Harley or Suzuki cruiser?

[awayatc]

Went to "Just motorcycles" on saturday and took a Suzuki Boulevard for a little testride.....
It looks very much like a Harley, leather bags on the back, running boards etc.
Looks great, ride is very smooth and manouvrable...
Only 800cc, but quite responsive.Very low mileage, near new, wel priced.Felt a lot smaller on the road then what it looks on the stand.
In short I could live with it quite comfortably immediately...could not fault it.

But since it looked so much like a Harley obviously....why not compare it with the real thing?....
So Ian kindly allowed me to take a nice looking "Fatboy" out for a spin.....
A lot smoother then the Harleys of old.. And a lot easier to handle....And surprisingly userfriendly as well.
Twice the price, But it is a Harley..The original.
The Suzuki makes probably more sense when deciding with your head....
But I am also deciding with my heart......

Not interested in Bashing either bike, I liked both......
Hard to make up my mind.....

[Hitcher]

Mrs H has had two 800 Marauders. They're great fun to ride, and bulletproof in that typical Suzuki manner. Run them on Pirellis or Michelins instead of Dunlops and you'll be amazed at how well they can handle.

[Swoop]

Have you looked into the price of "consumables" for each make?
Genuine or aftermarket accessories?

It might make an interesting bit of research.

[Crisis management]

You are obviously not taking the drugs, thinking of cruisers, I'm horrified!!

However, if your going to, buy with your heart and if it was my choice I'd be looking at the Harley, they have a great presence and feel of quality...having said that I'd be after an XR1200 rather than a fat arse bike.

Just an aside, given you've been riding dual sport, will the cruiser allow you to go places you want to? I ask this as yesterday I was chatting to some tassled riders at a country pub and they were bemoaning the fact that SH1 was gridlocked with traffic (sunday avo near the city, joy!). I suggested they take an alternative route but realised that probably wasn't viable given the cost of rechroming.
I had an hours country road blast by myself back to Auckland.

You need to ride a big Katoom.

[southernmike]

I interesting problem which I have faced many times and I always bought the Harley. Much to the Stealer's delight! Going by feel, it just felt right. ANd I would probably do it again.

The Sportbikes I have owned have been all nationalities but I could never get comfortable with a non HD cruiser. I don't know why not. Guess that 'real thing' feeling came in to it (read 'Marketing Victim'!). I always find it strange how some people rave on about the authenticity of their HD (especially Shovel owners comparing theirs to a 'It's all made in China' late model HD) but they spend most of their lives driving a Jap import car. Two wheels wins over four anytime in my book.

I guess my advice would be go what you feel happy with. You're the one riding it. All the talk about resale value etc in my experience is just that...talk.

[awayatc]

I hear you crisis management....I did buy the Pegaso as a multipurpose bike, which it is indeed, so I do want to keep it.

BUT I find that I quite enjoy just doodling along and "go places"....To pack up the Pegaso takes up a bit of doing.
So i thought I would like a good solid laid back Cruiser bike to stay within the speedlimits and go for overnight trips with all the creature comfort goodies strapped on the back somewhere....
Always had nippy smaller bikes for dirt and gravel, never been long distance on the tarseal all that much.
Trouble with throtles is that I can't just just em a little bit.....unless "cruising" hopefully.
My Cage of choice is my trusty Landrover Diesel....love it, easy to stay within the limits... Also have Saab, MG and Aprillia, so definitely have a Non japanese preference....
And yes I know,I know....it comes at a cost.....
Personalities always do...

:scooter:

[Badjelly]

Never mind.

[Toaster]

Go with the one that gets you hardest.

[martybabe]

That is actually a really tough call, both are very nice and competant bikes for what they do.

Clearly the cost difference doesn't put you off and if you've got the money up front you will lose very little on the Harley anyway come re-sale time, so the money isn't really an issue, if you can find it in the first place. I'm sure I could have put that better. :blink:

I really can't separate them on, reliability, performance, handling, even looks but the fact remains, every where you park the Suzi (civilians) will ask you if it's a Harley, when you take the money out the bank and they ask you what your buying, when you say, a boulevard, they'll carry on counting, if you say a Harley fat-boy, you'll have a lovely, if misinformed, chat about Harleys and the Terminator and ooh how lovely. :whocares:

The reality is, no matter how good the japanese get, there is only one original and That is Harley Davidson, are they the best, bloomin unlikely but your Garage already has some tasty/different stuff in there, why not add a real Hog.

