| Author | Message | ||
     Johnboy777 |
The wife and i were thinking of going to Cape Cod to visit her sister. My brother-in-law just bought a Harley, and as luck would have it, there's an HD dealer there that rents bikes. To be honest, those bikes don't seem all that safe to me - i mean, stopping with your rear brake and that antiquated suspension, and all. I know nothing about Harleys, whatsoever...so, which one to rent and anything to look out for with those rental agreements....https://websolutions.tsd-inc.com/harley-davidson/? PickupLoc=60117 thanks PS... Also, I imagine I need to learn to tie a bandanna into pirate head-wear?  . (Message edited by johnboy777 on September 17, 2010) | ||
| Catalan42 |
I rented a Uly from the local HD dealer before I bought one (upgraded from a Sportster) since I wanted an extended test-drive. The only wrinkle was that they had no way to buy insurance in case of a mishap! (Maybe too many hooligans did that to get off the hook?). Anyway, they take a credit card imprint and if you wreck it is all on your dime. As far as the difference between a cruiser and a Buell, the biggest is weight and stopping power. You are switching from a 500 lb bike to an 800+ lb bike, so watch that balance in the parking lot and keep it vertical! As for braking, expect max braking to be about half of a Buell, so start early. Don't overdo it as you will lock up the front tire long before the rear wheel even thinks about lifting off the pavement. This is due to a combination of higher weight, longer wheelbase, and much harder tires (less grippy). Most Harleys are somewhat lean-angle challenged, so I would recommend not exceeding the speed limit if there are any kind of turns (I'm talking motorhome speeds in turns). Go as fast as you want in straights, but leave 2x normal braking distance compared to the Buell. When I bought my Buell last fall after 20k miles on the Sportster, I fell in love with it. Months later, I got back on the Harley and could not believe what a pig it was! (I never thought that before). I had become so accustomed to the fabulous Buell steering & braking that I almost had a few incidents (mostly braking) on the Sportster when I was expecting the Buell handling and it wasn't there....  I put it up for sale right away, and it finally left (at a big discount) last week!  | ||
| Catalan42 |
Re models, the biggest difference is how much storage you need in the bags (half-day or a week?) and how comfy the passenger seat is (skinny pillion of mega-deluxe armchair). Around here the Street Glides are very popular, and similar models of baggers. I went on vacation in May and did encounter one guy on a HD bagger who was going outrageously fast on PCH Hwy 1 in the central CA coast with me and a BMW GS. He had incredible lean angle available. I could not see the exact model, but was very surprised at how much he could lean (way more than my 2007 XL 1200R Roadster ever could). Not sure if he had a lot of custom mods or what.....? | ||
| Catalan42 |
Here is a pic... Not the position of the front (lower) pipe relative to the pavement. Just a little more right lean and you bounce hard (no warning) off the pipes/frame and get bounced toward the double yellow. In lefties, the kickstand will drag first, making a lot of noise but not upsetting the steering of the bike. On this model (2007 XL 1200R Roadster) the pegs never drag.  | ||
| Catalan42 |
P.S. I (almost) never use the rear brake on any bike, HD, Buell, etc (except on dirt). | ||
| Ourdee |
Here we go. Rear brake front, brake, drag my feet.  There was like a 2,000 dollar deposit when I rented. They had insurance with a couple thou deductible. Not like riding your own bike. Had to worry about theft, etc. I didn't feel comfortable the whole time I rode it. Call the dealer and get the particulars before you go. I would look at renting something other than hd. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""Not like riding your own bike. Had to worry about theft, etc. I didn't feel comfortable the whole time I rode it."" See, now that's me, exactly - an unfamiliar bike, unfamiliar area, and worrying about every-friggin'-thing instead of enjoying the ride...! I'm a ATGATT person, and I bought the Uly because of the great brakes, suspension, handling etc... I feel very safe on it, even when I push it. I'm glad i posted this - the reality is, I may be too risk adverse for this kind of rental thing. . | ||
| Itileman |
Of all the HD's, the Dyna's probably handle the best. The gearing in the HD's is a bit different than the stock Uly in that you can scrape off some speed with the gear box in lieu of braking. You can get some serious lean angle with the Dyna's and they stop a whole lot faster than a bagger. I had an 02 Low Rider (FXDL) for about a year before I got a Road King. Loved the FXDL, hated the RK. If you're renting a stock bike, you won't have the extra power from fuel & exhaust mods. I had the FXDL ramped up a bit with a Mikuni carb and 2:1 exhaust system. | ||
