09 Street Bob vs. Victory 8 ball

[JPG]

Hoping I can get some help with this decision or at least some non dealer opinions. I love the look of the Street Bob. Hands down it's the bike I like the looks of better. I like the ride of the 8 ball but haven't gotten enough time on a street bob. The 8 ball shifts really clunky (loud!) but the rest of the ride is nice. The Street Bob is what a non touring bike should like like as far as I'm concerned. My main concern is the "low tech, over priced, bad service" argument that I keep hearing about Harley. This would be my first Harley so I can't speak from experience about this stuff. Any knowledge that can be shared would be great. Like I said, I don't have much (any) time riding the street bob (really just sitting and a short low speed parking lot ride). Thanks.

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!

[jshull]

I love my street bob, dealer prices I dunno but aftermarket parts will run about the same, There will be alot more choices when it comes to the harley. I made them through in a service manual with the bike and if you can read there really isnt a reason to have to go back to the dealer. all dealers are differnt but there is usually a few within a 100 miles so for warranty just have to make a choice. I just dont tell harley what I am doin with my bike so I dont have to worry.

[sniper77]

Victory is a great bike. I'd think resale would be on the side of H-D though.

That is one of the main factors when I was shopping in '06 and landed the Street Bob instead of the Victory.

[INJEKTER]

Originally Posted by JPG

Hoping I can get some help with this decision or at least some non dealer opinions. I love the look of the Street Bob. Hands down it's the bike I like the looks of better. I like the ride of the 8 ball but haven't gotten enough time on a street bob. The 8 ball shifts really clunky (loud!) but the rest of the ride is nice. The Street Bob is what a non touring bike should like like as far as I'm concerned. My main concern is the "low tech, over priced, bad service" argument that I keep hearing about Harley. This would be my first Harley so I can't speak from experience about this stuff.

Any knowledge that can be shared would be great. Like I said, I don't have much (any) time riding the street bob (really just sitting and a short low speed parking lot ride).

Thanks.

I'm riding my first Harley, fat bob not street bob..never experienced bad service, i would not consider it overpriced for the quality of bike and tech is the same .....love my Harley and don't think i would ever go back to another brand......get one , you will not regret it

[Mascman]

I've never bought anything in my life based on what the resale value would be...bought it because I wanted it.

The Victory gives you a lot for the money...on a strictly dollar per dollar for value, I'd say Victory wins.

I like the older style look of the Harley over the Victory...depends on what style you like though.

I think either bike will be a blast for you to ride, so it should just come down to which one you like to look at!

[Crash Davis]

"I love the look of the Street Bob. Hands down it's the bike I like the looks of better."

Go with what makes you happy, and it sounds like your heart is with the Street Bob. I have a 2007 FXDB. Haven't had any problems with it and I love the ride. 90% of my riding is around town and commuting, which it is perfect for. I just rode it 800 miles in 2.5 days to do the Tail of the Dragon. Slap a quick disconnect winshield on it and a bag on the back and she's fine for an adventure. The bike tore up US 129, and it's biggest limiting factor was the rider (I didn't want to exceed my abilities and become another statistic).

I bought my Street Bob new and have no regrets. It's a big purchase, if it makes you feel better rent one for a day. That's a small price to be sure the bike will make you happy. In this economy, perhaps the local HD dealer might let you take one for a test ride if you are serious about buying (or maybe will refund the rental if you decide to buy).

Good luck with the decision - post a pic of whatever bike you end up buying!

Here's a pic of my Street Bob loaded up at the dragon:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiltonc...ub/4053329919/

[billylewis]

I have both, like them both, Victory is one hell of a bike but not much of dealership support. Not as many aftermarket parts either. The Victory does not have any resale value, that is why I still have it.

[JPG]

Thanks for the replies. I think the street bob is the way I'm leaning for looks and although it's not as blacked out as the 8 ball, I can make it that way. I like to tinker so the idea of getting a manual thrown in is a good one. I just need to get some ride time on the street bob to wash away any concerns that the ride isn't going to be as nice as the Victory. It helps to bounce the ideas off of others.

[SPECIAL ED]

The Victory is a better Motorcycle for the money, the Street Bob is a better Harley.I've ridden a stage 1 Hammer it had way more power than my stage 1 Street Bob and ran smoother too but the handling was wierd due to the Hammers giant back tire. I hate the way the newer Victorys look so I wouldn't buy one but I'm not that impressed with the Bob either.

[billylewis]

If interested I can sell you my 8-Ball, it is all blacked out, led lights, really nice, just do not need 2 bikes.