Who here has a Harley?

hoodooman · 11-16-2017, 01:23 PM

I know, this is a Vulcan forum, but I have seen a handful of guys still hanging around that have switched to a Harley. I am considering the same move.

Specifically, I'm looking at mid to late 90's Evo bikes such as a Fat Boy or Wide Glide. I'm pretty leary of twinkies because of the cam chain issues. - Should I be?

If you have a Harley now, what do you have and how does it compare to what your Vulcan did? What other advice and whatnot can you give me in regards to purchasing a harley, or your general feelings about switching?

I appreciate any input guys. Thank you.

roadking0678 · 11-16-2017, 02:20 PM

OK... I've owned many harley's... so I've recently re-purchased a 99 Nomad. I had this bike when it came out and sold it a few years later which i DEEEEEEPLY regretted. I bought a 98 FI Road King Classic and it was ok. But... I found myself constantly comparing it to my Nomad and wishing I had never sold it.
Harley's are "cool" and have way more aftermarket support. However, My Nomad had more power, was more reliable, required less maintenance, and I didn't have to take a tool kit with me everytime i went on a trip.
Recently a dealership had a 99 Nomad (green) just like my old one, so i literally RAN there and bought it. In the process of "correcting" some of the mods the previous owner did wrong (i.e. carb jetted WAY to rich) but finished up last night, took it for a ride and Im in love all over again.
"IF" you're just in the mood for a "new" bike, id say get a newer Nomad, Vaquero or Voyager. that's just my opinion, hope this helps.

**vulcanscott** · 11-16-2017, 06:15 PM

I have a 1984 fxe shovel that has been in the garage for the last 8 years while i rode my vulcans .

twowheeladdict · 11-16-2017, 07:46 PM

I have a 2016 Road Glide Ultra. I have ridden every Harley made in the last 5 years and personally I wouldn't own any Harley with the exception of the Touring line.

The Japanese bikes are so much better in the other categories.

Back in 2010 when I bought the Vulcan Voyager it was a better bike than the 2010 Road Glide. Harley moved forward and came out with the Rushmore bikes in 2014, and the Rushmore Road Glide Ultra in 2016. The 2016 Road Glide Ultra is much more bike than the Vulcan Voyager. Better handling out of the box. Better suspension. Better stereo system. So many options to make it your own. Love the quick release kit for the tour pack.

The ride, braking, handling, etc. is inferior on the other Harley bikes compared to the Japanese. I can't believe people rode bikes with rigid mount engines without counter balancers. I always loved the look of the Softail Custom. Then I rode one. My 1985 Honda Shadow 700 was so much better a bike and it only cost me $2500 new.

Good luck with your decision.

SG103 · 11-17-2017, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twowheeladdict

I have a 2016 Road Glide Ultra. I have ridden every Harley made in the last 5 years and personally I wouldn't own any Harley with the exception of the Touring line.

The Japanese bikes are so much better in the other categories.

Back in 2010 when I bought the Vulcan Voyager it was a better bike than the 2010 Road Glide. Harley moved forward and came out with the Rushmore bikes in 2014, and the Rushmore Road Glide Ultra in 2016. The 2016 Road Glide Ultra is much more bike than the Vulcan Voyager. Better handling out of the box. Better suspension. Better stereo system. So many options to make it your own. Love the quick release kit for the tour pack.

The ride, braking, handling, etc. is inferior on the other Harley bikes compared to the Japanese. I can't believe people rode bikes with rigid mount engines without counter balancers. I always loved the look of the Softail Custom. Then I rode one. My 1985 Honda Shadow 700 was so much better a bike and it only cost me $2500 new.

Good luck with your decision.

I have a 2015 Street Glide Special and I agree with this post, Harley has moved forward and is working hard at making a good bike. In my opinion they are not going to rely on brand loyalty alone.

hoodooman · 11-17-2017, 09:39 AM

Good info guys, thanks for the input!

cactusjack · 11-18-2017, 10:00 AM

After I totaled my 2007 Nomad, I bought a 2011 Ultra Limited brand new. I have not had any mechanical issues with it at all in 31,000 miles. I have many friends who also ride Harley, all have twin cam engines and none have had cam chain issues. My Harley handles a lot better than the Nomad. HD improved the frame in 2009 and this bike corners like it's on rails. I would never go back to a Nomad. I am kind of interested in the new Yamaha Venture that just came out, but I doubt I'll ever switch brands.

**Top Cat** · 11-18-2017, 10:56 AM

Hey Scott, figured you would post on this thread.
Sending a PM.

mick56 · 11-18-2017, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG103

I have a 2015 Street Glide Special and I agree with this post, Harley has moved forward and is working hard at making a good bike. In my opinion they are not going to rely on brand loyalty alone.

