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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| HELP! I'm trying to decide on buying a Harley Fat Boy or a Honda VTX 1800, what should I buy? I've been a H-D fan all my life, but the VTX intrigues me also. I'm moving up from a racing bike to a cruiser, but still crave speed and power, but want a comfortable bike to ride. I've had my sights on a Fat Boy for some time with the resale value a bonus, but the VTX's price and power has put a crimp in my thoughts. Both bikes have similar styling making it more difficult, but there's no sound like a Harley. Please, all comments wanted.
Bryan |
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| The VTX makes a lot more power than any stock Harley except for the V-Rod. On the other hand, the VTX is a very sterile looking (somewhat ugly to me) bike that looks a little too futuristic. If you look at the fit and finish on the VTX, you may get your answer quicker than you thought. Look especially around the gas tank where nothing meshes and there is an ugly lip around the bottom of the tank and also where the seat and the tank should meet but instead there is a 3/4" gap. I had an '03 Shadow Spirit and loved the bike, but then I started paying attention to details a little closer and ended up on a Road King after I realized that everything was chromed plastic. The Honda exhaust will never really sound like more than an angry engine with an artificial 'blat' compared to the Harley (its too mid-rangy compared to the baritone sound from the Harley, which is deep and full). I dont think that one should buy a bike for the exhaust sound alone....but we understand if you do.
Shore King |
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| | I had been a Honda fan for life having ridden Hondas for 20 years, but after having driven the VTX, I changed to Harley. I am not as interested in top end speed after years of commuting, and have found low end torque to be more useful on the highways and the evasive maneuvers I have had to perform to stay alive. Leaving the parking lot for my test drive of the VTX at the Honda dealership, the VTX stalled as I feathered out the clutch. I was shocked that a 165lb person aboard an 1800cc engine could stall it. After much research I later found that the VTX seems to excell in the mid to upper range, not exactly what I wanted for my next commuter bike. I currently commute on a 2003 FLSTFI and the only real complaint I have is that the stock floorboards do not permit enough lean. I have scraped the floorboards to the point that I will have to replace them very soon, or find another peg system that will provide more clearance. |
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| | Think about this - at the dealership where I bought my Honda, the General Manager rides a Harley to work, as do most of the sales people who don't ride sport bikes. I have an '03 Shadow Ace 750 Deluxe. I was looking to upgrade - had always talked about the vtx 1800. After considering resale value and seeing that the sales people and management aren't riding what they sell. I bought a Fat Boy. Kept the Honda for the wife. Honda makes a nice bike - but one thing they're not - A Harley Davidson. |
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| Bryan, I started out 10 years ago on a Jap cruiser, and frankly, have no complaints - but I always knew it wasn't a Harley. Ive had mine for 4 yrs now - no problems. Ive also ridden the VTX - its like a big, fat steak that just isn't that tasty. If you don't get a Harley you'll regret it. PERIOD. Mike/Atlanta
Mike |
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| Harley = Bad
Honda = Homo |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| Try them both, take them both for a test ride, weigh the features of each to see which has more of the things you are looking for. Sit on both to see which feels better.
I've had Harleys and Hondas and loved them all. Go with the better bike for you, not the brand.
Jim |
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| | It depends on what kind of rider you are. For me, I ride normally slow ( 06 FXST/carb). I'm not gonna spend any more extra on my bike to make it faster ($100.00 on mufflers+400.00 on rejetting). The HD wll not go fast, if u make it fast, it will be unreliable. And it won't stop and it won't turn either. But you can go to HD bike weeks/fests and you'll fit right in. Jap bikes will always perform better with less repair costs. HD will keep its most resale value. f I have enough money, I'd have both. |
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