Comments on Biker News: Should I Get a Yamaha or a Harley?

how could u ever hit a deer like that u jack ass

2009-06-24T10:09:02.941-07:00

how could u ever hit a deer like that u jack ass

Being thoroughly experienced with both Harley's an...

2009-04-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Being thoroughly experienced with both Harley's and Yamaha's now in my mid 40's I ride a fully dressed Venture Royal and wouldn't trade it for anything. But It truely comes down to your personal preference if you want a comfortabe ride, dependability and stay within a budget to get a well balanced bike I would advise on the Yamaha - But its personal preference.

In your personal situation I think you will be muc...

2009-04-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

In your personal situation I think you will be much happier with the Yamaha. Not having the power you want and to get it your going to have to spend a lot of extra money which will probably still not satisfy you leaving you unhappy with your purchase.

I finally got to a point in my life to where I was...

2009-04-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

I finally got to a point in my life to where I was able to purchase any bike I wanted. After some research, I narrowed it down to the Harley Road King and the Yamaha Road Star. I did a test drive on both, but also test rode a used 2007 Road King with 7,000 miles on it.

I was struck on how the '07 Road King was still as good as ride as a brand new one. I think that shows the improvements Harley has done since the AMF disaster.

The one thing I have to admit is that I am a fair-weather rider, so I have not piled up the miles on the previous bikes I've owned.

Though I was more committed to the fit of the bike I wanted to buy rather than the price, I am also committed to getting a good value. With that, I ended up buying a new '08 model Road Star Silverao "S".

I am not at all anti-Harley. I love the look and sound of their bikes. I get the whole Harley "mistique" thing. Personally, the Road Star was just an overall better ride, and most importantly, a better fit for my riding tastes.

For the value-minded, the used Harley I rode was priced at
$14800, while I got the fully dressed Road Star for $11,400.

buy the Yamaha I have had several harleys over the...

2009-03-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

buy the Yamaha I have had several harleys over the years and I am in a hog chapter, last year a friend bought a venture and said want to take it for a ride we'll after that ride the "pig" I mean hog was gone and i now own a venture, and as far as these guys that say i would rather push a harley we'll keep it long enough and you will push it. and as far as it will hold it's value (bull) I paid $23,000 and sold it 3 years after for $14,500 even at that price it took 4 months to sell, ride the Yamaha and then ride the ultra there is no comparison Buy thhe yamaha

Well, I certainly hope Steve has made his mind up ...

2009-01-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I certainly hope Steve has made his mind up by now. It's been since October 29, 2005. lol
Try out as many as you can. That way you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle. You are the one that will have to live with the payments.

BTW, what did you end up buying?

Hi. This is way after the question. But, did any o...

2009-01-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hi. This is way after the question. But, did any one suggest a lowering kit for what ever you chose to ride?
So, bye what makes you happy, and slam it!

I own a 2006 rstd and love it!!! Just keep the sto...

2008-08-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

I own a 2006 rstd and love it!!! Just keep the stock pipes on it and your set to go. I kinda get harley envy from time to time but my bike still gets compliments from harley riders. IT's fast, smooth and being able to take of the front wind shield and backrest is great. But I do have to say, for big touring, I would either at the quadzilla faring or get a venture. The radio (in comparison to the ipod in the ears) would be a welcome addition as well as the cb and push to talk, even know my wife doesn't really like to talk while we ride. Figure that???

Take it from me, get the Harley. I currently own ...

2008-07-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Take it from me, get the Harley. I currently own a Honda VTX and am sorry that I didn't get an electraglide. The tank is too small, no sixth gear, no FUEL guage or tach, low power, wobble, rattles, and two-up is a pain. However, for the price it was a good deal, I just want more. By the time you add the options you want you'll be close in price to the HD anyways.

Ok i have a flhtcui, truth is its not really depen...

2008-07-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

Ok i have a flhtcui, truth is its not really dependable. it left me standed twice intermitant sensor problems. we are sitting on each other caue the bike is really alot smaller than it looks for 2 adukts more than 200 lbs a piece. now the stator fried . i did a recall look on line , H_D is littered with recalls and problems tat people just accept. its vibration is physically tiring after a 500 miles your wrn out, now the hondas and yamahas aregreat machines, very low re calls on line for those..and few consumer prblems that i can find, but theres no shortage of how do i repair a harley...hmmmmmmm.
when i get my hd repaired this time im trading on a yammy if i can find the one i want. not a gold wing they look too much like leggos.
buy the yammy from a hd owner wishing he did ! darren

We're getting ready to go big touring bike again. ...