They have had about 100yrs practice,so anytime soon they will get it right.

twowheeladdict · 11-18-2017, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick56

They have had about 100yrs practice,so anytime soon they will get it right.

Triumph is a year ahead. When are they going to?

mick56 · 11-18-2017, 05:06 PM

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by twowheeladdict

Triumph is a year ahead. When are they going to?

I dont have a real answer to that mate.The Triumph rocket 3, has one of the most lop sided,ugly engines ever stuck in a bike.But it goes pretty well.I never even rode a Harley,so only go on what i hear.But when you bash it all out,i think Triumph are light years ahead,in every department.The fact that they can sell bikes,as fast as they can make them, all over the world,must say something.Harley are still trying to appeal to the old crowd,and you suckers are dying out

Smooth bit of editing there

Thanks Mick, Cheers

**Cajunrider** · 11-18-2017, 08:22 PM

I traded my '07 Nomad for a 2012 Ultra Limited. Zero mechanical issues in 18,000 miles when I got the fever and traded for my current 2016 Ultra Limited CVO. Soft ride, plenty of low end torque with the 103 and 110 cu inch twin overhead cam engines. The 110 has quite a bit more torque than the 103 but is cammed up and idles a lot rougher. I traded the '12 for the '16 because I got tired of the Tequila Sunrise color. Prefer the handling of both HD's over the Nomad but was very fond of the old girl.

SG103 · 11-19-2017, 09:07 AM

I like all motorcycles. Every brand seems to have good categories, the Kawasaki has a killer sport bike line up.
Since John Bloor took over the bankrupt Triumph in 1983, they are a brand to be respected and are progressing just fine with emphasis on Cafe Racers. And of course the famous Bonneville twin that is still going strong.
The manufacturers have only so much resources and can't be the best in all categories. I think right now Harley Davidson are very innovative, of course they have been increasing their prices since the Rushmore products have been introduced.

twowheeladdict · 11-19-2017, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick56

:

I dont have a real answer to that mate.The Triumph rocket 3, has one of the most lop sided,ugly engines ever stuck in a bike.But it goes pretty well.I never even rode a Harley,so only go on what i hear.But when you bash it all out,i think Triumph are light years ahead,in every department.The fact that they can sell bikes,as fast as they can make them, all over the world,must say something.Harley are still trying to appeal to the old crowd,and you suckers are dying out

Smooth bit of editing there

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG103

I like all motorcycles. Every brand seems to have good categories, the Kawasaki has a killer sport bike line up.
Since John Bloor took over the bankrupt Triumph in 1983, they are a brand to be respected and are progressing just fine with emphasis on Cafe Racers. And of course the famous Bonneville twin that is still going strong.
The manufacturers have only so much resources and can't be the best in all categories. I think right now Harley Davidson are very innovative, of course they have been increasing their prices since the Rushmore products have been introduced.

I bought a Triumph Trophy SE in June of '15, and traded it in September '16. Amazing suspension, but warranty issues and the dealer having problems with Triumph led to me trading. They discontinued the bike.

OleIrish · 11-20-2017, 08:46 AM

I have had 17 motorcycles, 8 of them being Harley's and 4 of them being full dressers. I had to sale my 99 Ultra and miss it, hated to see it go. Out of the 8 Harley's I had this was the only one I had a problem with, BUT Harley's are in my blood. When I was 7 years old there was an old rusted service car Harley in the next yard. I would jump over and act like I was riding it until my mother got me. Now I have a 2000 Nomad. Nice bike, have always liked the looks of it. Found one I had the money for so bought it. BUT, still a Harley man and when I win the lottery will get another.

11-16-2017, 01:23 PM	#1
hoodooman Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 110	Who here has a Harley? I know, this is a Vulcan forum, but I have seen a handful of guys still hanging around that have switched to a Harley. I am considering the same move. Specifically, I'm looking at mid to late 90's Evo bikes such as a Fat Boy or Wide Glide. I'm pretty leary of twinkies because of the cam chain issues. - Should I be? If you have a Harley now, what do you have and how does it compare to what your Vulcan did? What other advice and whatnot can you give me in regards to purchasing a harley, or your general feelings about switching? I appreciate any input guys. Thank you. __________________ 05 1600 Classic Viking hard bags Cobra fatty highway bar Cobra long shots thetrailerstore ebay fairing LRS recurve shield Yaffe 10" mini bagger apes Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-16-2017, 07:46 PM	#4
twowheeladdict Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 616	I have a 2016 Road Glide Ultra. I have ridden every Harley made in the last 5 years and personally I wouldn't own any Harley with the exception of the Touring line. The Japanese bikes are so much better in the other categories. Back in 2010 when I bought the Vulcan Voyager it was a better bike than the 2010 Road Glide. Harley moved forward and came out with the Rushmore bikes in 2014, and the Rushmore Road Glide Ultra in 2016. The 2016 Road Glide Ultra is much more bike than the Vulcan Voyager. Better handling out of the box. Better suspension. Better stereo system. So many options to make it your own. Love the quick release kit for the tour pack. The ride, braking, handling, etc. is inferior on the other Harley bikes compared to the Japanese. I can't believe people rode bikes with rigid mount engines without counter balancers. I always loved the look of the Softail Custom. Then I rode one. My 1985 Honda Shadow 700 was so much better a bike and it only cost me $2500 new. Good luck with your decision. __________________ 2010 Vulcan Voyager, 2007 Vulcan Mean Streak, 2009 Vulcan Nomad
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11-17-2017, 09:39 AM	#6
hoodooman Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 110	Good info guys, thanks for the input! __________________ 05 1600 Classic Viking hard bags Cobra fatty highway bar Cobra long shots thetrailerstore ebay fairing LRS recurve shield Yaffe 10" mini bagger apes
	0