| 7873jake |
As I used to travel about 220 days a year for work, I rented from Eaglerider often and rode a wide variety of stuff across the country. Because each company I dealt with was different in their deposits and such, I just chose to stick with E-R if I had a choice unless some other company had a selection I just had to try. At least I was familiar with their policies and had a friend in their company to help me with discount reservations and deciphering rental contracts. Of all of the bigger rental companies, they were the easiest to deal with and most of the dealerships were relatively nice to work with. The biggest catches and caveats: They make the insurance "seem" like it is optional but in fact, it found its way back in to the equation often, one way or another, regardless of company. Standing in line behind a guy that had just dumped a Star Stratoliner with less than 50 miles on the odo in a sandy corner was enough to convince me that the cost of the insurance was worth the walk-away freedom that this guy *didn't* have. They grilled him for crap like "lost rental days" and some other stuff that I remembered seeing in the fine print, and remembering why I saw it there in 3-point font, and cringing. If they give you a disk lock or chain lock, use it. I met another guy in Salt Lake City that had a rented XR650 walk off in the middle of the night. First question was "did it have the lock on it?" He was told that being able to say yes saved him from further charges and headaches. Expect them to place a $2000-5000 deposit on your card. They may not but most places did/do. If you use a company card to travel with, expect it to get declined. I always carried a zero balance card just for oddities like this (and other emergencies) but I also spent 220 nights a year in other places so having a backup was just insurance that most people don't need. Most debit cards don't fly at the deposit step in the rental contract. The newer Harleys that I rode with regularity (2008, 2009, 2010 Electra Glide Classics, Road Kings) had crappy sidestands. Not sure if they were a design flaw or just an odd recurring theme in my life...just throwing that out there. I had a few near drops because of these engineering marvels. My Buell sidestand is light years beyond what I saw on the H-D iron. Feels weird saying that about a sidestand. Travel with your own helmet if you can. Most HD places will give you a shorty or half-helmet while other places that rented non-HD stuff would often offer up full-face lids, in keeping with the stereotypes of who rides what and wears what. A Goldwing rental or BMW rental was almost always full face. Any HD was 100% shorty or half-helmet. IN SF, CA, rentals ALWAYS came with rain gear. Johnboy, don't be adverse to riding someone else's bike and missing the chance to enjoy some time out on something different. I've found that riding other stuff makes me better appreciate the Uly. Just exercise due diligence and enjoy the experience. Sorry for the lengthy reply but its something I've done often and have become comfortable with and thought something in there might help. One more thing came to mind, if you are renting on any non-weekend day, negotiate that price down towards the $100 mark, especially if you are considering a multiday rental, even if it includes a weekend day or two. Avoid web reservations and call the rental desk directly. I could *usually* negotiate the price down enough to save myself the cost of the insurance, at the very least. There's no harm in asking for a better rate and many places are willing to give it, *if you ask*, especially with fewer people spending less of their disposable income. (Message edited by 7873jake on September 17, 2010) (Message edited by 7873jake on September 17, 2010) | ||
| Ratbuell |
They should *authorize* your card for the deductible, but not charge it, when you pick up. Insurance is a couple bucks that allows you to walk away scot-free should something happen. You're responsible for the deductible...but not the replacement cost. But...if you're nervous, don't pay to ride someone else's bike. If you really want to ride on vaca...stop worrying and relax. | ||
| Catalan42 |
Johnboy: What Ratbuell said is the best advice distillled. If it feels wrong, don't do it. If you're just nervous, try it slow and feel it out. That might work for anything MC related. Please be safe and have fun (both)! | ||
| Catalan42 |
P.S. You are riding on a motorcycle with the missus on vacation...... You have gotta love it! Cape Cod just adds more! One thing that might make you feel more comfortable: practice a bit (30 min?) by yourself with no one else around..... For me, it takes the stress off (big time!). If you don't like the bike, just return it and say, "No thanks." It is your vacation and your choice, after all! Please have a great trip whatever you do! Alan | ||
| Od_cleaver |