2008-06-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready to go big touring bike again. I've looked and sat on everything out there and have decided on the Royal Star Venture as the most comfortable bike I ever sat on or rode. Yes, like you this bike will be for my wife's comfort. Gold Wing, BMW and Harley didn't impress us like the Yamaha Royal Star Venture!

I just rode 1000 miles on an 08 Electraglide Ultra...

2008-06-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

I just rode 1000 miles on an 08 Electraglide Ultra Classic, Over 400 lb load with my wife and I on it. (No she's not, but I'm pretty big). Now I know why God rides an Ultra Classic, of course he knows what going to go wrong with it before hand, and I'm sure he has someone to maintain it for him before hand. But I don't think the Venture is quite up to the pure enjoyment of the UC

Dave

I had a 99 Electra Gluide Classic that I will say ...

2008-05-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had a 99 Electra Gluide Classic that I will say above 70 was way underpowered, and that was with just me on it. I like the old Ventures and will get one for my next tourer because they seem to have a lot of power in just stock form. I have an 89 Ultra Classic now that i bought with 98,000 on the clock for 6 grand on ebay. If I didn't find that I would probably get the Yamaha. Heres my 2 cents and I DO work for a Harley supplier and I pity the people that go into the dealerships (brainwashing centers). What would the "never owned a bike" person think if he went into the Chevy dealer and just bought a new pickup and was then told he had to get a big-bore kit otherwise it wouldn't keep up with traffic? Or he paid $400 for floormats but that was ok because they had a Chevy emblem on it. Or even further when he took his "Chevy USA-1" leather jacket out of the box it had a tag on it that said "Made with pride by ox-cart riding, poor, solder beaten peasants in the 2nd army tent at the labor camp in Quangyang Province for 2 bowls of rice per day". If Harley wants to tote american made, then make it all here, not just some parts. And quit charging 20K for a 15K bike. I'm a harley guy, I just sold my completely restored 48 Panhead that I drove to work every day I could. So don't everybody that talks them up get on my case I restore them (yes I restore the ones the really DO leak) The new ones are nice, but I'll repeat what one post said, They need a thing called a radiator

Without reading all comments to sure post. You kno...

2008-03-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Without reading all comments to sure post. You know you can lower any of the bikes. I would pick the one I like and lower it or take to to a bike shop and get them to lower it. Good luck. mojo

I have a 2003 Royal Star Venture that has 42k mile...

2008-02-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

I have a 2003 Royal Star Venture that has 42k miles on it now. Tires are the only items replaced on this bike since new and I still have until April 2008 under warranty. The Venture ride is what I like most about the bike. The electronic cruise makes those 400/500 mile rides the dream they should be. The bike is the most comfortable long distance ride I have experianced with all the power you'd need. Haven't experianced the Honda Gold Wing yet, heard it's quite nice. I like to ride with anyone on any thing as long as they're into riding and not building an ego. I like the look of the Harley and the sound, but it's usually the rider that turns me off. For some reason it seems like some of them bought the bike to over come some inferiority complex they have, hoping the Harley name would make them all better. Well if it works for them great, just don't think for a moment you're riding a better made, better riding bike. My two bits. Enjoy the ride.

I have had both a RSTD and Road King.Buy what make...

2007-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

I have had both a RSTD and Road King.Buy what makes sense for you.Not too many bad bikes out there.It really mater of taste and priorites

I've just gotten rid of a HD Road King Classic for...

2007-11-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

I've just gotten rid of a HD Road King Classic for the new Yamaha Stratoliner S. I don't care what anyone says, HD makes good and reliable bikes, BUT their prices are OUTRAGEOUS and way too high for what they are worth. The only reason the resale value stays high is because of the continous brainwashing of new riders that their bikes are something special. HD is not equal in value to Japanese bikes. Go ahead HD riders, and hate on Japanese bikes. But their quality and value is far superior to anything HD can put out, and that includes their SUPER-OVER-PRICED Custom Vehicle Operations bikes.

