Harley-Davidson Profit Soars

wall street journal ^ | 7/20/10 | ROBERT GUY MATTHEWS

[Hammerhead]

2nd try

[IMG]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/beltways1/DSCN1864.jpg[/IMG]

[Gator113]

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[Eye of Unk]

I have two bikes, both are metric.

First one was bought just so I could get back the feeling of riding again after 35 years, found a 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe, it also had a Vetter fairing.

This engine is similar in design to the Moto Guzzi, its called a transverse V or flying V design, its water cooled and shaft drive, at 500cc it puts out roughly 48 horsepower if its tuned up right and loves to rev way on up to 9000 RPM, kinda scared me when I had to get over 65 and saw what the tach said.

Then late last year I bought a brand new Yamaha Star 1300 Tourer, its a 1300cc V twin, also is water cooled but you have to look real close, it looks just like a Harley finned cylinders and all, not very many sunny days lately here in Alaska and its only been ridden 1200 miles so far, very smooth, about 92 hp I think, loves the mid and upper rpm range cruises nice at 65.

I was ready to buy a Harley, I work about a half mile from a Harley dealership, they wanted in house financing only, wanted a large down payment and for what I wanted the cost was at least $14,000 or more.

But Yamaha had a zero down, they were more than happy to use my credit union and so they had me sold, I almost bought the Raider but wanted a mid sized cruiser that was also touring, its big but light. And it cost me only $10,500. I am very happy, it had some minor issues such as windshield angle, handlebars and seat but I have changed it to suit my fit.

Will I buy a Harley in the future? Probably not, I may get a Victory as all I hear is how well they are built and balanced. Alaska is very much Harley country and also a lot of Goldwings.