renting is the best ideal thats how i choose my rg i used to own a sabre 1100 back

in 2001 geat bike but the harleys are true classics-ride safe

 

I love my roadking, by far my favorite bike that I ever owned, but I am afraid that you are mistaken on the torque thing. My roadking is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to torque and power compared to my other bikes, maybe it makes the torque at a lower RPM than the other bikes, but it is on the low end of the competition. Even a built HD is only just catching up to the competition, CC vs CC, unless you are dropping another 10k on engine mods. My RK is upgraded to a 103, from a 96.

My RK is fast enough to beat 90% of the cagers, and more than fast enough to get me in trouble. Whenever I miss the speed, which is very rare because the RK is just such a nice ride, I just hop on the Busa.

 

I have to call BS on that one! I owned a VTX 1800F and a 1300R at the same time. The 1300 IN STOCK TRIM was as fast as any stock 96" harley out there! The 1800 would outrun ANY stock HD, including a V rod with power to spare. After i gave the 1800 a $5K trip through a HP engine shop, the only HD that ran with it was a turbocharged V rod. The reason I switched to Harley never was the horsepower or reliability, but the chasis! The F model was more like a crotch rocket than a touring bike and the gear diiven final drive could un nerve you REAL fast if you grabbed a handfull while you had her leaned way over, plus it was far too stiff. Add to that I'm gettin old and it takes FAR too long to heal! It was time to slow down and enjoy the ride. Would I go back? NO!!!! Harleys just plain ride better and ANY idiot with a little bit of mechanical ability can keep em running. Not so with the VTX! They're a REAL pain to work on! My 09 Ultra does just fine stock, even when riding 2 up and pulling a trailer. Need a little more in the mountains? That's what a transmission is made for!

 

How can you not ride a Harley Davidson ?????????

 

I've owned many bikes, GW included. Honda makes great stuff! The problems that you mention above are a surprise to me. You will know right away if the soul of a HD Touring machine is for you. After riding my 07 flhtcu for 15k miles I would have to say that there is no comparison. You will need to do the upgrades to get your HD to run up to its potential. Paying the price for a CVO is a bit extravagant to say the least. Good luck in your decision and ride safe!

 

My last street bike was a KZ1000...but that was 25 years ago. However, I have not forgotten the "spirit" that bike had. Now, at 52 I couldn't be happier with the EGC. It has plenty of power(no wheelies) and comfort in stock form. The wife likes it too and she was with me when we had the KZ(I think she was a little scared of it). We're gonna ride this baby 'til we can't.

 

I seldom post on this board (don't even have a Harley at this time) but I read it every day. I have to say this has been one of the better threads I've read. Lots of coments about Hondas and Harleys and they have all been civil...nice change from what happens sometimes. This is a Harley board but its nice to see good comments made about other brands (heck almost all started out on metric bikes). I've owned 2 1800 Wings and really like them. Tons of power and are all round good bikes but not evereyones cup of tea for any number of reasons. I don't own a Ultra but have a fiiend with one which I have ridden many times. It to is a fine bike and I couldn't say one is better or worse than the other. All comes down to what you like best. Nice thing about the Harley is that you can rent one for a day or week and see how it fits.

Gary

 

the goldwings which i've ridden, are great touring bikes of course. as are many other non harley machines. problem is that they've got no soul, no character, and then comes the issue that you gotta bungee a garfield to the back of the tour pack. now a harley on the other hand, they rock. they're the real deal, the 100% real deal. they got soul that nothing else can hold a candle to. and comraderie too. wherever you go, harleys are admired. how often do you see a goldwing, or honda sticker in the back window of a chevy pickup? lots of t shirts and window stickers out there, and the cool ones say "harley davidson" after having owned over forty different bikes, six of them being harleys, i now and will till i can't no more, ride a harley. quality and parts availability forever. try that with a 02 goldwing.

 

All I can say is. You will get there faster on a metric bike. But you will arrive in style on your Harley. If you want speed buy a metric bike. If you want class buy a Harley.

 

9 years and over 92k miles on a Honda Valkyrie before buying a new
'08 R/G.........No need to compare hp / tq between the 2 bikes, as I
no longer crave rolling burn-outs and second gear wheelies.

Totally happy with the stock motor.........as I'm never in a hurry
while riding the bike.....kick back, sit back, and enjoy the ride.