Also it's piss easy to upgrade the Harley's engine, brakes, anything really, if you've got the money of course.

Having said all that bollocks, I'd be thrilled to have A Boulevard in my Garage, contrary Mary that I am. :laugh:

[Kiwi Graham]

Depends on what your after!!
If its the 'whole package' go for the Harley, its got the name, the following, the heritage and a catalogue the size of an Auckland phone book for extras you can bling her up with. If its simply the cruising your up for the Suzuki wins simply on price. The resale price may influence your decision so check that out too.

[Divot]

Go with your heart. A mate of mine brought a 800 Suzuki cruiser as he didnt have the money for a harley and thought that it would do. His other half had a 1200 sporty custom and after a south island trip he came back and traded his suzuki for a Harley road king as he couldn't keep up with the sporty loaded up on hills etc.

If you want a bike to ride any bike will do, if you want a bike that will make friends then a harley is the bike. Have a harley then join HOG and you will meet a great bunch of people and have many great rides.

But what ever you decide, Ride and Have Fun

[Griffin]

I had a similar dillemma when it came to buying my Cruiser. I looked at both Suzuki (C50T) and Harley (Heritage). The difference for me is that I couldnt come up with the readys for the Harley. Then the zuke C50T came up on a special deal too good to pass up... so the Boulevard won... this time.

If I had the money - or the means to pay it back, I would go for the Harley. The options post sale are limited only by your imagination and wallet. You can buy endless amounts of bling to make you HD stand out.

Unfortunately - as good as the Boulevard is - the accessories / bling are severely limited and as such makes it hard for you to 'individualise' your ride.

Plus there is also the whole HOG factor, the sound of a Harley, the feel of a Harley, the cameraderie and the admiration that they command.

My next bike will be a HD - no offense to the C50T... its a great bike and I love it. It just aint a Harley :)

[slimjim]

yes as money is not a problem..in the end its your choice.. harley is a higher insurance.. suz nice and easy to insure.. however its what you'll be happy on..both are top bikes... personally Harley..awesome amount of chromeeee bits bolt on...

[Tank]

I looked at both and indeed the HD is made of better materials and you can see where some of the difference in $$$$ goes - but I thought the Boulevard (I got the M50) was far better value for money - and I liked the shape more than the majority of HD's. Never had any one 'dis it because it wasnt a HD.

Regarding resale - I traded my M50 with 8000km on the clock for $500 less than what I paid new for it - as long as you are willing to look around (and keep the bike in top shape) you should not have it dropping hugely in value.

Personally - I'd ignore the badge and buy the bike I liked the look and feel of best. The bage is secondary. Buy the bike for you and not others.

Good luck.

[Tank]

yes as money is not a problem..in the end its your choice.. harley is a higher insurance.. suz nice and easy to insure.. however its what you'll be happy on..both are top bikes... personally Harley..awesome amount of chromeeee bits bolt on...

Just as a clarification here - I checked with the insurers when compairing bikes H/D and Suzuki- and BOTH were the same - they insure on $$$ value not make / model.

May be different for sportbikes mind - or your own insurer.

[oldrider]

There are "no" dud bikes, just dud decisions, if you buy the wrong one, you will hate it forever!

If you didn't really want the Harley, you would have bought the Suzuki 1st up without another thought.

Buy the Harley, enjoy the image! :niceone::ride: Cheers John.

[Timber020]

For me its bang for buck, which every your going to get the best value from.

If your really into customsing then the harley is going to have alot of chrome and tassle options, but its also going to be more of a security risk.

Suzuki will probably depreciate faster.

[rocketman1]

You can always by the more expensive Harley later, and if your not happy consider its only half the price and twice as reliable. Whatever gets you riding !!!

[scumdog]

and if your not happy consider its only half the price and twice as reliable.

Really?

Tell me more....

[AllanB]

Unfortunately - as good as the Boulevard is - the accessories / bling are severely limited and as such makes it hard for you to 'individualise' your ride.

