Harley Davidson XG500 vs traditional learners bike? [Archive]

ravenfeeder

15th December 2015, 21:23

Hey Everyone. I was wondering if anyone on here has purchased the HD XG500 and what your thoughts, opinion on the bike is. Am a newbie bikerider about to pick back on getting my restricted after many years. A tossing up whether i should just get a wee 250 (either a Virago a friend has for sale or a GN250) or bite the bullet and get the Hoglet as a 500 should see me through for a few years, whereas the 250 is purely a stepping stone until I could progress to a bigger bike. Whats peoples thoughts as would love to get some experienced riders views and thoughts on the baby Harley.
Thank you :)

DamianW

15th December 2015, 22:36

Why not talk to the dealer and arrange a test ride? It's a good idea if you're thinking of parting with 11k.

neels

15th December 2015, 22:43

Ride lots of different learner legal bikes, and buy the one you like.

Just because it's a harley doesn't mean it's good, in fact many will tell you that's a good reason why it's not good, also doesn't mean you won't like it and ride for many happy years.

AllanB

16th December 2015, 06:23

If you are looking to drop up to 11k on a learner bike - shop around. There are a lot of nice bikes.

Navy Boy

16th December 2015, 08:52

From what I have read the Street 500 is seen as being a very agreeable machine that is easy to ride and get along with. H-D dealers have a good reputation (Though they are expensive) and you'll buy into a lifestyle, not just a bike. All reports say that it is nothing like traditional H-D machines (This could be a good or bad thing depending on your viewpoint)

However my concern would be that you may lose interest after a year or two. It is a low powered machine and could be seen as being somewhat bland. As others have said you really need to take one for a ride and see what you think of it. Your idea of going for a 500 rather than a smaller bike is a good one though.

HenryDorsetCase

16th December 2015, 12:13

If you are looking to drop up to 11k on a learner bike - shop around. There are a lot of nice bikes.

Yeah you could drop $15k on one of those 660 LAMS Street Triples.

or $18k on a LAMS ducati

My view is that people buying Harleys don't actually want a motorbike, they want a Harley (TM) and by definition all the bullshit that comes with that. Because you can buy functional equivalency (not to say functional superiority by any objective measure) for 2/3rds the price. But that just doesn't matter. Because if you want a Harley (TM) then that's what you want. Its the same mental process that wires some of us to like blondes, some brunettes, some redheads, some absurd tentacle pr0n. If it's what you want, nothing else will do.

In terms of OP's question I think the only answers we would all agree on are:

1. tentacle pr0n; and
2. Don't buy a GN250; and
3. If you want the Harley (TM) get the Harley (TM) - but expect some shit from "Harley faithful" who can be fucking ignorant - some of them even don't think Sportsters are "proper" Harleys (TM)
.

ravenfeeder

16th December 2015, 12:32

Thanks everyone - good points and appreciate your responses :)

AllanB

16th December 2015, 17:28

Yeah you could drop $15k on one of those 660 LAMS Street Triples.

or $18k on a LAMS ducati

.

Nah man the Ducati is only $15k ................

There are a pile of LAMS bikes within and under your budget. I had a quick look at my local Honda/Ducati dealer knowing Honda have a number of 500cc variants. It will be interesting to see how the HD's hold value - I predict they may not. I also predict they may not sell to well and be dumped in NZ. But I may be completely wrong ....

Anyway check it out. Nice wee 125 for $3 k as a good starter that will hold it's value.

http://www.casboltsmotorcycles.co.nz/new-bikes/

JimO

16th December 2015, 18:20

the hardcore harley riders will still look down on you because it aint a real harley (in their mind) i knew a harley man who couldnt believe they built the Vrod

AllanB

16th December 2015, 18:39

the hardcore harley riders will still look down on you because it aint a real harley (in their mind) i knew a harley man who couldnt believe they built the Vrod

A Harley has not been a 'real' American iron Harley for decades - Global parts have been on them for a long time.

The purists of any brand tend to hold on to 'real' ideals for a long time.

I think the only real Katanas are the original 1100 and 750 first released (mind you the Japan only IL4 250 version is a jewel of a bike and a faithful scale sized replica of big brother)- they have thrashed the name on some really limp rides since ....

