Any Sea Ray bikers out there?

[searay40dad]

I could post this on a biker site I guess, but you never know who you’re going to hear from. Atleast I “know of” some of you and who is full of BS and who is not. As the last thing I need is a Harley version of Wingnuts trying to give me advice. So, consider me asking for a mulligan in advance…

Haven’t ridden in ages but feeling a small need for speed so I have decided to buy a bike if/when the weather ever decides to break. I am set on the following: 1) Harley Davidson; 2) 20k budget tops; and 3) do not want a touring bike. Don’t see Sturgis or Daytona (aka divorce) in my future or any long hops. I’m thinking more of a Sunday afternoon cruising kind of bike. I am 48, 5’11, and am a bagel shy of 240 lbs. I don’t need customized looks or performance but do want something that fits me well and has some giddy up. At this time, the wife doesn’t share my desire to ride but I’m hoping she will get past it, so I would want a bike we can ride two up. In my younger (much) days I did a fair amount of motocross racing and owned a nice street bike for a couple of years. So, I know my way around a bike but it’s been awhile and I’m sure I’m rusty. I still have my MC endorsement. I’ve been looking at Softails, specifically the ‘13 & ’14 Breakouts. Great looking bike, very muscular with good cruising attributes including a 103 cu. in (1690 cc) v-twin with 96 ft. lbs torque, ABS braking and a security system. I also like the Dynas but find I keep coming back to this particular Softail. So, if any of you hardcore boater-bikers have opinions, I’m all ears…

 

[Woody]

Imagine your wife driving the Breakout and you sitting on that postage stamp seat. She don't sound to enthused, she has nothing to do like the driver, etc....If you want to win your wife over go with the Ultra...at least she'll have some comfort. Anyone with a 480Sedan Bridge should actually have 2 Harleys anyway , then everyones happy.

 

[Newman]

I love riding. I ride a Triumph myself. I think bikes are a lot like boats in that you'll find that one "just fits". I had no intentions of buying my current bike until I sat on it. I bought it 4 days later. My friend is a Harley tech so if you have specific questions I can ask him.

Out of pure curiosity why Harley?

 

[sporters78]

Most harley dealers also rent out motorcycles, so go rent a couple of them and see which one feels right for you. I been riding for over forty years now down to a '98 fatboy and a big inch '78 sportster

 

[Lucky's]

I've had a Heritage Softail, a tricked out Softail Deuce and a Streetglide. Without question the one I miss the most is the Heritage. Great riding, great looking and super comfortable ride. Heather didn't ride often, but when she did she actually thought the heritage was the most comfortable, which says a lot since the Streetglide is a dresser. I've owned a few and done a lot of work (customization) to all of them so I'll gladly help if there's any specific questions. Good luck and enjoy your search!!!

 

[blaster]

If your lookin' for a Harley make sure to check out the early 80's AMF Harleys. They were built to an exceptional standard of quality. Boasting leaking seals and a chain which is oiled with crankcase oil. Marvelous engineering.

Good luck with your search.

 

[GJarrett]

I had the same decision you are making a few years ago and went with a Dyna (Superglide) instead of a Softail. My last bike before then was a go-fast ZX10 sixteen years prior that I sold when my son was born... I'm too old for that stuff now and wanted a cruiser.

I would suggest test riding both before making a decision; most Harley dealers have bikes available to testride for serious customers. The Softail was plush but the Superglide felt much more stable and sporty to me while still being a cruiser.... plus the Superglide is a great deal and the least expensive of the big Harleys. I did equip it with quick-detach saddlebags and windshield so in a matter of minutes I can strip it down to stock cruiser configuration or load it up for weekend cruises or longer. A couple of years ago I actually did an IronButt run on it - but I have to admit that day I was really wishing I had a GoldWing instead LOL. Here's a photo of me on the Dragon with it set up for weekend trips showing it can still ride somewhat sporty when the mood arises... it's no Ninja but at my age that's good enough for me. Good luck and have a great time whichever you choose.

 

[Ctsearay]

Well I had a 2009 Electra Glide Classic, Modded the heck out of it to make it comfortable for me and loved every min of it. Rode it on long 2800 mile week trips and short trips work and around town. Well long story short, got to test ride a Victory and sold the HD the next month. ALL the fun, American made with more US made parts on it than HD by 30%, 90% less maintenance, and a 100,000 mile warranty. So much more maneuverable and handled like a sport bike. All my friends that tried it agreed that is was nothing like it looked you could flip it back and forth with just your thighs with no effort. They have some really cool models and even Sonny Barger the founder of the Hells Angels rides one now so that's GOTTA say something. They have some sweet bobbers and bar hoppers. Check out the video comparisons on them to the HD.

[video=youtube_share;RGkFPUeNUqc]http://youtu.be/RGkFPUeNUqc[/video]

Good luck on your quest.

 

[rcmafgny]

Love the Heritage Softail, but when i bought, I opted for the Yamaha Roadstar 1600....... Looks like the Harley, but runs flawlessly...........

 

[MonacoMike]

I'd suggest a nice 16 pound Trek. It will not impress some folks but its performance characteristics are undeniable. Besides being a high tech marvel capable of impressive speed and handling it can be the catalyst to significant weight loss, naturally lower blood pressure, and a ready source of dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. Other benefits are better joint health, more mobility, and of course, more stamina.

