…that when you pick up your first Harley you will constantly think of additional bikes and upgrades.

Picked up my bike a few months ago. First 200 miles were rough, as I had no idea what the hell I was doing. A part of me thought I had become "that guy" - poser who bought a huge bike and regrets it because he doesn't know how to handle it.

2,000 miles later and I get downright grumpy if I don't ride. I'm feeling confident, enjoying the ride and not stressing (though always aware and careful). I ride to work now, look for every opportunity to ride, and I just really enjoy it. Kicking myself that I didn't jump into the big touring game earlier in my life (I'm 46).

But here is the problem. I want ANOTHER bike. WTF? Probably will go in a different direction than Harley as I'd like to experience something "different" and have riding options. The KTM, BMW, Ducati and Triumph dealers are constantly on my mind. I've resisted, but for how long?

And then I go to the local Harley dealer and look at the 19s. Bigger engine. Exponential improvement on the infotainment system. Oh no. Should I trade in? Not gonna do it but it has been on my mind.

Just a rant from a random new Harley owner. I can't be the only one….

 

As long as you use them, more bikes is great!

My newest purchase is a used 2007 Moto Guzzi V7C. Its not very fast (tops out at around 110) but is super fun and nimble. The easiset bike to ride that I have experienced in all my riding life.

Purchased my first bike in 1994, and have only sold one. I have a few!

Maybe go opposite for the next bike, something more bare and very lightweight.

Have fun.

 

You sound just like me. At 54 (last summer) I bought a big (for me) Road King Classic. No intention of selling it.

Already sat on a Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black and an Indian Scout Sixty, which both feel downright TINY (and I am not a big guy at all), but did have KLR650's in mind until I came to my senses and realized I am no shape to go off roading.

Wouldn't mind something different/smaller. Even considered a Honda Rebel 500 or a Royal Enfield 500 Classic just for going to work and back, then realized my Harley is paid for and comfy as heck.

I have no basis for comparison....haven't rode bikes in nearly 40 yrs, but they tell me this RKC is nearly as "cushy" as you can get.....but still I look at other bikes.

About the only type that DOES NOT interest me, is a crotch rocket like a Ninja or whatever. Those are just "no" in my mind. hahahaha

 

I started riding again only a few years ago, and am 48. When I was young, I grew up around bikes. My dad raced, I had dirt bikes, and my only transportation in high school was my Suzuki GS450. Then I went into the Army, and kinda forgot about it. fast forward until 4 years ago, I rode my buddy's sportster, and got the bug. Bought one, traded it a year later for my road king classic, which I currently ride. I put on about 6000 miles a season, give or take. Not bad being in New England .
I already have my sights set on a new bike. When the 120 editions come out, I will have enough saved for a good downpayment. So, you arent alone. Our tastes change, our riding style changes.

 

Yea. Also, to clarify I plan on keeping my Road Glide (I just can't justify trading it in for a newer biker of the same class, despite the improvements to the newer models).

But a smaller bike would be fun - maybe even a dual sport (I rode dirt bikes off and on for a bit).

 

Got my first road bike back in May and could have wrote your first couple paragraphs myself. You lost me at wanting to buy another bike though.

I will say this...I see other riders and like their style a lot. I find myself wishing I 'looked' like that. Not me, per se, but the bike and rider combined. Should I have got a low rider? Those are the ones that look the coolest to me. Like that's what I wanted to be when I started this journey.

The only problem is (and I noticed this when I test drove) I really like the feel of riding my Heritage Classic. That feeling is so much more important to me than the look.

If I was going to buy another bike I think I would keep mine. Maybe I'd get a low rider or sportster just for putting over to the neighborhood bar or coffee shop and use the Heritage for longer commutes. Then get a Road King for the weekend trips? Damnit...now I need a bigger garage.

 

I am looking at getting an 82 XLSA Roadster (type of Sportster) and either making a bobber or restoring it for my own fun. I have my Softail for the long rides and now this Roadster for the bar hopping rides around town. I would like to get a road glide or Road King for serious touring, but I have time to wait, because I am sure the wife is going to want a Streetglide for herself, she now has a Softail. She started on a Sportster.

 

fair warning.... you buy a bike you will wish for another/upgrades/fancy do-dads/and ways to spend more money!!!
I wish I could have kept the Sporty... but I can only ride one at a time, and room is a premium!!

 

well, I sometimes think about a pre-018 Deluxe or Slim S...you know; before they became Jap bikes, but I will keep my RK Classic forever, or until it starts to give me issues.