11-18-2017, 10:00 AM	#7
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	After I totaled my 2007 Nomad, I bought a 2011 Ultra Limited brand new. I have not had any mechanical issues with it at all in 31,000 miles. I have many friends who also ride Harley, all have twin cam engines and none have had cam chain issues. My Harley handles a lot better than the Nomad. HD improved the frame in 2009 and this bike corners like it's on rails. I would never go back to a Nomad. I am kind of interested in the new Yamaha Venture that just came out, but I doubt I'll ever switch brands. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17 Last edited by cactusjack; 11-18-2017 at 10:05 AM.
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11-18-2017, 10:56 AM	#8
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Hey Scott, figured you would post on this thread. Sending a PM. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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11-16-2017, 02:20 PM	#2
roadking0678 Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bellevue, TX Posts: 24	OK... I've owned many harley's... so I've recently re-purchased a 99 Nomad. I had this bike when it came out and sold it a few years later which i DEEEEEEPLY regretted. I bought a 98 FI Road King Classic and it was ok. But... I found myself constantly comparing it to my Nomad and wishing I had never sold it. Harley's are "cool" and have way more aftermarket support. However, My Nomad had more power, was more reliable, required less maintenance, and I didn't have to take a tool kit with me everytime i went on a trip. Recently a dealership had a 99 Nomad (green) just like my old one, so i literally RAN there and bought it. In the process of "correcting" some of the mods the previous owner did wrong (i.e. carb jetted WAY to rich) but finished up last night, took it for a ride and Im in love all over again. "IF" you're just in the mood for a "new" bike, id say get a newer Nomad, Vaquero or Voyager. that's just my opinion, hope this helps.
	0

11-16-2017, 06:15 PM	#3
vulcanscott Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: chandler okla Posts: 854	I have a 1984 fxe shovel that has been in the garage for the last 8 years while i rode my vulcans .
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11-18-2017, 08:22 PM	#12
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	I traded my '07 Nomad for a 2012 Ultra Limited. Zero mechanical issues in 18,000 miles when I got the fever and traded for my current 2016 Ultra Limited CVO. Soft ride, plenty of low end torque with the 103 and 110 cu inch twin overhead cam engines. The 110 has quite a bit more torque than the 103 but is cammed up and idles a lot rougher. I traded the '12 for the '16 because I got tired of the Tequila Sunrise color. Prefer the handling of both HD's over the Nomad but was very fond of the old girl. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
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11-19-2017, 09:07 AM	#13
SG103 Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 38	I like all motorcycles. Every brand seems to have good categories, the Kawasaki has a killer sport bike line up. Since John Bloor took over the bankrupt Triumph in 1983, they are a brand to be respected and are progressing just fine with emphasis on Cafe Racers. And of course the famous Bonneville twin that is still going strong. The manufacturers have only so much resources and can't be the best in all categories. I think right now Harley Davidson are very innovative, of course they have been increasing their prices since the Rushmore products have been introduced. __________________ 2015 Vaquero Candy Lime Green 2000 Goldwing (136,000 km and still going strong) 2015 Street Glide (Garage Queen) 1975 Honda CB750F (Cafe Racer Project)
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11-20-2017, 08:46 AM	#15
OleIrish Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: NC Posts: 9	I have had 17 motorcycles, 8 of them being Harley's and 4 of them being full dressers. I had to sale my 99 Ultra and miss it, hated to see it go. Out of the 8 Harley's I had this was the only one I had a problem with, BUT Harley's are in my blood. When I was 7 years old there was an old rusted service car Harley in the next yard. I would jump over and act like I was riding it until my mother got me. Now I have a 2000 Nomad. Nice bike, have always liked the looks of it. Found one I had the money for so bought it. BUT, still a Harley man and when I win the lottery will get another.
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