John, as has been posted by all of these wonderful experts in the HD world, it’s all about what makes you happy. Want a great looking bike that should get you 100k miles or more, stay stock. Want to personalize (the bug will hit you very soon after buying) just start looking at other Harley’s and making a list. I have never seen an ugly Harley, from Sporty’s on up, they are all great to me. I ride a tour bike because it’s what I like. I also like sleepers, so while my plain white 98 EVO Road Kind Police bike (lazy boy on steroids) may cruise by you at 80mph on the freeway, don’t chase me. Triple digits are my drug of choice. Now go look at resale values and tell me what you see. You will never second guess yourself on a Harley. I wear this strange thing on my face anytime I throw a leg over, it’s called a smile. Keeps ya young too…

 

Nothing i own is stock but as long as you just don't buy the first piece part for the bike you will be ok but if you buy one part you will be hooked. But as far as ride i will ride fine. But in my opinion let them pony's out.

 

Thanks for the responses! I have been reading here for a while now and just never saw any complaints or praises for stock bikes. I already made a list that totaled about $1000 that would make my ride mine, but none for performance or noise, just fit and comfort. John

 

Well there you go, sounds like you’ve figured out your answer to me. Stock normally equals reliability. But that won’t last long, you’ll end up a performance or personalize junkie soon enough. Enjoy your new bike and remember to smile, a lot..

 

As i stated earlier my RK is 100% stock and I really enjoy it, however I have been reading this forum for a while and have some ideas for modifications. You have so many options on performance and this site will educate you on all of them.
Stage 1,2,3
big bore
PIII
sert
exhaust
cams
maps
heads
etc......

 

No they don't run bad. If you like it that way it'll be fine. Road mine that way for a year.

 

No problem with stock. My last bike was modified with Rhinehart pipes,cam, single fire ignition,headwork, etc. It was pretty loud for a dresser. After a full day or two of touring my ears were ringing. I decided that I was going to try my new bike stock (except for a few decorations). I love it. I ride down the road and hear my XM radio with out distortion, my ears don't ring. I ride with a buch of guys that have modified bikes. It doesn't matter to them if I make as much noise as they do. I am over my hot rodding days (at least for now). I can easily cruise two up at 80 +MPH. So don't thik you have to modify just to be cool. Straddle that HD and have a ball.

 

John,
I think it all depends on your personality. I have an RK that ran perfect right off the floor. I remember the dealer trying to sell me mods, and wanting nothing to do with it. I had told myself, I said "self, why would you want to mess up a perfectly running bike". When my mom was still wiping my butt I would take apart a rattle to see what makes the noise. The promise didn't last long. I have had the bike under a year and have done a stage 1 (exhaust,air,SERT), dropped the *** end, lots of chrome, new handlebars, braided cables, and I will have to look at my checkbook to see what else. I don't really know why. I was completely satisfied with my stock bike, especially as it was my first Harley. Anyway, my $.02 would be to get a HD, and do, or don't do, whatever makes YOU happy.