There is plenty of bling for this model in the USA at places like www.denniskirk.com

Harley wise I still think the 1200 Sportster is the 'better' all round model. Lighter, just a quick (in most cases and quicker in many) an handles well for its intended use.

Now the new R model will be worth waiting for.

But then that Suzuki is a nice ride...........

[NighthawkNZ]

buy the blue one... :)

Do you want the Harley for the image and to say I own a Harley... or because you like and enjoy the bike, they way it handles for you... (yes I know a few that the reason they have a Harley is pure image no other reason...)

Obviously money isn't the issue as you are considering the Harley anyway... If the reason you want the Harley is because you like the bike the way it handles for your riding style, then buy the HD... If the you like the Suzuki better and the way it handles for your riding style then buy the Suzuki...

Take the brand of the bike out of the equation totally ie; that is a Harley or is a Suzuki... see the bikes for what you like about them... way up your options... which feels more you.

Things to consider for both bikes... What do you want the bike for, touring, the odd cruise on Saturday... all the rallies... then you need to consider the extras for the bike ie; side saddles etc... and the extra costings there...

Buy the bike that is best for you...

[Headbanger]

You merely asked the wrong question.

Now, For the correct question.

Do you have or are you in the process of growing a beard?




Keepin it real since 1974.

[Headbanger]

1200 Sportster = Girls bike.

[MadDuck]

1200 Sportster = Girls bike.

Actually have to agree with you there. They are a bit small for a bloke I reckon anyway.

[rottiguy]

don't do it mate, buy a bandit, they can go around corners :) rode a 1800 boulevard the other day, scary as, legs right up in the air, speedo on the tank and tire the size of all Kansas with no side walls, eeeekkkk :eek5: but if ya just into cruising down the straights go for it. But even though the jappas are loads more reliable you gotta go with the Harley cause it's the original.

[awayatc]

There arent that many things a man realy needs,
There are however plenty of things one would like to have.....

I would like to have a cruiser...............

Thanks for your well thought through replies,
It does not make my decision any easier however....
Eventhough I can only make money with working,
I am seriously leaning towards the whole Harley Davidson experience.....
The other bike that has sneaked into the equation however is the Triumph
America.....
I have pretty much decided that I will remain Un Japanese......
just want to look at all the options before I commit....
Just the way I am.....

[scumdog]

1200 Sportster = Girls bike.

True - my mrs has one.

But some of these 'girls' can hustle a 1200, it takes a good 'mans' Harley to catch one through the twisty bits - OR at times even in a straight line - or be as nimble..

People that REALLY think a 1200 Sporty is a girls bike have some sort of problem...<_<

[1 Free Man]

Bit of a no brainer really.
If you have a "FUCK YOU" attitude you will fit in just fine on the HD because every other type of bike sucks.

If you have a life and a personallity go for the Suzuki.:done:

Me biased NO WAY!!!:yes:

[Tank]

I am seriously leaning towards the whole Harley Davidson experience.....

The whole Harley Davidson experience is something that their Marketing department comes up with.

The REAL experience is getting out there riding and meeting people on the road. The bike badge has nothing to that.

[bismarck]

Go for the Fatboy Peter! Fatboy is the bike I really really want to own. Japanese cruisers are suck.....

[Crisis management]

I am seriously leaning towards the whole Harley Davidson experience.....
The other bike that has sneaked into the equation however is the Triumph
America.....
just want to look at all the options before I commit....


Be honest with yourself and go for the one you really want, the problem with considering all the options is that really you want this one but because it's expensive / has image problems or whatever you feel you should consider the cheaper / more conservative option.

Bikes are about living not thinking, buy with your heart and you'll have a blast.

You need to buy a Harley, it's perfectly clear to the rest of us, you're just procrastinating now. :done:

[martybabe]

You need to buy a Harley, it's perfectly clear to the rest of us, you're just procrastinating now. :done:

The dudes right dude, Get the Harley run it for a while, get it in or out of your blood. If it's really not you, sell it for a small loss, buy the zuki and smile at the money in the bank. :scooter: job done. :yes:

[Headbanger]

True - my mrs has one.

But some of these 'girls' can hustle a 1200, it takes a good 'mans' Harley to catch one through the twisty bits - OR at times even in a straight line - or be as nimble..

