09-23-2018, 01:46 AM
I did the opposite of what you are contemplating. I am 66 also. I owned a Harley CVO Softail Springer for 10 years prior to my 2017EX. I was a beautiful bike, and I suppose it was a "bucket list thing" to experience the Harley mystique. Choice of motorcycle is a very individual thing, and they all have some Pros and Cons. From my Harley experience, I will tell you why, for me the change to the CB1100 was the right thing, so you will have some feedback to consider. In the final analysis, the choice is yours regardless of what anyone else says, and I hope you are happy with whatever you choose, just go into it fully informed. What I have to tell is from my experience only, and others may have legitimate difference of opinion.
Harleys are expensive to maintain and insure. There is a standing joke that "HD" stands for "Hundred Dollars", i.e., you cant go into a Harley shop without ending up spending at least one hundred dollars. I prefer to do most of my maintenance, including oil and filter changes. None of the Harleys have a center stand, and probably could not be lifted onto a center stand if they had one. Consequently oil changes have to be done at the shop with a bike stand, or done at home on the side stand. Because the oil filter is horizontal n the front of the V Twin engine, doing an oil change at home is considerably more difficult and messy.
Harley V Twins are tuned very lean from the factory, in order to satisfy California emissions. Consequently they typically run very hot. I always had this nagging worry in the back of my mind, that the rear cylinder might not be getting enough air over the cooling fins, and I really felt the heat on my legs during long stop lights.
Getting older, and not quite as strong as when I was younger was definitely a concern for me. My Harley was over 750 Lbs., and by going to the CB, I shaved off over 250 Lbs. of bike weight. I can get the CB onto the center stand for maintenance and oil changes with no problem, and whereas getting the Harley out of the garage for a ride was a wrestling match, getting the CB out is a breeze.
The Harley was a great bike for cruising on a straight highway, but the twisties and low speed around town was like wrestling a tank ( at least for me ). I found that safely riding a Harley required a different riding style and mind set. This included going into curves more slowly, and increasing following distances. The more weight ( mass ) in motion, the more the handling characteristics change, and the longer it takes to slow down and stop. Although there are techniques to get a heavy bike upright by yourself if it is laid down, the more weight, the more difficult it is to do, especially if you are older.
I certainly am not bashing Harley, as I did get a lot of enjoyment out of mine for the 10 years I owned one. That said, Harley is in MHOP, a whole different ball game from what you are used to with your CB. My CB is a joy to own and ride in all aspects, including DIY maintenance, and riding in all situations and speeds. At this point in my life, and at my age, it was the right choice at the right time for me. I hope you will enjoy whatever bike you choose.
Harleys are expensive to maintain and insure. There is a standing joke that "HD" stands for "Hundred Dollars", i.e., you cant go into a Harley shop without ending up spending at least one hundred dollars. I prefer to do most of my maintenance, including oil and filter changes. None of the Harleys have a center stand, and probably could not be lifted onto a center stand if they had one. Consequently oil changes have to be done at the shop with a bike stand, or done at home on the side stand. Because the oil filter is horizontal n the front of the V Twin engine, doing an oil change at home is considerably more difficult and messy.
Harley V Twins are tuned very lean from the factory, in order to satisfy California emissions. Consequently they typically run very hot. I always had this nagging worry in the back of my mind, that the rear cylinder might not be getting enough air over the cooling fins, and I really felt the heat on my legs during long stop lights.
Getting older, and not quite as strong as when I was younger was definitely a concern for me. My Harley was over 750 Lbs., and by going to the CB, I shaved off over 250 Lbs. of bike weight. I can get the CB onto the center stand for maintenance and oil changes with no problem, and whereas getting the Harley out of the garage for a ride was a wrestling match, getting the CB out is a breeze.
The Harley was a great bike for cruising on a straight highway, but the twisties and low speed around town was like wrestling a tank ( at least for me ). I found that safely riding a Harley required a different riding style and mind set. This included going into curves more slowly, and increasing following distances. The more weight ( mass ) in motion, the more the handling characteristics change, and the longer it takes to slow down and stop. Although there are techniques to get a heavy bike upright by yourself if it is laid down, the more weight, the more difficult it is to do, especially if you are older.
I certainly am not bashing Harley, as I did get a lot of enjoyment out of mine for the 10 years I owned one. That said, Harley is in MHOP, a whole different ball game from what you are used to with your CB. My CB is a joy to own and ride in all aspects, including DIY maintenance, and riding in all situations and speeds. At this point in my life, and at my age, it was the right choice at the right time for me. I hope you will enjoy whatever bike you choose.