Honda Vs. Harley

[Jack772]

I just sold my 05 Harley Sportster but I still have my 05 1100 Shadow Spirit.
I am getting up in years and I don't need two bikes.
I let my son talk me into getting the Harley. I have been riding since 1966 and had a number of bikes. I spent more money on the Harley than all of my other bikes put together for parts and repairs. My Honda is a low maintenance bike compared to the Harley. It is also quieter and smoother.
Just sounding off.
Jack

[93gc40]

Same here... Harley is Great for the Sunday afternoon cruise. The rest of the week its me and my Shadow.

[vt500guy]

I wouldnt mind a nice Harley, always had a thing for sporties.

But, I cant complain about shadow. Just an awesome ride

[craig s.]

each brand has their perks..id love to own a harley electra glide,or heritage softail or a bagger one day because i love the beefy bikes..i really wish they were water cooled though,but after thinking about it,ive never had any problems with dirt bikes that were air cooled and i rode in mud all day in 80+ degree weather..ive never heard any one that i know who owns a h.d say theyre bike has ever overheated...
i do also love the low maintenance of my shadow,but what exactly makes a harley higher maintenance bike?
one day i would love to have a vtx1300 r or s model too...

[jimnfor]

The 'amount' of maintenance on a HD isn't more, but the cost can be. Brand recognition comes with a price and HD owners will pay that price.
The newer HDs have what is called 'parade mode', the front cylinder shuts down when the throttle is twisted forward slightly at start-up. Also known as 'Shriner mode'. This eliminates any overheating concerns.

[craig s.]

Originally Posted by jimnfor

The 'amount' of maintenance on a HD isn't more, but the cost can be. Brand recognition comes with a price and HD owners will pay that price.
The newer HDs have what is called 'parade mode', the front cylinder shuts down when the throttle is twisted forward slightly at start-up. Also known as 'Shriner mode'. This eliminates any overheating concerns.

yes that is true..for 1 qt of harley davidson name brand oil, h.d charged a 14$ i know it took at least 3-4qts..i mentioned to a buddy to do it himself,he said naww..ill pay to let them change the oil..150$ for oil change/filter and adjust if needed primary belt. his front tire i believe is the same size as mine,100/90/19,,i told him you dont have to buy the same tire,you can buy other brands cheaper,,nope..had to say h.d on the tire. gotta love that harley davidson brand name parts..lol

[CrazyDave]

I ride when I can, on what I have and am thankful..don"t care what anyone thinks about my Honda, don't care what anyone thinks about ,me.

[dwd1966]

I think you get more bike for the bucks with a Honda. I tried out a Road King, and ended up settling for an older Shadow. Partly because I'm a cheap ass and don't like financing anything, and then becuase the shadow didn't cause my hands to go sleep from all the vibration!

[JBourquin]

Maintenance costs aren't any higher for a Harley if you do it yourself. Take it to the dealer and yeah, you're gonna pay out the a$$. Took my Heritage for the first oil change/inspection after I bought it, they wouldn't give it back till I paid $305. I just about $hit myself. Now that I've got a garage again, I do all my own maintenance work. Oil costs the same at Auto Zone or Advance.. They don't care what it goes in..

[MikesACE]

Originally Posted by dwd1966

I think you get more bike for the bucks with a Honda. I tried out a Road King, and ended up settling for an older Shadow. Partly because I'm a cheap ass and don't like financing anything, and then becuase the shadow didn't cause my hands to go sleep from all the vibration!

I'm not sure where you get "more" bike for your buck. Whay exactly are you comparing?

As far as financing, not everyone has to, really depends on your finances. I paid in full on delivery.

You also obviously have never ridden a Softail. The engines are solid mounted but are Counter Balanced. Not a single vibration. Road Kings are rubber mounted and shake like there's no tommorow at idle but smooth out when riding.

I rode my 1998 Shadow Ace from 2002-2006 and depending on how long I rode I had to shake my throttle hand once in a while. Not complaining but just the way it is I guess.


Mike
NY