My Harley has a whopping 67 horsepower, is 17 years old, is basically the cause of a global chrome shortage, handles like a rhino, has a windshield and the foot boards hit the asphalt when doing roundabouts. So technically it's a dinosaur, but what do I love that bike. I've ridden Ninjas, CBR's, BMW's and plenty more, but none made me feel the same way. With none of the other bikes did I get such a big smile on my face (except going way too fast on a sports bike) like with this one. I've had this one for 2 months now and I've never gotten so many thumbs up at a traffic light. If I drop off my daughter at school with it the 10 and 11 year old boys gather to gaze at it. And that's probably the best measurement. It's not cool or high tech, but it does induce a feeling that other bikes lack.
Harley Livewire also seems to have that effect. Big smile inducer when riding and EVERYONE wants to look closer and ask questions. Especially the younger kids raised on tech.
I ride a 92 48 with the 1200 kit I will never go back to riding crotch rockets the way my Harley moves off the line puts a bigger smile on my face than my 05 cbr 600
I’m 53 and finally bought a Harley. A 98 Electra glide with a carbed evo, 39k miles, very very good condition. It has a 79 vetter terraplane sidecar on it, my dog loves it!
People like to knock on Harleys but there was no better way of spending time with my father, its how I got to know him really. You just don't see fathers and sons bonding over other motorcycles like you do with Harleys. I'm sure there is a father son sportbike duo out there somewhere you just don't see them often.
Enjoyed this video! Being 69 years old, my only Motorcycle is my 1983 Harley Davidson FXWG. Bought brand new. It survived my tour in Japan 1987-89 and the Philippines 1989-92. It survived Pinatubo and It is my reliable steed.
Just started passed my msf at the end of January and started riding my 2022 Rebel 1100 manual in February. Car died a week after passing the msf. Since then I've put over 10k miles on the Rebel. Rain mode until 3.5k miles, swapped from standard to sport at 8.5k miles. Did several "upgrades" to the bike to get better exhaust note and make the bike more comfortable to ride. Still plan on doing a few more things when I can. On 7-8-22, I went and picked up a 2022 Road Glide Standard. I just hit 1k miles on it yesterday. Brought it to a shop with excellent reviews in Willis TX for it's initial service. So far, I absolutely love it. Just like the Rebel, there are things I want to upgrade and change. I am so glad I started watching y'alls videos. They have helped a lot to learn and get a few chuckles. Thanks for the great content and keep it up. On a side note, I am but a humble local truck driver out of Houston. I don't make dentist money, just bad financial decisions. 😅
Just got into a second hand fat boy. I’m a sucker for cruisers so I’m kind of bias. But good lord, you almost look for store fronts to drive by so you can see the reflection
I have a 2010 sportster 48 and honestly its a pretty fun bike to bop around on. Is it the best bike in the world? No of course not but its still pretty fun and looks cool.
I love mine! It’s my first bike. I am about to buy a GSX R750 to have something a little more nimble and easy to move around on, but I’m keeping the Harley! Love it.
I got my first bike back in February and I don't care if it's a 20-year-old, 67-horsepower pachyderm of a Dyna. I have tons of fun on my 88ci twin cam and I love the look of it
I'm over 50 and have never had the desire to cosplay as a pirate. The over 50 crowd splits into ADV dads and Harley pirates. Never the two shall meet. ADV dad 4 LIFE!
I think once you hit 50ish, its inevitable to add a Harley to your collection. My rides started in '85 with my Kenny Roberts RZ350. For all you youngings, that was a street legal two-stroke rocket.
My stepdad always tells me of his RZ350 only motorcycle he bought new . Had a few accidents on it , one almost killed him . Would love to pick one up one day .
I have a 2022 Low Rider S. I had been debating selling it but I recently fell in love with it again. I’m happy to have a 2020 Speed Triple RS for performance though.
I just got a 22 low rider s a month ago been loving it, but I feel like In the future ima def get another naked bike so I can ride that around for fun when I don’t feel like taking out the low rider s
I test rode many of the newest HD models the sportster s and the low rider s were my 2 favs based on looks and performance but I really enjoyed the new heritage feel and looks hated the road king and the other big touring bikes but those 3 were great I just couldn't spend the money on none of it but also the sportster s begged for hooligan behavior with how the torque feels on that thing it was a little rocket I needed off of it before I broke every law possible during my test ride lol
I got a used 2009 XR1200 as my second bike after talking myself out of an Indian FTR because of its retail price. I recall feeling like a kid turning on that XR and taking it down some local streets. Put close to 5,000 miles on mine since purchasing it in April. Funny thing is I never envisioned myself owning a Harley when I got into riding three years ago and I'm still very happy with my SCR950 as my daily. You just find the right one for you!
