I would be embarassed to be seen on that ugly pile 'o' crap. Same with a Beemer,an even uglier pile 'o' crap. And about as exciting as golf.

My choice? The Harley.
My 2nd choice? The car.

 

Oh,and 1 more thing. I have had 46 bikes in my lifetime. 18 have been Harleys. None of my Harleys, and I owned some real POSs,ever left me stranded. Even my 41 UL that lost it's header pipe on the Jersey Turnpike got me home to Queens;fire belching out of the exhaust port. (was pretty cool!) The worst POS I ever owned was my Goldwing. Left me stranded no less than 4 times with running issues, starter issues, and even my frame started to crack. Useful for a boat anchor, but not much more.

 

... that can cook like a 5 Star Michelin chef, makes a rabbit look like a Puritan preacher and can suck a golf ball through a waterhose.

They are in another league for distance riding.

And I love my Road King Classic. But a Beemer for distance riding it ain't.

Tom

 

Yep. I started riding in 1966 and some of the "If It Ain't Harley It Is ****" posers you see around nowadays are laughable. Pathetic, but laughable.

Tom

 

My Harley is comfortable enough that my wife has fallen asleep too. The Harley definitely is the start of a lot more conversations with other people. It did have one minor issue during my recent trip in that the rear brake light switch failed. I was able to disconnect it and keep riding. It was amazing that it ran fine from about sea level and 112 degrees to Bear tooth Pass at about 11,000 feet and 40 degrees. It seems like the resale value on a Harley will be better. There has to be a reason for this. When I was younger I rode what I could afford (Japanese bikes) and loved it. Circumstances brought me to Harley and I can not say that I am disappointed with owning a piece of America. I saw a magazine article a few years ago in which a person made a motorcycle with a helicopter (jet turbine) engine. I am sure that the machine was both smooth and FAST, but it would not work for me.

I like the idea of renting and deciding.

 

How about the overall experience of going coast to coast on a Harley ? That's priceless. With all due respect if comfort to the umpteenth degree is the expectation take the car.

 

Been coast to coast on baggers 6 times in the early 90s
been back and forth to NYC from Wv on both Beemers and Harleys

On a road King Classic now
going to NYC next summer

What was the question??

 

I too am shocked at the objectivity(maturity) shown here with all this good advice. Yes even a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate would be my choice over a new wing, A Valk does have character, it's a wing on steroids.
I have a deposit(sold it) on my '99 Valk and demoed Harleys today(they were to quiet!!). I saw they are more 'spirited" than ever a few weeks ago, I am glad to say I am happy that I am moving on, my joints are just getting tired of strattling that engine. Any HD will need a Ultimate seat like I had, my better half is not happy with her position. I am leaning towards the RK classic in the tequila, a few tweaks and it will fit perfect. I'm really stoked because I did not it know it was in orange until today. The sad part is I am selling a ferrari and buying a cadillac, but the prices are backwards. My orange/black Valkyrie has got comments at the HD dealer bike shows, actually some guys took pictures today!
She said the RK classic was "me", out of their lineup also.

If I could keep 2 or she could handle the Valk I would never get rid of it.I never, because I regret getting rid of my 2 CBX's year's past.

Enjoy whichever, I wish I had both !!

2 of my "jap craps", built within walking distance of my house(I've never lived out of the US)

 

I went from a Goldwing to a Ultra. Much different bike but that was in 1990 and I have never gone back if that tells you anything. I would rent a HD for a day or two from the dealer and see if you like it.

 

Find another dealer - one that wants your long term business. Really best to rent one for a weekend of serious 2-up riding. My 09 Road King Classic (purchased with no test ride) is killing my back and shoulders. Have changed seat and handlebars multiple times, and still way short of something I want to ride for more than 10 miles. I bought a Honda VTX while I keep trying to work out a solution on the Harley.

I have no experience on the newer Gold Wings, but had 2 GREAT GL1500s. Wrecked one and traded the other in on the Harley.

I am NOT bad mouthing Harleys, rather my own stupidity in getting suckered into making a purchase without a real test ride. Hope you don'e make the same mistake...