Sportster or Shadow?

<retouchdoug DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1182540943.738388.45290@g37g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>I want to upgrade from my current bike. I've researched this til I'm
> blue in the face, but there are still some gaps in the information. I
> can't seem to find hard numbers on the total cost of ownership of
> either an 883 or a Shadow 750 - either Spirit or Aero. Meaning annual
> mainenance, fuel, insurance, everything. The dealers are pretty vague
> on this. Assume I'll keep the bike for, say, at least 5 years (the
> full term of the loan), and that the only maintenance I can do myself
> is oil changes and tire pressure.
>
> Regarding the Sportster, does anyone keep the exhaust stock? I'm more
> interested in low emissions and fuel economy than a few extra hp. And
> if the exhaust is left stock, does it run so lean that the motor can
> be damaged by excessive heat over the long run? I commute daily,
> mostly in stop and go traffic in L.A.
>
> And In case anyone asks, the reason I've narrowed it down to these
> bikes, is that The Sportster is a perfect fit for me and I've had a
> chance to ride a couple. On the other hand, the Rebel has been great,
> other than being way too small, and I'm happy with the dealer I've
> been going to for service.
>
> Thanks.

FYI, My neighbor just traded in my 2007, XL1200C and his wife's 2005, 883L
for a 2007 Ultra. Both bikes had very little miles on them. You might want
to check with Ernie or Freddie at Glendale Harley about what kind of deal
they can give you for one.

Thumper
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

"Stupendous Man" <spam RemoveThis @trap.com> wrote in message
news:5e6g4qF374078U1@mid.individual.net...

> I'm partial to <snip> old British leakers.

That's no way to talk about your bride!
Sheesh!

Thumper


> --
> Stupendous Man,
> Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:45:12 -0400, lugnut <lugnut DeleteThis @roadkill.net>
wrote:

>On Sun, 24 Jun 2007 03:34:29 GMT, Savage
><Savage DeleteThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:
.....

>>Let it breathe a little and it's capable of hitting 100. It is more than
>>capable of cruising the superslabs and quite a few have been certified by
>>the Iron Butt Association. The bike is capable, human flesh is a different
>>matter. If I were to travel extensively I think I'd be looking at
>>something considerably smoother than a single or a twin. Concours, Pacific
>>Coast, something in that vein.
>
>I don't know which Savage S40 you have riden but, the two we
>had here last summer were flat out at 70-75 with all 230 lb
>of me on them and took forever to get there - we have some
>hills here.

Mine is a 2000 model, the screw was uncovered when I got it so the
carb was tweaked some. It gets up past 80 mph quite easily on the
L.A. Freeways (sea level). As I said, quite a few people have done
SS1000's on the Savage.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 22, 5:10 pm, "Dave" <dspear9....RemoveThis@yahoo.delete.com> wrote:

> I've gotta say, it's rare to hear somebody talk about buying a bike in these
> terms. The dealers probably don't go out of their way to keep track of TCO
> because most riders are influenced much much more by how the bike feels, how
> it looks, how it makes THEM feel, than wheter it's going to cost an
> additional $55.37 per year in insurance.

I've never calculated TCO on any bike I've owned because I don't want
to scare myself that badly, nor do I want to have to kick myself that
hard!
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 23, 11:41 pm, "Keith Schiffner" <schis... DeleteThis @bresnan.net> wrote:
> If you get to test ride both the short answer is...
>
> Which one put a grin on your face that wouldn't leave if you stepped on a dog
> turd in the living room. 8^) The LS650 and a GL1K did that for me and neither
> sits the same or performs the same. I've only gotten a giggle out of one other
> bike.

Wierd. I don't think I've ever owned or even ridden any motorcycle
that didn't have me smiling and/or laughing out loud at some point in
the ride!

(But then, I'm easily amused.)
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 23, 10:54 pm, retouchd....TakeThisOut@yahoo.com wrote:

> I demo'd a 1200 and to be honest, it was torque overload. Stalled it 3
> times. Maybe it was just a grabby cluch, but I didn't feel much in
> control. I felt much more comfortable on the 883 even though I know
> there's not a huge difference between the two.

Another argument in favor of the Harley. If, after two or three
years, you want more power, it's cheap, simple, and common to upgrade
an 883 to a 1200. Not possible with the Shadow....
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:24:01 -0700, "tomorrow@erols.com"
<tomorrow.RemoveThis@erols.com> wrote:


>Wierd. I don't think I've ever owned or even ridden any motorcycle
>that didn't have me smiling and/or laughing out loud at some point in
>the ride!
>
>(But then, I'm easily amused.)

I rode a Rebel 250 once that had me howling. It was an MSF course, and
doing the cone weaves with my knees to the wind and the handlebars
tucked into my crotch was hilarious.

--
Turby the Turbosurfer
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

I ride an 06 Sportster 1200 Custom XL and a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
LT.
If you are going to be doing a lot of stop and go in traffic riding,
especially in warm weather I would advise you to stay away from an air
cooled bike.

I love the Harley, its a great commuter bike and it really flies on
the highway (aftermarket pipes and air cleaner), but in warm weather
in stop and go traffic you will cook.....quick.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow?