42 Comments:

• Truly, there are only two kinds of motorcycles in the world...Harley Davidsons and everything else. If you do not get the HOG at some ponint you will kick yourself and wish you had.

  By  Anonymous, at 10/30/2005 11:07:00 AM  

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• I suggest that you get what's gonna make you happy. Personnally I'd get my wife her own bike. Another option that I like is the Harley Road King Custom, It comes lowered and is great for those of us a little height challenged. The backrests possibilities are endless. It doesn't have the fairing, but there are after markets out there. I prefer fairingless, that's the way to ride.

  By  Tribalhunt, at 10/30/2005 05:22:00 PM  

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• Steve ck out this link you may find it usefull. There were a couple low miles used ventures on there also. Get what ya like thats the main thing.Dave aka Drifter
  
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/vrider/start

  By  Drifter Dave, at 10/31/2005 06:07:00 AM  

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• In my opinion there is no choice, since I was on a Kaw. now I'm on a ultra clasic. I never wanted to pay the harley price but after my first ride on it there is no comparison. 25000 miles later, and seeing alot of the good old USA, Harley is the only way to go. I can't keep my wife off of it either.

  By  rideinfree, at 11/01/2005 04:24:00 AM  

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• Before making any decision check out the Triumph rocket 3.

  By  Anonymous, at 11/01/2005 05:37:00 AM  

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• Steve, I'd not let the seat hight scare you, you've seen how short I am and I do just fine on the stock Road King. Once your rolling, its all cake and anyone with any riding exeriance (and god knows you have plenty) don't need to put a foot down for much more than stopping at a light. The only real problem I have with being on my toes is pushing the bike back. I'm not the big macho biker type...I'll let the old lady give me a push when needed. My vote is for the Ultra of course...that's my next bike, but you have to get the one you want and I'd put a bit more thought into the seat height issue as I don't think it might be as big a deal as you might think it is.
  
  See you on road,
  
  Russ

  By  BikerCrap, at 11/01/2005 08:44:00 AM  

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• You didn't mention the Goldwing. If I'm going to spend $20K, it wouldn't be for a 'name'.

  By  Bob, at 11/02/2005 10:36:00 AM  

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• Truly, there are only two kinds of motorcycles in the world...Harley Davidsons and everything else. If you do not get the HOG at some ponint you will kick yourself and wish you had.
  
  By Anonymous, at 10/30/2005 11:07:47 AM
  
  Another person falls for the marketing ploy. Don't worry, one of these days you will grow up little boy.
  
  Nothing wrong with Harley per se, but there are bikes with better engineering for less cash.
  
  If you buy a Harley to be a poseur, at least be honest with yourself.
  
  He and his wife should ride or rent a bunch of the bikes names and see which one fits them the best.
  
  If the original author really wants a bike that size, the Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT should also be considered.

  By  Anonymous, at 11/05/2005 07:44:00 PM  

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• I just bought my 8th bike. It is a new 05 Yamaha Royal Star tour Deluxe. It is fantastic! If you want smooth POWER and a comfortable ride this is a bike to consider. I have ridden over 3600 miles since buying it in September with most trips being over 200 miles and I find the seat no problem. It has electronic cruse control just like a car and a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty as well. Ride as many bikes as you can then decide.

  By  Ron, at 11/10/2005 09:13:00 PM  

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• buy the tour deluxe. i've got 6400 miles on mine & love it! so does my wife, & yes, she falls asleep on the back with no problems! i wanted to buy a v-max or a warrior but she sat on the 'deluxe & that was all she wrote. seamless power, cruise control & unlimited mileage 5 year warranty did it for me. try getting that on a hog without paying a lot extra. my warranty was free with the title. you won't regret it! jim in burnsville...

  By  jim, at 11/15/2005 02:17:00 PM  

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• Hands down: Yamaha RSTD.
  
  I am also thinking of trading my Road Star in for one as my wife wants more comfort. The RSTD simply has everything (power, storage, comfort, reliability, kick butt factory warranty, and a great price).
  
  They Harley comments are kinda funny...so typical for the brainwashed!!

  By  Anonymous, at 11/23/2005 07:12:00 AM  

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• I find that most anti-Harley comments seem to be from he uninformed.
  I owned Goldwings,Kawasaki's and Yamaha's. They are all good machines. Harley-Davidson has made great improvements in their bikes, especially in the engine department. They do not "leak oil", that was before the Evo. I find their engines to be extremely reliable plus the fuel mileage is better than most other bikes its size.As far as power, it is enough to get a ticket anywhere. I buy my bikes for crusing/touring, not to see how fast I can go. Another plus for the Harley, the resale value remains higher for much longer.
  Each bike have their own pluses, so give knowlegeable information, I would guess that many that knock Harley's have never owned one, can't afford one, or just wish they could be on one. Personally, I like the Goldwing and the BMW, however, I choose at this time to ride my Classic tourer with a smile on my face.

  By  Sky Starnes, at 11/27/2005 06:13:00 AM  

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• I ride the 2003 yamaha venture, & like you my wife has the tendence to nod off ounce in a while on this bike there is no problem also,for almost nothing you can buy a lowering kit for the yamaha to lower it 1,in in the rear & also for less than $100.00 you can get 50 mi. to the gal,& 95hp to the ground check out the venture site!!

  By  Anonymous, at 12/25/2005 02:54:00 PM  

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• Good reply Sky, I'm impressed. Personally I just put a custom made "batwing" fairing and stereo on my R* because I want the wind RE-direction for better touring, but I would not sell my 1600cc ultra reliable and sweetly priced Star for anything. Ok,, maybe a wing, but I'm not old enough yet. (damn). I did own a Harley once, and got rid of it for a different import. In Canada, they're all imports. I just chose a better made import now, instead of an image that is being tarnished with every day that is passing. Great 100th anniversary concert Harley... but, Elton John????? Was it Gay Pride week also??

  By  Tiny, at 1/02/2006 08:34:00 PM  

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• I recently purchased a Yamaha Stratoliner and am quite pleased with it. I chose it over the Harley Road King as it is more unique, more powerful, and prettier. Money was not an object.

  By  Anonymous, at 2/08/2006 06:48:00 AM  

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• ALL THE MANUFACTURERS MAKE GREAT MOTORCYCLES TODAY, THERE ARE A HOST OF CHOICES IN STYLE, IN ENGINE DESIGN AND LEVELS OF POWER,COMFORT ETC.
  H-D BUILDS THE BEST M/C THEY HAVE EVER BUILT TODAY, AND THATS GREAT.
  YAMAHA'S ROADSTAR IS A FINE BIG V-TWIN, THAT MANY THINK IS A KISSIN' COUSIN TO THE MILWAUKIE V-TWIN.I SAY LOOK AT EVERYTHING...RIDE AS MANY AS YOU CAN...AND REMEMBER"THE WIND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT YOUR RIDING"

  By  Anonymous, at 2/22/2006 03:15:00 PM  

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• Steve,
  
  I just purchased a 2006 Yamaha RSMV and I'am so proud of it. It not only has exceptional power,but also rides like a dream. It comes with all the goodies and I did'nt pay an additional 10,000 dollars for the name. Harley has come a long ways and they have further to go. A friend of mine owns a 1998 Royal Star Venture and put 206.000 miles on it with no mechanical problems. I repeat 206,000 miles!!!

  By  Jerry, at 3/02/2006 06:35:00 AM  

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• Steve,
  
  I just purchased a 2006 Yamaha RSMV and I'am so proud of it. It not only has exceptional power,but also rides like a dream. It comes with all the goodies and I did'nt pay an additional 10,000 dollars for the name. Harley has come a long ways and they have further to go. A friend of mine owns a 1998 Royal Star Venture and put 206.000 miles on it with no mechanical problems. I repeat 206,000 miles!!!

  By  Jerry, at 3/02/2006 06:36:00 AM  

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• I ride a 2006 H-D Street Glide. I have owned just about every brand under the sun and keep going back to Harleys. I have also worked a significant length of time at a multi-brand dealership.
  
  Why Harley... because it feels better than any other brand, to me. I like the way that it rides, I like the way that it handles and I like the torque that it puts out. Some of the other tourers try to be more like a car than a motorcycle.
  
  Also, there is a feel of quality behind my SG that the Japanese tourers do not have. I did not care for the look of the BWM touring bikes... so that was not am option, but I have put more than a few miles on one and like the comfort it provides.
  
  To be honest, buy whatever feels good to you. Whatever puts a smile on your face.

  By  BrianR, at 4/04/2006 02:18:00 PM  

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• I still laugh at the comment made by a co-worker when I bought my 2005 Road Star last year, "you'll have a Harley in 6 months". Having owned three Harleys in the past, I can now understand why the metric riders would always (jokingly) say "twice the bike, half the price". I wouldn't say it is actually "twice the bike", but it is definitely a better & faster bike! If you truly believe that there are only "two types of bikes, HD's and all others", you have NEVER ridden anything but a Harley. Oh, I almost forgot the question. Go with the RSTD, that's my next bike! By the way, over half of the 20+ friends that I ride with are former HD owners and feel the same way as I do.

