Stratoliner vs 1600 Nomad vs 1700 Voyager

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

That's an individual choice, of course. There ARE differences though. Many of them I didn't realize until I bought an HD...

For the money though, the Voyager gets a person on a "tourer" for far less than most choices; and as long as it fits and provides what a person wants then it would be a good choice to buy.

After going to KawaNOW's National in Custer, SD (2009); I looked at all the "add-ons" people were doing to their bikes so I could think about doing the same. After looking at a lot of them I came to a few conclusions. First was that some of these people spent a lot of money (and time) to add extras to their Nomads -- which they could have just about bought an Ultra or GW for the same price without all the time spent.

Secondly; and unfortunately to me... some of the "add-ons" looked like "after-thoughts" that didn't really match the bike's "lines" very well.

After going home I immediately went to look at the new Voyager. It was too tall for me; thus was ruled-out. Disappointed, I stopped at a HD dealer. They had an Ultra (w/lowering-kit) on the floor. They were willing to deal since the new models were coming-in the door that day (and we were in the depths of the recession in 2009). The deal was done for me on the spot. I bought my Ultra for just a few dollars more than the list-price of a Voyager.

GW's, BMW's were also too tall for me. Strat's were too stretched-out.

It's hell to be short!!

It can be hell to be tall too, it just depends on what the sticking point is.

[collinr]

Originally Posted by schoeney

I can't remember but his air filter or oil filter is a PIA to get to

Lost of Yamaha's you have to remove the exhaust to change the oil filter. To me thats moronic design engineering that makes me question everything else.

[Loafer]

I apologize for not being up on the prices of the HD, Victory, Stratoliner and Gold
Wings. Not something I have looked into very much. I was just going by what I
have seen and heard friends say they paid.
As a result I was going by the Voyager, fairing, stereo, cruise control and tour box.

I know there are other features, but if you line up the bikes that have those features.

What manufacturers and their models and prices to you end up with?

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I have to disagree a bit with you here. The HD touring models start below $20k:

HD Electra Glide Classic $19499
HD Street Glide $19499
HD Road Glide Custom $19499
HD Road King $17499

The Road King I believe doesn't have a fairing, I would drop that from the list. If I'm correct the other three have a fairing.
Does the Street Glide, Road Glide Custom and Electra Glide Classic
have tour boxes? How about cruise control and a stereo?
If not how much to have those items on?
I'm not being a smart ass, I'm just asking.

[AtlAggie]

Originally Posted by bdeavours

BTW, insurance is way cheaper than the Voyager. Strat is only little over $100.00 more per year than the Nomad where as the Voyager is over $400.00 more per year.I have shopped around and that is the best rate out there.

I don't know where you buy your insurance, but I'm only paying $450 a year for full coverage on the Voyager with Allstate. My monthly insurance payment went up $14 when I traded the 900 in on the Voyager.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Loafer

The Road King I believe doesn't have a fairing, I would drop that from the list. If I'm correct the other three have a fairing.
Does the Street Glide, Road Glide Custom and Electra Glide Classic
have tour boxes? How about cruise control and a stereo?
If not how much to have those items on?
I'm not being a smart ass, I'm just asking.

You can add topcases to the RGC and SG, and it comes with the EGC. Cruise control is an option on the RGC and EGC, IIRC. The thing about the SG and RGC is that they have only 2" of rear suspension travel. I can't see how that would be a good ride over anything but smooth blacktop. It's the one thing I don't like about HD is that they put form ahead of function, but that is part of the religion. If you have to question, you don't get it. I wonder if Willie G is a Scientologist?

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by ponch

I wonder if Willie G is a Scientologist?

Don't know... but certain he kneels multiple-times before the "shield" daily!

If I made his money from HD... I would too!

Can't argue with continued success...

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Don't know... but certain he kneels multiple-times before the "shield" daily!

If I made his money from HD... I would too!

Can't argue with continued success...

I am not arguing with success, just in wonderment about what is.

[trosco]

My buddy Ross T (he came to Antlers last year with me) is 6ft 5in & 290lbs on a white 08 wing, I go 5ft 11in & 250 lbs on a 10 wing and buddy Ken runs a Titanium 08 and he's 5ft 5in & 140lbs with bricks in his pockets. He does keep his suspension at 4lbs while mine is 9-12lbs and Ross T's is usually around 20lbs. Wing has a Electrically adjustable on board system that provide about 1 1/2 to 2 inches inches height adjustment from min to max press.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by trosco

My buddy Ross T (he came to Antlers last year with me) is 6ft 5in & 290lbs on a white 08 wing, I go 5ft 11in & 250 lbs on a 10 wing and buddy Ken runs a Titanium 08 and he's 5ft 5in & 140lbs with bricks in his pockets. He does keep his suspension at 4lbs while mine is 9-12lbs and Ross T's is usually around 20lbs. Wing has a Electrically adjustable on board system that provide about 1 1/2 to 2 inches inches height adjustment from min to max press.

Whatever works. The think with the wing is that feet aren't so far out in front like a cruiser nor underneath the rider like a UJM. Like my RT, the engine gets in the way of having forward movement, although you had highway pegs on yours. I never liked being locked into a position that doesn't allow forward or aft movement. This exacerbates pressure on my tailbone, which will drive me nuts sooner than later. I liked the GSA seating position best as there is no delineation between for and aft at all. With the RT, I usually setup the suspension for rider plus luggage for me and set the dampening for normal. If I am feeling frisky I will set it to sport mode and if I am carrying a passenger or gear, I set the preload to two up. It works ok for the most part. I find the comfort setting on dampening makes the bike wallow. YMMV.

[bdeavours]

Just to let you guys and gals know I pulled the trigger and bought the Strat. Will pick it up today as I had the dealer install touring handlebars. Can't wait to ride this beast.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Loafer

The Road King I believe doesn't have a fairing, I would drop that from the list. If I'm correct the other three have a fairing.
Does the Street Glide, Road Glide Custom and Electra Glide Classic
have tour boxes? How about cruise control and a stereo?
If not how much to have those items on?
I'm not being a smart ass, I'm just asking.

The models I listed are all part of HD's touring family. Kaw considers the Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager touring models. I was just making the point that Harleys are closer in price than many people think.

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

The models I listed are all part of HD's touring family. Kaw considers the Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager touring models. I was just making the point that Harleys are closer in price than many people think.

That's Ok.
Today we were about a 1/4 mile from a HD dealer, my wife didn't want to stop. Oh well.

[collinr]

Originally Posted by bdeavours

Just to let you guys and gals know I pulled the trigger and bought the Strat. Will pick it up today as I had the dealer install touring handlebars. Can't wait to ride this beast.

Good for you man, hope ya enjoy it.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Loafer

That's Ok.
Today we were about a 1/4 mile from a HD dealer, my wife didn't want to stop. Oh well.

A back hand across the face will put them in line.