Tried posting this earlier but it timed out or something. Anyway, 3rd attempt-apologies if the earlier ones show up too.
I'm thinking about getting a Harley, and went to my cousin, who's been riding since he could walk, for some advice. Now I'm coming to the board for a second opinion on what he told me.
Basically, he told me (with no ifs, ands or buts) to get a road king classic. His reasons (1) I'm 27 and the bike looks freaking cool, esp. with the windshield popped off (2) it is also practical for a long cruise, since it rides well and has the leather bags to stuff a jacket or a change of clothes in, and it has the windshield to pop on for a longer bug killing cruise, especially for late season rides when the weather is cooler and you don't want to get beaten up by freezing winds, etc... I need a bike that is enjoyable to ride for several hours, as I live in NYC and to get to any good riding, I'm going to be on it for at least an hour. (he repeatedly told me that "you can ride that bike at 100mph for 3 hours straight with no problems-buy one and you'll put 10k miles on it this summer");(3) it is respected as a nice bike by nearly all harley circles (in his words, it works for the cruisers and the bar-hoppers), in a way that sportsters aren't; (4) Nobody regrets going big early-why upgrade later; (5) the bike holds its value like most harleys, but is probably the easiest Harley to sell quickly should the need arise; (6) at my size 6'1", its a bike I could handle without a problem but also not one that would leave me feeling cramped (he didn't think that a lowrider would be a good fit for my frame) (7) Chicks dig it; (8) If he had to get down to one bike (he currently has a softtail and a full dress cruiser) he'd get an RKC.
First, any comments from Harley guys on the above would be welcome.
Second, what is the community like? I'm pretty new to bikes, and don't want to be looked at as a city boy yuppie poser. On that note, any tips on etiquette, or a good source for it, would be appreciated.
I'm thinking about getting a Harley, and went to my cousin, who's been riding since he could walk, for some advice. Now I'm coming to the board for a second opinion on what he told me.
Basically, he told me (with no ifs, ands or buts) to get a road king classic. His reasons (1) I'm 27 and the bike looks freaking cool, esp. with the windshield popped off (2) it is also practical for a long cruise, since it rides well and has the leather bags to stuff a jacket or a change of clothes in, and it has the windshield to pop on for a longer bug killing cruise, especially for late season rides when the weather is cooler and you don't want to get beaten up by freezing winds, etc... I need a bike that is enjoyable to ride for several hours, as I live in NYC and to get to any good riding, I'm going to be on it for at least an hour. (he repeatedly told me that "you can ride that bike at 100mph for 3 hours straight with no problems-buy one and you'll put 10k miles on it this summer");(3) it is respected as a nice bike by nearly all harley circles (in his words, it works for the cruisers and the bar-hoppers), in a way that sportsters aren't; (4) Nobody regrets going big early-why upgrade later; (5) the bike holds its value like most harleys, but is probably the easiest Harley to sell quickly should the need arise; (6) at my size 6'1", its a bike I could handle without a problem but also not one that would leave me feeling cramped (he didn't think that a lowrider would be a good fit for my frame) (7) Chicks dig it; (8) If he had to get down to one bike (he currently has a softtail and a full dress cruiser) he'd get an RKC.
First, any comments from Harley guys on the above would be welcome.
Second, what is the community like? I'm pretty new to bikes, and don't want to be looked at as a city boy yuppie poser. On that note, any tips on etiquette, or a good source for it, would be appreciated.
