Test Driving

During our stay-cation, I visited 4 Harley-Davidson Stores; (1)Perry HD in Kalamazoo and (2) Battle Creek HD in Michigan, as well as (3) Signature 1 HD in Perrytown, OH (Toledo subburb) and (4) Toledo HD in Toledo, OH.

 

Being a new rider, while I am not looking to purchase a motorcycle this or next riding season, I am trying to do my homework now, in order to have a better idea what I may look at once I move up to my next motorcycle in the future.  I currently drive a 1999 Honda Shadow 600 (picture below), which has been a great beginners bike and is great for driving to/from work on good weather days.  Being a 'smaller' bike, a couple cons of the bike include that I really have to put more throttle to keep it at 65-75 mph to keep pace and you feel every little bump in the road.  Looking back, I wish I would have taken my wife's advice and gone with the 750cc, but I am absolutely happy with this bike as my first one.  I would highly recommend anyone looking to get into biking to consider this bike as a great starter bike.

Displacement: 583.0 cc; 39.0 HP; 6500 RPM; 4 speed transmission

Weighs 438.7 lbs and holds 2.91 gals of gas (gets me about 70-80 miles on a tank)

While at Battle Creek HD, I test drove 3 motorcycles.

HD- Street Bob

Displacement: 1868cc; 94 HP; 5020 RPM; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 114 engine

Weighs 674 lbs and holds 3.6 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts: The throttle was a little jerky/sensitive, and was not a fan of the mid-position controls and seat position.  Of the 6 bikes I rode this week, this was probably my least favorite.

HD- Heritage Classic

Displacement: 1753cc; 119 ft/lbs @ 3000 rpm; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 114 engine

Weighs 728 lbs and holds 5 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts: I rode this bike twice--see under Toledo.

HD- Street Glide

Displacement: 1746cc; 111 ft/lbs @ 3250 rpm; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 107 engine

Weighs 828 lbs and holds 6 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts: I was intimidate about even thinking about getting this bike...its honestly a bigger bike.  Unfortunately, due to rain my ride was cut short (I only rode it fora bout 50-75 yards).  I will for sure plan on test driving again.   My initial thoughts were was that I liked it.  Its for sure a bigger bike, but does not feel like a bigger bike.  

While at Toledo HD, I test drove 3 motorcycles.

HD- Fat Bob

Displacement: 1868cc; 119 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 114 engine

Weighs 699 lbs and holds 5 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts: This was a different bike.  As you may notice, the wheels are bigger both in front and back.  A reference to my bike; the size of my rear wheel is about the size of its front, and the Fat Bobs rear tire is a bit bigger than its front tire.  In general the bike felt wider in general, and in riding it, you sit up higher than both the Street and Road Glide which is interesting consider how much bigger those bikes actually are.  Handling too also felt different, and it seemed that it look more effort (not really much in general) to get the bike to move around corners and cones.  For sure something I would consider maybe down the road.

HD- Heritage Classic

Displacement: 1753cc; 119 ft/lbs @ 3000 rpm; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 114 engine

Weighs 728 lbs and holds 5 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts:  So I drove this bike twice, and really liked it both times I drove it.  Comparing it to a Street Glide, they are the same exact bike (frame, size) minus the front faring. Handles great, very smooth ride and transitioning between gears. In some aspects it feels a little smaller than my bike (generally sitting on it) and in other aspects it feels better (driving it).  For sure something I would consider maybe down the road.

HD- Road Glide

Displacement: 1746; 111.0 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm; 6 speed transmission; Milwaukee-eight 107 engine

Weighs 855 lbs and holds 6 gals of gas

Initial Thoughts:  A SWEET ride.  Like the Street Glide above, I was intimidate about even thinking about getting this bike...its honestly a bigger bike.  Test driving this threw that fear far away after shifting it into first gear.  It has a low center of gravity (the lowest of all of the bikes I drove), and handles and turns on a dime and with very little effort.  For sure something I would consider maybe down the road.

Street vs. Road Glide

Some of you all may be asking the difference between the two bikes.  The simple difference is the frame mounted fairing (Road Glide- red bike on the left) vs. the fork mounted fairing (Street-white bike on the right).  From talking with folks who have this, or use to have this; their advice is that if you are considering getting a HD Street Glide, but are thinking of maybe one day wanting a HD Road Glide, get the Road Glide.  Their suggestions included that a HD Road Glide just feels more comfortable to ride longer distances and handles better in windy conditions.  Both are sweet rides.  

Whatever bike may be my next bike, I for sure plan on going to the parking lot here at the Gardens and eventually across the street and break out the cones and get back to practicing the basics.