feature value?

 

[Fireman]

Wouldn't be caught dead on a Wing

Fireman

 

[Todd G]

When I ride, I always wear a helmet. I wouldn't be typing this if I hadn't in the past.

If you ride a Harley around here with a helmet, other Harley owners don't give you the time of day. I guess it's a lifestyle thing.

I'd ride a Wing in a minute.

 

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by Todd G

If you ride a Harley around here with a helmet, other Harley owners don't give you the time of day. I guess it's a lifestyle thing.

I'd ride a Wing in a minute.



It's not a lifestyle thing, It's poser, aka rubbie, aka "Rolex-rider" thing.

I'll wave to anyone who's brave enough to tackle traffic on two wheels. Can't stand the "I got a bike, now I'm Peter Fonda" yuppie scum.



Thunderball,

You really won't go wrong with either bike, It just depends on what you're lookin' for. The wing comes with everything except a porta-potty (and that may be a standard feature next year

LOL)



No I won't get rid of my Harleys.

But if someone wants to GIVE me a "Wing" ... ... ... ... ... ...



20 grand and 20 miles don't make you a biker!

 

[Steve M]

I bought my 4th Harley in '92. When will it start giving me trouble? I think that's a line someone made up to justify buying an import. I had a wing back in the '70s. It was nice and quiet. Smooth as silk. I got cramps in my hips quite often straddling that flat 4cyl. with my feet behind the hot heads. At 42000 miles, it snapped a timing belt and sucked a valve. Sold it broke to a Honda mechanic and bought my first Harley. Been hooked since. I don't go for the garb either. Blue jeans, steel toe Caterpillar boots, and a cool colored T-shirt are my riding gear of choice. Some of us wear helmets some don't. We've partied with the Owtlaws and they don't even care if you wear a helmet or dockers. Is that a yuppy biker requirement? Glad I don't hang with that crowd!

Ride 'em both, take your wifes thoughts into consideration, and buy which ever one suits you the best. I will say the Harley will hold it's value better... Personally I feel better having HD under my butt. The Mrs likes the slight vibration at exactly 65mph!

 

[NVR FNSH]

Gold Wing - a copy cat?

EMD - since when is a Gold Wing a copy cat? What exactly did Honda copy from H-D to come up with the Gold Wing?



Brian

 

[RottnDogue]

Thunderball..... I've had a least one street bike since I was 15, hmmm that is 20 years now. I've had many different types, and driven many others..... I like both bikes, and both will give you a different ride. Best to find someone who'll let you ride there's (either friend or Dealer) and choose that way. I love to ride my Harley, but I've loved them all..... (Yes I'm still talking about the bikes). Ok didn't love the 650 Honda (junk) but that was just one of many.....



<<<<"I got a bike, now I'm Peter Fonda" yuppie scum>>>>



Peter who?



Just kidding.



Darren

 

[Champane Flight]

To tour or not to tour.

I have owned many Harleys and enjoyed them from Pans to shovels. I have to say that they are a good bike. It is what you are looking for in a bike. Are you going to tour?Or are you wanting ot look cool?I get a kick out of all the Harley riders in my area,their idea of a tour is to the local pub and down the main drag a couple of times. Talking to one the other day and he was telling me of his 2000 mile years on his bike. I did'nt tell him that in my day it was 10000 mile years and that was a light riding year.



I have a problem with the most of the Harley riders today,not because of their machine,its their attitude. Not stopping for another bike in trouble!!!! Just not cool... . Whether it a Harley or a moped... ... And Sturgis used to be a run,now its just a pull your bike in,putt,drink,and load it up to go home in your motorhome! Sorry I don't want to be a part of that anymore.



I am in the middle of making a deal for a Ducati and when I have it I will ride alone,I like it that way anyway. If you want a good touring bike for two up,and a small trailer,buy the Goldwing. If you want a social event or looking cool thing,buy the Harley.

 

[Mr. Brewski]

Well said Champagne Flight!



What flavor of Duck???? I'd give my right nad for a Monster...



It dont matter what ya got! RIDE IT!

 

[Harley152]

Ride em both before you decide----long distance touring only will probably point you to the goldwing-----pride and all around cruise,commute, tour, bang-for-the-buck,resale value in 2 to xxx years, nothing beats a harley!!! Just my $. 02's worth!!!

Whatever you decide, enjoy the ride!!!!

 

[Mill Rat]

Tough choice

No question, they are both good bikes. I have a 99 ultra, and am a certified H-D addict so I am biased, I'm afraid. The bike has so far been trouble free and is a blast to ride. I traded a 96 H-D for the one I have now and only lost $500 after 3 years and 12,000 miles of riding it, I doubt a wing would hold it's value like that.

I have friends with wings and they love them too. Good advice is given above, ride, then decide. Go with Your heart, and ride safe.

 

[Champane Flight]

Leanin

I'm leaning towards a ST-4,the price is right. Had to sell my old Cavalcade this spring,the wife didn't want to ride anymore. Just to damn big for solo riding,nothing worse than having a bike and not riding it!Well waiting for fall,I think this guys price will come down when he sees winter closing in. Plus he is a little scared of it..... It dumped him,and has a couple of scratchs on the right lower. Only has 6000 miles on it... .

 

[RAMalama]

PLEASE RIDE THEM BOTH

If you can, test ride them with a passenger. That will be sure and show you which you think can handle passengers better.



Ian.