There is NOTHING Harley Davidson has for sale that can come close (factory stock) to the comfort, HANDLING, BRAKING, POWR, RELIABILITY and VALUE then a Yamaha Stratoliner "S". That bike was chosen as 2006 Cruiser of the Year for a reason =)
And oh by the way...I've seen multiple mags compare the Road King to completely different Star bikes (such as the V-STAR 1100 or Royal Star!) where do they get off at? Compare top cruiser to top cruiser. HANDLING, POWER, BRAKING, LOOKS AND VALUE =)
Star Motorycles =) OK that's my three cents.

P.S. Yes I like Harley's...I just refuse to be a poseur and throw my money out the window to be down with the crowd!

until you expierence the harley you'll never under...

2007-11-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

until you expierence the harley you'll never understand why. Once you have the money will be incosiquential as always you get what you pay for ,oh yea when you go to trade ( if ever ) you'll apprieciate the harley as it will hold it's value better.squeak

Ok, here goes, I have owned two Harley Ultra Class...

2007-09-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, here goes, I have owned two Harley Ultra Classics, then just bought a 2005 Royal Star Tour Deluxe with 3 years warranty left. I sold the harleys instantly, sorry to say. Power, ride, torque, there is no comparison, the Yamaha beat my harley's 2 to 1. I have been a Harley owner and fan since I was 16, (30 years) and I never knew what I was missing, and this bike will never overheat in traffic thanks to a wonderful invention that Harley has yet to find, a RADIATOR!!. I just out ran and out torqued two long time friends last weekend in the VA mountains. After market pipes on my TD and it has the same nice V Twin thump as any harley that I ever rode. I will never go back!!!!

okI have a 2002 yamaha venture and it is by far th...

2007-06-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

ok
I have a 2002 yamaha venture and it is by far the best bike i have been on.The weight problem is easy solved by changing the front tire for a smaller one.Takes about 300lb off the dead weight feel of slow slow speeds.As for the horse power it is between 98 and 100.This powerplant will do over 190k still in forth gear but gets good gas as well.The honda you speak of is a pig when it comes to gas.The harley is pretty but a smaller feeling bike,and yes,not much of a top end.My wife loves her lazy boy back seat
good luck

BE TRUE TO THE RED WHITE AND BLUE AND SUPPORT YOUR...

2007-06-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

BE TRUE TO THE RED WHITE AND BLUE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FRIENDS AND BUY THE HARLEY !

Ok - I know i am coming to this fight a little lat...

2007-05-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ok - I know i am coming to this fight a little late, But what did you buy??

There's an old saying,"...if it's too good to be t...

2007-01-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

There's an old saying,"...if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't."

In 1985, I got a killer deal on an '84 Low Rider - for the price of a Sporty, new with HOG ownership. At just 300 miles an oil valve-spring went out and caused severe engine knocking. It left me stranded. The nearest dealer was already two weeks backlogged. Later my salesman wanted to make the bike 'disappear.'

It was a sign I didn't belong w/biker folks that I so epitomized until then. Harley's look spectacular, but I doubt I'll ever buy one again and go through that bunk experience.

JOKE: The main difference between a
Harley and a Kirby vacuum is the location of the 'dirt bag.'

Isn't it funny how everytime there's a discussion ...

2006-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how everytime there's a discussion about bikes the first people to start slinging negative mud and put downs are the Harley owners. Well let me put my 2 cents in. I just sold my 1998 Electra Glide, it had 86,000 miles on it and ran fine, before that I had an 1990 Electra Glide which I sold at 75,000 miles on it, had some small problems during it's life, nothing major. I know own a 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Venture, which is much more comfortable, smoother, better gas mileage, and has good power for mountains as I live in western maryland. I have nothing against Harleys, or any other bike, I will say this though, the only reason Harleys are more dependable than years past is because they are made with more japanese parts such as, the carb, ignition, electrical switches, lights, forks, and shocks, any honest mechanic will agree. That last line should stir up hurt feelings!! Buy the Venture or Goldwing, it's you money and your butt. Good Luck.

I liked what tracy said.On my ride today to dauphi...

2006-08-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

I liked what tracy said.On my ride today to dauphin island two scooters were approaching from the south.One was ridden by a guy the other a girl.Ithrew out my hand in passing and they did the same.I actually got a rush.Too many drugs in the 60-70s maybe.My point is they had the spirit,the wind in their faces and all the little things one can only expierence on a motorcycle no matter the manufacturer.I ride a 2004 roadstar w/53,000miles on the clock and like all types of bikes as they are cheaper than therapy.