I'm thinking about Hogs. Advice?

**ruaphu** · 28th November 2013, 15:07

Originally Posted by Theantidote

returned to riding this year after a spell caging it...went straight onto the xv1100 coz i'm not allergic to country of origin and love cruising rather than racing...but now here's the rub...ever since i was a kid i always wanted a harley...still kinda drool when i hear or see a nice one spinning past...
so given that a newbie is outta the question (budget wise) what is the oldest model i should be looking at and what should i watch out for in terms of known factory fuck ups?
i'm quite keen on the sportees as i think they offer a good entry point without being too wanky...
any tips would be cool...oh i like to spend a good few hours in the saddle at a time and would rather ride than polish...

Anything late model and well maintained, just remember the three B's "Bigger's Better Bud" liddle harleys are not worth the chop, all puff and dissapointing to say the least.

Another option may be a metric cruiser, some of these can sound bloody awesome with the right pipes. I had a 98 Suzie LC1500, black and chrome, all kitted out, stage three tuning (available dirt cheap from the states, Gman industries) and fitted with Cobra slash back pipes. Went like a train, sounded a whole heap better than most yanky iron and was bullet proof reliable. Debadged, hard to tell it was a Jappa eh.

We only recently traded it for an 2005 2000cc Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser all kitted out, it's behemouth big, loud, long and wide, like riding a train with handle bars with more torque than an Aussie tank and still gets 40MPG. A third of the price of a harley, lots of chrome, comfort, reliable as and a hoot to ride. Cheers Ando

**Dangsta** · 28th November 2013, 17:27

I'd been looking at Harley's for the best part of a year. Just seemed too pricey and the newer big blocks were waaaaayyy out of my comfort $$$ range. I kept looking though and learned quite a lot in the process. I got close a couple of times and was looking at an '03 fxdxt or wideglide but as soon as I was about to pull the trigger, I'd realise the bike just wasn't exactly what I wanted and I wasn't prepared to "make do". Fair to say I rode a lot of different modes and it got to be a bit of an obsession.

On a whim I started looking at Victory's and got drawn to the 8 Ball models. Within a week of seeing one for sale, I owned it. Best move I ever made. Fantastic bike. I'm a convert and am pretty sure they're the only bike I'll ever own from now on. While I still appreciate them, I've no desire to ride or own any other make of bike.

**Theantidote** · 28th November 2013, 20:46

Originally Posted by Scouse

I would go with a Night rod special plenty of power good brakes and plenty comfortable on long hours in the sadle this one looks like good buying http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-645113141.htm

thanks mr scouse...i hear what you're saying...as a not so short nor so tall dude i'm not sure about those...i saw someone my height not long ago on one and it looked just a bit weird...(says me on the wee viagra)...

**skippa1** · 28th November 2013, 20:49

Originally Posted by Theantidote

thanks mr scouse...i hear what you're saying...as a not so short nor so tall dude i'm not sure about those...i saw someone my height not long ago on one and it looked just a bit weird...(says me on the wee viagra)...

I'm 5'8" and ride one. Easy reach to the ground flat footed. What do you care what u look like for? It's what you feel that counts

**Theantidote** · 28th November 2013, 20:52

Originally Posted by ruaphu

Anything late model and well maintained, just remember the three B's "Bigger's Better Bud" liddle harleys are not worth the chop, all puff and dissapointing to say the least.

Another option may be a metric cruiser, some of these can sound bloody awesome with the right pipes. I had a 98 Suzie LC1500, black and chrome, all kitted out, stage three tuning (available dirt cheap from the states, Gman industries) and fitted with Cobra slash back pipes. Went like a train, sounded a whole heap better than most yanky iron and was bullet proof reliable. Debadged, hard to tell it was a Jappa eh.

hei thanks mr ando...really appreciate the feedback...i'm a big fan of metric cruisers and always have been...this next one i guess is to satisfy my long held dream of owning something from a childhood fantasy i guess...yep there are some bad ass metrics out there (not sure my viagra counts) and they're really cool and all but i dunno man...a hog just seems like something i need to have at least once in my life...i think you're on the money with the three b's...but seen as i'm only a frail old bugger a weener hog probably could still haul my hairy arse at a reasonable speed and with a bit of comfort to boot...

