Quote:
Originally Posted by mac459
I'm looking into getting a Harley or a Victory..I know enough about Victory to be comfortable buying one..I don't know that much about Harley tho..what bikes are good..what years are good..what should I avoid..I think the Electra Glides look sweet but I want to be sure they aren't breakdown prone or uncomfortable
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an AIDS old question (see what I did there?).
I think both brands are excellent choices. Harley has come a long way from the AFM, rattle-bucket, oil dripping days. I think, In my opinion, they have finally shaken that stigma.
Victories, I think took a cue from Harley in terms of capitalizing on some of HD's issues (perceived, or not), and offering a huge alternative to the HD brand.
Both companies have continued to become even stronger over the last 15-20 years IMO.
THe other part of your quest, is what type of riding do you plan on doing. I've told my friends who were interested in bikes to ask themselves that question honestly. It was mostly given as advice for them when they asked what kind of sportbike to get; or 'is 600cc's enough" etc. But the question still remains.
Do you want to go on long prolonged rides? Do you want to ride 2-up very frequently? How often do you plan on riding? How much do you want to spend? Will you ride it enough to justify the cost? etc.
I LOVE the Street Glides. I will most definitely own one within probably 6-7 years. But right now, due to time constraints and other things, I couldn't justify the cost yet. So that's why I went with the 72...well, that, and I was planning on bobbing out something eventually, but this is like a poor-man's bobber. And also, it's perfect for me right now. something to bomb around town on. and still be able to get out of town on, and it's killer looking.
The key is to be honest with that question. Otherwise you end up with something that's more than you wanted to spend compared to riding it; or you might discover you don't like riding as much as you thought etc.
Honestly, the two manufacturers are so close and compete so vigorously for market share, that either brand will leave you more than happy IMO. Victory might have been one of the better things o happen to HD; that and the EVO motor.
as far as reliability, both will ride forever. I wouldn't hesitate in buying a 30K+ mile bike with the right maintenance history.
Stop by this thread; that's what it's here for.