Still have my 1995 Harley fxstsb springer softail. Shares the garage with my 04 GSXR750 and my Ktm 690 enduro r. One thing I’ve noticed is for some reason when I ride the Harley to bike shows I always get a better parking spot 😳
I've got 3 sportsters. Perfect for riding around town. My 2019 Iron is rawhide denim and everytime I park it out somewhere a few people comment about how nice it looks. I've got a 91 bmw k100 that absolutely torches most of my friends that ride big Harleys out on the highway, but I don't enjoy riding it just bopping around town like any of my sportsters and it doesn't get the compliments as my 883 Iron.
Picked up a street bob this summer. Absolutely love the thing. The ride is comfortable and has plenty of power for my style, handles the corners better than any cruiser I've ever ridden, and fits that stripped down look I like. I hate the chrome look, so it fit the bill.
Got a low miles 2018 with a stage 1, bars, Springer seat this summer, just love it, looking at the cam that will give it 111HP bolt in, doesn't really need it tho. Our other bike 05 TC88, so the Street bob is my hop on and go, GSXR 3rd bike, but almost 50 and that ride position, tough on neck..anyways, love the Streetbob!
After 2 sportsters I bobbed and a softail springer, I went back to a vfr 800, then a v-strom (not an adv dad, I found), an fz1, and finally settled in on an fz09. Mid life crisis, maybe... but I don't see myself ever going back to a HD. If I get too old to flick into the corners and hoon the occasional nooner its probably time to call it quits.
i have a 2020 low rider s. Great platform, painted mine pruple. went stage one. got a two up saddleman and sissy bar in the back.risers led lighting etc Got a fatbob rear shock on the cheap off ebay and adjusted it a little stiffer and she goes well. Will never turn like my fz 09 but petering out at 120 mph has saved me from speeding tickets and has changed the way i ride for the better in terms of safety. Totally changed my whole view on cruisers. Might get a ftm 890 adv r when i move out of the US for some eastern euro touring
Got a super glide custom 1½-2 months ago (had my license for a month) love this thing! Got my license on some adventure bike, was fun but i like the cruisers better. Do admited my experiences with different bikes are limited, "the best" and "fun" is not always the same. Get what makes you happy! 2l dirt bike or 125cc sports bike, it's your ride! Ride safe!
I have a 2016 FXDLS... I am not old either. 33 years old. I have only ever owned it and one 883 in my life. I have no interest in street bikes or going 180mph through traffic. Doesn't matter what bike you have, as long as you are riding and having fun.
Saw a dude with a dirty moustache, even dirtier mullet, and a pair of neon watermelon themed Pit Vipers. His Harley, complete with chrome ape hangers, was also painted with neon pink accents. I gave him a thumbs up, he nods and pulls out the vape he was sitting on, and takes a huge haul. Couldn't have been older than 25. Wow
Really considering trading my 2011 dyna street bob for the new low rider st. Would look amazing parked next to my z900 in the garage, which gets hardly a second glance from people compared to the dyna.
for Harleys anything between 1970 and 1981 is pretty much worthless on the 2nd hand market so if you don't mind carbs, and hipsters you can get an AMF era bike, aside from having the coolest ride at bike night you also will never have to worry about leg day again because most of those bikes are kick start and never fire up first try.
lol......Great video! I just discovered your channel and at 75 years old, I'm still riding. You hit the nail on the head describing the HD bikes and riders. I've always owned metric bikes and these days, my ride is a Honda Valkyrie 1500C f6 standard... Thanks for posting..
I got the Nighster 975, I love it. Started from a Ninja 400 and wanted to try a bigger bike (I'm 6'1" with lanky legs) and my HD fit the bill. I've thought about Rebels and Vulcans but the sizes wouldn't work out. Rebel was too small for me and the Vulcan was too long for my garage. And all the other HDs I wasn't too big a fan of, either they were air cooled or too heavy. Then they HD came out with the Nightster and it fit all my wants. It had mid controls, it fit my small garage spot, it makes good power, it wasn't air cooled, and only weighed iirc 80lbs more than a Ninja. Its nimble, quick, I feel like I fit on the bike, it was awesome after taking it on the test ride. The only downside really for me besides price is wind buffeting, lack of cruise control, and aftermarket (it's new so I'm just waiting for it to build up).
