1. I know modern Harley's do not leak or anyting like that...was a bi-product from AMF days...over with, however why is it said that Harley do not keep up with modern technology in their bikes?
Modern technology?EFI is standard on the new Dyna models.Twin cam 88's...You see my friend,the greaat HD motor company must be very careful with what they change.They must please the old time riders that have supported them over the years.After all the same machine that punches out the fat bob tanks has been doing it forever.
A while back the Jap bike makers said the V Twin engine design was archaic when compared to the inline 4.Sence they werent succesful in eliminating harley they all are copying the design.
I was riding Harleys when the Japanese motorcycle industry was flooding the market, selling the bikes sometimes below cost ,to eliminate a part of American history,the Harley........That is why Hogs hold thier value,you can keep them forever,and they are worth keeping forever.......I compare Harley's to Zippo lighters and Jap bikes to Bic's.One ya just refill and one ya just toss it out.

2. I tend to basically ride my bike all of the time...I don't tour all the time, but I don't mind taking road trips like to myrtle beach. 7hr drive there and back from where I am. Which Bike other than a touring is the best suited. Could a Dyna do this or is it basically only the Softails that have the style and touring capability? Is the dyna more of a round town bike specifically the Wide Glide?
I'm 6'1" and weigh in around 190.Long and lanky.I have an 84 FXR and an 06 Wide Glide.The Softtail didnt fit me wel at all,felt too small and cramped.The Glide fit me to a "T".I can ride that Glide all day with no problem at all.It just feels good bud.Visit the catalog and look at the stuff you can put on them.You can outfit a Harley any way you desire........
3. Why does Harley not come out with a bigger motor? Is theres designed to give more torque with a smaller one or...The Japs have got as big as 2000ccs now, why the big diff?
The Motor company dosent get into races to see who has the bigger motors.It makes no sence at all.
4. I hear Harley is getting rid of the Screaming Eagle package, I would never buy them I perfer more Aftermarket like Vance and Hines, but man...thats one of the biggest parts of a Harley is the sound...**** the Metric cruisers are always trying to get theres to sound as good as Harley. Why is Harley doing a 360 on what it supports on sound.
Riding Jap bikes is like sitting at the bar around closing time.You really wanna go home with something,and it aint gonna be pretty.The best you can hope for is that none of your buddys see you leaving with that coyote you just bought the drink for.

Son,take an old timers advise,Buy the Harley that fits you best.Itll adapt to you with just a peg or seat change.
Harleys may not be the most advanced thing on wheels BUT look at it the way i do.
They have soul and spirit.A beating heart full of blood.A rhythm that you feel in your chest.Its alive and it makes you feel alive with it.
It aint the fastest thing but neither am I.Hell I dont feel that great sometimes myself,but i keep right on beating.Just like my harleys.
Jap bikes may look like harleys from a distance.
They may run faster.
They may have bigger engines.
They may be more advanced.

They just dont have that soul,you cant copy soul son,you either have it or ya dont....

 

I really appreciate your replies. Trust me I love Harley...I am not trying to get any rib shots in with my questions or anything. I am just young and, well we young guys sometimes like having the newest gadget on everything, if its available. I do understand the concept behind what Harley has to think about and also I do appreciate the if it works don't fix it, because a motorcycle has to be in tip top reliable shape, got to many other things to worry about than your bike breaking down on you because of some new item they put on that wasn't tested that well yet. I will say in style I prefer the look of a guy on a chopper with this legs stretched out and his hands in the air on some ape hangers...with some loud pipes roaring. I like that look and image....however...me and my bike are like this "puts his peace sign fingers together" ...and if it isn't comfortable enough to take a long trips on or it doesn't have the ability...I need to put aside the image for functionality. Now seeing that picture of that one person's dyna he may have proved that you can take that son bitch anywhere lol. In going with the dyna, being that they seem to have the most upgrades in terms of technology, and seem to have the look I want...I suppose a few question there. The apes are minis, so I imagine its probaly as comfortable as most stock bars with risers. I have 2 inch risers on my stock bars with a 2 inch pullback and they are just below my shoulder and are pretty comfortable...wouldn't mind them higher, so comfort there shouldn't be an issue. The pegs might though, do any of you guys use Strriups? If, so do they make the pegs feel like boards? Lastly with that skinny front tire does it wear out pretty quick or cause any traction issues? The softail deuce has an attitude like the Wide Glide, but has some decently sized tires. That would seem to be my only concern for long trips is maybe traction if it rains or what not. Also wow what kind of prizes are you paying for Wide Glides. Around here I've seen advertised 18 to 19 grand. That makes it about $320 to $350 with the interest I can get....I can prolly get better now my credit has skyrocketed now that I have been making payments and keeping good credit. I paid 13 for the Road Star and put about 3k-4k in accessories on it. I'd imagine I could at least get 10 for it being an 06 and take a 3k upside down hit on a glide, only thing that will hurt is Harley accessories are a bit more expensive I could prolly only afford pipes for awhile...but that'd be okay cause its a Harley . I just don't know if I could do it here I might have to drive to another state to get some good prices. Thanks for the comments and info. Again I love the look/sound of Harleys. **** the only reason I went with Yamaha over all the other companies is they made a bike that looked most like a Harley...to me its a Fatboy/Hertiage Softail imitation depending on how you dress or de dress it. Its a V-twin carb bike 2cyclinder. Only real big difference is for some reason they have 2 spark plugs for each cylinder....and you have to take off the damn tank to get to all of them. My Grandad and I have been "cussin those Japs" every since we started working on it...lol...at least thats how he puts it

