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12-09-2012, 10:40 AM | #16 |
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sterling, Oklahoma
Posts: 361
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I've never been a brand loyal kind of guy. Grew up in the 70s hotrodding both Chevys and Fords. Still do that, as a matter of fact. Never really understood the guys who limited themselves to one brand, anyway.
I dont understand the cost difference issue. Its shrunken so much that it really plays no part in the process anymore, at least to me. When buying this year, I rode the Victory cross country multiple times, Voyagers numerous times, and an HD Ultra Classic. Following are my "takes" on them. All had "clunky" transmissions. The Victory was the worse though. Victory- just didnt "feel" right to me. Little to no aftermarket support. I was used to that, coming off my Nomad. The Cross Country Tour was within a couple of hundred dollars of the HD. As long as you liked red or black, you were good to go. The 3 dealers that I talked to would NOT come off the MSRP. And insulted me on the trade in offer for my Nomad. Voyager- It was okay. Started off with an MSRP about 3000 less than the HD. The 3 area dealers were wedded to the MSRP like the Victory guys.............probably had something to do with the fact that two of them were the same dealers as the Victory guys. I could not make myself like the color choices though. Could not. My Nomad was black, and I live on a gravel road. Too hard to keep clean. Little to no aftermarket support again. HD- Was a little "small" (I'm 6ft 2in and 265) I knew that I could address that with all the aftermarket and dealership support. I didnt feel as cramped as the victory made me feel though. Dang near any color you want. Much, much aftermarket support. Willing to deal on the price. Dealerships everywhere in case you're on the road and need something. A new Ultra classic for $20,000 out the door. This may not count for some people, but its likely why I'll be staying with HD. Buying the HD was like being brought into a family. Why do you think HD riders travel to other states and dealerships to buy a T-shirt? Laugh and mock me if you feel the need. But caring about you after the purchase counts for something to me. Sure, they count on that, knowing that you will spend $$$ on aftermarket stuff through them. But who really rides a completely stock bike?
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Chuck Stephens 12 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic 07 Nomad (Traded) 86 Kawasaki 454 LTD VBA member #1578 HOG Member #4541840 AMA Member # 2700186 Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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12-09-2012, 11:03 AM | #17 | |
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Peoples Republic of New York State
Posts: 15,154
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We have a new peace keeper on board On another note, stay calm CJ, you are a Harley rider on a Kawasaki forum
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Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] |
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12-09-2012, 11:13 AM | #18 |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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You guys know my motto.... Live and Let Live. I've always said that it's your money and you're a big boy... do what you want and I'll never second guess. My opinion on things may not apply in your case and visa versa. I can only go off of my experiences and facts as they apply to me. Pushing my way of life and my opinions off on others is not my style.
Having that said...I've ridden just about every brand of motorcycle there is (except for BMW and Moto Guzzi). I certainly don't consider myself the authority on motorcycle brands, but I know what works and doesn't work for me. It's interesting that we keep bringing up the caveats of the Harley tho. I've been a member of the Blue Knights for 5 years. Talk about Harley pressure. I've been there many times... even to the point of being ridiculed for owning a Nomad in front of everyone in a meeting. They were kidding of course, but ridiculed none the less. So, what's my opinion on Harley's and other brands? Because of my position in the VBA, I don't want to sway anyone's opinions or alienate anyone. Every motorcycle has its drawbacks...because each of us is different. But, next time we're talking one-on-one, based off of talking to various owners and doing the research...I'll tell you what I think is the premiere bike, IMHO.
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
Last edited by trip; 12-09-2012 at 11:15 AM.
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12-09-2012, 11:23 AM | #19 | |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 8,575
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On a more serious note... A variety of bikes is fun and more interesting. If I had it my way, I would have about 20 bikes (and other such vehicles) in my garage now. Lastly, when I bought my HD in 2009, I was given a ration of crap by many on this site... some of which now own a HD themselves. I was defensive at first... then realized it is a futile battle. However, I never did like "mis-information" being stated by people about any bike. It would serve everyone well if "we" wouldn't continue to spread information that is not based on facts or actual experience. Simply repeating what you think or what you hear is not doing anyone any good. Just for the record... my HD has not had any more problems than any other bike I have owned except a Kawasaki 500 I owned. The 500 never had any problems, and I wish I still had it in my small collection. That bike was a riot to ride...
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"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
Last edited by glwilson; 12-09-2012 at 11:33 AM.
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12-09-2012, 11:27 AM | #20 |
Sr. Contributor
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Way East Valley
Posts: 12,017
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For the most part, I do.
