That was a great review!
...it leaking yet? :lol
...it leaking yet? :lol
My first Harley review
5
Went and test rode 2015 Harley Road Glide Special last Friday. After I got the thing out of the parking lot without dropping it (big plus to kicking off the test ride on a positive note) I had that constant O shit feeling every time I stopped.. Once on the road I had the music cranked with no problems hearing it through my helmet at 75+. Took the first turnaround under the interstate and scraaaaaaaatch... Drug something pretty hard. Ooops, glad it was the dealers bike. :O Shrugged it off and figured at like 9000lbs I should slow my happy butt down going through the corners :laugh It's not a canyon carver.
Took it back in after about 30 minutes of comfort mellowed riding. It was a completely different feeling then I get on my 636. I have only had my butt on my 636 and a few sport tourers. Took my safety course on a pos cruiser that I hated, which is I had pretty much stayed away from Harley in general. This was very relaxing and almost zen like. I see why most of the these guy go down due to not paying attention. It took a lot of coaching myself to stay alert during the test ride and to not play with the radio, nav, cruise, phone, CB, etc. etc.
Left the dealership still on my 636. I had no desire to trade it regardless of the ride. I talked some numbers, performance upgrades, add-ons, and out the door price. Left with a good understanding of what my $25,000 would get me in the Harley world.
Leaving the dealership I was instantly back in my comfort zone.. While it was fun kicking back and enjoying life for 30 minutes, I was now back to being super alert and zipping down the road. Good thing because coming back into SA, traffic suddenly started screeching to a halt. Not a slam on the brakes type stop but we can call it a brisk stop. I had plenty of time to react as did the cars in front of me. The problem was the b1tch in the f150 behind me. I instantly check my mirror anytime I brake and watch it a lot while stopping. I could see her not slowing at all as she barreled down on me. As I hit about 20mph I could tell I was in trouble. Got back on the gas and went beside the mustang that was in front of me on the shoulder staying close up next to his door. As I got next to the window I could see him looking in the review and I started hearing the tires. I immediately goosed it again and went another car up. As we all came to a stop, I looked back to see the F150 right on top of the mustang. It was close enough I thought she hit it but apparently she stopped in time.. Lucky for me I wasnt the buffer. :thumbdown:
I immediately started thinking what if's. What if I was on that touring bike? Would I have been able to get out of the way? Would I have been paying attention? Are my skills good enough to swerve a cruiser that fast? I like to think all of the above would still be positive. My main concern was would I have been devoted enough to do all that with the new toy and how important it is to remain vigilant.
Finally met up with my cruiser buddies to sit and chat at our local hangout. They drilled me for about 2 hours on how I liked it and gave some good jabs about buying me my first Harley insignias. I didnt let on but the truth was I was already touched. I could imagine getting out away from traffic and just kicking back to relax. Being super comfortable, rocking some jams, and taking the slow corner for hundreds of miles a day.
After I blew off those chums I had some serious thinking to do. This involved spread sheets comparing weight to HP/TQ, finances, insurance quotes, and calling several close friends to get their thoughts. I honestly expected some push back but the responses I received were shocking.. I really thought you would look at these sooner. What took you so long. I think you will enjoy the hell out of it. DAFUQ? Do I friggin ride that slow? :2fingerlol: Pretty much told them to piss off but they all said the same. Called my uncle who has been riding Harley a long time. He offered his suggestions which I took with a grain.
Saturday morning came and it was engraved in my head all night. About 10 seconds after I woke up I had made up my mind..
I took it out Saturday afternoon around SA. My initial thought is I need to get used to the weight. Stop and go traffic along with side streets and stop signs. A buddy tagged along on his lo-boy and we hit a few cruiser places looking for some more touring type gear. At the end of the day I drug the foot peg twice, bought a tshirt and beanie, and was no closer to balancing this beast or having new gear.
Sunday was all countryside. We went out around Canyon lake and it was pure enjoyment. It floats down the road with ease and my biggest correction was not speeding up in the corners. Struggled on a couple of turnarounds and getting out of a parking space but had a much better day. The ribbing from my friends telling me to push the bike like a man was probably the worst part. The truth is my 5'-7" frame with a 30" inseam isn't quite enough to flat foot this bike. A problem that needs to be fixed..
Monday on the ride to work went much better. I figured out that most of the weight issues were mental and not as bad as I was making them out to be. I was way over thinking it and even nailed a few one legged stops.. The third time I hit a little gravel and figured I had better stick with two legs
Took the bike back into the dealer yesterday. When I bought the bike I paid for an upgraded exhaust, high flow air filter, a new set of cams, and a custom dyno tune with removable turner. All warrantied through Harley at a much more expensive purchase price. :yumyum: I cant leave anything alone :nana:
It's supposed to be done tomorrow and I can't wait to get it back. It really is a different animal and a lot of fun to ride. Probably not for everyone but I am almost 40. While I still like going mach 1 I am also realizing that slowing down isn't as horrid as I thought. Hope you enjoyed reading all this crap and here are a few more pics.
My kid has sat on every bike I have owned. Almost consider it a blessing at this point. He's making his kicked back screw you face..
Thinking I need a bigger garage!!
Took it back in after about 30 minutes of comfort mellowed riding. It was a completely different feeling then I get on my 636. I have only had my butt on my 636 and a few sport tourers. Took my safety course on a pos cruiser that I hated, which is I had pretty much stayed away from Harley in general. This was very relaxing and almost zen like. I see why most of the these guy go down due to not paying attention. It took a lot of coaching myself to stay alert during the test ride and to not play with the radio, nav, cruise, phone, CB, etc. etc.
