alternatives to Harleys?

[crunch]

Hi Guys

im looking to take my DAS end of this year and want to start saving for a bigger bike, originally i wanted a 2006+ harley davidson 883 and still do but i was wondering if there were any alternative cruiser bikes just as nice as a harley but a tad less expensive. My friend has a 2010 iron 883 and i love it but the cost of parts and accessories are a joke! and really cannot afford to keep one (i dont think)

i looked at a triumph americana, it was nice but just didnt do it for me. Any one have any other suggestions?

Cheers

Andy

[Mord]

Nortons

[Stelmer]

Hyosung GV650 is worth a look....

https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2010models/2010-Hyosung-GV650Aquila-AvitarFI.htm


I had one as a hire bike in 2007 and found it not too bad from the Korean manufacturer. Easy to ride and quite fast.

It's water cooled, belt drive and significantly cheaper than a Harley.


However, I have not had one long term so I do not know what they are like to live with.

[amnesia]

Triumph Thunderbird is an option
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25/7 I'm a God-damn Rock Star
"Arguing about the best 125 is like arguing which Spice Girl could sing best"

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Yamaha Dragstar XVS650, or one if its bigger brothers.
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[MarJay]

I'd suggest a Triumph Bonneville, Speedmaster or Bonneville America.

Japanese cruisers just don't work IMO, they just look wrong somehow. Dunno what it is, but you can spot a Jap cruiser from a mile off.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

I was in a Triumph dealership earlier today, the cheapest bike they had there? An 883 Sportster at £4800.

Unless you're loaded or really care what other people think, go Jap.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[G]

https://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/unbranded/p/unbranded-pink-trike.gif
Double bonus is you'll look less gay too .

For me, the jap bikes don't really lose anything to the Harleys - stick a loud pipe on and I doubt the majority of non-bikers will have any idea, as well as quite a few bikers.

[Ed Case]

Absolutely anything !.

[The Wobbly Orange]

https://www.edinphoto.org.uk/0_g/0_groups_and_outings_canal_barge.jpg


for similar performance with added luxury
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People tell me I am lovely. How wrong they are!

[rac3r]

Err Ducati's new creation...

https://www.motoblog.it/galleria/foto-spia-ducati-roadster


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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[bornleader]

Victory Motorcycles is another option, a mate of mine has just bought one and he's chuffed to bits with it

[multijoy]

If you don't mind a sportier sort of look, you could try one of these.
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[kt]

Moto guzzi do a nice range of softly tuned but bombproof motorcycles and benefit from the shaft drive, or anything along the lines of a cement mixer, cordless drill or ride on lawnmower would be better than a 883 harley i.m.o and Yes I have had the misfortune to own one of those agriculture mistakes.

[rac3r]

[map]

If you want a distinctive motorcycle with bags of heritage then there's always Royal Enfield.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
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[Nai]

[2wheelsteve]

XV535 is the most harley look-a-like in the virago brigade and the best performer speed, ground clearance and mpg wise but dont get the dummy tank one if you do decide to look at them, theres a lot of great bikes out there so have a good look around first, good luck

[Gazz]

[Ben.]

https://peruperusals.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/beldray-trojan-wheelbarrow1.jpg
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follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[ollieholt]

alternatives to a harley....

walking
running
horseback
slippers
roller skates (less camp)
staying inside and becoming a social recluse
hot air balloon
wheelie bin (motorized)
1989 kia pride in blue with white wall tyres.
lopping a leg off
shingles
herpes
a reliant realto ( i really would)

these are but a few things i would choose as an alternative to a harley... my opinion is mine to have before you flame away.
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< This? Well this is just a day brightner.

[sorna]

nice sharing!!!!
thanks!!!!!

[dansrockin]

having had two harleys i can say that most peoples opinions on these bikes are bollox! no offence but how many people who slate them have ridden them?
i certainly wasnt one of the posers who get them out and polish them more than ride them, my bikes were used all year round and i never once had a problem with reliability or finish, if it was cleaned once a week and generally looked after, but no different than i would do with any other bike.
they are pricey to buy new, but you can get some good deals on used ones if you go older, and they are the sort of bike that condition matters more than age. they hold there value well too, much better than any jap clone.
they ride well, handle well and stop well considering they are big heavy bikes, and i got a feeling riding them that i didnt get on any other bike.
owning one isnt any more expensive than any jap bike if you dont use dealer supplied and fitted parts. there are loads of aftermarket companies that provide parts and servicing much much cheaper than a dealer.
if they are the sort of bike you love, then go for one. dont let people who have had no experience of them put you off just because the majority of HD riders are a "bunch of shiney look at myself in the shop window" puffs!
seriously, if you want that sort of bike, and like harleys then no jap copy will ever be good enough, i know, i tried and hated them!
dan

[MarJay]

[DEN MONKEY]

A mate has a kawasaki VN800 and is pleased as punch with it.
All I can really tell you about it though.
He offered me a ride....I refused.
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meh