HD Demo Rides Spring 2012

elvis · 04-16-2012, 03:53 PM

I was at the HD demos last Sunday and rode 4 models. The Electra Glide Classic is one fine machine.

2x18wheeler · 04-16-2012, 04:18 PM

In deed it is. I tested out an Ultra Glide Limited last summer but couldn't pull the trigger on the price. Maybe in a couple more years.

elvis · 04-18-2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2x18wheeler

In deed it is. I tested out an Ultra Glide Limited last summer but couldn't pull the trigger on the price. Maybe in a couple more years.

Maybe (?) next year for me! I have a Harley fund, it's growing slowly but surely. Also, I expect 110 ci models in the regular line up in 2013, it'll be the 110th Anniversary for H-D.

I think I've quite narrowed my choices down to Electra Glides...

**glwilson** · 04-18-2012, 09:43 PM

Let's just say... you'll enjoy it... I do..

elvis · 05-02-2012, 11:08 PM

Someone from the dealer made up a photo album:

Dave · 05-03-2012, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvis

The Electra Glide Classic is one fine machine.

Blasphemy!

Loafer · 05-03-2012, 04:47 AM

I love AC/DC's music!

**scion0** · 07-12-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loafer

I love AC/DC's music!

Me too! Listened to this song blasting when I worked a part time gig at our local AHL hockey team.

Great song!

**scion0** · 07-12-2012, 07:47 PM

Don't want to start anything here but I seem to notice lots of folks seem to prefer HD over the Nomad if not for funds. Is that what I am hearing? Are they actually a better bike? Or is it just for the long haul types?

Loafer · 07-12-2012, 08:49 PM

I didn't happen to find a Nomad and then buy it. I knew what I wanted 2 years
before I bought my '01 and after 11 years of riding it, I still love it! I have
test ridden many bikes over the years, and I prefer my Nomad to the
rest. If in the future I were to purchase another ride, it will at this point
in time be a Vaquero. That bike makes me feel right at home.
As far as other makes and models I've learned to share the road with them.

In the last 10 years all the manufacturers have stepped up and are producing some fine rides.

elvis · 08-16-2012, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scion0

Are they actually a better bike? Or is it just for the long haul types?

I'm not fully qualified to say HDs are better bikes because, I haven't owned one, yet. But I have a hunch the touring HDs are as good as any other touring bikes available today... I guess I'll find it out some day.

Monkeyman · 08-16-2012, 03:23 AM

Every bike has it's good points and bad points. For a luxury tourer, the Electra Glide and Road Glide are up there with the Victorys and Gold Wings. You can't stretch out all that well with the GWs and they have a very sport tourish look but come with everything but the kitchen sink. The Harleys have a oddly placed shifter and aren't as integrated looking as the rest but have more aftermarket support than anything else. The Victorys (especially the Vision, which is my favorite) are super smooth and you can stretch out but.......well, you have to like the look.

The Nomad wasn't conceived as a long distance tourer. It was conceived as a day tripper/weekender. It does it's job well but if you're going to take some really long trips, most feel the need to either really upgrade their Nomad or step up to a dedicated touring bike. Not that you can't ride any of the rest (RG/EG, GW, big Vic) in town but that's not what they were designed for. You'll definitely pay for the extra bells and whistles. A new Victory Vision is $21k, a new RGU is $24k and an FLHTK is closer to $25k. You can drop $30k on a new Wing without any fancy stuff. I can buy a house for that.

cactusjack · 08-16-2012, 10:28 AM

Care to elaborate about Harley's "oddly placed shifter"? It's right where it should be.

old dog · 08-16-2012, 10:50 AM

I bought the Vaquero over the road glide. After reading reviews. For 7000 k less. The biggest knock on the Vaquero was gas mi. Support for Kawasaki is 120 mi. away. Good
thing there well made. As far as long haul rides go I can;t complain. Rode my Drifter to
Calif. and back in 10 day's 4400+ mi. Was my first long ride. No need for support. After 60000 mi.of good riding traded on the Vaquero. So far I think it's more comfortable. I am
concerned about heat. Most of my riding is open road so far not a problem. H. D. dealers
are. This area they are a__ hole's. My neighbor just bought new switch back. He can't
hang on after 75 mi. per. hr. shakes so bad dealer told him it's a harley you have to expect to vibrate. So far he's had to buy a new seat crash bars passenger back rest.
That is in the first 700 mi. I'll stick with Kawi.

**schoeney** · 08-16-2012, 10:58 AM

It all depends on what is important to you. Looks, handling, cost, reliability, comfort, 1 up/2 up, power, storage, etc.

Each bike has its strengths.

Personally my next bike won't be a V Twin. I want more power vs. weight. Reliabilty and low maintenance cost are next up. I figure most any of the leading contenders can be modified for the comfort and riding position I prefer. I am probably looking at a GW, or Jap sport tourer. The Valkyrie Interstate would be my top choice if it was still in production.