Water cooling always gets them going.

How will the HD faithful cope with water cooled Hogs (at least one model is now).

Triumph, BMW, Ducati, GPZ, etc etc

Who are the worst offenders?

Voltaire

16th December 2015, 19:11

A Harley has not been a 'real' American iron Harley for decades - Global parts have been on them for a long time.

The purists of any brand tend to hold on to 'real' ideals for a long time.

I think the only real Katanas are the original 1100 and 750 first released (mind you the Japan only IL4 250 version is a jewel of a bike and a faithful scale sized replica of big brother)- they have thrashed the name on some really limp rides since ....

Water cooling always gets them going.

How will the HD faithful cope with water cooled Hogs (at least one model is now).

Triumph, BMW, Ducati, GPZ, etc etc

Who are the worst offenders?

Probably the same way I cope with water cooling....don't buy them. I'm not even that fond of water cooled cars, and OHC....warming to the idea :laugh:

J.A.W.

16th December 2015, 19:28

Probably the same way I cope with water cooling....don't buy them. I'm not even that fond of water cooled cars, and OHC....warming to the idea :laugh:

Yeah, best if you beware the H-D 500, but not 'cause of its OHC/LC tech.. since the V-Rod has coped with these features well, for long enough..

Beware it.. 'cause its built in India.. where the average humanoid's IQ has been measured @ ~80..

scumdog

16th December 2015, 19:37

the hardcore harley riders will still look down on you because it aint a real harley (in their mind) i knew a harley man who couldnt believe they built the Vrod

I reckon the HD 500 is a cool little bike - and I also think V-Rods are OK.

I guess I'm not really a Harley man...:msn-wink:

Laava

16th December 2015, 20:03

I reckon the HD 500 is a cool little bike - and I also think V-Rods are OK.

I guess I'm not really a Harley man...:msn-wink:

You should be ashamed!

AllanB

16th December 2015, 20:40

I reckon the HD 500 is a cool little bike - and I also think V-Rods are OK.

I guess I'm not really a Harley man...:msn-wink:

Next you'll be telling us you don't like Jack Daniels ...........

Laava

16th December 2015, 22:03

Next you'll be telling us you don't like Jack Daniels ...........

Or do nude crimefighting.

nerrrd

17th December 2015, 06:23

Read this review on Stuff yesterday, might be useful for you.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/bikes/74858145/kawasakis-vulcan-s-a-harleydavidson-killer

Trade_nancy

17th December 2015, 09:16

some of them even don't think Sportsters are "proper" Harleys

Of course they are "proper"...every bit the real deal - boring, old technology, slow slugs...with riders adorned with badges, tassels bells and bandanas..

OddDuck

17th December 2015, 10:47

ellipsis

17th December 2015, 11:11

Tazz

17th December 2015, 13:40

Or you could track down one of the 400cc mid-90's Ducati Supersports and LAMS on that. But I'm not biased, no-ooo...

As other posters have mentioned, the best thing to do here is actually ride as many different bikes as you can before you make a decision. I've been keen on quite a few bikes which looked great on paper but just didn't work for me once I'd ridden them. If the harley is the one for you, go for it. But make that purchase based on experience.

How do you jump from a wee cruiser to a sports bike....?

I think they'll hold their value better than some of the jap cruisers simply because of the name.
What's the build quality reviews like out of India? Rubbish from the states apparently.

scumdog

17th December 2015, 19:47

scumdog

17th December 2015, 19:49

Read this review on Stuff yesterday, might be useful for you.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/bikes/74858145/kawasakis-vulcan-s-a-harleydavidson-killer

Yet in Stuff the HD write-up was not too bad. And the HD was cheaper than the Vulcan.

ellipsis

17th December 2015, 20:08

Yet in Stuff the HD write-up was not too bad. And the HD was cheaper than the Vulcan.

yet another free coffee and an expensive sausage roll for another cub reporter and yet another cub reporter review...

rambaldi

17th December 2015, 20:19

yet another free coffee and an expensive sausage roll for another cub reporter and yet another cub reporter review...

Poor things, what with their industry going down the shitter, free review food is all they can afford to eat.

scumdog

17th December 2015, 20:31

yet another free coffee and an expensive sausage roll for another cub reporter and yet another cub reporter review...

