Can't make up my mind, please help!!?

Question

Hi,

I want to buy a bike and I'm having a some trouble making up my mind. I like a few models.

- Harley Cross Bones
- Harley Rocker
- Harley Fat Bob
- Yamaha Raider

I like the Cross Bones cuz it looks like a bad a$$ machine but I've never sat on it.

I like the rocker cuz it has that chopper look that I like but it seems that most Harley fans doesn't like it. and its a little expensive if you get the Rocker C which is the one I like.

I like the Fat Bob cuz it looks good, it has a passenger seat and its about 4K cheeper than the other 2 Harley models.

The Yamaha raider looks great, has a passenger seat and is about the same price has the Fat Bob....but its not a Harley.

Other question, which one has the beat resale value, an Harley or a bike like the Yamaha Raider.

Thanks for you help.

Answer 1

4 nice bikes in that group. Personally, I like the cross bones the best. Something about the way it looks. I've heard good and bad things about the seat, so definitely go check them all out in person, see which one fits you the best and gets your heart pumping.



Once you decide on which bike, shop around at numerous dealerships for the best price. You may be surprised at how even Harley dealers are competing for business these days.

Answer 2

I was having that same problem, but I had narrowed it down to the HD Rocker, VIctory Vegas Low, and the Yamaha Raider. All of them are in the same price range. I test rode the Rocker and it had some torque, but the seat was uncomfortable and it rake angle was too awkward. It seemed like I was fighting the bike when I turned, I had to make more of an effort to make the turn. I also tried the Yamaha, It was pretty good, it handled well and it looked pretty cool. It handled much better than the HD. I would probably would have gotten the Yamaha, but I got the Salesman PO'ed when I told him that Yamaha built a better bike than the HD. That dealership sold both HD and Yamahas. So, I left and I came across the Victory dealership and test rode the Vegas Low, and I fell in love with the Vic. Needless to say I rode the bike home. It don't have that annoying vibration from the HD, but the Yahama didn't have any vibration too. It has a 100ci S&S motor with a 6 Speed tranny. I love it! I get more compliments than the other HD's at work.



As far as Retail, you're going to get better resale vale with the HD. Insurance is going to be higher on the HD too. The Vic and Yahama are about the same, I got a quote of $26/mo for full coverage and the HD was $47/mo. You have to take into consideration of reliability and cost of ownership too. I reasearched those bikes and the Vic was much better on reliability and cost of ownership, followed CLOSELY by the Yamaha. The HD seemed to be overpriced in both areas. I have a friend that took his HD Heritage Classic Softail in for a tune up and oil change......$600! That's too much! Plus, in order for you to trade in your HD, you'll need to have ALL work done at an HD dealership.



In short, if you want a good reiliable bike with a great price, go with the Vic. The Metric Cruisers are not that bad too, I love the Yamaha. I also fell in love with the Triumph Rocket III (REALLY BIG MOTOR!!!). The HD dealer said, and I quote..."You're not buying just a bike, but you're also buying a lifestyle".

Answer 3

As far as the Crossbones I saw the same tricycle seat and springer front end on a 1942 Indian yesterday. Ever ride a bike with a springer front end and tricycle seat very far ? The Rocker forks are raked making it a pain in the ass to turn and no real passenger seat. The Fat Bob is Ugly even Harley figured it out. Yamaha resale will be less than the Harley as long as its not a Vrod. Like the prevoius poster suggested it cost nothing to go test ride a Victory. Yes, they actually allow you to test ride the bike you want. What a concept ! Victory will be priced near the Yamaha with better resale value.

Answer 4

A Harley will have the best resale value but it will be more likely to be stolen if not pinned down . About the Raider very nice bike to ride,better balance and lower maintenance.Check out the insurance level big difference.

Answer 5

It can sometimes be very difficult to make a choice when buying a bike but, if you think about it then break your preferences into categories it might make it easier and last I would suggest before you buy find and ask anyone who you see riding the bikes you like they can often tell you stuff a dealer wont , like faults or problems with parts or costs and servicing etc. this comes from their first hand experiences not a dealers wanna sales pitch to make a dollar!



Now you like looks best outa say 10 OK



Then you will need to sit on them outa 10



Does it really suit what you need (like a pillion or packing bags etc.) outa 10



What options you get outa 10



Service costs brake pads belts chains cables etc. outa 10



Cost and resale outa 10



Then take each one for a ride outa 10



then look at the narrowed field and go ask owner riders then I'd say you'd have a pretty good basis to make your own choice and go enjoy the ride.



remember always take opportunities never take risks



and as a rider always try to educate those cagers' as they don't care if it's their mother, daughter, sister, father, brother, son, who they just cut off



Happy riding it's the only way to travel

Answer 6

Hmm I'm pretty sure that Harley is the best choice as far as resale goes, its more popular and easier to find spare parts for them. Plus they are great bikes, The Cross bones is classic and will always be MY FAV., but The Chopper look is pretty sweet too! Either one of those would be my pick, but the absolute final decision should be yours since you'll be the one riding.

Answer 7

ok... can you afford to pay heaps to get your bike fixed? if you can, then think harley. If your after some thing that to some extent really just impresses people then harley is the way to go.





But yeah, im into sports bikes, so no help besides that :D



I dont know what country you are in, but harleys kill the japanese brands for re sale, you lose value quickly on japanese bikes, but you might sped the same money plus plus plus on the mechanics for the harley

Answer 8

Harley Rocker

Answer 9

obviously it's completely your call



my opinions say

crossbones is a sweet ride, had (had is the key word, it got backed over in a parking lot a month ago) one myself it's my own personal favorite.... i don't like the heel/toe shift and floorboards, but that can be swapped to pegs anyways

fat bob has a fugly headlight setup.... hd knows it and already and offers a single lamp replacement) otherwise a good bike

rocker looks nice, the biggest reason the crowd hasn't taken right off with it is because it's modeled around what a person should be doing to their own bike.... not buying off the showroom floor.... it's seen as a rub bike

yamaha makes a good ride as well, i personally am opposed to supporting an asian economy over one close to home... no problem with the bike... just with where the profit will go



without a doubt, the resale will be best on a harley over a yama?ha!

Answer 10

I was big time impressed with the Victory on my complimentary test drive.... The Hammer and Jackpot are

awesome machines...



All bikes are sweet for that matter. Riding before buying is

key, and so many people don't ever get to test ride the bikes

they buy..........

Answer 11

Forget harleys and indians.There's so many on the road,no one's gonna look at you after spending a bomb on something that cant perform.Get a V max - you'll never regret it but you'll somehow thank me someday...

Answer 12

harleys sell for around 80% of their original price (if you can find someone to buy it)



personally i'm not planning on ever selling my bike, so i could really care less what resale value is on it...



ride safe...

Answer 13

You should buy the bike you like best and fits you best. Fat Bob is a really good choice.