"...crappy side stands." When the weight of the bike is on the stand, the stand will not retract. You could push the bike forward and the stand will remain down. What seems to gets the uninformed nervous the first time, is the amount of lean angle the stand allows. Johhnyboy, I say go rent a Harley. A lot of people do the fly-n-ride and seem to survive the ordeal just fine. It is a totally different ride than the Uly. I would recommend the Road King or Electra Glide and just relax but buy the insurance. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I test road a Triumph Thunderbird Cruiser last year and I had never ever been on any type of cruiser before. (unless my 1972 CB550 with 4" extended fork, open pipes, 16" hog rear wheel and chrome swingarm counts) I was pleasantly surprised with the handling and ride comfort. The only problem I had was moving my foot from the footpegs to the ground and vise-versa at stops. That made the ride scary for the first 10 stops, after that it was gravy. I think your nerves will subside after your first 5 miles. | ||
| Bking |
I disagree with your statement of Harley's being unsafe bikes. I have owned many a Harley over the years and non of them were built unsafe. And stopping with your rear brake, where did that come from? It is what it is: a Harley-Davidson. Cruisers are different. I always thought they charged way, way too much to rent a HD. If you don't think you have the skills to tame the beast or are uncomfortable riding a cruiser, I say don't don't it, it's not worth taking the chance. But if you do, make sure your bring your chaps, fingerless gloves, bandana and have fun cruising! ---Bob | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I enjoy riding my HD 1997 Electraglide Classic. Doesn't handle like the ULY but it's still safe to ride and I always use the front brake to stop it along with some rear brake. My Harley has been a real reliable bike as has the ULY. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Harley's are a good comfortable and reliable motorcycle to ride but they're a complete different ride as compared to a sport bike. I've ridden Harley's and I prefer the Road King just because I like the better view while riding as opposed to the models with the fairing. Just my $0.02 worth. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Thanks for all of the info. Much appreciated. BTW, 7873jake , I found an EagleRider Motorcycle Rental in FOXBORO, MA - about 45min. from Cape Cod. They have Harleys, Victory and Hondas, with Harley's at $99 weekdays. . | ||
| Hooper |
$99 is a good deal. I've rented a bunch of Harleys from Eagle Rider shops around the country - the service is mostly consistent from shop to shop. They offer different levels of insurance with different deductibles. The first time that I bought it (and I will from now on) I got the lowest level. Of course, I dumped the Road King into a ditch on a sandy section of the Apache Highway in Arizona. It got a little bent up, but not enough to meet the deductible. D'oh! $1000 please. Oh, and the contract also says "no off-road or non-pavement riding". Whoops. Anyway, since you've never ridden a Harley, this is a great chance to finally see why so many people like them. They're fun (I own one), comfy, safe, and make for a relaxed way to see the country. Plus, your wife will thank you for the back seats on the Road King or Road Glide/Electra Glide models. On the other hand, one friend who had only ever ridden a Wee-Strom, said his rented Road King reminded him of driving a tractor on the farm. Too each his own. To make things really interesting, get an Electra Glide or Road Glide with a stereo...there's nothing like listening to a CD or the radio while cruising around the countryside (Dark Side of the Moon works especially well). The Road King is nice - lighter than the Glides, but less fairing and luggage, and less of a back seat. It'll be easier to handle than a Glide. Road Glide has a fixed fairing, so it's steering is a little lighter. Electra Glide's fairing moves with the handlebars. Road Kings and Street Glides won't have a top case - if you're going to be traveling multiple overnights, two people will probably need more than just the panniers, unless you strap a bag on the sissy bar. Once you've got it, take it for a solo spin around the parking lot before heading out. Get comfortable with how the throttle and brakes feel, and how it turns at slow speeds. The big cruisers will probably have heel-toe shifters, which annoy me. The idea is that you upshift with your toe, as normal, but downshift by kicking down on the extended shift lever by your heel. I just use my toe for both. Once out on the road, take a little time to get used to the lean limits and listen for those floorboards. I took an Electra Glide down Big Sur with my wife...she never got used to hearing them grind as I hustled through those switchbacks, but I was fine - I knew how far I had. Ever since I swapped my Dyna's stock exhaust for some shorter Vance and Hines, my Street Bob can lean way