Just like the Vulcan review I suspect...:shifty:

kiwi-on-wheels

17th December 2015, 23:06

Saw a vulcan on the motorway the other day, looks nice, as far as cruisers go.

However ill admit I do like sports bikes.

Theres a huge range of lams bikes, all of which yiu will shift as soon as you get your full because they are all underpowered, as is the nature of the lams system. Some can be derestricted, which is a bonus if you are dead set on throwing huge sums of folding stuff at a bike.

Personally, i'd buy an older bike, let someone else take the new bike devaluation hit, then throw the big wads of cash at a "real" bike when the appropriate license is held.

Hell, my 88 cbr250 has put some of the new lams bikes to shame. Yeah its old, lots of kms and a little tempramental, but imho thats what gives it its character

Crasherfromwayback

17th December 2015, 23:10

Read this review on Stuff yesterday, might be useful for you.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/bikes/74858145/kawasakis-vulcan-s-a-harleydavidson-killer

LOl. Don't ever take any motorcycle review by that butt muncher seriously. He shouldn't be testing bikes. He's a total fuckwit that should stick to rating other mens knobs.

AllanB

18th December 2015, 06:17

226kg LAMS bike!

That's a porky mother.

kiwi-on-wheels

18th December 2015, 08:34

Its how they get away with a bit more power,150kW per tonne is the restriction, so make the bike heavier you can shove some more power into it

Moi

18th December 2015, 09:08

LOl. Don't ever take any motorcycle review by that butt muncher seriously. He shouldn't be testing bikes. He's a total fuckwit that should stick to rating other mens knobs.

I take from your comments that you are less than favourably impressed with his writing?

Crasherfromwayback

18th December 2015, 11:50

I take from your comments that you are less than favourably impressed with his writing?

Good spotting. Thought I was being subtle at first.

Moi

18th December 2015, 12:12

Good spotting. Thought I was being subtle at first.

As subtle as a sledge-hammer...

rambaldi

18th December 2015, 12:19

Good spotting. Thought I was being subtle at first.

Said no to you at the circle jerk?

Crasherfromwayback

18th December 2015, 13:11

Said no to you at the circle jerk?

Not my type of spare time activity sorry. But each to their own.

GrayWolf

18th December 2015, 21:27

...you want the Harley?...buy the Harley...they are as good as any other thing wiv wheels, if thats what you like...KB is opinionated shite, espoused by lots wiv no experience but plenty of waffle, and those who know every fucking thing...

and that includes the author of that post, opinionated, biased {hardly owner} ...
HD's are 'ok' as a motorcycle. I've ridden all of them from the 1970's amf 1000, the shovel, and all the evo's. the only two I havent ridden is the twin cam and V-rod. The Frame in use now is the same as the ones developed for the Evo motor. So apart from the 'cosmetics' and different fittings, ride one, ridden em all so to speak.... similar to the Guzzi's, shared common frame across the range, just altered fittings and state of tune.
If you want the HD 'lifestyle' and want the 'hard core' image they try to foster, go for it certainly. But from a price, engineering standpoint etc there are plenty of 'better' machines out there.

Crasherfromwayback

19th December 2015, 12:58

I've ridden all of them from the 1970's amf 1000, the shovel, and all the evo's. the only two I havent ridden is the twin cam and V-rod. The Frame in use now is the same as the ones developed for the Evo motor.

Incorrect sorry.

Subike

19th December 2015, 13:23

mmm, interesting. I love mine. Just the right size and power for me. Any faults? Pegs scrap real easy, Std muffler was real quiet. ummm. oh brake pedal was set a bit low ...
In all i think its not to bad for a scratch built bike that carries very few parts from other model harleys.
Sure there will be quirks, faults and other things that could might have been built better, but heck its a virgin model.
New everything, it only has room for improvement,
Some say the brakes are too soft,
Some say the seat is too hard,
Some say the engine vibrates everything when exceeding 110kph
Some say the mirrors are set too low......
Some say it is...................

The same could be said for any new model of bike to come on the market.
But I am an owner,
What do I know

awa355

19th December 2015, 17:01

I had a look at one parked on the main street a few days ago. The rear tyre was a 240/44/15?. A rear tyre that wide couldn't be standard would it?. Seemed a hell of a wide low profile tyre for a 500.