People that REALLY think a 1200 Sporty is a girls bike have some sort of problem...<_<

Ah, But its not about the speed.

As it is, I have had a sporty, Great bike, A tonne of fun, But I wouldn't rank em up beside a big block as far as the riding experience goes. I'd buy one for my wife if she was interested though.

[Headbanger]

Be honest with yourself and go for the one you really want, the problem with considering all the options is that really you want this one but because it's expensive / has image problems or whatever you feel you should consider the cheaper / more conservative option.

Bikes are about living not thinking, buy with your heart and you'll have a blast.

You need to buy a Harley, it's perfectly clear to the rest of us, you're just procrastinating now. :done:

Fuck that's deep.:rockon::rockon:

[Crisis management]

Fuck that's deep.:rockon::rockon:

Yeah, you need to get out with us adventure riders, were really deep.....mostly in gravel, mud, crap & lies.

Seriously tho, if you ain't grinning like an idiot when you're on your bike, whats the point?

[Griffin]

Japanese cruisers are suck.....

That may be your opinion - but really... if they sucked there wouldnt be a market for them. We all have bikes we dont like and bikes we love.

Live and let ride

[martybabe]

Seriously tho, if you ain't grinning like an idiot when you're on your bike, whats the point?


Again spot on, now go away Mr insightful, your making us all look like a bunch of indecisive ditherers. :niceone: :laugh:

[Skyryder]

There's some street cred factor with cruisers that's not so apparent with sports bikes. Jap cruisers just don't have it. Go where your head is and the heart will follow no matter what way you go.


Skyyrder

[awayatc]

Thanks guys for all the input.....I ran it through my head and got nowhere.
Ran it through my heart........and there she was smiling at me....
Merry X-mas to you all...... and to myself.
Got myself a lovely little heritage softtail 2000....

Now where's the PTO drive...?:msn-wink:

[Big Dave]

That is just yum. King of the world, right?

[Shadows]

Well, you'll never be accused of buying a "lookalike" if you buy the HD.

Mind you, you will get all sorts of other shit thrown at you instead.

So I guess the question you need to answer is this....

What sort of shit would you be the most comfortable receiving?

Then just buy the HD.

[Big Dave]

I have done plenty of saddle time on all the 109 variants, and all the Softail, Dynas and Rods in one form or another.

There isn't a bad bike amongst them. They are all reliable and well built for their purpose.

What separates them now are matters of taste and budget and riding style.

Entirely up to the individual. There is no wrong answer.

[awayatc]

thats it.....My aprilia smiled at me and still does...
And this particular harley, just does it for me...no rational decision...

Just me, it looks right, sounds right, feels right...
Can't Be wrong
Biggest problem is to decide which bike to ride on the day......

[martybabe]

that's it.....My aprilia smiled at me and still does...
And this particular harley, just does it for me...no rational decision...

Just me, it looks right, sounds right, feels right...
Can't Be wrong
Biggest problem is to decide which bike to ride on the day......

Well done you, that's a fine bike alright.I rode one of those for two years and thoroughly enjoyed it, I recommend plastic pannier inserts, piss easy to install and really tidies yer saggy bags.

Bloody good choice. :niceone:

[shafty]

thats it.....My aprilia smiled at me and still does...
And this particular harley, just does it for me...no rational decision...

Just me, it looks right, sounds right, feels right...
Can't Be wrong
Biggest problem is to decide which bike to ride on the day......

Congratulations Mate, VERY nyce!

Merry Christmas

[Skyryder]

If it comes to the choice between a Harley and the other go for the Harley but if you relay want the other buy a Cali.

http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/Nuovi_modelli/californiavint/specifiche.asp?modello=californiavint&%20pagina=spec

Skyryder

[Jiminy]

Ran it through my heart........and there she was smiling at me....
Merry X-mas to you all...... and to myself.
Got myself a lovely little heritage softtail 2000....

You know when you got the right bike! Trying other bikes before you buy it only makes it even more evident why you want to buy it :)

For me, I went the Suzuki way, and there is no turning back (when it comes to cruisers)!

Gorgeous Christmas present it is, enjoy the riding!