over. Antiquated suspension? Mine say "Showa" on them. And you'll notice that some of those big cruisers have brakes that say "Brembo" on them...anti-lock. The fuel gauges are notoriously inaccurate...you'll get a low fuel light at about 110 miles, even though you can certainly go up to 200 miles on a tank if you're riding nicely and not overloaded. Have a blast! Then you can say you've ridden a Hog. Next time, rent something else, like a Honda ST1300 or a BMW and add to your overall riding experience. Oh, and the best revenge against the pirates is to be seen riding a Harley with ATGATT. Drives 'em crazy! | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Well, I hate to admit this (crow-wise), but I went to the local Harley dealer, owned by a friend of a friend, told him my intention and asked to take a bike for a ride, just to see if I should rent one out of state. He was really kind, and let me. Rode a beautiful mid-blue Road King, (no topcase but it did have a windshield), for about 30 minutes and I loved it. It came on really smooth off idle, handled well enough, and was great in the parking lot - better than my '07 Uly. Best of all, I really felt safe on it. To be honest, it was a really great experience, much better than I recall from the mid-80's. Now i am starting to get excited about the ride at Cape Cod. No wife, just me and my Brother-in-law, the girls will be shopping for shoes, or whatever girls do. Time to eat crow I guess - I seem to do that a lot....boy was I effin wrong... Thanks again for all of the help here. . | ||
| Johnboy777 |
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| Buewulf |
My Buell sidestand is light years beyond what I saw on the H-D iron. Feels weird saying that about a sidestand. What do they use? A twig? The kickstand on my '06 Uly is a blatant display of engineering jackassery. If you have the time to venture beyond the Cape, take advantage of the many beautiful roads throughout MA and CT. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Road King's my favorite from H-D. I've had a few rentals and if it's not going to rain I leave the windshield behind (that gets some odd looks from the rental folks). If you are riding two-up, it's probably best to avoid Softails and the Street Glide. Both have very little rear suspension travel and can get quite harsh. Mark SE AZ | ||
| Johnboy777 |
"Road King's my favorite from H-D" Yeah, I was surprised at how nice the Road King was to ride. I was impressed. . | ||
| 7873jake |
Buewulf, Sorry I wasn't more clear. Several of the Electras had a side stand that would creep once the bike was down and leave me wondering if the play in it would result in the side stand just folding up. There was no definitive 'snick' or notch at the end of the side stand throw that left me feeling fairly sure that the bike was parked. One of the Road King's I rode had the side stand fall off when they were prep'ing it for rental. The tech reinstalled it and it looked OK but still acted like it was sloppy and pondersome if the ground wasn't perfectly flat. I remember thinking, "if the bike falls over, they get to sell more chrome bits. That's why the side stand feels this way." I noticed two other Ulys over the weekend in the service dept of two different dealers in my area and each of them had different side stands from my '07 X *and* they were different from one another as well. Mine has always been pretty definitive in its decision to plant and park once down. I wonder if the prev owner of mine replaced the side stand? | ||
| Buewulf |
Jake, I have an '06X, and the stand is similar to what you described on the H-Ds. There is no definitive point at which it is engaged, and I have to pull the bike back when the stand is down to "set" the kickstand. The bike will also fold the kickstand up if I leave it idling unless I have it on a slightly upward slope. DAMHIK. JohnBoy, I hope you enjoy your New England trip. Take some pictures for us. Not sure when you plan to go, but the fall is amazing. | ||
| Motorfish |
I too have an `06X and learned about sidestand 2 times, hard to admit it, but hope to help others. Broke 2 clutch leavers. Started the bike, let it idle while I put on my jacket in the garage, and heard the crash. Had the recall done. I always make sure its set, and still kinda don`t trust it.  | ||
| Luftkoph |
Harley with ATGATT. Drives 'em crazy! I rented one when the uly took a crap and tried to ruin another vacation,was a better bike than I expected. Although the $2000 deductible made me ride a little more gentle  | ||
| 88b |
I wonder how many of the nay sayers have actually ridden a Harley ? I just got back from a 2300 mile trip across Europe on my Road Glide. I love my Uly but only for the first 150 miles. those Harley's just don't do corners    | ||
| Trevd |
No offense 88B, I've owned a Harley ('06 Super Glide), and roads like that are wasted on a Harley. I traded my HD in to buy my Buell because I was sick of dragging foot pegs. |
