Which would you prefer?

[gunnerbob]

As a town/city commuting setup, out of these bikes alone.

This:

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This:

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Or this:

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[gunnerbob]

This is another thought:

2014 Star Motorcycles Bolt R-Spec Home, information

 

[HD-kutz]

Sorry but unless you have some compelling reason to buy a sport I would pick none. The difference between the Dyna Street Bob and 2 of those Sportys is 2K. You'll realize that back at trade or sale time plus some. Not to mention you'll be less likely to trade up in a short period of time.

Even though Harley resale is nothing like it used to be it is still superior to other brands.

 

[Sir Diealotz]

Fat Boy is what I want. I'll get one some day...

 

[MartyB]

I've ridden a Sportster, nothing wrong with them, but I'll stick with my Fatboy. Dynas are a better ride and for not much more. Most people end up trading up pretty soon after getting a Sportster, unless your set on one, take a look at a Dyna. you will lose on trade in.


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[jabatam]

I have a Dyna and love it

 

[mojoman]

I like the second one.

 

[wolf_fire]

As a town/city commuting setup, out of these bikes alone.

This:

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This:

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Or this:

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I've ridden motorcycles for quite some time. You are the only one that knows what you like/need/want in a motorcycle. My suggestion is to take each of these models for a test ride and actually ride your commute. Don't ride the pre-planned circuit that the dealer wants you to. Also, take with you whatever gear you would take to work, to see how easily it fits on each model. Once you do that, I'm sure you'll have your answer.

If you are asking which of these bikes "looks the coolest", then again, it's not my decision, it is yours. Riding is personal and I've found the longer I've ridden the less I care what others think and the more I care about how the ride suits me. Hmmm, this is sort of my attitude with my firearms as well. I'll research the mechanics of each model, but when it comes down to it, it better be suited for me.

 

[gunnerbob]

I hadn't really looked into the Dyna Street Bob... I was sorta sticking with the Sportsers b/c of price. I'm trying to set up a demo ride at the local dealer, I've thought about renting one as well and riding it for a whole day. The daily commute usually involves carrying just a backpack and a tank bag, no need for saddle bags. I was asking mostly b/c I'm not an H-D rider, never have been... I was hoping there'd be plenty on the forum to offer opinions.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[harley57]

If you want a sportster save some money and buy a used one because you will most likely want to move up to a bigger bike and if you buy new you will lose your ass trying to sell or trade. A sporty can be a great starter bike if you can find a good price. If you must buy new go with the Dyna. I myself prefer touring bikes but I've been riding for forty years. My first Harley was an old iron head sporster and it was alot of fun but I soon moved up to a Fatboy and now ride an Electra glide.

 

[Icemanii]

Not knowing where you live, hard to answer. As Harley57 stated, ride what is best for you. His suggestion of riding the route you will take to work should be discussed with the dealership prior. I can tell you from experience that, at least here, if it is one of the demo bikes, the local PD know where they should be. The dealership will, depending on the customer and circumstances, sometimes set up an overnight 'loan' of a motorcycle to try out. That again would be something to discuss with your dealership.
As for the XL models, again, depends on the riding you will be doing and how comfortable you are on it. The owner of the oldest dealership here in my area still rides a Sporty more often than not. He grew up racing them, and loves how they feel and handle. He owns multiple dealerships and can ride any motorcycle he wants, his choice is the XL. So again, you have to choose what is right for you.
In the motorcycle classes here, the instructors state that you should pick a motorcycle to fit the style of riding you plan to do. For me, I also ride a touring bike a lot, but I need the lockable saddlebags and often do 1,000 mile rides in a day. So the bigger, touring style bike fits my riding style.

Test ride them all, including the Star and see what fits you and what you want. For a first bike, used may not be a bad choice, but then again, it depends on if you find something that you really want.

And if you haven't taken a safety course, I would recommend it, if nothing else, just to refresh your skills.

 

[gunnerbob]

I've heard from several other H-D riders that most people move up from the 883 quickly as it runs out of steam at interstate speeds. I've already figured out the Tourer option I'd like to go with, the V-Star 950 or 1300 Touring models... I'm always in the market for a smaller, 1-up only commuter that has that sorta mean style to it. Eventually, I could see my wife and I traveling on the Electra Glide or Heritage Softail... but that's for later on down the road. I used to have a Hyosung GV650 but sold it last year, I just picked up an '86 VT500C to replace the cruiser portion of the collection. It's a suprisingly capable bike, even 2-up... for shorter stints only.

I'm something of a motorcycle junkie, I'm always in the market for a deal or just something that catches my eye. I'm into all genres of bikes... sport, cruiser, standard, dual sport... you name it. For some reason... I've been getting the Harley bug lately.

 

[nosreme]

I hate posts like this because they re-ignite thoughts about getting my first Harley.

 

[gunnerbob]

I hate posts like this because the re-ignite thoughts about getting my first Harley.

My bad............