All,

Thank you very much for the tips and advice. I've been all over the map, testing various jap cruisers, SV, Z900, CBs, GTX 750S, Ducati Monster and other Standard and Naked versions. I keep coming back to the HD Softail. Looking for something 2005 up. My neighbor has an '05 Anniversary he's looking to sale, could be good timing when I return from a deployment. Good Luck all!

I certainly appreciate the replies!

Be safe!

 

Psssstttt.....!!! Sportster !

 

Similar story here. Took the class in May and was eager to get a bike. Had no clue though I liked the Heritage look. Scared off by everything I read I decided to buy a lighter weight bike with a more standard seating position as I've ridden mountain and road bikes. Sprung for a 2018 Z900RS and spend last eight weeks learning and have put 2000 miles on the bike. What a blast, and the retro look, circa 1973, appealed to me. What I quickly found is that the naked bike, no saddle bags and legs up under me seating really limited my riding options here in the West where high speeds and longer distances are the norm. So I am about to spring for a 2019 Heritage (rented a 2018 and it cured the comfort issues). The dealer wants no part of the Kawasaki (low ball trade) which in my opinion lives up to the numerous positive reviews so maybe I'll have two bikes, more likely will sell the Z900RS. I'm 6'2, 220, and 63. Good luck.

 

Don't let your neighbor ask a premium for that '05 "Anniversary". '05 wasn't an anniversary year.

 

He said he wanted something comfortable.

 

Have you looked at any V-Rods? More performance with more comfort than a typical sport bike, sharing some of their beneficial features, (liquid cooled, overhead cams...)and contrary to a lot of opinions...it IS a Harley. Since they stopped production and a lot of the "purists" turned their noses at them, the prices on barley used V-Rods are VERY attractive

 

 

Go with a road king It is good for trips around town and trips around the USA as well

 

I haven't rode in 20 year and bought the 2018 sport glide. HD is offering 1.9% with 0 down
Bags and fairing come off in seconds, like having 2 bikes in one.
The inverted fork makes this one of the better handling Harleys

 

For the price of a new HD bagger you can go out and buy 2 garage queen bikes. The possibilities are endless. Good Luck! And yea, a Road King's versatility can't be beat, so that's like 2 bikes in 1 right there.