Outlaw76
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I think Im ready to take the plunge after steelhead season and upgrade to a harley. I Like the Softail duece alot but Im not sure if it will be comfortable for a passenger (the wife)??? any comments?
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jimh
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To make it comfortable, you need to upgrade the seat and back rest. There are lots of options available either premade or see Rich at Rich's Custom Seats in Seattle. He'll custom fit it to your bodies. http://www.richscustomseats.com/
Here is a pic of one option.
http://www.richscustomseats.com/PhotoSingle.asp?PageID=121&MakeID=13&Placeholder=0
BTW, he can make it with the seat backs removable.
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Tony1831
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reconsider the dyna wide glide
ride both, pref with her on
I have a '99 fxdwg with 28k miles on it and love it. There's a pic or two of it in the other thread (new hobby-).
The softails aren't as comfy, look a little bit cooler, but do not ride as well as a softail IMO.
Whichever you decide to go with, get it built (i.e. 103" upgrade) the way you want it before it comes to the dealership.
Enjoy the new ride and keep the shiny side up!
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Edited by Tony1831 (10/10/06 07:04 AM)
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archy99
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If you plan to do a fair bit of two-up touring, take your test rides with weight in the bags and your full riding gear to see how it handles the load. Make it a long ride...none of this twenty minute stuff...get a loaner and take to the pass and back. Sales are slower this time of year, so they should be happy to help you make the right choice.
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hillbillyman
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The 07 models are sweet air ride shocks on the baggers and dressers will compensate some for your cargo . dont forget to test ride a V-Rod just for the exsperience 100+ HP at your command is a blast
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Tony1831
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the VRod is a scream
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IsoIchthus
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Why a Harley? They seem to be way over-priced and are no longer American made.
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jimh
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Iso, where are the made and who are they owned by?
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hillbillyman
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Hey there Iso ; I work for Redwood Harley Davidson and I can assure you that ALL their bikes are American made and shipped from Milwakee Wis.
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Tony1831
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Iso-
All powertrains are born in Wauwatosa, WI, (near Milwaukee) then distributed to the final assembly plants. There is a facility in York, PA, that produces CVO, touring, and softail models. There is a plant in KC, MO, that produces Sporties, Dynas, and V-Rods.
All produced in 
They cost just enough $$ to keep all the RUB's (rich urban bikers) buying them and other customs, and not letting a wannabe buy one. I have no problem with this as there are plenty of crotch rockets available for <$10K and that leaves real bikes for real riders who appreciate the heritage and traditions of H-D. 
And if you want to keep American jobs here, what bettter way than to buy an American legend?
Besides, that imported crap will be broken, out of warranty, and <50% original $$ value in under 3 years.
A H-D will hold it's resale value long after the import is in the scrap yard collecting rust. 
BTW- I've got about $38K wrapped up in mine and wouldn't sell it for $75K.
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hillbillyman
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RIGHT ON ! Tony , with my recent hip replacement I'm gonna wait for the factory trike ...by then I'll have enough paid off on the sled to afford it ... Hmmmm I wonder if Harley will have a V-Rod model should be out by "09" 
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IsoIchthus
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HD has not been 100% made in the USA since the 70s. HD has been increasingly outsourcing parts of the manufacturing process. Typically the electronics, forks, brakes are foreign. Assembled in America is more accurate. Honda does the same thing with its Goldwing (Ohio). Kawasaki makes bikes in Nebraska. HD is also a public company (HOG) no longer 100% American owned. Regardless of what you buy you are still supporting the American worker.
HD also has another strike against it in the insurance market. For those that insure their bikes premiums for HD are typically greater then foreign made bikes. There is talk of mandatory motorcycle insurance coming in the next legislative session. If this passes I hope that it will be identical to mandatory auto insurance.
Not like it really matters anyway. The whole HD bashing war is a religious thing. Who cares really? A bike is a bike. If you really want a HD then get one. Ride your own ride. I liked my VStar from the second I sat on it so that is what I ride. I find that it is easy to work on, easy to customize, and easy to maintain. She loves (loved) to run the roads in all kinds of weather. She'd probably run in ice and snow if I would let her.
You can go down the whole HD romance and riding an American (mostly) Legend, etc. It is your ride and your choice.
Outlaw asked an open question and I asked him back "Why a HD?".
Difference between a biker and a RUB/wannabe aint the cost of the bike.
Dunno about other riders, but I bought a bike to ride not for its resale value.
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hillbillyman
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Wow quite a little rant Iso ... Makes me wonder why your so unhappy 
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Tony1831
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We all buy the bike to ride it Iso, but what happens when you have to quit riding or just want a new bike? You sell your old one, and an import brand has little value compared to an H-D. Don't believe me? Check eBay or Cycle Trader and it's obvious which brand holds its' value.
