2009 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide vs Kawasaki Vulcan - MotoUSA
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- The 2009 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide takes on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager for bragging rights as the top V-Twin cruiser motorcycle in this comparison review. Read the full comparison test: www.motorcycle-...
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This video was made almost 10 years ago to the day I found it. I'll own up to 2 things at the start. I own and 2010 Kawasaki Voyager and I've never ridden the Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Given that the "review" seems to find in all the areas that matter; the engine, the brakes especially and ABS, the cost and value for money the Kawasaki is better and represents value for money, at a saving of between $4K and $5K, not an insignificant amount. In my view you should ride what you like, what you can afford and what will get you where you want to go. To me the ride is the thing not the machine. If you like Harley ride one. I liked a Goldwing and rode one but couldn't justify the price so I got the Voyager. Thanks for your video.
How much did Harley pay you for this review?
So.....the final conclusion, the Vulcan has better engine, better brakes better controls and way more cheap, but the harley is the best because it has better speakers, better chasis and better seat. Well.....that's very professional
Ciprian Chitimia This is not personal. The Harley is better. Better built. Better engineered. Ride is better. Handling is better. The Vulcan is a very good bike no doubt. It is just inferior to the Harley. If you prefer the Vulcan so be it. But there comes a time when you understand that HD is a superior motorcycle to the rest of the world. For Cruising. It is not difficult to figure out. Stop hating and start appreciating. HD has always been and always will be a better bike than anything from Europe or Japan. You can deny it. You can say whatever you want. Facts are undisputed.
@@jonathanbachman2339 Harley building the same bike for a 100 years. No engineering/innovation there. It is an expensive badge and it helps stroke the ego. For what the HD costs, it does not deliver.
ridicule35 You keep telling yourself that.Justification is another form of ignorance.
@@jonathanbachman2339 after 2 bmw 1200rt and 2 bmw k1600gt I know why they cost what they cost. I am not afraid to spend. I just don't believe in paying a badge, T-shirt and lifestyle.
ridicule35 You ignorance is almost as bad as your uneducated grammar. The lack of reliability, poor build quality and your willingness to spend that kind of money for an inferior product renders your post along the same level as a Dr. Seuss book. There is a reason Skoal chewing lemmings buy European badge buckets and post idiotic ramblings. These mental heavyweights are hoping to find reassurance from other marsupials. Best of luck. Most idiots do not reveal their lack of intelligence by telling the world the 2 bikes they supposedly own are the 2 worst units the Bavarian company produces.
I could never bring myself to buy a Harley at the prices they are in the uk, there are far better bikes out there for less money.
How come Harley riders always talk about resale value? You buy a bike to ride it not to worry about resale value. There are more Harley Davidsons on eBay or Craigslist than any other bike. There's a reason for that.
I noticed this same thing while shopping on line. After I made the decision to go with a Kawasaki Voyager or Yamaha Venture I found far fewer of these bikes for sale. Had to wade through 20 Harleys to see 4 of those and your right, there is a reason for that.
funkeytoad08 You'll hardly ever see a Venture on a Yamaha dealer's sales floor. Not a popular bike, but they have a loyal following among the owners. That V-4 is bullet proof and they're really comfortable.
I'd say thats because you are comparing a BRAND to a PRODUCT LINE. Inlude all of the Kawasakis ie small to mid cruisers and sport bikes and there are thousands more Kawakas than Harleys on the ads.
I've had both bikes prefer the Kawasaki by far Harley not being liquid-cooled does it make sense in today's environment and the only thing the Harley gave me was a oil spot in the driveway next time need someone who is not biased to Harley to do a proper review
I agree 100%. I did a thorough investigation and tested all 3 bikes: Harley EG Limited, Honda GW and Kawa 2012 Voyager 1700 ABS. No comparison whatsoever in term of $ value with Voyager 1700 ABS, I got it for $15495 vs way over $23K for a similarly equipped HD Ultra or a GW. Riding enjoyment is equal on both 3 bikes. 1400 miles/week the past 3 weeks, 37,6 mpg so far but I'm expecting better mpg, I'm very happy with my choice.
