The choice is yours!

 

I wouldn't be tossing money into a depreciating asset that is going to sit for months on end and then only be used sparingly.

Buy something used, I don't care what manufacturer it is. If you can find a used bagger in the 03 vintage in your price range buy it. Otherwise my suggestion is used, fuel injected and cheap.

I don't know how much seat time you have in Florida, but I find the old folks to be a hazard, the rice bike squids to be a menace, "Love Bugs" to be paint destroying creatures, and the whole state in general to be like a 10 year old girl... flat with no curves. Oh did I mention the heat? The traffic? More reasons to go water cooled rice bike, or a VROD.

 

Spend some time with dad! Why have the maint. and insurance RENT on when you want to ride!

 

I went to a Yamaha dealer last year and took one (1300) out for a 20 mile ride. When I got back for some reason I felt dirty. Not sure why since the bike is so smooth. Seemed un-American to me.

Seems strange that so many people feel that way, me included, that riding a harley is the ultimate expression of American freedom. I rode Jap bikes when I was young and didn't care but now it gives me pride to ride american.

Now if the car makers in this country could make you feel the same way .........

 

Send the kids to the Community College for the first two years. That'll give them time to get their prerequisites done at a much lower cost, save you money, and allow you get the bike you want. There are many good community colleges out there with transfer programs with universities. The kids can also get education loans and grants to pay the tuition themselves. This is a win-win. They go to school, you get the Harley and spend time with your Dad.

 

The choice is yours! Do what you want to do. I am sure you will make the best choice for you and your family. Good Luck

 

Rent is a great idea, you may not even like riding dn there w old cagers, please no offense since I'm considered one. Another thought is just to get an older metric for $1,500-3000 because resale is going to hurt in this economy on all bikes.

Best wishes for you and Dad, these things are always tough.

 

Do what you want,I have an 05 yamaha V-Star hardly ever ride it,figured I'd use it for work,but no way can't leave the Ultra in the garage(lol) once you ride a H.D. don't wanna ride anything else.Do what you think is right for you,don't listen to anyone else,thats just my opinion.

 

you seem to change your mind alot, 4 bikes in a yr and 1/2. so go visit pop and do some really hard thinkin about what ya want to ride down there. Then when you finally have a firm grasp on what ya what go visit pop and rent an Ultra. ride that baby 500 miles.
then when you go back to the buckeye you will be trashin yur brain on how to trade the RK in on a new Ultra!!!!

 

Used M50 easily had for 3k if shopping around. They are not great Florida bikes.