Getting a Harley-Davidson Bike - By: Wayne Powell

Getting a Harley-Davidson? A latest Harley is a big investment, so being aware of what you want and what you can come to grips with is very valuable. Before buying a Harley-Davidson motorbike, you should do some investigation. If you are new to motorcycling, you might consider a Sportster 883 or 1200. The Sportster is a well-behaved example to establish with. It's lighter and comfortable to handle. Make certain you try out the Sportster and consider approximately how much time you're going to be spending on it.
You might need to take a peek at the recent 2009 Iron 883 Sportster. With an MSRP of $7899, this is a wonderful bike to commence out with, or if you're looking to get back on a Harley Davidson motorbike and don't have a lot of money to spend.

There are numerous things to reflect on when buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Some are price, color, accessories, and performance upgrades. If you're going to add any performance upgrades or accessories, the dealer will almost certainly give you a discount if you have them installed when you get the bike.

Something you may not have considered when buying a Harley-Davidson is the dissimilarity concerning spoked wheels and mag type wheels. Preserve in mind that mag style wheels can be plugged if you get a flat. Spoked wheels cannot. I was reminded of the difference when I borrowed a Road King with spoked wheels and got a flat on the rear tire. The garage close to where I got the flat could have plugged the tire if it was a mag wheel. As an alternative, we had to have the nearest Harley seller come and trailer it to his location to fix it. If you're going to do some serious riding, I would think about purchasing a motorbike with mag type wheels.

The 2009 Touring variants were given wonderful new upgrades. These incorporate a stronger more rigid frame, which increases the weight capability by around 70 pounds with 5 pounds of further carrying capability for each saddle bag and Tour-Pak. The swingarm, tire, and rear fender are larger. A innovative motor mounting method reduces vibration. The new Touring variants are being paid excellent reviews.

SPORTSTER
Sportster models comprise the new Iron 883, 883 Low, 883 custom, 1200 Low, 1200 Nightster, 1200 Custom, and the XR1200 now on hand in the United States. Prices start off at $7899 for the Iron 883 and go to $10,659 for the 1200 Custom with custom paint colors. Suspensions on the 883 Custom, 1200 Low and 1200 Custom have been upgraded for a superior ride. A new addition to the Sportster line is the XR1200 which was formerly launched for the European market, is at the moment available in the US.

FLH OR TOURING
Models comprise the Road King, the Road King Classic,the Street Glide, the Road Glide, the Screamin Eagle Road Glide, Electra Glide Standard, the Electra Glide Classic, and the Ultra Classic. All come with a 6 speed transmissions and the 96 inch motor. Touring models now have 6 gallon gas tanks. They also have new Brembo brakes with optional ABS which is standard on the Anniversary Ultra Classic. These are big heavy motorbikes made for some considerable riding. Prices range from $16,999 for the Standard up to approximately $35,499 for the Screamin Eagle Ultra with the 110 cubic inch engine. The new Touring models have great latest upgrades, including a new wider tire, fender and swingarm. The new frame is stronger and more rigid which gives it more carrying capability. Starting in 2008, touring variants use a fly by wire throttle command. This latest throttle control is also known as ETC or Electronic Throttle Control. This arrangement replaces the throttle and idle cables. Wiring for the system is routed inside the bars for a cleaner appearance. Dynas, Sportsters and Softails still use outside cables.

SOFTAIL
Variants comprise the Night Train, Softail Custom, Fat Boy, Softail Deluxe, Heritage Classic, the FXCWC Rocker C, the FXCW Rocker and the Cross Bones. All have 6 speeds and the 96 inch B engine. Softail variants have hidden rear suspension. The Cross Bones is a throw back to the post World War II bobbers with a springer front and a single spring-suspended seat. The Rocker looks like a chopper with the Rocker C having more chrome. Priced from $15,899 to $26,999 for the Screamin Eagle Softail Springer with the 110 engine.

FXD OR DYNA
These models consist of the Super Glide, Super Glide Custom, Street Bob, Low Rider, the Wide Glide and the Fat Bob. DYNAs turn up with the 6 speed trans and the 96 inch motor. The Fat Bob is a favorite new model with double head lights and a real muscular look. It also has a new shotgun exhaust. Another thing is Harley offers optional forward controls on the new Fat Bob. DYNA models start at $11,999 for the Super Glide and go up to $25,299 for the latest Screamin Eagle Fat Bob model also with the 110 motor.

The entire DYNA and touring variants come with the rubber mounted Twin Cam 96 inch motor. All Softails come with the Twin Cam 96B with the B meaning balanced. This is something to consider when purchasing a Harley-Davidson. The B motor has very slight vibration but delivers a little less torque. This is mainly due to the counter balancers. The touring, DYNA and Sportsters use a rubber mounted motor which gives you a little vibration.

VRSC OR V-Rod
They include the V-Rod, the Night Rod, the Night Rod Special. The V-Rod is the single liquid cooled Harley-Davidson. It has four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams and puts out about 120HP. The engine is the 1250cc 76 inch Revolution. It comes with the 5 speed transmission. The V-Rod was designed with the assistance of Porsche. The V-Rod is also available with ABS. Prices range from $14,999 to $17,504 for the color selection. The new V-Rod Muscle is the most recent V-Rod model.
One decision you don't have to make when purchasing a Harley-Davidson is if you desire fuel injection or a carburetor because now all Harley-Davidson motorcycles are fuel injected. Ford has superseded GM as the provider of the electronic fuel injection. GM's Delphi EFI was used from 2001 through 2007.

Whichever version you choose, you should try it before you get it. You may want to test-ride more than a few variants before getting your new Harley-Davidson. Try to locate a dealer that rents motorbikes for the day and rent the model you're thinking about getting. It's all part of the experience of purchasing a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

There are a lot of things to reflect on when getting a Harley-Davidson motorbike. Hope this article helped you decide which one is right for you.

There are a lot of things to reflect on when purchasing a Harley-Davidson motorbike. Hope this article helped you make your mind up which one is right for you.

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