OK, this is a weird opportunity but for some reason I can't quite blow it off.

My brief affair with a '94 Corvette convertible is going the way of the Petraeus/Broadwell union as the old thrill declines. Accordingly, I posted to CL offering to trade the car for a touring motorcycle of more or less equal value, maybe with cash either way depending.

I was thinking of a Goldwing or the big BMW, but among the surprising number of responses was a guy with a 2006 Harley Street Glide, KBB value around $14K. Now everyone knows that KBB values are hopelessly inflated, so I said that even if I took the unrealistic KBB value of mine to be around $10K and an additional $1K for the removable hardtop (a very rare and much-sought-after farkle) we would still be too far apart for a deal that fits my budget. This was easy to say because I've never hankered for a Harley anyway.

Well, he responded that he'd take $1K and the 'Vette. OK, it's apparent he's eager to dump the Harley, maybe more so than me to dump the car. And even though owning a Harley is not one of my life's ambitions, it looks like an advantageous trade and -- who knows? -- I might learn to like the bike. Zillions of owners do (of course the Wee would still be my main scoot, the Harley for relaxed local cruising and posing as a lawyer or stockbroker).

So I call upon the collective wisdom () of forum members to give me some guidance here. Should I pursue this semi-wild scheme or go outside and scourge myself with holly branches until the madness passes?

If I had a magic 8-ball I wouldn't have to turn to you guys.

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2007 DL650
"Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?" -- Harry M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927

Life's short and Harleys are nice bikes. A lot of people enjoy the Harley Lifestyle as well. The nice thing is that when you get your pirate suit you will be all setup for Haloween or for starting your own band to cover the Village People.

..Tom

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Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 50,000 km


Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report

Never owned a Harley but I get goose bumps when I hear one. Go for it!

If you want a touring bike, the BMW would be a nice choice if you have any twisty road aspirations.
Later Wingys are reported to have good cornering qualities for a big bike.
For the life of me I can't abide HD's blocking passage on a twisty road. Seems being an obstruction on public thoroughfares is part of the HD experience.
That and the wardrobe concessions. Tootats and beanie helmets and do-rags and fringe, Oh MY!

Maybe he's dumping the Harley because he hates tinkering with bikes and the dealer charges too much for keeping up with it? Maybe he really wants your 'Vette because something scared the hell out of him on his last ride and he no longer wants only 2 wheels?

In any case, that sounds like a pretty cool trade imho!

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Wherever you go, there you are.

In July of 2011 I had the pleasure of spending four days ripping though the mountains of Alberta and BC on new a 2010 Gold Wing. I was riding with a young lady that had a Honda CBR 600RR. She wasn't ridign at 10 10ths but I have to say that for "normal" twistie riding you can't knock the Gold Wing's handling. It truly is an amazing machine that does what it is supposed to do (touring) extremely well and yet is powerful and fun on twistie roads.

It (and Harley's) are not my cup of tea but it is hard to say negative things about them when you use them for what they are intended.

..Tom

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Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 50,000 km


Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report

Go for it if you like the bike!! You didnt say how many miles and if your vette is worth 11 I wouldnt throw in the extra grand! Even up maybe.
Not all shiny bikes are road blocks I can pass most riders on the inside on my 10 foot chopper.

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Some people are like slinkies, not really good for much but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Harleys are good bikes. Anymore they're reliable if kept mostly stock, and they're fun to to add sparkly stuff to. Dealers are everywhere and they usually keep parts in stock. Harleys are also comfortable and have comfortable seats. They also make pretty good tourers. Just don't expect one to be a speed king. Road rockets they are not, but they're fun to ride.

And they sound good if kept stock or a quiet aftermarket exhaust is put on.

Don't know why this guy wants to get rid of his bike, but maybe he's just lost interest in it or got scared off riding motorcycles for some reason. But in any case, it sounds like an interesting idea and opportunity. If you want to do the swap, make sure you take it to a dealer and have them check it out thoroughly. A bike that looks good may not be in good mechanical condition. Lots of good looking junk out there. In the end, let your heart be your guide.

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'09 DL650

You picked the wrong forum for any realistic HD advice. I just sold a beloved 2002 Road King. It was a twin cam 88ci which is basically the same mechanicals as what you are looking at.

Harleys are not harder to maintain, and finding a good HD mechanic is easier than most any jap brand. Mine had 44,000 trouble free miles on it. It leaked no oil. Had no clutch chudder and was mapped pretty close to correct in the efi computer from the factory, all issues I have had with my "perfect" strom.

Harleys are narrow and have a low CG and can corner with any touring bike out there...better than many due to the narrow profile of a V twin engine. But, the HDs have about 65 to 70 hp in stock trim.

They hold resale value pretty well also. I got $8750 for mine a month or so ago.

As for lifestyle, the harley won't morph you into a pirate, but many pirates like harleys. I am just a lover of all things 2 wheeled and ride anything happily.

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2007 Blue SuperVee 1000
2002 White HD Road King Police
2000 Red Honda XR 400r
2003 Green Honda Rincon 650 ATV

If it is not broken, it can still be fixed

My "other ride" is a 2002 Wing. LOVE IT. A Street Glide is a bit stripped for my taste and, unless the PO installed it, there's not even a radio. Also note that Harley made some significant changes to their FLH line in 2008 not present in the 2006 you're considering. Weigh your options and follow your heart.

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Phodius (AMA # 282162)
MSgt Retired USAF (1986-2010)
2007 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom
2002 Honda Goldwing
"Ride South, Ride Often"