  By  Anonymous, at 4/10/2006 03:22:00 AM  

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• I come from generations of Riders, with my grandfather and Dad owning Harleys, Indians and other well known American and European bikes!
  That tradition carried down to my brothers and myself being raised as products of the 50's, 60's & 70's, we have all owned a variety of bikes! So with that said>
  
  I would suggest that people that are true bikers & the love of all the elements this term implies...spend less energy worrying about or arguing over the name or kind of bike we ride, but concentrate on what's truly important which is riding in and of intself and more energy on the commoraderie, fellowship, friendships, and fond memories! It should be about riding period, and the experiences and memories shared... rather than worrying if you own a Harley, Indian, Yamaha (Roadstar/Royalstar/Venture), Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumpch, BMW, Norton or minibike!
  
  One comment I will add here, is that for Harley lovers (Which I am one of them) to state put down a so-called metric bike and their argument is that you should own an American Bike, is rather contradictory, when most parts for HD are being outsourced and manuctured in Japan, Chile, Germany, China, Mexico and etcetera...while being shipped into the USA and assembled! Where as several of the Japanese made bikes are actually being manufactured and assembled both in the USA! So for HD owners to put down a so-called metric crusier and make the claim it's "just a rice grinder" and not a truly American made bike, is an oximoronic statement to say the least!
  
  Sadly HD's have become a bike and name that so many yupies think more of as a status symbol, that the only thing they care about is a name or the prestige they can derive from such! To me this should not be about a name but what each individual rider prefers and based solely on a person's Tastes and preferences!
  
  So point is, BUY and RIDE what you like and best suits your needs and tastes...and if budget is a factor...consider that also (I don't know why it wouldn't be, we all want to get the best bang for our buck, no matter what the name is on the bike)...remember AMF.
  
  Main thing is enjoy your bikrd and keep the the love and fellowship of riding alive!
  
  just my two bits!
  
  Tracy :)

  By  Tracy, at 4/15/2006 01:43:00 AM  

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• I think it depends on how long you plan on keeping it
  there are more replacement parts for a 60 year old Harley then a 20 year old jap bike
  But if you are just learning to ride beat the jap bike.
  Or be like me and see the best things in all bikes
  I own 3 Hondas, 1 Harley, 1 Triumph, and a Yamaha.
  My favorite is a 2002 Bonevile for 1 up riding and Gold Wing
  for 2 up.
  The hardtail is good for short bar runs.
  With today's gas prices and enjoyment the Gold Wing has been taking the place of my truck when possible.
  Love them all.

  By  steve, at 4/25/2006 05:44:00 AM  

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• There is no choice. By the harley and scrap the yamaha!

  By  Anonymous, at 6/23/2006 08:15:00 AM  

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• I liked what tracy said.On my ride today to dauphin island two scooters were approaching from the south.One was ridden by a guy the other a girl.Ithrew out my hand in passing and they did the same.I actually got a rush.Too many drugs in the 60-70s maybe.My point is they had the spirit,the wind in their faces and all the little things one can only expierence on a motorcycle no matter the manufacturer.I ride a 2004 roadstar w/53,000miles on the clock and like all types of bikes as they are cheaper than therapy.

  By  john feller, at 8/20/2006 06:07:00 PM  

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• Isn't it funny how everytime there's a discussion about bikes the first people to start slinging negative mud and put downs are the Harley owners. Well let me put my 2 cents in. I just sold my 1998 Electra Glide, it had 86,000 miles on it and ran fine, before that I had an 1990 Electra Glide which I sold at 75,000 miles on it, had some small problems during it's life, nothing major. I know own a 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Venture, which is much more comfortable, smoother, better gas mileage, and has good power for mountains as I live in western maryland. I have nothing against Harleys, or any other bike, I will say this though, the only reason Harleys are more dependable than years past is because they are made with more japanese parts such as, the carb, ignition, electrical switches, lights, forks, and shocks, any honest mechanic will agree. That last line should stir up hurt feelings!! Buy the Venture or Goldwing, it's you money and your butt. Good Luck.

  By  Anonymous, at 9/19/2006 12:38:00 PM  

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• This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

  By  Chris, at 9/19/2006 12:42:00 PM  

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• There's an old saying,"...if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't."
  