[popelli]

If it comes to the choice between a Harley and the other go for the Harley but if you relay want the other buy a Cali.

http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/Nuovi_modelli/californiavint/specifiche.asp?modello=californiavint&%20pagina=spec

Skyryder


good advice, the japanese harley clones will only ever be copies of something that they are not, the cali is 100% guzzi

[Horse]

Nice bike, love that classic look.

[R1madness]

Well we have sold both of them now so i can give my honest opinion without people saying " he is just trying to sell ya that one because ....."
The harley was a bueatifull bike all the extras and lots more as well. went great sounded awsome.
The suzuki was near new, low kms very tidy had the bags and some nice extra touches.
With the hog you got more than just the bike you buy into the whole HOG scene. Instant comradery instant acceptance "BRO for life type thing". That carrys an extra cost and is built into the badge price.
The suzuki does not do this. As good a bike as it is it lacks the fabled and much critisied "mystique" of the hog.
Is that worth the extra money???? Thats up to each individual to answer. Oh yea harley parts are no more expencive that suzuki parts and nore do they need them more often. Yes i ride a suzuki.

[Headbanger]

With the hog you got more than just the bike you buy into the whole HOG scene. Instant comradery instant acceptance "BRO for life type thing". That carrys an extra cost and is built into the badge price.


That would be enough to make me buy a Suzuki.

Wouldn't give the time of day to anyone who thought my brand of motorcycle made me a "Bro for life".

[Big Dave]

The Boulevard Rally in March is fully booked.

[Big Dave]

HOG, RAT, Ulysses etc get too much bad press on here.

They are just bunches of enthusiasts with a common interest.

[Headbanger]

HOG, RAT, Ulysses etc get too much bad press on here.

They are just bunches of enthusiasts with a common interest.


I figure they get let off relatively unscathed, Everyone needs to get mocked from time to time.Its healthy for the soul.

Though I believe the HOG movement take the pretend nonsense to extremes. Not that I think they should stop it. Just as long as I can keep my distance from the "Bro's" then I'm happy.

[scumdog]

I figure they get let off relatively unscathed, Everyone needs to get mocked from time to time.Its healthy for the soul.

Though I believe the HOG movement take the pretend nonsense to extremes. Not that I think they should stop it. Just as long as I can keep my distance from the "Bro's" then I'm happy.

Live and let live I say....

[Headbanger]

Live and let live I say....


Unless they tag your fence......:innocent:

[scumdog]

Unless they tag your fence......:innocent:

At that point they ain't letting ME live..;)

[hospitalfood]

hog, no question

[Big Dave]

I figure they get let off relatively unscathed, .

I like walking, talking logos.

[MarkH]

Well, you'll never be accused of buying a "lookalike" if you buy the HD.

For me this would never be a valid reason - I don't give a fuck what others think or what they say. I buy what I want and ride what I like - the only opinion that matters is mine!

awayatc - congratulations on the new bike and I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from riding it!

[Mystic13]

awayatc that's a nice looking bike. I'm not a cruiser fan but recently saw the Victory Motorcycles. Some bikes just do it for you and some don't. Something about the Victory just appeals to me.

If you didn't see them at big boys toys jump on trademe for a range of models, and prices.

I'm sure you'll be enjoying the Harley. That must take some polishing.

[awayatc]

no shit....been all day at it, mind you had a bloody good 400 +km blast yesterday,and didn't tinker with it at all untill now......
Cleaned carb and airfiler...man what a difference...she is pulling my arms out off my sockets now....
All smiles and grins.....

[MotoKuzzi]

Nice looking bike. If you bought it from a shop but I'd be a bit pissed if they hadn't been through it and replaced the air filter etc before handing it over.

[awayatc]

Got it private, off tard me, been sitting for a bit, and I knew that....got good deal, but it always pays to check any bike or cage yourself....
Seen far to many dodgy workshop practices...only 1 mechanic I know i can trust 100%.....:yes:

Off to top of South Island today....but first some more suitable attire...(only have my dualsport gear.....)
Can't keep the grin of my face when I ride my "tractor"....

[R1madness]

Nice bike mate. Looks tidy. Well done.

[Tank]

Forgetting all the Hog vs Jappa nonsense - well done on the new bike! it looks great, and it sounds like you have that grin that its all about.