That also has a lot to do with higher insurance premiums for H-Ds, they are worth more, thus costs more to insure. Same as cars, an '88 Buick and an '07 Escalade obviously won't be insured at the same rates. This presumes that the rider in question doesn't have 24 speeding tickets and a few DUI's on his record.
Another reason for higher insurance is the fact H-Ds are considered heavyweight bikes with engines over the 750cc threshold. Bikes under the 750cc limit are much cheaper, sometimes <50% to insure.
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IsoIchthus
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No rant here. At least that I am aware of. Just friendly standard HD vs "the world". I don't take it personally unless of course you run over my bike with your SUV. Ummmmm..... someone already did that.  Okay barring running over other peoples bikes we can keep it friendly.
It is an interesting question that I ask anyone who proclaims "Im getting a Harley!" I get a good laugh from the noobs that get all excited because they "are getting a HOG".
My VStar weighs in at about 700# fueled with an 1100cc engine. Definately heavyweight and yet costs less then half to insure what the 2003 Sportster would have cost me with the same coverage. Granted the HD runs a 81 cid engine but that is only 200cc bigger. Not enough to justify that drop in premium.
We were looking to add another bike. Probably a large touring (RV on two wheels) class with all the frills. More for passenger comfort on long rides than anything. Still not interested in selling the VStar. There is room for more than one in the garage. My girls want their own scoots as well so we may end up off loading a car to make room.
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jimh
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The Harley vs other bikes is like the Willie vs other brands. Sure, you can buy another Aluminum drift boat that could be better or as good. Sooner or later, you'll pay for it by either reputation or when you try to sell it. Personally, I'd rather have the no excuses model for either bike or boat. I simply don't want to explain why my "whatever" is just as good as a "something".
That being said, I ride a BMW Sport Touring bike with ABS, adjustable windshield, removable hard luggage, heated seat, heated grips, and power ports for heated vests. Why, because I actually want my bike to handle and stop when called upon!
Yep, I know that real bikes don't have windshields.
My insurance is charged by cc and cost of replacement, so brand doesn't matter.
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Tony1831
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Was the insurance quote from only one company? I agree that only 200cc more isn't that big a deal and should not be noticeable in your premiums.
Sounds like good a idea to add more creature comforts if you want a tourer. If your other half is like mine, she needs about 3 and half saddle bags for all the crap she wants to take with her.
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IsoIchthus
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Three companies before I finally went with Geico.
She wants saddle comfort, integrated communication/music system, some storage, and other soft creature comforts.
Nolan has bluetooth helmets coming out that will integrate the comm with other devices (i.e. cellphone) wirelessly. I can't imagine chatting on the cell while riding. Not like there ain't enough to do already. But if it keeps her happy I don't mind as long as my lid has an off button.
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Tony1831
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no doubt
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Tony1831
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the bluetooth might be nice for a car, but I don't want one of those damned things in my ear when I'm in the wind
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kwaj
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Over 50% of the components on ALL Harleys are made otuside the USA and many of the engine parts are also made overseas. Just a simple fact.
Tony.....I don't know you, but, when I see people make the claim "real bikes for real people", it pisses me off. REAL motorcycle enthusiests enjoy all brands of bikes and appreciate the differences of bikes from all countries. I don't like to single out any particular brand of bikes, but, in a lot of miles I've ridden it is almost always the Harley guys that don't reciproate the "wave" and, in general, don't acknowledge the other bike enthusiests out there.
Do I have a problem with HD bikes? No, I don't. I myself would spend my money on a higher quality product, but, that's just me.
In general, HD people are the A-holes in the motorcycle industry....IMO, shared by many others too.
ISO is exactly right in his facts regarding the subject matter.
Goldwings and Valkeries are made in the USA, BUT, they are not a "Made in USA" product....Why? all the parts are made outside the US....Just like Harleys.....
I'm not trying to start a pissing match here, but, hey, I call it how I see it.
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hillbillyman
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Toooo late kwaj ; you can concider yourself a hoser of hogs .... Man this fella outlaw 76 started this thread and is probably gonna sell his scoot so he dosnt have to draw a line in the sand every time he meets some other rider with a different brand of bike. Couple of guys at the shop own kawas and suzukis we dont crap on their seats. guess California is more laid back... huh    
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Tony1831
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Kwaj,
I don't know you either but it's unfair to say that H-D guys are the a$$holes out there. There are a$$holes on every brand of bike, driving every kind of truck, eating every kind of cheeseburger, etc, etc.