Crasherfromwayback

19th December 2015, 17:07

I had a look at one parked on the main street a few days ago. The rear tyre was a 240/44/15?. A rear tyre that wide couldn't be standard would it?. Seemed a hell of a wide low profile tyre for a 500.

Should've gone to spec savers...

Ender EnZed

19th December 2015, 18:00

Yeah you could drop $15k on one of those 660 LAMS Street Triples.

$14k for the LAMS Striple.

226kg LAMS bike!

That's a porky mother.

Its how they get away with a bit more power,150kW per tonne is the restriction, so make the bike heavier you can shove some more power into it

The Street 500 is no where near 150kW/T, even the Street 750 would be LAMS approved if it weren't for the 660cc limit. For the same price an MT-07 would be considerably faster.

That said, it's probably still fast enough for its role as a learner cruiser and I'm sure any LAMS bike with an HD badge on it will hold its value alright.

98tls

19th December 2015, 20:58

Or you could track down one of the 400cc mid-90's Ducati Supersports and LAMS on that. But I'm not biased, no-ooo...

As other posters have mentioned, the best thing to do here is actually ride as many different bikes as you can before you make a decision. I've been keen on quite a few bikes which looked great on paper but just didn't work for me once I'd ridden them. If the harley is the one for you, go for it. But make that purchase based on experience.

God forbid...why the fuck advise anyone to do that? Cagiva built supersports were 1/2 a motorcycle at best (yep i owned 2) but to advise someone to buy a fucking 400:wacko: he would have more fun on a skateboard.

Voltaire

22nd December 2015, 08:45

God forbid...why the fuck advise anyone to do that? Cagiva built supersports were 1/2 a motorcycle at best (yep i owned 2) but to advise someone to buy a fucking 400:wacko: he would have more fun on a skateboard.

I bought a 94 600SS off a mate last year and it was a lot of fun, the suspension was horrible but the engine was very revvy.
Liked it so much sold it and got a 900, different beast all together, still fun.
sold that and got a 94 Superlight, still have that.
Same mate got a 400ss ( he likes buying Jap import non runner and playing with them), I rode that once and it was pretty slow, as you'd expect.
(90's Ducatis...whats not to like :drool:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/IMAG2468_zps62d3c62a.jpg

rastuscat

24th December 2015, 21:09

For what it's worth I've ridden one of those Harley 500s

Nice enough. Just quite small. I'm onot 181 cm and it was quite small for me. Great lams bike for the smaller bloke or average lady.

ellipsis

24th December 2015, 21:47

For what it's worth I've ridden one of those Harley 500s

Nice enough. Just quite small. I'm onot 181 cm and it was quite small for me. Great lams bike for a small ginga bloke or average ladyboy.

...is that what you mean Pete...if so, you should be ashamed...

98tls

25th December 2015, 16:41

I bought a 94 600SS off a mate last year and it was a lot of fun, the suspension was horrible but the engine was very revvy.
Liked it so much sold it and got a 900, different beast all together, still fun.
sold that and got a 94 Superlight, still have that.
Same mate got a 400ss ( he likes buying Jap import non runner and playing with them), I rode that once and it was pretty slow, as you'd expect.
(90's Ducatis...whats not to like :drool:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/IMAG2468_zps62d3c62a.jpg

Was talking about the 900SS before that,even worse was the 89 750 Sport i owned.

granstar

26th December 2015, 13:01

750's would be a better bet as entry level, but not for sale in N.Z...why?

http://cdn.dealerspike.com/imglib/v1/800x600/imglib/Assets/Inventory/4A/90/4A908BBB-AE7D-4867-B76B-DCB8E36992E9.jpg

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKs693qqBNA

AllanB

26th December 2015, 13:15

THe 500 is what $11,000.

Sportster starts at $15,500

They would price the 750 somewhere between and it would be in direct competition with the dearer Sportster - also I've not checked the specs but the 750 is possibly more powerful than the 800 Sporty (can't imagine anything less powerful!).

Plus - in NZ they really want to be selling the real iron - not the Indian stuff. OK depends where NZ source them from as I read the US ones are at least 'assembled' in the USA.