Thinking of buying a Harley

[moparroy]

Would appreciate some assistance with a couple questions I have:
What has been your experience with reliability on a recent (2000+) model? mileage? riding habits? I have heard good and bad stories - although the not so good ones tend to be pre 2000.
What oil do you run in it? Was trying to get my hands on an owners manual to see what they specify. Dealer obviously recommends their own oil but is that really necessary? They say you can use their oil for all required fills (3 I think?) but not sure that really matters to me.
I currently ride an old Honda Goldwing - thinking of updating and the Electra Glide is really the only bike I am interested in - but $$ so I'd like to know more what I am investing in.

Thanks

[jeffcoslacker]

I like Harleys and all, but going from a Goldwing to a Glide is probably going to be a disappointment for you. It'll feel heavy, slow and poor handling by comparison.

Also remember that with a Harley, you have to factor in that unless you are comfortable with really uninspired engine performace, you'll have to drop anywhere from $800-$1500 in pipes, airbox, jetting (or EFI mapping) and ignition module to get it to run like it should run from the factory in the first place (also know as "paying the Harley tax...")

Also, screw Harley and using their oil. By LAW, you can use any brand that meets the manufacturer's specs for lubricants and fluids...and they also can't require you to have services performed by the dealer, as long as you save reciepts and document what you did, by Federal product law, that's enough to satisfy warrantee requirements.

[moparroy]

Thanks for the feedback - I have rented and test ridden the Electra Glide so I know what the performance and handling is like and I don't have an issue with either. I do find the ride position more comfortable for long distance than the Gold Wing. For me the power is fine, although the power curve is quite different but there is enough juice for me. I actually found the Harley felt better in handling than my Goldwing which surprised me - I did not find that it felt heavier at all. The actual weight is very similar.

[jeffcoslacker]

Huh. That's odd...I've had 1200 GW's and rented FL's and the Harleys feel like a tank compared to...but the weight is lower, at least by my seat of the pants feel....The power down in the bottom is much better from the V-twin, I think, so if you just like to be able to climb grades without downshifting, acceleate normally and you aren't the type that really wrings a motor out, you probably would be satisfied with the Harley's mill...

I rode a rented Road King Classic and took it to the top of the road up Mt Hood in Oregon one fall a couple of years ago...and the road down the back side was frost and ice covered....kept the King in second with no throttle the whole way down, was greatful for the weight and low center of gravity it had, sure footed as a mule. I think my Wings would have felt tall and tippy on the slick spots, don't know if the outcome would have been as good....

[magnnuss_75]

i have a 2001 heritage classic...i love it..couldnt ask for anything more...it currently has bout 11000 miles on it..i use all HD oils ..just started that cuz the dealership did the first change..i dont like to change brands after the first change..stage II carb kit..K&N filter..Vance & Hines long shots tuned...wide tire kit..lowered..with my own custom made pegs, shifters, and mirrors......its an addiction