Harley rental question?

Question

Hi

I am going over to the U.S this summer and am thinking of renting a Harley for a day or two, (desert roads and all that).

What I want to know is, coming from a sport tourer background as I do, Honda VFR, Triumph Sprint, Vstrom etc

what can I expect from the Harley.

Will I have no problems in getting to grips with it, what about the gear changes (two shifters??)

any points will be gratefully received.

And yes I know Harley aren't the greatest bikes out there, but for a short American road trip I think it has to be done.

cheers

Answer 1

Yes, it must be done.

You won't have a problem. I also lean towards the Dyna models (I ride a Superglide). The mid-mount controls aren't in exactly the same place you're used to, but they are close enough. Gear changes with the 6-speed are smooth. Pattern is 1 down, 5 up. They've been out since '06, not '07. The weight took me a little getting used to. 735lb. curb weight.

Answer 2

I agree about the Street Glide. I just bought my first Harley a while back after only riding sports and motocross bikes, and I had no problems at all, nor have I seen any signs of the bike being inferior in any way.

Answer 3

The 2 shifters are 1 for your toe, down shift, and 1 for your heel, up shift. You don't have to use the heel shifter. You can do it all with the toe. Like Maddog said, Joe B is the local idiot, he's just around for laughs.

Answer 4

look to spend about $150-$250 a day US Dollars for the rentals, and have at least 3000.00 available on your credit card in case of accidents.

Answer 5

As an American I want to say "Welcome to America"

Thank you coming here and spending money

A Harley Davidson is an old school design motorcycle that's in a class by itself, over the years HD rejected most of improvements that other motorcycles made such as decreasing weight, making it more reliable and fuel efficient.

Riding a HD is like riding a normal bike that was made 40 years ago, its hard to ride and handle, steering is very heavy, its underpowered and its normal for it to vibrate and shake and make funny noises, noises like its falling apart is normal to a HD, brakes are lackluster and the heat from the air cooled engine is intense and it could give you serious 3rd degree burns if your skin comes in contact.

Answer 6

What do you mean not the greatest bike? If your coming to "AMERICA" you ought to have the true American motor. LOL  I actually ride a VFR too, but my hubby love his Harley. I haven't driven one, but I have been on it and know the shifting is the same. Just find the grey area and go with it. If you know how to ride you won't have a problem.

You say "two shifters" I assume you mean the heel-toe shifter. I have used both and see no difference. I guess it just depends on your mood. The Harley offers a different experience in that it is casual, relaxing and an attention grabber! The sport bikes are fast, exciting and fun, they command their own respect here too!. I think you will enjoy your Harley ride just the same, and wish you the most fun no matter what!

Answer 7

You should have no problem... dealer might take heel shifter off for you but unless you have a very large foot you won't even know it's there... by the by... for the so called shifting advice from another... it's 1DOWN and 5 UP up since '07... never been 1 up 4 down.

Answer 8

mike has no idea of what he is trying to talk about,its one down,4-5 up.

there is no double shifter

joe b is a goof,dont pay any attention to anything his punk azz says.

for those of you who read my post last night re:indian john,its true,he shot and killed a guy last night for trying to steal his bike....lets try to show him some support on here guys

Answer 9

rent the Street Glide , great bike for road trips , has the bags and a freat stereo ~ very easy to handle ,  6 speed bike harleys require more muscle and your grip and forearms will be soar in the begining

Answer 10

It is not a double shifter, it is one up and four down.  Oh yeah, and Harley's are the best bike ever made, hands down.

Answer 11

a harley dyna model (super glide standard) or 1200 sportster would be closest to what your used to, they have mid mount pegs & the toe shifter is where it should be. either one is stable enough to lean over & grind the pegs a little if the mood strikes you on a nice curvey road. or you can hook your heels on the passenger pegs for a little more lean angle. the mid pegs will fold up when they hit.

the big full dress models are more like a 2 wheel car & so plush you may get bored droning along & fall asleep while riding.

have fun while your over here. & be sure to spend lots of money. we need it.