Harley Demo Day

 So today it was everyones chance to ride the leftover '11 models.  The
one model I had not yet ridden was the V-rod, so that was my first
spin.

The pros: All I can say is wow.  What a fantastic engine.  Why Harley
doesn't find room in their line up for more of those is puzzling.
Brakes on that bike look to be the same as those on the Touring models
which work really well, but work as good as anything I've ever
experienced on the lighter V-rod. The bike is also about as pretty as
they come.

Now for the cons: Maybe the 240 rear tire or the long wheel base or a
combination, but the bike resisted changing direction with everything
in its being. The absolute deal breaker though is the exhaust.  It
sounded great from the rider seat and I would hesitate to make it
louder just to annoy the public. The problem lies in its placement.
It is right next to the rider's leg and burns like hell.

Surprises: The insane looking riding position doesn't feel all that
bad for short rides (which is how I would use it).  Oddly, after
looking at it, adding floorboards on reduced reach pegs would actually
bring my leg nearer to the tortuous exhaust.

I also rode the Road King Classic.  My wife and I rode the Road King a
couple of years back and really liked it.  I like the looks of this
years Classic better and thought I'd try that one. It is much the same
as I remember the Road King Standard except that the windscreen was
higher and right in my line of sight.  I reconfirmed by sitting on a
2012 Road King Standard and its windscreen was still sufficiently
below my line of sight.

A friend of mine went with me and rode his ZX-10.  He decided he liked
his demo on the Street Glide enough to spring for a leftover 2011 with
the 103 engine, ABS and Security.  He got it for $1800 off list too!

PS: He's keeping the sportbike for romping around with the boyz.

 
They only do them here once a year, when they are trying to clear out
the previous model year's inventory. That is also the only time they
make deals below the MSRP.

My friend was fortunate as he went in wanting either a 2012 black
Fatboy lo with the new 103 engine or black Streetglide with same (his
wife wanted him to the the Glide).  After the test ride he was much
happier with the ride qualities of the Glide, though he still would
prefer to look like the Terminator on the black Fatboy.

The only complaint he had against the Street Glide was the level of
effort to make really sharp turns.  I haven't ridden a Harley with a
batwing on it so I can't be sure, but I think it is likely that he
isn't doing something right as the Road Kings don't seem to be a
problem to steer in slow tight corners.