Left the dealership still on my 636. I had no desire to trade it regardless of the ride. I talked some numbers, performance upgrades, add-ons, and out the door price. Left with a good understanding of what my $25,000 would get me in the Harley world.
Leaving the dealership I was instantly back in my comfort zone.. While it was fun kicking back and enjoying life for 30 minutes, I was now back to being super alert and zipping down the road. Good thing because coming back into SA, traffic suddenly started screeching to a halt. Not a slam on the brakes type stop but we can call it a brisk stop. I had plenty of time to react as did the cars in front of me. The problem was the b1tch in the f150 behind me. I instantly check my mirror anytime I brake and watch it a lot while stopping. I could see her not slowing at all as she barreled down on me. As I hit about 20mph I could tell I was in trouble. Got back on the gas and went beside the mustang that was in front of me on the shoulder staying close up next to his door. As I got next to the window I could see him looking in the review and I started hearing the tires. I immediately goosed it again and went another car up. As we all came to a stop, I looked back to see the F150 right on top of the mustang. It was close enough I thought she hit it but apparently she stopped in time.. Lucky for me I wasnt the buffer. :thumbdown:
I immediately started thinking what if's. What if I was on that touring bike? Would I have been able to get out of the way? Would I have been paying attention? Are my skills good enough to swerve a cruiser that fast? I like to think all of the above would still be positive. My main concern was would I have been devoted enough to do all that with the new toy and how important it is to remain vigilant.
Finally met up with my cruiser buddies to sit and chat at our local hangout. They drilled me for about 2 hours on how I liked it and gave some good jabs about buying me my first Harley insignias. I didnt let on but the truth was I was already touched. I could imagine getting out away from traffic and just kicking back to relax. Being super comfortable, rocking some jams, and taking the slow corner for hundreds of miles a day.
After I blew off those chums I had some serious thinking to do. This involved spread sheets comparing weight to HP/TQ, finances, insurance quotes, and calling several close friends to get their thoughts. I honestly expected some push back but the responses I received were shocking.. I really thought you would look at these sooner. What took you so long. I think you will enjoy the hell out of it. DAFUQ? Do I friggin ride that slow? :2fingerlol: Pretty much told them to piss off but they all said the same. Called my uncle who has been riding Harley a long time. He offered his suggestions which I took with a grain.
Saturday morning came and it was engraved in my head all night. About 10 seconds after I woke up I had made up my mind..
I took it out Saturday afternoon around SA. My initial thought is I need to get used to the weight. Stop and go traffic along with side streets and stop signs. A buddy tagged along on his lo-boy and we hit a few cruiser places looking for some more touring type gear. At the end of the day I drug the foot peg twice, bought a tshirt and beanie, and was no closer to balancing this beast or having new gear.
Sunday was all countryside. We went out around Canyon lake and it was pure enjoyment. It floats down the road with ease and my biggest correction was not speeding up in the corners. Struggled on a couple of turnarounds and getting out of a parking space but had a much better day. The ribbing from my friends telling me to push the bike like a man was probably the worst part. The truth is my 5'-7" frame with a 30" inseam isn't quite enough to flat foot this bike. A problem that needs to be fixed..
Monday on the ride to work went much better. I figured out that most of the weight issues were mental and not as bad as I was making them out to be. I was way over thinking it and even nailed a few one legged stops.. The third time I hit a little gravel and figured I had better stick with two legs
Took the bike back into the dealer yesterday. When I bought the bike I paid for an upgraded exhaust, high flow air filter, a new set of cams, and a custom dyno tune with removable turner. All warrantied through Harley at a much more expensive purchase price. :yumyum: I cant leave anything alone :nana:
It's supposed to be done tomorrow and I can't wait to get it back. It really is a different animal and a lot of fun to ride. Probably not for everyone but I am almost 40. While I still like going mach 1 I am also realizing that slowing down isn't as horrid as I thought. Hope you enjoyed reading all this crap and here are a few more pics.
My kid has sat on every bike I have owned. Almost consider it a blessing at this point. He's making his kicked back screw you face..
Thinking I need a bigger garage!!
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Buy me one?
Not worried about leaks at all.. Every new Harley now comes with a gift certificate for 100lbs of free kitty litter. It's why they put the bags on the back to begin with.
LOL, the hard part was spending as much on that as the new R1M or the H2Buy me one?
Thanks, definitely not alone. The hardest part is splitting time between groups and bikes. Took my 636 out last night and still had just as much fun. Glad she isnt jealous :tounge2:
No reason to sell my 2013. Its paid off and one of the best bikes I have ever owned.
The traffic is worse here every year and I almost took a job in Corpus just for that reason. Then I remembered why I only lived there a year before: Humidity, showers, constant winds.. Love to visit, but no desire to stay.
awesome review.
i also have a Harley. The wife is the principal driver of it, but its a great bike.
1994 sportster. picked it up with 9000 km on the clock, and it left puddles as if you were pouring oil straight out of the bottle onto the ground. So once winter rolled around, i tore it down, rebuilt the top end, freshened everything up, gave it a nice custom fade to pearlescent black paint job and its an absolute blast to ride.
i prefer the zx6r a million times more than it, but there are days where its a solid choice to fire up and ride around on. Even for a small harley, it feels like im sitting on a couch and can just get lazy
i also have a Harley. The wife is the principal driver of it, but its a great bike.
1994 sportster. picked it up with 9000 km on the clock, and it left puddles as if you were pouring oil straight out of the bottle onto the ground. So once winter rolled around, i tore it down, rebuilt the top end, freshened everything up, gave it a nice custom fade to pearlescent black paint job and its an absolute blast to ride.
i prefer the zx6r a million times more than it, but there are days where its a solid choice to fire up and ride around on. Even for a small harley, it feels like im sitting on a couch and can just get lazy
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