 

rap87...First off, welcome to the forum. Now, to use an old saying, with all due respect, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." In other words, it sounds to me like you need to make the leap of FAITH and get yourself a Hog. I too waivered at your age and finally after buying my first Harley back in 1985, an 81' Lowrider (just after AMF) I finally saw the light. I am now the proud owner of my 3rd Harley and there's no going back. Harley is more than a motorcycle, it becomes an extension of who you are and what you believe in. And, it's the ultimate toy, well, next to a vagina. If you haven't got yourself one of those yet, I would highly reccomend one, they're awesome.

By-the-way...My Lowrider was an FXR, my second bike was a Softail cruiser, and now I'm riding a Street Bob, back to an FXD. Bottom line, my FX's were and are just as capable of handling the long haul as my softail was. Follow your heart and you'll make the right choice. Best of luck!

 

Lol...yeah i got one of those...don't want to trade in that one just yet been with her about 2.5 yrs now. Whelp guys people are going to think I'm crazy, but I'm going for it Dyna Wide Glide. Tell me if this is realistic. I bought this 2006 Yamaha Road Star Silverado for 13,780. I just pulled all of my "parts receipts" doesn't include service...they added up to about 4k. Could I realistically get 10-12 for her with 5k miles on it? If I could at least get 10k and I could find a dealer with a 06 wide glide for 16k to 17k I would be paying only about 70 bucks more a month prolly less than that with lower APR...and I think I would be happy. I mean at first it was all about the wind in my hair, now I have that and all I can think about is the Harley and well I love going to these biker events...thats why at 19 im riding 1200 miles just to go to one. I also want to have the right bike. So call me crazy...but I do understand why...just now gotta make it happen. Black and Red 2 tone Dyna here I come. Anyone know any cheaper dealers in VA, NC, or Maryland. I live in VA, but I don't mind traveling for this deal!

Picture of me and the bike before alot of my mods...

www.hellrisercustoms.com/rap87

 

Called my top two dealers around here if not the only two. Southside Harley and Bayside Harley. Here are over the phone prices.

Wide Glides.

Southside Harley- Color $18,200... MSRP $16,905... $1,295 over
Bayside Harley- Two-Tone - $18,618... MSRP $17,205... $1,413 over

Sheesh, I have seen Rocky Mount Harley in North Carolina advertising at exactly MSRP prices. I'm going to give them a call...is traveling a state or two out of your range normal to get a Harley at MSRP lol?

 

To me my Dyna is the best of both worlds, sport/speed and utility.
It's the biggest stock motor Harley makes, twin 88 (only other add would be the B balanced part and the SE103's), good size full tank, weight is a lot less, 675 lbs. The six speed is a big advantage. I can rip up the streets all day long lean and mean with anyone but still go any distance i want. I also have the quick detach windshield and quick detach bags for the longer haul. Ride two up with the wife all the time. Again plenty of power, no draw backs that i've found, my mods add to my positive experience. I'm 160 and the wife is 110. If all around utility is what you want than to me Dyna/Softail. If you focus mostly on long distance in ultra comfort than the baggers are best. Just my humble opinion.

 

Rap my 06 Wide Glide was $18970 out the door.Tax registration,title and everything.I dont really shop around for prices so I'm not sure if its a god deal or not.Cars Ill shop around for.Bikes,well they are my babies and I shop where I feel comfortable.Moroney's Harley in Newburgh,NY.I started dealing with them when they heated the place with a wood stove.20 odd years ago.
As far as interest,try all the options.Credit unions usually offer great rates.Much lower than most banks.
Whatever ya decide bud,you sound like a reasonable guy,which is unusual to find in your age group.Keep a good attitude and youll go a long ways in life.
Good luck

[IMG]local://upfiles/10541/A82EADFFDD984569B060E657504720EC.jpg[/IMG]

 

Whelp I am getting a two tone red and black one for 18,090 out the door. The dealer here wanted over 20k for a two tone. I am glad I shopped around, however, I did go to the dealer here and sit on it for quite a while making sure I liked it. Feels great for my height. I'll add a real small windshield, pipes, and some heel rests for the pegs and I'm good to go. I hope to see you guys on the road sometime. I did ask the dealer here if they would match prices and they said no they are not a MSRP dealer, so pfft guess thats what you get around here. I prefer the ride over the expense, I am to young to just throw money all over the place...and I have already...gotta get what I want the cheapest. Thanks for all the great comments...**** alot of the Road Star guys were giving me crap about my age and what was I thinking. Some were nice, but it seems most of you guys understand the feeling of wanting one and I bet many of you were my age when you got one or at least wanted one so you can relate. Thanks guys.