Best handling Harley-Davidson?

**kiwifruit** · 4th December 2011, 16:52

Originally Posted by AD345

may I suggest...

I'm sure they go well but not quite what i'm after

**AD345** · 4th December 2011, 16:55

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

I'm sure they go well but not quite what i'm after

Why is that?

I'm just curious. Victorys really seem to struggle over here and I'm trying to figure out why

**kiwifruit** · 4th December 2011, 17:09

Originally Posted by AD345

Why is that?

I'm just curious. Victorys really seem to struggle over here and I'm trying to figure out why

Ok, i'll be completely honest. My opinions:

They haven't hit the styling on the head. Kinda like metric cruisers... they aren't classically styled. A bit far out. They lack simplicity and purposefulness in their form.

There is also the brand issue. They don't have the same motorcycling clout (in people's minds) as say Suzuki. In this respect they're in a whole different league to HD. If the bike was badged under the Indian brand it would probably sell really well.

Back to the styling. This is the main downfall. It's just too out there for most. Maybe its ahead of it's time?

As I said, I'm sure they are fine motorcycles. Just not quite what i'm after.

**AD345** · 4th December 2011, 17:24

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Ok, i'll be completely honest. My opinions:

They haven't hit the styling on the head. Kinda like metric cruisers... they aren't classically styled. A bit far out. They lack simplicity and purposefulness in their form.

There is also the brand issue. They don't have the same motorcycling clout (in people's minds) as say Suzuki. In this respect they're in a whole different league to HD. If the bike was badged under the Indian brand it would probably sell really well.

Back to the styling. This is the main downfall. It's just too out there for most. Maybe its ahead of it's time?

As I said, I'm sure they are fine motorcycles. Just not quite what i'm after.

Cheers

Thats a pretty honest answer. For me it was the styling that sold me on them. Having owned and ridden both brands I found that I was bored with H-D. They all look the same and have looked the same for decades. One mans classic styling is another mans endless variations on the same theme.

The strength of the brand is not to be underestimated. 110+ years of history takes some overcoming (even including the AMF years). Polaris has explicitly said that Indian will be completely separate to Victory and it probably needs to be. Indian has the history to cling on to the 'classic" styling while that's not ever going to be the market position of Victory.

Enjoy your new ride - when you get it

**kiwifruit** · 4th December 2011, 21:37

Originally Posted by AD345

Cheers

Thats a pretty honest answer. For me it was the styling that sold me on them. Having owned and ridden both brands I found that I was bored with H-D. They all look the same and have looked the same for decades. One mans classic styling is another mans endless variations on the same theme.

The strength of the brand is not to be underestimated. 110+ years of history takes some overcoming (even including the AMF years). Polaris has explicitly said that Indian will be completely separate to Victory and it probably needs to be. Indian has the history to cling on to the 'classic" styling while that's not ever going to be the market position of Victory.

Enjoy your new ride - when you get it

Different strokes for different folks eh. I guess the fact I grew up disliking Harleys means they are something quite new to me. If i'd spent my life being more familiar with them then perhaps i'd look at the Victory differently.

Cheers man.

**Headbanger** · 5th December 2011, 07:27

Originally Posted by AD345

Why is that?

I'm just curious. Victorys really seem to struggle over here and I'm trying to figure out why

They are sounding far more interesting now they have purchased the Indian name....

**Splineman** · 5th December 2011, 15:16

[QUOTE=kiwifruit;1130205675]Can those of you who have ridden lots of different HD models fill me in on handling differences? Do the soft tails handle as well as the twin shock models?

{[Looking at a 15-20k budget. TC88 or 96. Night train, wide glide, super glide, street bob... that sort of thing. Not a vrod, or a sporty.

Yes, I know I should ride them all and see. I will. In the mean time, lets have your thoughts. ]}

I know you aren't looking at Sporty's but I thought I would reply with my .02 anyway..sorry.
Wife and I bought an 05 sporty 1200 and upgraded the shocks to Ohlins, fork springs and fork emulators, good rubber and brake pads and we tour all over on it.
It handles really well....not a "sport" bike for sure....but we get along on it and it is predictable and easy handling. Not too heavy and good on gas. No wallowing at reasonable speeds and good torque.
I am really happy with it and they actually have not too bad performance...as they are quite a bit lighter than the big ones and are only down slightly on power. So yeah they go well

**emaN** · 5th December 2011, 15:24

The WideGlide's my pick

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=428052976

But...If you're so hung up about the 'handling'...should you be getting one?
You got other toys that 'handle' - get this WideGlide to cruise in style...n swap with me when we're out together next

**Scouse** · 5th December 2011, 16:40

Get a Night Rod Special I did and I am loving it totaly different to my Speed Triple but I changed the tail pipes to Vance & Hines Black Widows and put a power comander. had it dyno'd and it is putting out 117hp at the back wheel.