What's your opinion on this bike?
Discussion
I have always fancied a 2nd bike, and this new Harley Davidson XL1200N seems to be a bit of blast and not too much money for a Harley (£6600). Would this be a good introduction to Harley ownership, I fancy dipping my toe in to see what it's all about but don't want to spend £10K plus on the top end bikes at this stage.
Yes..........and no.
The Nightster is selling very well here......my Harley dealer sold 6 on the first day.
But, that photo you posted isn't a UK spec Nightster, it's a USA one.....and they are different.
To meet UK/EU regs the rear end/light is now a fugly appendage with a number plate holder because the US version has a side mount license plate and also on the UK version HD have put on longer rear shocks to raise up the suspension......
The other thing, before deciding to buy a Nightster or any Sportster version, what riding do you intend doing?
If it's short blats, riding around town stuff like that, then a Sporty is fine and yes, it's a good intro to Harley ownership.
However, if you want to spend more than a few hours on the bike.........DON'T get a Sportster....get a Dyna. more expensive, yes, but a far better buy in the long run...you'll outgrow the Sporty very quickly, and it's cheaper to just get a big-twin, rather than have to change within 6 months as I know happens for about 75% of Sportster owners.
The Nightster is selling very well here......my Harley dealer sold 6 on the first day.
But, that photo you posted isn't a UK spec Nightster, it's a USA one.....and they are different.
To meet UK/EU regs the rear end/light is now a fugly appendage with a number plate holder because the US version has a side mount license plate and also on the UK version HD have put on longer rear shocks to raise up the suspension......
The other thing, before deciding to buy a Nightster or any Sportster version, what riding do you intend doing?
If it's short blats, riding around town stuff like that, then a Sporty is fine and yes, it's a good intro to Harley ownership.
However, if you want to spend more than a few hours on the bike.........DON'T get a Sportster....get a Dyna. more expensive, yes, but a far better buy in the long run...you'll outgrow the Sporty very quickly, and it's cheaper to just get a big-twin, rather than have to change within 6 months as I know happens for about 75% of Sportster owners.
aeropilot said:
what riding do you intend doing?
This will be a 2nd bike, I have the ZZR for touring etc. I would like to take some longer trips on this bike every now and again. For the most part I will be solo, but the wife would probably want a go on the back to see what it's all about (would need to invest in a pillion perch. I really cant stretch to the larger size bike as I would be looking at £12K with the add on's....maybe in a couple of years if I enjoy the whole experience.Never been a fan of Harleys, but I do like that. I assume it's dog slow, has pants brakes and doesn't corner though
If they did a basic one that could be realistically used as an every day commuter I'd consider it just for the experience. Alas, after all these years, they still seem to have not grasped the basics
If they did a basic one that could be realistically used as an every day commuter I'd consider it just for the experience. Alas, after all these years, they still seem to have not grasped the basics
jdwoodbury said:
aeropilot said:
what riding do you intend doing?
This will be a 2nd bike, I have the ZZR for touring etc. I would like to take some longer trips on this bike every now and again. For the most part I will be solo, but the wife would probably want a go on the back to see what it's all about (would need to invest in a pillion perch. I really cant stretch to the larger size bike as I would be looking at £12K with the add on's....maybe in a couple of years if I enjoy the whole experience.Longer trips - err, no again.
Sporties are not for riding more than a few hours, believe me.
£12k with add-ons - christ, what add-ons do you want..?
My Dyna Super Glide Custom cost £10.7k new and that was with pearl paint option and dealer fitted forward controls, and a few other bits. You don't need everything from the accessories book at once.
A Dyna Street Bob would be a grand cheaper than that new.....
m3psm said:
Never been a fan of Harleys, but I do like that. I assume it's dog slow, has pants brakes and doesn't corner though
If they did a basic one that could be realistically used as an every day commuter I'd consider it just for the experience. Alas, after all these years, they still seem to have not grasped the basics
The Buell should meet with your approval thenIf they did a basic one that could be realistically used as an every day commuter I'd consider it just for the experience. Alas, after all these years, they still seem to have not grasped the basics
I'm a fan of the older Harleys but always wondered why they developed the Evo engine and forgot everything else, the brakes have always been abysmal and the frames agricultural. Actually the engines are restricted to hell when you buy them and you have to buy aftermarket items to free them up. Now there are loads of very wealthy custom bike builders making 'Harleys' that people want and successful V twin engine builders like S & S who build seriously powerful engines out the box.
jdwoodbury said:
I have always fancied a 2nd bike, and this new Harley Davidson XL1200N seems to be a bit of blast and not too much money for a Harley (£6600). Would this be a good introduction to Harley ownership, I fancy dipping my toe in to see what it's all about but don't want to spend £10K plus on the top end bikes at this stage.
looks good for a hardleyangelboy said:
After 9 years of sports bike ownership I'm getting to the point that I can't be arsed wringing the nuts of my bike anymore so I'm going for a change of direction.
Ducati 996 to Harley Fat Boy...........!!!
Anyone here made the change?
Yup....not quite so dramatic, but I went from Ducati Monster to Harley Dyna, not neccessarily from choice as the Monnie was nicked....but I would have gone to the Harley eventually anyway. Ducati 996 to Harley Fat Boy...........!!!
Anyone here made the change?
One of the best things is that a Harley is seen as 'cool' or perhaps acceptable is a better word by non-biking public.....even with very loud exhausts.....all very enlightning in this day and age.
They are also huge grin factor fun, but in the totally opposite way of a sports bike.
(they are a bugger to keep clean though with all that chrome...
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