  In 1985, I got a killer deal on an '84 Low Rider - for the price of a Sporty, new with HOG ownership. At just 300 miles an oil valve-spring went out and caused severe engine knocking. It left me stranded. The nearest dealer was already two weeks backlogged. Later my salesman wanted to make the bike 'disappear.'
  
  It was a sign I didn't belong w/biker folks that I so epitomized until then. Harley's look spectacular, but I doubt I'll ever buy one again and go through that bunk experience.
  
  JOKE: The main difference between a
  Harley and a Kirby vacuum is the location of the 'dirt bag.'

  By  Anonymous, at 1/05/2007 08:35:00 PM  

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• Ok - I know i am coming to this fight a little late, But what did you buy??

  By  yama-hog, at 5/24/2007 07:19:00 AM  

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• BE TRUE TO THE RED WHITE AND BLUE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FRIENDS AND BUY THE HARLEY !

  By  Anonymous, at 6/07/2007 07:37:00 AM  

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• ok
  I have a 2002 yamaha venture and it is by far the best bike i have been on.The weight problem is easy solved by changing the front tire for a smaller one.Takes about 300lb off the dead weight feel of slow slow speeds.As for the horse power it is between 98 and 100.This powerplant will do over 190k still in forth gear but gets good gas as well.The honda you speak of is a pig when it comes to gas.The harley is pretty but a smaller feeling bike,and yes,not much of a top end.My wife loves her lazy boy back seat
  good luck

  By  Anonymous, at 6/11/2007 07:43:00 PM  

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• Ok, here goes, I have owned two Harley Ultra Classics, then just bought a 2005 Royal Star Tour Deluxe with 3 years warranty left. I sold the harleys instantly, sorry to say. Power, ride, torque, there is no comparison, the Yamaha beat my harley's 2 to 1. I have been a Harley owner and fan since I was 16, (30 years) and I never knew what I was missing, and this bike will never overheat in traffic thanks to a wonderful invention that Harley has yet to find, a RADIATOR!!. I just out ran and out torqued two long time friends last weekend in the VA mountains. After market pipes on my TD and it has the same nice V Twin thump as any harley that I ever rode. I will never go back!!!!

  By  Anonymous, at 9/04/2007 02:13:00 PM  

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• until you expierence the harley you'll never understand why. Once you have the money will be incosiquential as always you get what you pay for ,oh yea when you go to trade ( if ever ) you'll apprieciate the harley as it will hold it's value better.squeak

  By  Anonymous, at 11/17/2007 03:15:00 PM  

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• I've just gotten rid of a HD Road King Classic for the new Yamaha Stratoliner S. I don't care what anyone says, HD makes good and reliable bikes, BUT their prices are OUTRAGEOUS and way too high for what they are worth. The only reason the resale value stays high is because of the continous brainwashing of new riders that their bikes are something special. HD is not equal in value to Japanese bikes. Go ahead HD riders, and hate on Japanese bikes. But their quality and value is far superior to anything HD can put out, and that includes their SUPER-OVER-PRICED Custom Vehicle Operations bikes.
  
  There is NOTHING Harley Davidson has for sale that can come close (factory stock) to the comfort, HANDLING, BRAKING, POWR, RELIABILITY and VALUE then a Yamaha Stratoliner "S". That bike was chosen as 2006 Cruiser of the Year for a reason =)
  And oh by the way...I've seen multiple mags compare the Road King to completely different Star bikes (such as the V-STAR 1100 or Royal Star!) where do they get off at? Compare top cruiser to top cruiser. HANDLING, POWER, BRAKING, LOOKS AND VALUE =)
  Star Motorycles =) OK that's my three cents.
  
  P.S. Yes I like Harley's...I just refuse to be a poseur and throw my money out the window to be down with the crowd!

  By  John Prideaux, at 11/18/2007 10:04:00 AM  

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• I have had both a RSTD and Road King.Buy what makes sense for you.Not too many bad bikes out there.It really mater of taste and priorites

  By  Doc, at 12/16/2007 08:49:00 AM  

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• I have a 2003 Royal Star Venture that has 42k miles on it now. Tires are the only items replaced on this bike since new and I still have until April 2008 under warranty. The Venture ride is what I like most about the bike. The electronic cruise makes those 400/500 mile rides the dream they should be. The bike is the most comfortable long distance ride I have experianced with all the power you'd need. Haven't experianced the Honda Gold Wing yet, heard it's quite nice. I like to ride with anyone on any thing as long as they're into riding and not building an ego. I like the look of the Harley and the sound, but it's usually the rider that turns me off. For some reason it seems like some of them bought the bike to over come some inferiority complex they have, hoping the Harley name would make them all better. Well if it works for them great, just don't think for a moment you're riding a better made, better riding bike. My two bits. Enjoy the ride.