Love what you ride, any one who bashes just because its a HOG or a Jappa is breaking the bikers code - it dosnt matter what you ride - as long as you ride.

(unless its Ho'Bag bashing obv.)

Enjoy what I hope is going to be a nice long summer on the new beast. Now go scare jappa riders by waving to them mid-corners.

(disclaimer - I used to ride a M50 - and loved it)

[Crisis management]

Can't keep the grin of my face when I ride my "tractor"....

Told you so, told you so etc etc....:bleh:


Congratulations, sounds like a match made in heaven, which is how all bikes should be enjoyed! :headbang:

Great to see you enjoying the diversity of biking types as well, so often we get blinded by the image associated with a "type / brand" and forget we're in this together. Now, get that thing down the Molesworth and scare all the Dusty Butt riders!

[Headbanger]

We have a code?



Mine starts with "I"

[martybabe]

Forgetting all the Hog vs Jappa nonsense - well done on the new bike! it looks great, and it sounds like you have that grin that its all about.

)

I concur, With my first Harley I used to throw the garage door open every morning and go wow look at that..... and it's mine! That baby of yours would give me the same joyful shivers I'm sure, it's gorgeous.

If you enjoy riding it as well your just about as close to biking nirvana as your ever gonna get.

Spit in the general direction of naysayers and just enjoy the lovely thing for what it is, a rolling piece of art. Wish it was mine, Onya mate. :drinkup:

[JohnnyBoston]

That would be enough to make me buy a Suzuki.

Wouldn't give the time of day to anyone who thought my brand of motorcycle made me a "Bro for life".

I`m with ya` there!! :niceone:

[s8306]

Well we have sold both of them now so i can give my honest opinion without people saying " he is just trying to sell ya that one because ....."
The harley was a bueatifull bike all the extras and lots more as well. went great sounded awsome.
The suzuki was near new, low kms very tidy had the bags and some nice extra touches.
With the hog you got more than just the bike you buy into the whole HOG scene. Instant comradery instant acceptance "BRO for life type thing". That carrys an extra cost and is built into the badge price.
The suzuki does not do this. As good a bike as it is it lacks the fabled and much critisied "mystique" of the hog.
Is that worth the extra money???? Thats up to each individual to answer. Oh yea harley parts are no more expencive that suzuki parts and nore do they need them more often. Yes i ride a suzuki.
I know of a guy who's a life member of Hog.Sold the Harley and bought a 109 Boulevard.Went to one of the Hog rallies,was told to leave his bike at the gate as it's non Harley.Apparantly being a life member means squat.Bro for life,yeah right.

[Tank]

I know of a guy who's a life member of Hog.Sold the Harley and bought a 109 Boulevard.Went to one of the Hog rallies,was told to leave his bike at the gate as it's non Harley.Apparantly being a life member means squat.Bro for life,yeah right.

Even as a 'Boulevard guy' - I can see the logic in this. I assume that "he" being the member was still welcome.

I can see why they would have Harley and non-Harley parking - after all it was a HD rally.

[Tony W]

Thanks guys for all the input.....I ran it through my head and got nowhere.
Ran it through my heart........and there she was smiling at me....
Merry X-mas to you all...... and to myself.
Got myself a lovely little heritage softtail 2000....

Now where's the PTO drive...?:msn-wink:

Aye, aye matey, you've done the right thing.

A Harley-Davidson is the real thing as far as cruisers go.
The rest are just immitating.

I hope you stay true to your individualism and don't try and be a pretend criminal riding round in look-at-me-and-my-noisy-bike groups !

[Molly]

I've had several Harleys over the years without problem (save for a starter clutch which was an easy fix). Can't speak for the Suzuki. However, my experience of the local Suzuki dealership (when buying my wife a learner bike) would be enough to put me off the brand for life. On the other hand, the local H-D dealer have gone out of their way to help me out, actually remember my name, and is just a nice place to visit.

The Harley will hold its value much better than a Suzuki and it's likely you'll hang on to it for longer too. So, the money's either in your bank or in your bike. Personally, for me it's a no-brainer. You've made the right choice and every time you open the garage door you'll be glad you did. No reason why it shouldn't last a lifetime.

I'd have been tempted by that Guzzi too though.