[Spock]

Found this site referenced in advertising material. My "old faithful" is a 20-year-old Vulcan which is all original, still does quite well, and does not need to be replaced. However, I've been looking for a lighter bike for around 7 years and have serious interest in buying American if there's good reason. Harley has finally come up with something that isn't a total hog. (uh, cheers...)

PROS: The Street 500 is a whole 11 pound lighter than my Vulcan (no big help there), and though the jury is still out on what the 500's mpg really is, the factory hype makes it sound as if I could get in the 60's instead of the 50's, so I'm waiting to see. (It's nice to see that HD finally has improved its whole fleet's mileage figures so that they are now better than what I got with my '70 Beetle.) Belt drive is nice; 6 speed tranny is REALLY nice. LED lighting helps. Single caliper disc brakes make unintentional lock-up a little less likely.

CONS: No mention of anti-lock brakes. Amazing HD snobbery both on the road and at the dealer.

UNKNOWNS: The Harleys that I've sat on have foot controls in very uncomfortable places compared to the true ride-all-day comfort of my Vulcan, so I'm looking forward to finding out how the Street 500 fits my body. There's also the precision/durability question as compared to Japanese, German, and Italian imports.

Thanks to the site host for the opportunity to read and learn!

 

[fkystreet]

welcome to the forum!

post up some photos of the vulcan!

 

[Organik]

Currently 2 months into my very first bike, a 2004 Vulcan 500..and I couldn't be happier with it. Nimble, big enough, decent mpg. Kawi really got it right, but I too want to buy American (despite parts likely from India). What would the advantages be really though, besides belt drive? Just the looks and name?

 

[stude]

Hi Spock. I wouldn't worry too much about ABS or the snobbery. You only need to go to the dealer to buy a Street, then you can do your own maintenance or go to an independent bike shop if you want. Most HD riders are decent, although there are always exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't let that deter you from going HD. Contrary to the anti-Harley BS from "the other side", Harleys are not unreliable, oil leaking, pieces of crap that will leave you sitting beside the road every time you ride. This stereotype comes from the 70s or earlier, and has somehow survived over time. Generally the people that tell you this have never owned or ridden a Harley and are absolutely clueless. I have owned 2 Harleys and have never had any issues, same as all the Jap bikes I owned prior.

 

[HarleyVest]

Welcome aboard @Spock!

 

[basuroy]

"Amazing HD snobbery both on the road and at the dealer."

Out of curiosity , HD dealers have a reputation for being snobs at the united states as well ? :O

I ask because they have that exact reputation in india , so much so that many refused to purchase a bike from them for their indifferent attitude and 'take it or leave' mentality . Triumph is a nowhere near HD when it comes to brand recognition but registered around 50 orders for the boneville in the first day alone in hyderabad(late 2013 when they entered india finally) and the story is most of those customers refused to purchase harley davidson while at one point they were set for ordering one simply because of sales staff .

 

[gregsfc]

with my '70 Beetle.) ...Belt drive is nice...

That's the feature that attracts me as a daily commuter with a current chain-driven bike and all the hassle that goes with that for 4-season, daily riding. This is a good commuter-sized bike, with a commuter-sized price, with the attitude and looks of a sweet HD. And most of all...a company has finally offered a belt-driven, inexpensive bike for the masses.

The snobbery of the riders wouldn't slow me down in the least, because I don't have to associate, but snobbery of dealers could be a deal stopper. However, I'm sure that, with as many HD dealers there are throughout all areas of the U.S., there are some non-snob dealers out there in every region.

 

[fkystreet]

my HD dealer is pretty nice to me.. didnt know the dealerships had a bad rep. i know some of the riders can have a bad rep sometimes

 

[harleyhoonigan]

Thats not good at all, it's clearly discouraging people from buying from HD, they need to fix this if they want to see better sales