Oh, it is probably an excellent bike and looks great too if you are into a modern style cruisers (I know I am, I love the way it looks). But the price puts it into a weird spot in a world where Indian Scout and Honda Rebel 1100 exists. If you want a touch more heritage styling while having a modern engine the Scout is spot on perfect. Or if you want to go full on modern styling and tech the Rebel is overall a better deal than Nightster. As far as specs go the only thing Nightster has going for over Rebel is the HD badge, Vtwin engine and eenyweeny bit bigger/longer physically. That said if I ever get to drive one maybe my stance changes.
@@MaaZeus oh no doubt it’s fun. I took that little baby on a 15 minute test ride and I fell in love. With that said, the MT-07 or kawi Z900RS or even the Honda CB650R all come in at a lower price point, but the nightster has a damn fine American V-twin. Merica lol
I went with the Sportster S for my first Harley, it was announced two days before I was going to put money down on the Honda Rebel. No regret at all. I am definitely not keeping the miles down for resale.
@@michaelconran5252 Well I am not having sex with the wife right now. I am trying to keep the rider time low so she is more valuable with her next husband.
@@MrEiniweini or, get her to ride. My wife rides, she had been riding her whole adult life. We dated in HS and get back together after 30 years. She actually bought me my first Harley when we got back together. This is what she said, " If I buy you a Harley, will you ride with me?" Of course I said yes. Up to them I was a dual sport guy. Definite keeper.
@@michaelconran5252 In truth, lucky you. My response was just the joke about not putting miles on it so someone else can enjoy that everything is tight and pristine. However you are right, your wife sounds like a keeper.
I have a 91 Katana 750 in the process of rebuilding, 76 TS100, and a 14 GSXR 750. My girl hates riding on all of them, so I’ll be looking at getting a Road King here soon lol
Yamster, just curious, but have you actually rode one of the touring frame Harleys? (Road Glide, Street Glide, Road King). I feel like I've watched quite a bit of your content but there is nothing like actually swinging a leg over a bike to really make a good list like this. I think if you spent some time on a Road Glide (for example) you'll understand the appeal of crushing miles on one.
I absolutely love my Night Train… such a badazz “real bike”. It’s not as fast or doesn’t handle anywhere near as good as my Scrambler Icon but I could care less.. It’s still a lot of fun to ride and gets a lot of attention. Chicks dig it. It handles good enough and I generally don’t need to be ripping around more than 80mph… it’s all about the ride and if you like cruisers it’s hard to beat the feel you get from a Harley. Ride what resonates with you most and gives you the most pleasure… we all like different things
I've always loved the look and the sound of a Harley although I've never owned one. I just sold my last "real bike" a couple of months ago, ... a '88 Katana 1100, ... and if I ever get another bike it's probably going to be something real small, although a midsize like the 650 Interceptor would be something I'd think about.
Not a lifetime HD rider but have had at least one in my garage since 1988 alongside other brand and types to scratch other itches. Just traded a 2019 Heritage Special in on a 2022 Pan America Special. I agree with you 💯 percent this bike is the future of HDs continued existence and success.
As a 30 year old Harley guy, I actually agree with the placement of most of the bikes on the list however I do think a dyna would've been a better addition over the lowrider. The dyna line is the bike that bridges the gap between a sportster and the big bikes.
Honestly for those willing to forego new, the Sportster Roadster is essentially a 48 with drag bars, inverted forks, dual front disc, etc. Significantly better front end performance for essentially the same price used. And FWIW, id definitely consider trading my '17 Road King Special 107 for a PanAm. Well, either that or snag an old TL1000 or SV1000 to rustle my jimmies.
yes Noob youre correct!!!! thats how we do it, telling everybody how great a dyna is and that they should get a dyna because a dyna is the best harley!
I was struggling with the same issue. As someone who's owned both, I think you'll be happy either way. With that said, Harleys have been reliable the last few decades. It was the 80s and 90s that were atrocious. I've had zero problems on my 08 Dyna and racked up a ton of miles. They also hold their value better than metric (could get over $10k still for mine) and the dealer network in north America is unparalleled. But the metrics have some great bikes as well. I love what Honda and Kawasaki have been doing making them more sport oriented.
The Nightster has my attention but the price is definitely enough to make you have second thoughts. And by second thoughts I mean laugh and go buy something from the competition.
1999-2003 Sportster 1200s can be found for around $3k all over 87-early 90s stockish FXRs for $4000-$7000 99 - 08 Road Kings for $6k -$9k There will always be a premium for Road Glides but rarer evo motor Tour Glides will do the same thing for $4000-7000 just slower and more dependably. Yes you can save some money by buying a used Honda VTX, Kawi Vulcan, Yama Star but why bother when for $1000-2000 more you can get something that you can offload anytime for a +/- $500 gain or loss and have a huge support system. Some boomer has aged out and will sell you their prized possession for cheap. Ride whatever makes you happy. Im glad I got over my hate of Harley.