I think there is a place for Harleys and the "other" brands also. If you choose to spend your money on an import, so be it. What other brand would you consider to be of higher quality (and please don't say BMW, yes they are nice and they have a segment of the bike market for a specfic type of riding, just not my style)?
It's very rare that I don't get the wave from another Harley rider. I've noticed more often than not, it's the guys riding other brands that don't wave, even if I wave first. 
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Tony1831
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Kwaj-
I think you maybe misunderstood me when I said real bikes for real riders. I think H-D owners are more likely to take better care of their rides and it shows. How many times have you seen an import that is 4+ years old that still looks showroom new? Not many I bet.
On the other hand, most any H-D rider I know is meticulous about maintenance and care, cleaning, and storage of his/her ride.
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IsoIchthus
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Kwaj AHs exist on all makes and models of rides. The bike doesn't make someone a pr1ck. Although I am starting to wonder about SUV, Acura, BMW, MB drivers. There are people at work that are perfectly nice people until they hope in their cage of death.
As for the wave, some do some don't. I'll wave if it is safe to do so. I fyou wave back great, if not oh well. I am not going to pull over and lose a tear over it.
I've seen HD riders do some truly sick (good) mods to thier rides. I've also seen really sick stuff done to V*s as well. Take a look at Chris Olsen's creations to see what a gift some people have.
Maintance is another user attribute that knows no branding bounds. I've seen HD rides that look like their held together with duct tape and gum and Triumphs that belong on a show room floor. I take care of my VStar but she does not get washed everyday. I think that a dirty bike is a happy bike because it means she is being ridden. Mine gets cleaned up for events and waxed/polished for PGR missions though. I really feel sorry for the GQs. That has got to be a tough way to go. The Sportster I nearly bought was like that. It was 3 years old with only 47 miles on her. That is one of the odd things I have noticed about HD riders though. They tend to put their rides in storage for the winter.
Outlaw you might want to take a look at the Roadliner or Stratoliners as well. They are almost sofa comfortable. I think that they have a better CoG then the Gold Wings. The turning radius is bigger then what I am used to on my V* but that is two different classes of bikes.
Anyway if you really want a HD check out Skagit Harley. Good people up there and well worth the drive. Definately avoid Eastside HD. People there are real stuck up <insert snob make here> driving snobs. They would have to come down several notches to get to high pressure sales. These people are much worse then RMC. I have not checked out Sound HD yet.
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kwaj
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As I said...."IMO"...as in "In my opinion". Sorry you got stuck on that line and none of the rest. I stand by what I said, based on my experiences in the motorcycle industry.
My personal tastes of motorcycles lean towards the European manufacturers. I like them all, but, the Euro market produces some of the finest quality motorcycles made....and they actually perform too.
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hillbillyman
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Well Tony looks like we are 2 peas in a pod . I can only hope that Outlaw76 can read between the lines and figure out what kinda ride he wants after all this banter going on . Of course I'll always be behind H-D 100% not just because they employ me but for the fact that they were my first bikes when we were glad to get an ol hardtail frame slam a shovel/Panhead together and rat it out enough to pass DMV . Ah those were the days ... when guys that couldn't kick one of the Ol' Girls over rode riceburners... It was easy to tell the men from the boys back then yessireee
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archy99
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...and that's the crap that keeps the rift in place HBM, the whole 'my bike says I'm a man" thing! I'm always amazed by the guys that call themselves 'bikers', but have no appreciation of all the other incredible machines out there! No one is asking you to stop riding HD, as I would never stop riding the bikes I love...but this idea that one is better than the other is a load...they all have their niche...they all have their style...and they're all better than being on four wheels. I've ridden them ALL, and would love nothing more than a gargantuan shop filled with bikes of every type, size and brand.
So you guys go ahead and think you're different...two peas in a pod, as you put it. I'll still pull off and help you when you've got a flat, I'll still loan you my tools, or offer to run home and grab my truck. I'll even let you ride bitch to the gas station and back. But do yourself and every other rider out there a favor, and get off the brand thing...make it a bike thing. We all have enough to worry about on the road...we don't need this sh!t, especially from one of our own!
...and since you have an "in" being an employee...do me a personal favor. Try to get the boys at HD to stop selling window stickers. There is nothing that looks more sad than a Live to Ride decal on something with enough wheels for two bikes! I'll bet Willy and Art would be mighty proud to know that their decals get more "wind" time than their bikes.
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kwaj
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Well spoken archy99.
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hillbillyman
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Gee Arch and kwaj ; Not trying to diss your bike manufacturer of choice. Just doing a little reminiscing of the days of my youth ... but on another note ... you fellas ever thought of takin a anger management course or something .Seems to me youa'll have some issues to resolve ... Tight lines and banked curves to ya ... 
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