The future of Harley-Davidson

[GoldOxide_imp]

I’ve been vacillating on purchasing an ADV bike for a number of years now. Ever since I sold the KLR. My primary concern is weight followed by enough power to pass. Secondary to that is enough room on the bike to carry about 40 pounds of camping gear, food, etc as I would remote camp at the destinations w/o developed campgrounds . I’d ride it mostly on backroad 2 lane blacktop to well maintained gravel roads to fishing spots in the mountain west.

My first choice would prob be the Moto Guzzi V85TT. It appears to make enough power and is close to the weight I prefer. A plus is supposedly seating position which leads to a low center of gravity. However, that’s a non starter based on the abysmal dealer network in the USA. Shame really as I’m drawn to the bike and price is very reasonable. Plus it seems to be somewhat road biased.

My second choice would be the Afrika Twin. Weight and power are right where I want them but at the time I was shopping more seriously than I currently am they didn’t have the tubeless rims. I know that’s been resolved. Plus the DCT is something I think I could really get into. While Honda does have a solid dealership network Honda USA(at least where I live) has absolutely zero understanding of the concept of customer service and how it plays into a long term relationships with their bottom line. I just will not buy a bike from a dealership that takes the approach of ‘one and done’.

That brings me to the Dirt Glide. Prob heavier than what I want but if center of gravity/ seating is low enough that could mitigate some of my concern about low speed handling on loose road surfaces. At 140/145 HP the power for passing is there in spades. Out the door cost will prob be close to $8-10k above the Guzzi and at that point there needs to be some serious soul searching. No doubt the dealer network will be there with follow through warranty support if needed.

I like the mid sized ADV bikes coming out and agree that the big ADV bike ground has been plowed and exploited by other manufacturers to maybe the max extent. Good observation in a previous comment that Harley may be 10 years late to the party. But, they HAVE arrived and now we’re going to see if they can dance.

I’ve yet to see the Yamaha 700 in the flesh but think it may not fill the bill for what I’m looking for which is a planted feel while doing 80mph through open plains with almost daily strong crosswinds for 200+ miles to my destinations.

Spring is around the corner and I’m itching to put the drama of 2020 behind me. A new ADV bike purchase may be the ticket to assist in that mental endeavor.

I kinda like the design of the HD Pan America, especially the Special version in orange and white. Looks like nothing else in the ADV market, that's for sure. I know that a lot of people hate the front end design. I actually like it a lot better than a "beak."

I have never owned a Harley. I probably never will. That said, the guys at Timpanogos HD in Lindon, UT are the nicest bunch of motorcycle guys I have ever met. Even when I've gone to just look at the bikes, they were incredible to talk with. The dudes at Legend Motorcycles in Springville are just as cool. It's technically a motorcycle museum (and an awesome one at that), but they have a Harley customization shop on the back. I almost bought a Sportster which they had made into a scrambler, just because the guys were so amazing to everyone who came in.

Agreed.

I don't mind the Futurama "Bender" appearance. Looks tougher than a beak.