The Nomad has been a great all around bike for me these last 4 years. I may have it a few more years but at some point I will be making a switch.

04-16-2012, 03:53 PM	#1
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	HD Demo Rides Spring 2012 I was at the HD demos last Sunday and rode 4 models. The Electra Glide Classic is one fine machine. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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04-16-2012, 04:18 PM	#2
2x18wheeler Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bedell, New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 531	In deed it is. I tested out an Ultra Glide Limited last summer but couldn't pull the trigger on the price. Maybe in a couple more years. __________________ VBA#1838 Blue Knights#70718 2009 HD Ultra Classic 2010 Nomad August 2011-July2012 2008 900 Classic LT February 2009-August 2011
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04-18-2012, 09:43 PM	#4
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Let's just say... you'll enjoy it... I do.. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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05-02-2012, 11:08 PM	#5
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Someone from the dealer made up a photo album: Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-03-2012, 04:47 AM	#7
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	I love AC/DC's music! __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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07-12-2012, 07:47 PM	#9
scion0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Peoria, Illinois Posts: 1,507	Don't want to start anything here but I seem to notice lots of folks seem to prefer HD over the Nomad if not for funds. Is that what I am hearing? Are they actually a better bike? Or is it just for the long haul types? __________________ ___________________ Mike "Scion0" VBA#: 0097 Former VBA North Central Asst Regional Leader St Jude Rides Peoria to Memphis Rider Retired MSgt, USAF (1979 -99) "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff!" Current ride: 2012 H-D Ultra FLHTCU (Black) Past ride: 2007 Black Nomad
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07-12-2012, 08:49 PM	#10
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	I didn't happen to find a Nomad and then buy it. I knew what I wanted 2 years before I bought my '01 and after 11 years of riding it, I still love it! I have test ridden many bikes over the years, and I prefer my Nomad to the rest. If in the future I were to purchase another ride, it will at this point in time be a Vaquero. That bike makes me feel right at home. As far as other makes and models I've learned to share the road with them. In the last 10 years all the manufacturers have stepped up and are producing some fine rides. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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08-16-2012, 03:23 AM	#12
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Every bike has it's good points and bad points. For a luxury tourer, the Electra Glide and Road Glide are up there with the Victorys and Gold Wings. You can't stretch out all that well with the GWs and they have a very sport tourish look but come with everything but the kitchen sink. The Harleys have a oddly placed shifter and aren't as integrated looking as the rest but have more aftermarket support than anything else. The Victorys (especially the Vision, which is my favorite) are super smooth and you can stretch out but.......well, you have to like the look. The Nomad wasn't conceived as a long distance tourer. It was conceived as a day tripper/weekender. It does it's job well but if you're going to take some really long trips, most feel the need to either really upgrade their Nomad or step up to a dedicated touring bike. Not that you can't ride any of the rest (RG/EG, GW, big Vic) in town but that's not what they were designed for. You'll definitely pay for the extra bells and whistles. A new Victory Vision is $21k, a new RGU is $24k and an FLHTK is closer to $25k. You can drop $30k on a new Wing without any fancy stuff. I can buy a house for that. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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08-16-2012, 10:28 AM	#13
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Care to elaborate about Harley's "oddly placed shifter"? It's right where it should be. __________________ 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
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08-16-2012, 10:50 AM	#14
old dog Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 166	I bought the Vaquero over the road glide. After reading reviews. For 7000 k less. The biggest knock on the Vaquero was gas mi. Support for Kawasaki is 120 mi. away. Good thing there well made. As far as long haul rides go I can;t complain. Rode my Drifter to Calif. and back in 10 day's 4400+ mi. Was my first long ride. No need for support. After 60000 mi.of good riding traded on the Vaquero. So far I think it's more comfortable. I am concerned about heat. Most of my riding is open road so far not a problem. H. D. dealers are. This area they are a__ hole's. My neighbor just bought new switch back. He can't hang on after 75 mi. per. hr. shakes so bad dealer told him it's a harley you have to expect to vibrate. So far he's had to buy a new seat crash bars passenger back rest. That is in the first 700 mi. I'll stick with Kawi.
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08-16-2012, 10:58 AM	#15
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	It all depends on what is important to you. Looks, handling, cost, reliability, comfort, 1 up/2 up, power, storage, etc. Each bike has its strengths. Personally my next bike won't be a V Twin. I want more power vs. weight. Reliabilty and low maintenance cost are next up. I figure most any of the leading contenders can be modified for the comfort and riding position I prefer. I am probably looking at a GW, or Jap sport tourer. The Valkyrie Interstate would be my top choice if it was still in production. The Nomad has been a great all around bike for me these last 4 years. I may have it a few more years but at some point I will be making a switch. __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina Last edited by schoeney; 08-16-2012 at 11:03 AM.
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