It's gonna get expensive

Owning a Harley is a big commitment; money, time, care. Owning an older Harley is a bigger commitment. We got it for a super price...I mean a great deal, even with all things considered.

We need to spend a little money soon:
1. We have to replace the tires. I don't see any reason why they won't last through our upcoming trip but soon after that it's time for new shoes. Tires alone, without mounting will be about $225.
2. I have to replace the windshield. Right now it has a very short, blacked out 'windshield'. I could get used to it but I like a little more windshield in front of me, especially with the NJ bug population. That's another $95.
3. I want to add a luggage rack to the top of the Tour Pak (trunk). It will give me a place to strap stuff without sctraching the trunk top...another $135.
4. I need to replace or upgrade the hand grips. The ones on the Harley are smooth and slippery and already give me cramps holding on. Something cushy and 'grippy' would be nice. $70 - $$$.
5. We want to get an enclosed trailer for transportation and storage...$3000-$4000. Ouch!
6. Rider's Backrest...something for me to lean against and to keep Barb from sliding into me. $?

There's also the work involved in switching bikes and making the new one 'our own'. I need to remove items from the Honda and install them on the Harley. Most importantly is my USMC Guardian Bell. Have to keep the road gremlins away! I need to remove the E-Z Pass holder and find a new home for it somewhere on the busy dashboard of the Harley. I emptied the saddlebags and 'trunk' on the Honda. Finding places for the stuff on the Harley isn't a problem, considering the hugh amount of storage on-board. The Hi-Way pegs are a problem. The Harley has HD pegs that I don't really like so I may remove the ones from the Honda and put them on the Harley, then sell the HD pegs.

Let's not forget what is probably going to be the biggest long term expense...HD clothing, patches and pins.

First Ride on Heavy Metal

Last night I / we took our first ride on the 'new' bike. I can't help but call it new even though it's a 2004...but it's new to us. I took it for a quick spin around the block earlier in the day but that didn't count...just jumped on wand went.
I had been working on the bike off and on all day. It needs a real good deep cleaning and waxing. When you consider the price we paid, and the age of the bike, we couldn't expect it to be showroom clean. I need to get a set of cleaning brushes to get into some of the tight spots. Once it's had it's deep cleaning it will be easy to keep clean. Just whip out the power washer, spray it off then take it for a fast ride to dry it.
Anyway, after dinner I had Barb meet me out in the street with her helmet, we jumped on and off we went for a ride in the forest. Considering the fact that I had never been on a bike this big before we did pretty good. We sped down Forest Road, making a few practice stops. When I got to the turning intersection we decided to continue on to Rt. 70...I couldn't make the tight u-turn needed to return home. I had on smooth bottom boots on a gravel / sand covered road.
A few observations...
...it ain't no Honda! The Honda is quiet and super smooth. There's no mistaking that there's twice as much bike under you when you hop on a Harley; you feel it and you hear it.
...it's heavy but well balanced. Point it and it goes.

We're taking the plunge - Harley-Davidson

We always knew we would end up on a Harley-Davidson. Barbara's cousins, David and Annette, the one's we went on the motorcycle cruise with and ride with have one. The Honda has served us well. I really like it but the rear seat has something to be desired for long rides...and we like long rides. We're in the process of finalizing the purchase of a 2004 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. I haven't seen it in person but it was a deal we couldn't refuse. It's the bike we wanted, in a color we liked. The motor and transmission had complete rebuilds with 7000 miles on them and the price was more than right. Buying it without seeing it or riding it may seem strange but the bike deal came to us, and was checked out, by a trusted chain of acquaintances.

 

I really can't wait to get home and ride it. I know it will take a little getting used to as it's twice as much bike as the Honda.