Hi! I have just passed my bike test and can finally realise my life-long dream of owning an HD, with about another year of saving.
I've always followed HD as an armchair rider, obviously as I didn't have my license, but all that is about to change!
My question is, which HD model(s) should I investigate? Here's my ideas:
I'm a 25 year old single guy. I want to ride solo, both in terms of not belonging to a club or gang and not have a pillion; my bike is my chance to get away from it all and I am a naturally solitary person anyway. I'm average height but not too big and my upper body strength probably isn't suited to a really heavy ride.
My budget is £6- £8k. I prefer the sleeker, more streamlined HDs (e.g., no fixed panniers or fly screens) but still want a bike big enough to have presence. My main preference is that it's LOUD....really LOUD, so any advice re: exhausts etc is welcome.
I do have a car but it will be strictly a reserve, in case of bad weather or the need to haul lots of luggage/ people- the bike will be my main transport, both around town and across the country.
I know there's a lot of questions here, but I'm not trying to hide the fact I'm a 'new guy', so all advice (and yes, even criticism) is welcome.
Thanks for your help!
PS., I should add that although I am new to big bikes I have been on a 125 for the last four years so I'm not a complete beginner when it comes to being on two wheels. There's a big gulf there, I know, but all the same I do have experience on a bike and don't feel I'm 'rushing in' to my choice of HD.
I've always followed HD as an armchair rider, obviously as I didn't have my license, but all that is about to change!
My question is, which HD model(s) should I investigate? Here's my ideas:
I'm a 25 year old single guy. I want to ride solo, both in terms of not belonging to a club or gang and not have a pillion; my bike is my chance to get away from it all and I am a naturally solitary person anyway. I'm average height but not too big and my upper body strength probably isn't suited to a really heavy ride.
My budget is £6- £8k. I prefer the sleeker, more streamlined HDs (e.g., no fixed panniers or fly screens) but still want a bike big enough to have presence. My main preference is that it's LOUD....really LOUD, so any advice re: exhausts etc is welcome.
I do have a car but it will be strictly a reserve, in case of bad weather or the need to haul lots of luggage/ people- the bike will be my main transport, both around town and across the country.
I know there's a lot of questions here, but I'm not trying to hide the fact I'm a 'new guy', so all advice (and yes, even criticism) is welcome.
Thanks for your help!
PS., I should add that although I am new to big bikes I have been on a 125 for the last four years so I'm not a complete beginner when it comes to being on two wheels. There's a big gulf there, I know, but all the same I do have experience on a bike and don't feel I'm 'rushing in' to my choice of HD.