Demo Day at the Harley Dealer

[Basso]

I went because I wanted to ride the Uly, but they didn't have any. I figured I'd hop on something else and see what I thought. The test loop was about a 15 minute ride with county roads and a bit of 4-lane highway.

First ride: Dyna.
Seat was quite comfortable. Dealer was impatient. I wanted to take a bit to get used to the controls, but he just took off. I followed shortly thereafter and was struck by a few things. First, the bike didn't seem as loud when you are on it. Second, for a motor with almost twice the displacement as my M50, I expected to notice a difference in power. I wasn't really trying to burnout or anything, but I honestly didn't feel like they had more power than the M. I'm sure I'm wrong, but that's my perception. Also, I didn't like the steering. I can't describe it, but it just felt "off." I'm guessing its due to a greater rake than the M has.

Second ride: Soft tail
Similar feel as the Dyna, but with floorboards that I hate, and a really tall windscreen that had the top RIGHT at my eyeline. I'm not a big fan of the floorboards. They just didn't feel right. I much prefer pegs. The windscreen thing really doesn't have much to do with the bike, but I can't deal with a windscreen that ends at eye level. I was either craning to see over or ducking to see through.

Verdict: Nice bikes, but I think that given the difference in price, I expected a greater difference in the ride. So for me, I'll stick with the M50.

[jgreth]

Never ( well, almost never ) hurts to get out there and test other bikes out. If the opportunity presented itself around here to test out some bikes, I would be there.

[Jerryzuki]

Glad you're happy with the M. You know, those "50" bikes are great bikes. My T did everything I asked it to do the year and a half that I had it. My son has it now and goes 2-up with me and Mom on rides and I sure don't have to stop and wait on him. The Harley just does it easier, the engine does make a difference.

As far as the difference in handling, After a few weeks of only my Road King, I climbed on the T and damn nearly ran over my garage. I took off and tried to turn a tight turn and couldn't make it. It's something I do every time on the Harley but couldn't get it done on the Suzi. I reckon it's got to do with the rake or the location of the triple tree in relation the neck of the frame, or something else altogether. lol

Bottom line...............their both great bikes. It's just what ever you want and want to pay for.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Jerryzuki

Glad you're happy with the M. You know, those "50" bikes are great bikes. My T did everything I asked it to do the year and a half that I had it. My son has it now and goes 2-up with me and Mom on rides and I sure don't have to stop and wait on him. The Harley just does it easier, the engine does make a difference.

As far as the difference in handling, After a few weeks of only my Road King, I climbed on the T and damn nearly ran over my garage. I took off and tried to turn a tight turn and couldn't make it. It's something I do every time on the Harley but couldn't get it done on the Suzi. I reckon it's got to do with the rake or the location of the triple tree in relation the neck of the frame, or something else altogether. lol

Bottom line...............their both great bikes. It's just what ever you want and want to pay for.

I agree with you 100% Jerry, there are no bad bikes, the sooner we all figure that out, the better off we all will be.