Now I just need to start doing it again, boating sucks as a healthy lifestyle. LOL

MM

P.S. this is not to imply Tim needs ANY of this as we have not yet met...

 

[sea paws]

I ride a 2005 Electra Glide Classic. I put a detachable trunk kit on it so when I'm slaying the Dragon it feels more sporty. For your size and weight I would be looking at the Road King or heritage Softail. I also feel if you have the opportunity to test ride one you should.

 

[skolbe]

I'd suggest a nice 16 pound Trek. It will not impress some folks but its performance characteristics are undeniable. Besides being a high tech marvel capable of impressive speed and handling it can be the catalyst to significant weight loss, naturally lower blood pressure, and a ready source of dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. Other benefits are better joint health, more mobility, and of course, more stamina.

Now I just need to start doing it again, boating sucks as a healthy lifestyle. LOL

MM

P.S. this is not to imply Tim needs ANY of this as we have not yet met...

I bought a Giant TCR Carbon, boating caused me to gain 40lbs over 15 years. Burned it off over a year and half and like cycling a lot now. Often bring the bike to the boat and ride in the AM.

 

[skylark]

I love my Road King, picked it up new in 07, great versatile bike, I call it the transformer, I can have it as a simple in town cruiser like the pic below or I can attach in seconds a tour pack, faring with stereo or just the Road King Classic windscreen, great for two up cruising with the wife.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Too bad your not close by, buddy in work is selling his 06' I think tricked night train. I rode it and its a beast all blacked out beautiful bike , I'm with Ron, I bought a Vstar 1100 classic 1/2 the price of a fat boy and looks runs new jetted/straight pipes, fairing beauty!!! Good luck in your search

 

[searay40dad]

Good input and much appreciated. I expected to hear several different perspectives and you didn't disappoint. You guys have some sweet bikes (incl the ones with pedals) and the pics are great. I do plan to test ride a few different bikes as soon as the ice melts. Had another talk with the wife but still a 'no go' as to her interest and willingness to ride along. That one will take some time. Although she's a very down to earth girl, the princess likes her comfort and security (aka Lexus) and the thought of open roads, wind in the hair and/or helmets isn't doing the trick.

"Why Harley" is a great question. And, its a question that probably brings about the same kind of mixed reaction that gas vs. diesel, dancer vs. bridge, or Honda generator discussions do as it depends on which side of the fence you're on. Frankly, the answer probably isn't too much different than "why Sea Ray". A combination of serviceability, brand reputation/image, resale, loyal customer base, traditional "lines", and some personal disposition thrown in (one hardcore Vietnam vet uncle who would dis-own me if I went metric). I also think HD is alot like SR in that some of the premium you pay is simply for the name & reputation, not necessarily best in class in terms of quality, innovation, price, power, etc.

I do think Victory is going to continue to take customers away from HD. They are designing innovative bikes and putting alot of power and amenities into std packages. A few more years in business and continuing to expand their service network will continue make them a force to be reckoned with.

Woody, I tried your 2-bike suggestion and the very logical reasoning behind it but all I was able to accomplish was basically confirming just how dumb I am. It was good to get that cleared up and to open up the communication lines.

 

[Chris Nowell]

Without reading the rest of the thread I'd recommend a Heritage Softail. Mine last one had an 88ci punched out to 95ci with Screaming Eagle heads, slightly higher compression pistons, programmable ignition, mild cams and the usual pipes and air filter. It wasn't too loud or radical but it cruised all the mountains around here with ease, and would even do wheelies if you asked it too. Bought the bike itself for $10K and the Harley dealer built it up for about $8K. Awesome bike. I know guys who are still riding their original Softails from the 90's and early 2000's too. Can't say it enough, awesome bikes.

I used to be a hard core Kawasaki nut until one of the guys at work told me to take his Fatboy for a burn at lunch time. When I came back I almost put a "free, take it away" sign on the Kaw. That was about 15 years ago and I've had Harleys ever since. Good luck in your search.

Edit; The Softails have a longer wheel base that the Roadkings etc and they definitely have a certain "feel" to them, especially when cornering. If you don't like the "feel" you should try one of the other models. There's something for everyone at the HD dealers.

 

[Prosideus]

Some additional input...

04 roadking, naturally aspirated. Recently rented a heritage to consider replacing RK and the amount of heat was literally unbearable compared to the 04 RK. Absolutely surprising to me.

In terms of your bride, mine does not ride much. However, if there is a charity ride for a charity that we have an affinity for, she is eager to go along.

Lastly, moto Santa is a great hit each Christmas. It is amazing how many people, young/old, male/female who uncontrollably blurt "SANTA!" when I am cruising by....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Lucky's]

Since we're posting pics...

 

[just me]

Most harley dealers also rent out motorcycles, so go rent a couple of them and see which one feels right for you. I been riding for over forty years now down to a '98 fatboy and a big inch '78 sportster

+ 2

 

[Newman]

I'm glad you are looking at Harley for good reasons and not just because they're "cool." I would expect nothing less from the people on this site. :thumbsup:

Since we are posting pics. Here's a blast from 7 years ago. It probably had <100 miles when this pic was taken. Girl is gone, bike has lots more miles (just as clean), my beard is bigger and greyer (is that a word?), and best of all I still love the bike as much as the day I brought it home.


Anyway happy hunting. I'm always excited to see someone get a new bike and I love hearing about why they bought what they did.