My current ride is a Yamaha RSV. Yesterday I dropped it off at the Yamaha dealer to have the ignition switch replaced (common problem with the RSV), and while on the way back, my Uncle talked me into going by the HD Dealer. Well, I did. And while I was there I rode a 2005 Ultra Classic, Smokey/Gold color, ...............and I loved it! It handled so much better than my RSV. And once I got it out of idle, it was very smooth going down the highway. And power, WOW! It had something to do with Screamin Eagle? Don't know nothing about them, but that was one HD my Yamaha would not keep up with. And I doubt that a GoldWing would either. And of course, who doesn't like the sound of them. Anyway I'm considering trading my RSV for this HD. I don't want to step on anyone's toes or make anyone angry, but my bike is my daily driver. Its what I use to get back and forth to work. When I go on vacation, I throw some cloths in the bags, on the bike and go. In other words its my primary means of transportation. The only thing that keeps me off my bike is ice/snow. Rain........Well, as you all know, if you ride, you're gonna get wet sometime. Everything mechanical has its quirks. Ignition switches on the RSV for example. Its not if it goes bad, its when it goes bad. But after 40,000 miles in two years of trouble free riding, I'm not going to gripe too much. The question I have is, with regular service and maintainance (taking care of it), can I get 15 to 20 thousand miles per year on an HD and 100 thousand plus lifetime miles without having major problems (motor blowup, etc.). I can't take my Uncle's word for it cause he never buys anything he don't work on (or tear up). He could buy a 2011 Cadillac Escalade and by the next morning, it would be tore apart in his front yard (ya know the type). He can't help it, he just has to know how things work. There is no better place to get info than on the forum. You people ride everday, so your input and experience is priceless. Oh, and by the way the sales people were GREAT!

Thanks,

SugsPa

 

I was worried about the same thing. I learned most HD problems are self inflicted if you get it and ride it will last alot longer. You start making a bunch of changes i.e. stage one, mufflers, cams, you start having problems. I have had my bike for 2 years and its like a daily rider and even all winter, knock on wood no problems and I have 15K on it now. The engine management systems with the o2 sensors and the other extras have made a world of difference in reliability. Oh btw I once saw a 1998 RKC with a 95" kick a Goldwing's a$$ in a street race.

 

You can ride them a lot and they are reliable as daily transportation. 100k plus no problem