Motorcycle - Which One to Buy?

[BigEd]

Looking for opinions on a cruiser. I live in the country with a lot of mountain roads. I've looked at the Yamaha Road Star ($10,500), Honda Valkry ($13,500), Honda VTX1800 ($13,500), Harley Davidson Fat Boy ($18,500). I'm looking for something that I can cruise these mountain roads on with comfort. I'm 6'2" at 245 lbs. What would you guys suggest?



Many Thanks!

 

[Shovelhead]

Asking which bike is best is like asking which auto. trans, or oil is best.

It's all a matter of opinion.



I'm partial to the H-Ds (proud owner of 1998 FLHTCUI-A, and 1976 FLH), however, any of them will be a good ride.



The "Other" brands will usually let you test ride one.

I don't think the H-D dealers will.

Also 2003 is the 100 year anniversary of H-D, so this year's bikes are mostly all pre-sold.



Welcome from one Virginia Ed to another.



Good Luck in your search.



"Never Ride Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly"

 

[RBachant]

You won't like the FatBoy on long rides, the soild mounted engine vibrates the bike alot, but if it is what you like get it. It is one of the better looking Harley's made. If performance is what you crave in a cruiser get one of the Japanese cruisers, they have alot of hp for the money. Personally I'd get the Harley Night Train, I love the all black with a little chrome.

 

[LSMITH]

If you may want to sell it after a few years and not want to lose your hinder on the deal buy the Harley. All of the others will drop like a brick in value the minute you drive it off the lot, the Harley will maintain its value very well. The new Harleys with the "balance" engine and the soft mounts vibrate very little, no worse than the jap bikes. IMO, the jap bikes are more powerful and more bike for the money, but not a wise buy because of the resale.

 

[illflem]

I'd go for the HD, only problem is you may have to wait quite awhile for it.

 

[Pit Bull]

Harley, it's the CTD of bikes.

 

[78repowerwagon]

I have a friend with a 99 polaris victory. PM me if you are interested and I will give you the details on it and his phone #.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Harley V-Rod

 

[sdalton]

If you go any farther than a few hours on the road, you will want the Honda Valkrye. I have ridden the others, and I have a Suzuki Intruder 1400. I wish I didnt. The other bikes you have listed are good for short hops. I am 6'2 250-255. My back and butt hurts after an hour on mine. The position these bikes put you in are not condusive to comfort, only styling. Except the Honda Valkry. It just plain wears you you out when you take long rides on a cruiser, unless you have a shield. Butt still hurts though.

. 02 worth

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by 78repowerwagon

I have a friend with a 99 polaris victory.

Is that the one made in Dallas or the one they make in Wichita Ks. ? Nice bike

 

[78repowerwagon]

I'm not sure where it was built. It is the black/blue edition. It is supposed to be a collectors edition, already worth more than a new one.

 

[David Oxland]

Consider a BMW?



I bought one new in '76 and have driven it every year since Never been opened; normal maintenance;



Comfortable and dependable as an old leather glove

 

[tcourse]

HD

If you like your truck you'll love the Harley.

In my book the best bang for the buck would be a

Electraglide Standard. Or if $ doesn't matter get an ultra and put a Merch 120 in it.



TC

 

[Skydiver]

Just get a Harley.

The large jap rides are nice but they DON'T have a soul.

Correct me if i'm wrong. The Harleys are still simple to maintain. Call your local Jap dealer and ask how many hours labor they get to service one of the 6-cylinder units.

If you are like me once you start using a windshield you will not want to go without it. Plus a windshield will stop buggs from splattering on your face.

If you had the funds to build or buy a nice stick-built house would you go out and buy a mobil-home(no pun intended for those who live in trailers)?

Its your investment.

Tim

 

[Texas Diesel]

German engineering cant be beat. I have had 10 or so bikes, mostly rice and one Triumph. The last one was a BMW cruiser, I would trade ALL the other ones for the one BMW. Cant say enough good about it, I'm not knocking HD but the BMW fit me better. I still prefer two cylinders and ABS on a bike (BMW has it)should be a requirement.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by David Oxland

Consider a BMW?



I bought one new in '76 and have driven it every year since Never been opened; normal maintenance;



Comfortable and dependable as an old leather glove

I had a R90/6 SE, what do you have?