Well it's down to 2 bikes. I have been dealer hopping since thursday. I have sat on just about every bike that I could find from 750-1200,and well I really like the Vulcan 900 and the slightly used 1200 Custom. (for sale by a co-worker)
Both fit me about the same as far as seat height, handle bars and upright seating.

The Vulcan has a lot of really nice features and truly falls into a Mid weight Cruiser roll. Heel toe shift, floor boards...

The 1200 Custom, more of a street cruiser, also has a lot of nice features including a factory security system. Only has ~6500 mi. on it so it's had its fist 2 service's done and is tagged till 2010 and is in nice shape.


Suspension wise, the nod has to go to the Vulcan. Looks to me like a knock off of a Low Boy.

And that's just it. As much as I like the Vulcan, I just know that, in the back of my head, I will regret not buying the HD if I get it.

OTD the Vulcan is $7300. I am going to offer $6000 for the HD and maybe 62. It's end of the season and the '08 are on the floor, plus it's probably going to need tires in a couple K.miles.

All things being equal, the "pride of ownership"** is also swaying me towards the HD.

And if I'm not mistaken, I can always add creature comforts later. IE; saddle bags, different shocks, floor boards, upgraded seat.

** Re: the pride of ownership thing, unless I am traveling to a Star Trek convention, I don't think I want a "Vulcan" sticker on the back of my truck. :razz:
But man it sure [u]is[/u] a nice looking bike.
Then again, so's the HD.


Please, any comments and un-biased opinions?

TIA,
Del





 

Guess that I should add, my intended role for the bike will be a fair weather commuter with the occasional road trip.

The wife has also expressed interest in some, though infrequent, 2 up riding.
As in she doesn't want to end up feeling left behind but is being very supportive of the purchase.

The speedometer issue of the Vulcan and the Constant Valve adjustment are a turn off but the Liquid cooled and EFI are definite plusses.
Which is just the oposite on the 1200.

Thanks again.  

Nevermind, the used Sportster is no longer an option.
The wife has decided that the bike with no factory warranty is no go.
She'd rather I spend the extra money and just buy new.

I guess that I shouldn't complain.