I currently own an '05 Kawasaki 800 Vulcan classic, I have hadd other metric bikes in the past. I am looking to upgrade to larger next spring and have heard many stories favoring both American (Harley) and Metric cruisers. Do anyone out there have more insight on the subject of is there one bike any better than the other? Im talking New bikes. Thanks
Rich

Hah, there's a can and a half of worms.

Harleys tend to have a more classic look, retain their value (and sometimes appreciate), have a bigger aftermarket, have more metal vs plastic pieces, etc.

Check both out and decide what works best for you.

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Sure.
Top of the line Harley? $19K to $23K. (approx)
Top of the line Yamaha? $13K to $15K. (approx)
See the difference?

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2004 Yamaha Midnight Silverado
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Yamaha Road Star S, 102 cubic inches, 5-speed tranny, FI. $12,599.
H-D Super Glide Custom, 96 cubic inches, 6-speed tranny, FI. $12,995.

Yamaha Royal Star Venture, 79 cubic inch, 5-speed tranny, carbs. $17,299
H-D Electra Glide Classic, 96 cubic inch, 6-speed tranny, FI. $18,695.


Yeah, I see what you mean. Metrics are way cheaper.

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Gold Wing msrp starts at $19599
HD Electra Glide $16545
BMW LT $21520
Victory Vision $18999

The Metric bikes are higher priced, at least for a basic touring bike. (MSRP not actual price)

Got this brand new Yamaha in 2004 for a little ovet $14K.
Like to see you get a comparable HD for that price.

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2004 Yamaha Midnight Silverado
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You could get, say, a Super Glide Custom for $12,995 then add a better seat, windshield, and some saddle bags and be about the same price (and have a 6-speed tranny).

Or you could spend $17.5K for a Road King with a 6-speed tranny, an extra 1.3 gallons of fuel, driving lights, etc.

Or an Electra Glide for $16.5K and get an actual full fairing instead of just a windshield.

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Just did what you sugested with the Super Glide Custom. Grand total? $16,065.45.
Sorry just doesn't do it.

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2004 Yamaha Midnight Silverado
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That's weird because I just added some bags, the Sundowner deep bucket seat, a passenger backrest, and a windshield, and it came in under $14,300.

And, hey, start with the standard Super Glide at $11,995, add those accessories, and you come in well under $14,000.

I dunno how you got over $3000 out of a backrest, seat, and saddle bags. None of the saddle bags, windshields, or backrests are over $1000.

Ah well.

Incidentally, I wonder what your Silverado will be worth in 2015 compared to the Super Glide.

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The Goldwing is a "basic" touring bike?

How about the ST1300 at $14,499?

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