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Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad | 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic | 1984 GPz750 | 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09|Prairie Du Chien '10|Crescent City '11 Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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12-09-2012, 11:28 AM | #21 |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip |
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12-09-2012, 11:29 AM | #22 |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip |
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12-09-2012, 11:39 AM | #23 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 95
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Geez. Didn't mean to start a war. I know HD owners are highly devoted to their bikes as most of us are. And I never said they were a bad bike. It just didn't fit me. I was ready to plop down the money to buy one and was hoping it was everything they said it would be. For me it wasn't. And the difference in price is about $9K for the Ultra and Voyager.
Funny though as after I made the original post, I completed an online survey that Kawasaki sent me about my bike even though I've owned it since Aug 2011. And one of the questions was something about 'Is image an important factor with your bike'. I think that's what HD relies on. They've built themselves a tremendous image as the All American bike and it's paid off for them. I just don't buy into the image thing, again, it's not my thing. The Voyager is the first bike I've owned in almost 30 years. I love the looks, ride, styling, you name it. Will I 'feel the love' at a Kawasaki dealership and stop at everyone I pass as well as plan my trips around them? Probably not. Can I buy a thong for my dog with a Kawasaki logo on it? Don't think so. But that's not why I bought it. |
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12-09-2012, 11:44 AM | #24 | |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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Quote:
I kick myself for a lot of things in life.... one of them is selling my 1963 2-door Chevy Impala and selling a 1998 Honda Magna that I loved to ride and travel on.
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip |
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12-09-2012, 11:46 AM | #25 | |
Mega-Contributor
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever!
Posts: 21,926
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Trip, I'm not trying to ram Harley Davidson down anybody's throat. I am 100% satisfied with my decision to buy one and am happy to tell anyone that who asks. I just have a problem with somebody making a derogatory statement like that without some explanation.
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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; 12-09-2012 at 11:51 AM.
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12-09-2012, 11:46 AM | #26 | |||
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Central Florida, 2011 Nomad
Posts: 134
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I bought my Nomad for $14,000 out the door. It was just a better deal for me and of course I like the Nomad quite a bit. chucks1911, I never heard of buying an Ultra Classic for $20,000, but a dealer's inventory will cause things to happen. Now if I had seen an offer like that, I might would have gone the extra 6 grand cause I do love those Ultras. But honestly even as nice looking as they are with their stylish Pizza Boxes on the back etc, I rode an Ultra once and it didn't really ride any more comfortable (to me) than my Nomad. And Trip, I did not know the Blue Knights were that way on Harleys (nor did I know you used to be (or are) in law enforcement since I'm pretty sure that's a requirement of the Blue Knights. But I did know the Nam Knights ( a Viet Nam Veterans MC ) requires that you ride a Harley or at least a custom that resembles the Harley style. I think it's tied to a buy American thing. But a very large percentage of the parts on a Harley are made in Mexico and overseas. And it's been proven with "any" corporation local or abroad, that what profit is not reinvested to the manufacturing can end up in "any" market investment, local or foreign. That is what happen to the old US Steel mills. But since Vulcans stopped manufacturing in the US sometime back, I guess they do have a point there. Maybe someday we can make it worth Kawa's effort to bring Vulcan production back to the US and create more US jobs. The Combat Vets Motorcycle Association is not that way. You just have to own a bike of a certain CC size. There are guys in the CVMA with all kinds of bikes. Ride free, and ride what you want, it's like J.C. Wentworth said, "It's your money". |
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12-09-2012, 11:58 AM | #27 | |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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Quote:
Most of the membership owns and rides a Harley, that's why I get ribbed a lot. I just laugh when they give me a hard time. Nobody else can boast being the founder of a 2,400 member International motorcycle club.
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
Last edited by trip; 12-09-2012 at 12:00 PM.
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12-09-2012, 11:58 AM | #28 | |
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Las Vegas, Nv VBA #02107 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 1980 Yamaha Seca 750 (past) 1969 Kawasaki 350 (past) 1967 Pannonia T8 250 (past) 1971 Honda 100 Twin (past) |
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12-09-2012, 12:00 PM | #29 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sterling, Oklahoma
Posts: 361
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Well, you and Trip are definately in the minority on that. I'm guessing that you both would agree.
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Chuck Stephens 12 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic 07 Nomad (Traded) 86 Kawasaki 454 LTD VBA member #1578 HOG Member #4541840 AMA Member # 2700186 |
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12-09-2012, 12:03 PM | #30 | |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
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Quote:
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip |
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