Papa yam I wanna get a Ducati Hyper Motard 950 for my first street bike. I think it’s going to be pretty quick. But I’m ready for that Ducati Biscoti Squid life! Then I’ll get the H2 and mod it with fuel setup and turn that BOOOOOST up to 30psi….
Im 19 and I find Harley Davidson motors appealing than the rouser ormodern looking ones and I dunno why. I dont even ride or knowlegeable about motorbikes but I find the design fancy and sexy.
I must be de-evolving; I had a 90 Fatboy and a 2000 Road King, riding in a t-shirt, jeans, boots and gloves but no helmet. Now I have a 2019 Africa Twin and a 84 BMW R80st, riding in a full armor suit, boots, gloves and a full face helmet.
Street bob has stupid bars, mufflers, mid controls so I changed everything.. 0-60 time 3.5 seconds.. and I love all bikes . my fastest.. 2007 yzfr6 before they went to the smaller throttle bodies. 3.2 60... 6.2 100.. and I loved my drz 400.
No Fat Boy? Most iconic bike in the line-up. I own one and it's a fantastic looking bike. You don't buy Harley for the tech, there's way better handling/performing/driving bikes out there but the feeling the FatBoy gives me is unmatched.
I hear you about age and related bike type. Left ultra sports bike behind for adventure tourers - maybe next bike will be a HD, but I’ve said that before.
My last Japanese bike was an 82 Suzuki 750. I had about 10,000 miles on it when it developed a fuel leak and caught fire. It was fast for it’s day and, important for me, a comfortable bike for long days in the saddle. I had a couple of close calls riding fast in the mountains and having a wife and daughter, decided I needed to slow down. I after not riding for awhile I bought a new 1200 Sportster in 1994. I really liked that bike for just short day rides. The suspensions was crap, so I upgraded the fork springs and shocks. It had plenty of performance for my needs and I could carry my wife easily, and hardly notice the extra weight. It turned out to be fairly cheap to own. On slower rides I could get 50 mpg or more. The front tire lasted 20,000 miles and the rear, 10,000. I sold it with 60,000 miles on it and it had the original belt. No replacing chains every 10,000 or so. The only thing I didn’t like was the comfort. The pegs were just far enough forward that all you weight was on your butt. The only mechanical problems I had were a blown exhaust gasket and and leaking intake casket. All in all, probably the cheapest bike I’ e owned as far as upkeep and repairs, and it was easy for a non mechanical person like me to do some of the work myself. After the Sportster I bought a 2007 Nightrod Special. Now that bike I could ride all day. It, on the other hand was not cheap to own. Even the front tire went fast. The belt picked up a stone at 5,000 miles and had to be replaced. I was expecting about 40 mpg but could maybe get 34 on a slower ride with a group, but 30 was more the average. We won’t talk about handling. With that 240 rear tire it was work on tight roads. But, still, I did like that bike.
Yammie am i a real Harley guy. My bike is a 2005 and has only ever had genuine Harley parts including batteries,tires and oil. Titrs are Dunlop's the only motorcycle tire made in America
Different folks have different riding styles and preferences. For me, the Pan America is the only H-D I would consider. Had they come out with it about 3 years ago when I was looking for a bike to replace my Concours 14, I probably would have bought one. Got a Versys 1000 SE LT+ instead.
Ironically enough I've been taking an interest in HD lately as a possible first bike (probably just Spite low key brainwashing me on this channel) but man those prices REALLY do turn me away. The Nightster in that Redline Red looks exactly like my style but being $4200+ more than an R7 (before fees) really keeps me at bay. I'd love to see a video of the channel's opinion on the Nightster if y'all could get your hands on one.
@@JA-zh5xi I’m not sure how the liquid cooled bikes will hold up. I recently sold my Nightrod Special and it did not hold value like the air-cooled bikes. Got $4500 for it.
Before you decide anything I highly suggest going to a HD dealership when they have a free test ride day and try one out. I mean really you can go any day and go test ride for free but then the sales guy is gonna be on your ass for hours. Just go when they have a mass free test ride day and try out as many bikes as you want with no hassle. That way you can make your own opinions and ride it more than once if you need.
Once you see the difference in insurance premiums you'll realize it makes more sense to purchase out right rather than finance. Those numbers may be enough to steer you to a metric option