  By  Terryventure, at 2/26/2008 09:34:00 PM  

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• Without reading all comments to sure post. You know you can lower any of the bikes. I would pick the one I like and lower it or take to to a bike shop and get them to lower it. Good luck. mojo

  By  Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 03:44:00 PM  

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• I had a 99 Electra Gluide Classic that I will say above 70 was way underpowered, and that was with just me on it. I like the old Ventures and will get one for my next tourer because they seem to have a lot of power in just stock form. I have an 89 Ultra Classic now that i bought with 98,000 on the clock for 6 grand on ebay. If I didn't find that I would probably get the Yamaha. Heres my 2 cents and I DO work for a Harley supplier and I pity the people that go into the dealerships (brainwashing centers). What would the "never owned a bike" person think if he went into the Chevy dealer and just bought a new pickup and was then told he had to get a big-bore kit otherwise it wouldn't keep up with traffic? Or he paid $400 for floormats but that was ok because they had a Chevy emblem on it. Or even further when he took his "Chevy USA-1" leather jacket out of the box it had a tag on it that said "Made with pride by ox-cart riding, poor, solder beaten peasants in the 2nd army tent at the labor camp in Quangyang Province for 2 bowls of rice per day". If Harley wants to tote american made, then make it all here, not just some parts. And quit charging 20K for a 15K bike. I'm a harley guy, I just sold my completely restored 48 Panhead that I drove to work every day I could. So don't everybody that talks them up get on my case I restore them (yes I restore the ones the really DO leak) The new ones are nice, but I'll repeat what one post said, They need a thing called a radiator

  By  Anonymous, at 5/11/2008 09:33:00 AM  

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• I just rode 1000 miles on an 08 Electraglide Ultra Classic, Over 400 lb load with my wife and I on it. (No she's not, but I'm pretty big). Now I know why God rides an Ultra Classic, of course he knows what going to go wrong with it before hand, and I'm sure he has someone to maintain it for him before hand. But I don't think the Venture is quite up to the pure enjoyment of the UC
  
  Dave

  By  Anonymous, at 6/21/2008 10:51:00 PM  

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• We're getting ready to go big touring bike again. I've looked and sat on everything out there and have decided on the Royal Star Venture as the most comfortable bike I ever sat on or rode. Yes, like you this bike will be for my wife's comfort. Gold Wing, BMW and Harley didn't impress us like the Yamaha Royal Star Venture!

  By  Anonymous, at 6/29/2008 07:38:00 AM  

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• Ok i have a flhtcui, truth is its not really dependable. it left me standed twice intermitant sensor problems. we are sitting on each other caue the bike is really alot smaller than it looks for 2 adukts more than 200 lbs a piece. now the stator fried . i did a recall look on line , H_D is littered with recalls and problems tat people just accept. its vibration is physically tiring after a 500 miles your wrn out, now the hondas and yamahas aregreat machines, very low re calls on line for those..and few consumer prblems that i can find, but theres no shortage of how do i repair a harley...hmmmmmmm.
  when i get my hd repaired this time im trading on a yammy if i can find the one i want. not a gold wing they look too much like leggos.
  buy the yammy from a hd owner wishing he did ! darren

  By  Anonymous, at 7/06/2008 10:38:00 PM  

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• Take it from me, get the Harley. I currently own a Honda VTX and am sorry that I didn't get an electraglide. The tank is too small, no sixth gear, no FUEL guage or tach, low power, wobble, rattles, and two-up is a pain. However, for the price it was a good deal, I just want more. By the time you add the options you want you'll be close in price to the HD anyways.

  By  Anonymous, at 7/23/2008 08:44:00 AM  

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• I own a 2006 rstd and love it!!! Just keep the stock pipes on it and your set to go. I kinda get harley envy from time to time but my bike still gets compliments from harley riders. IT's fast, smooth and being able to take of the front wind shield and backrest is great. But I do have to say, for big touring, I would either at the quadzilla faring or get a venture. The radio (in comparison to the ipod in the ears) would be a welcome addition as well as the cb and push to talk, even know my wife doesn't really like to talk while we ride. Figure that???

  By  denngrimm, at 8/05/2008 11:51:00 PM  

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