New to Harley, getting 2020 RGL -- What should I know?
#11
Omega
I figured. Couple comments, on the first HD experience. I got the same results as you, and my opinion, is it was because their bikes were selling themselves, and usually above list price, so some, many, dealers got snobby. They put off a LOT of people. I blame HD main office for that, since they were under producing bikes to keep it that way. I, too, held off buying.
The only issue with the VTX and other metrics, is aftermarket support. Did they ever make a true touring VTX? Honda missed it on that one. They put all their pennies in the GW. A mistake in my opinion.
I know the Vulcans had some serious oil pump issues early on. Did the VTX have any of those kind of problems. I actually considered a Vulcan till I read up on changing out the oil pump involved splitting the cases. I mean, come on, a 2005 1500cc bagger with 10k for $3200? It was tempting, but figured if I had to have a dealer split the cases, I would be rapidly approaching HD prices anyway.
I love my Ultra, but money talks in my budget.
Enjoy your new bike.
I figured. Couple comments, on the first HD experience. I got the same results as you, and my opinion, is it was because their bikes were selling themselves, and usually above list price, so some, many, dealers got snobby. They put off a LOT of people. I blame HD main office for that, since they were under producing bikes to keep it that way. I, too, held off buying.
The only issue with the VTX and other metrics, is aftermarket support. Did they ever make a true touring VTX? Honda missed it on that one. They put all their pennies in the GW. A mistake in my opinion.
I know the Vulcans had some serious oil pump issues early on. Did the VTX have any of those kind of problems. I actually considered a Vulcan till I read up on changing out the oil pump involved splitting the cases. I mean, come on, a 2005 1500cc bagger with 10k for $3200? It was tempting, but figured if I had to have a dealer split the cases, I would be rapidly approaching HD prices anyway.
I love my Ultra, but money talks in my budget.
Enjoy your new bike.
#12
#13
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TodPedro (05-05-2020)
#14
Omega
I figured. Couple comments, on the first HD experience. I got the same results as you, and my opinion, is it was because their bikes were selling themselves, and usually above list price, so some, many, dealers got snobby. They put off a LOT of people. I blame HD main office for that, since they were under producing bikes to keep it that way. I, too, held off buying.
The only issue with the VTX and other metrics, is aftermarket support. Did they ever make a true touring VTX? Honda missed it on that one. They put all their pennies in the GW. A mistake in my opinion.
I know the Vulcans had some serious oil pump issues early on. Did the VTX have any of those kind of problems. I actually considered a Vulcan till I read up on changing out the oil pump involved splitting the cases. I mean, come on, a 2005 1500cc bagger with 10k for $3200? It was tempting, but figured if I had to have a dealer split the cases, I would be rapidly approaching HD prices anyway.
I love my Ultra, but money talks in my budget.
Enjoy your new bike.
I figured. Couple comments, on the first HD experience. I got the same results as you, and my opinion, is it was because their bikes were selling themselves, and usually above list price, so some, many, dealers got snobby. They put off a LOT of people. I blame HD main office for that, since they were under producing bikes to keep it that way. I, too, held off buying.
The only issue with the VTX and other metrics, is aftermarket support. Did they ever make a true touring VTX? Honda missed it on that one. They put all their pennies in the GW. A mistake in my opinion.
I know the Vulcans had some serious oil pump issues early on. Did the VTX have any of those kind of problems. I actually considered a Vulcan till I read up on changing out the oil pump involved splitting the cases. I mean, come on, a 2005 1500cc bagger with 10k for $3200? It was tempting, but figured if I had to have a dealer split the cases, I would be rapidly approaching HD prices anyway.
I love my Ultra, but money talks in my budget.
Enjoy your new bike.
I agree on the VTX, Honda really screwed up there and I have had no issues with mine. 18 years old, about 30k miles (had 2 back surgeries is why the low miles). Only changed oil/tires. etc. ridden to TX from Ohio in August, all over Ohio, TN/NC for Dragon etc. SOLID bike.
Thanks for the info all, I really appreciate it.
This comment may get lost of flack, but I am not really an accessories kind of guy. Seat, Pipes, pegs. Other wise I usually dont change things. Still have the stock grips on my VTX and the '82 Maxum my dad gave me.
#16
Join Date: Mar 2018
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I am sure this thread can get big
I have been lurking for a long time, and finally registered to participate in this community.
I am looking for any wisdom that can be imparted about Harley touring bikes, mechanical, riding, anything you all can think of.
A bit about me. 46, got my first bike when I was 8, NEVER been with out a bike, had/have Hondas, Kawi, Yammies,(even a Chaparral) cruisers, sport bikes, goldwing, dirtbikes etc. thought I would change it up and try making memories on a new bike.
Look forward to getting to know you all!
Jason
I have been lurking for a long time, and finally registered to participate in this community.
I am looking for any wisdom that can be imparted about Harley touring bikes, mechanical, riding, anything you all can think of.
A bit about me. 46, got my first bike when I was 8, NEVER been with out a bike, had/have Hondas, Kawi, Yammies,(even a Chaparral) cruisers, sport bikes, goldwing, dirtbikes etc. thought I would change it up and try making memories on a new bike.
Look forward to getting to know you all!
Jason
First and foremost, pics or it didn't happen.
As for tips and insights into the road glide, a few things to consider:
- Consider investing in some shocks. The stock shocks are universally known as being crappy, so look there first IMHO if you plan to invest in the bike. Öhlins, Legends, Pro Action or RWD are the most frequently cited shocks as top tier here. Lots of threads on the subject, though for whatever reason people get territorial and snarky when discussing shocks around here.
- IMHO the detachable tour pack is a nice mod. Gives your bike more flexibility.
- Get a sense from your service department how aggressive they'll be on voiding your warranty if you do some upgrades. Seems like some shops are more flexible than others. Some will void if you do anything other than screaming eagle upgrades to the exhaust system and engine. Others may allow you to keep your warranty if they install certain brands for slip-ons or air filter. Just make sure you're aware of your warranty when upgrading.
- Not sure if the 19s or 20s fixed the issue, but the 18 road glide clutch is incredibly stiff. Takes some getting used to.
- Looks like you've owned some big, heavy bikes (e.g., Goldwing) in the past. The Road Glide is clearly a heavy beast, so just make sure your skills handling a big bike are up to snuff. If not, check out the Ride Like a Pro training videos (available on youtube and can order them). Good investment for those riding big and heavy touring bikes.
And finally, have fun. Road glide is an awesome motorcycle.
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Omega2k5 (05-04-2020)
#17
#19
PS love the smart *** comment... I should have qualified it better LOL
#20
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DanHappy (05-05-2020)