Hi All! I'm looking to move on to a Harley - my Dad was a tool and die maker at the York, PA Harley plant, and always had Harley's while I was growing up. Certainly planted the seed as I'm looking for another project/toy to enjoy.
Basically my question is what Harley model would be decently comparable to my KZ? Would I get board pretty much immediately with a Sporty 883? Obviously I'll test ride and I understand the difference between the two bikes, but I wanted to reach out and see if anyone has experience between the two.
I'm not a big guy (5'6, 145lbs) and considering either a '04 or later Sportster (more than likely a 1200), or possibly a Dyna if it would hold my interest. I doubt I'd be doing trips anywhere over 100 miles, and mainly just have something fun to run around town and go fast.
Let me know what you think!
Last edited by IzzoQuazzo; 03-26-2018 at 04:36 PM.
First...Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best and then buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford.
Second...if you're not going to ride more than 100 miles, I wouldn't spend thousands of dollars for another bike. You should stick with the one you have now.
IMHO the KZ1000 was built as a giant killer. Honda and Kawa. was in a speed/power race. Back in the day a Honda CB750 four was the cat's meow and the race was on. The Kawa "H" series 500, 750 two strokes were quick but lived in rpm land, then came the KZ. Honestly I don't think there is a street HD that can compare with the "Z's".
It's a bit like comparing a 1980 Porsche to a newer pickup. They're going to be used differently. As far as whats comparable you'll find a lot will come down to what you're expecting, which makes it hard to answer that question on the internet.
Best way I can describe it is Sportbikes move like chicken scratches. They're quick to where you want them to go with no wasted movement. Harleys move like cursive, almost like trying to push a bucket on water on wheels around with a mop. The Harley will have more instant torque all the time which will give you the sensation of going fast without having to worry about the cops.
If you're looking at Sportsters, the closest recommendation I can make is the Xr1200X. I personally think they're pretty neat bikes. They have a bit of a cult following which has their own forum.
VRod maybe. You really can't do much customizing one as there aren't a lot of options unless its handmade stuff. Not going to be as comfy as the KZ, but it's a fun 100 mile bike.
What are you planning to do with it? TBH I have a ZRX1100 in my garage along side my Road Glide. It does things the RG could only dream of, and the RG is loved by my wife for long rides. The inline 4 is a very hyper motor compared to the big twin. In the Sportster group, I agree with Captain Awesome, look at the XR1200
you are comparing apples to oranges, or a Gulfstream to a Piper Warrior, or a Corvette to a dump truck.
Nothing that HD has ever made will compare to a vintage rice bike.
Go find something you like from the HD lineup, but don't try to compare it to your KZ
I have a stage 4 103 bagger, nice bike,it scoots, but my 1985 GPz550 will run circles around it all day long, and forget what the 2002 ZRX and ZZR could do to it.
Even comparing my 03 cammed 88TC against the 103 is not an equal comparison.
so go find a bike you like, that fits your needs, that fits you, and that you will be happy with, but don't compare apples and oranges.
It is a lot easier to do 300 miles on a bagger than a ZZR, it is just going to take a little longer to do it
03-26-2018 | 12:50 PM
KZ1000 vs. Comparable Harley