**skippa1** · 28th November 2013, 20:52

Originally Posted by Dangsta

I'd been looking at Harley's for the best part of a year. Just seemed too pricey and the newer big blocks were waaaaayyy out of my comfort $$$ range. I kept looking though and learned quite a lot in the process. I got close a couple of times and was looking at an '03 fxdxt or wideglide but as soon as I was about to pull the trigger, I'd realise the bike just wasn't exactly what I wanted and I wasn't prepared to "make do". Fair to say I rode a lot of different modes and it got to be a bit of an obsession.

On a whim I started looking at Victory's and got drawn to the 8 Ball models. Within a week of seeing one for sale, I owned it. Best move I ever made. Fantastic bike. I'm a convert and am pretty sure they're the only bike I'll ever own from now on. While I still appreciate them, I've no desire to ride or own any other make of bike.

Believe me, it wears off when you find out how useless the Victory after sales support is how hard parts are to get and how the fuckin things drag on the ground every time you try to lean it over.

i thought the same as you, wouldn't consider one now. It only took 12 months

get a v rod

**Theantidote** · 28th November 2013, 20:54

i kinda sound like a wannker sometimes when i try to explain why i think a hog might b me next ride...sorry about that...i just enjoy riding and if it's based on miles for smiles well it might be worth it...

**Theantidote** · 28th November 2013, 20:56

Originally Posted by skippa1

I'm 5'8" and ride one. Easy reach to the ground flat footed. What do you care what u look like for? It's what you feel that counts

true all dat mr skippa...thanks man...i'm going for feeling like riding a hole lot with a big ass grin on my face from ear to ear to the point where my face fukin hurts like a bastard...

**AllanB** · 28th November 2013, 20:56

I'd have thought HD parts were two a penny online - no idea how the NZ importer is in regards to supply.

**skippa1** · 28th November 2013, 20:58

Originally Posted by AllanB

I'd have thought HD parts were two a penny online - no idea how the NZ importer is in regards to supply.

They are, Victory however

**Theantidote** · 28th November 2013, 20:58

Originally Posted by skippa1

Believe me, it wears off when you find out how useless the Victory after sales support is how hard parts are to get and how the fuckin things drag on the ground every time you try to lean it over.

i thought the same as you, wouldn't consider one now. It only took 12 months

get a v rod

i like the look of the 8 balls and the victory story is cool...but yeah after sales service is kinda important...even tho i'll be doing what i can in terms of basics...but yeah getting bits is kinda important...

**ruaphu** · 29th November 2013, 04:50

Yep I see your point, having the bike of your dreams at some stage is essential to having a full life, lol. The ole viagra doesn't quite cut it eh.

One thing HD does do is a ton of styles. Do remember the three b's. Ya can get some decent cubes in the smaller frames, it is well worth it.

Later model the better and ensure the cosmetics are up to scratch too, nothing worse than pitted rusted chrome, costs a ton to fix. A few mates HD's have cost them a small fortune putting this aspect right.

Take care have fun finding a decent ride eh, oh make you flick is decent pics of your new ride too eh.

Should ya pass us less fortunate bikers on your new HD beast do make sure u flick us the finger...... No wait! I mean a wave eh, lol
Cheers Ando.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**ratusratus** · 29th November 2013, 06:17

get any Harley mate.....Jap bikes are shit and victorys are ugly

**Crasherfromwayback** · 29th November 2013, 07:22

Originally Posted by skippa1

Believe me, it wears off when you find out how useless the Victory after sales support is how hard parts are to get and how the fuckin things drag on the ground every time you try to lean it over.

i thought the same as you, wouldn't consider one now. It only took 12 months

get a v rod

Let alone the fact that your old Victory has cracked it's cyl head. Again.