07-10-2020, 12:03 PM
(06-04-2020, 06:33 AM)RLS_imp Wrote: I am looking to pickup a cruiser/touring bike to ride from Memphis to Denver than over to Scottsdale and back. I would love to do it on the CB, but I think it would wear me out. That said, I went and test rode some Harley's; a 2015 Dyna Low Rider, 2017 Heritage Soft tail and a 2018 Road King. All had about 4k to 6k miles and priced from $12k to $15k. I had a blast riding each of these bikes. Love the big 103 and 107 engines. However, when I get back on the CB to ride home, I am so glad I own this bike. It is superior in every way. I won't be getting a Harley, but I am interested in what bike would be a good stablemate for the CB, one that is better suited for touring. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Last month I picked up a 2014 CB 1100, and granted it is a nice little bike, but having toured out west for the last 6 years on a 2014 Road King, (previous to that on a 2009 Low Rider) I can say that the CB 1100 would be far from superior to the Harleys in the touring department. After all the Road King was made for long distance.
(06-11-2020, 02:12 PM)decarmine_imp Wrote: I've been riding for more than 50 years, and almost entirely (used) Hondas and Kawasakis, mainly because I could never justify spending the big bucks (plus HD dealers' "opportunistic markup" -- we had the opportunity, so we marked 'em up). Then when I turned 60 -- nearly 16 years ago -- I decided "If not now, when?" and bought my first Harley -- 2005 Dyna Wide Glide. I figured I would put up with all the usual Harley problems -- leaking oil, frequent breakdowns, etc. -- just to enjoy the "mystique" of the Harleys. Wow! Turns out I *loved* the bike, and *never* had a problem. Kept it 15 years, even did the SaddleSore 1000 on it. After the SS1000, however, I thought I would prefer a *smoother* engine, and bought my '14 Std CB1100 . Found myself riding the CB 80% of the time and finally decided to sell the Harley.
Then I also bought a Honda Fury -- mainly for the styling, and the CB became the one left sitting in the garage.
Then, during a casual stop at a Harley dealer -- "Just looking, honey!" -- I fell in love with the Harley Sport Glide. Pretty soon both Hondas were traded in for the Harley.
I don't ride in "packs", and I don't call myself a "biker" -- I'm simply a "motorcycle enthusiast". I've enjoyed every bike I've ever owned -- never met a cycle I didn't like -- and every time I'm on the bike -- be it Harley, Honda, Kawasaki -- by the time the ride is finished (most of them are less than 50 miles) there's a smile on my face and a spring in my step that lasts for hours after I'm back home.
Was the Harley (either one) worth the extra dollars I paid for it? Were *any* of the bikes worth the money I paid for them? Just answer this: what's a smile worth?!?
Great post, like you I like all motorcycles. I also ride Harleys, but recently picked up a 2014 CB 1100.
Never understood people trash talking other brands, being on 2 wheels whatever you're riding is what its all about.