I just trade in my Venture 2006 where I put 79,000 miles without a single important issue (battery $89 and cluch $120) for a 2012 Voyager only because Yamaha stop doing Ventures. I feel OK with the Kawasaki and it look beautiful. But I'll comeback to Ventures if they comeback to the market. A lot better comfort. Harley? If you like live in the shop and paying tons of money is a bike for you.
Felix Fonseca I don't live in a shop, and I don't pay tons of money, but then, I own several Harley Davidson motorcycles, I love riding original bikes, not 2 bit knock offs
Harley vs Kawasaki or Harley review?
I'm a die-hard Harley guy, I love them all day. If you want a touring bike though, Vulcan is as good as it gets, they're dead smooth and are pulling hard at 120+ I lived in Cali and hit a gator splitting lanes through a big sweeper. It was the main section of tread that I hit, enough that the whole bike got airborn and I didn't lose control. I had a full dress Harley and it was snappy but at no point in the power was it superior to the Vulcan, the comfort was limited to about 80 before you really started to feel the road. I roadtripped through western states and I could run 90+ miles an hour all day, I did 1200 miles in 2 days and felt fine the 3rd day going horseback riding in Yellowstone.
What??
I have a kawasaki and I call bull shit on how far you can lean over the bike before hitting hard parts
In the video the Harley never leaned much at all.
Amen......mine goes Waaayyyy over. I love my vulcan
I rode Kawasaki vulcans for decades and found them to be great bikes and had no complaints. But when it comes to touring cross country, sorry guys the Harley big twins are a far superior machine. For years i was a member of the Vulcan Riders (VROC). I put 90,000 on a Soft tail, 85,000 on a Road king and now ride an Electra Glide Classic. Not for looks but comfort and reliability. I once Bitched about the Harley and the dress up riders and I know they are out there. But the ones with the problems with other brands was not the Harley riders.
I'd Rather ride a Yamaha or Kawasaki any day than a Harley
You clearly favour the Harley and that's OK it's often a matter of personal taste. I have the 2010 model of the Kawasaki. I've never found the suspension soft whether 1 or 2 up. Whilst people buy bikes after considering lots of factors I feel price is a major factor. The Kawa is almost half the price ride away in Australia. In my own case I've put over 90k/kms on it and never had an issue of any sort. I hear all sorts of rumours about Harleys and their lack of reliability and the high cost of repairs. Of course they may all be Harley haters.
Well my dad loves harley davidson but after about 40 years or riding em he finally said enough is enough and went with a older yamaha and loved it 9ver harley on the price wise part cause parts are way cheaper then harley for a front fairing harley wanted 500 dollars a without installing it with installing it was around 650 yamaha was only 300 with them installing it but I'm a Kawasaki lover I just sold my 2019 Kawasaki teryx 2 base model for 10k bought it for 11k only drove it 4 times had 45 hours with 23.7 miles on it
I love my 2018 Kawasaki Voyager.
I own the Harley Heritage Soft Tail and the Kawasaki Nomad Vulcan 1700,,cant pick between them,, the Harley is easier to push backwards with your legs being lighter I recon,, but the 2 drag at about the same lean,, and the Harley has the 103ci enjine high output,, Its just hard to pick between them, I ride em both ;)
Lol how biased is this?? Pro harley for sure. Next time get a real rider to do the comparison.
alphaSIX NOVA you can't?! why not ??
Can he say really really, anymore?
Two wheels are two wheels, just enjoy the open road and the freedom that we have.
I love my 2000 voyager XII, Harley's are nice bikes no doubt, but I have been told that you need to trade them in at 60,000 miles by Harley owners. However, I have seen 200,000 miles on a Voyager XII. Either or they are fun to ride have a blast and happy riding!!
Kawasaki all day.
Wait.
Kawi has better engine, brakes, liquid cooled, as comfortable as hd.... but hd won again? Speakers? Really?
Unsubscribed. Not wasting my time here.
Goodbye.
listen to this man
But doesnt lean as well, rides worse and doesn't sound as good.
zac Funny, they didn't mention anything about the adjustable suspension, I wonder if they knew it had it?
He says you can lean the Harley way over.
But nowhere in the video do we see the evidence.
speakers are more important than anything on a bike I thought you guys would know that but how reliable is the Harley?
He says "in the parking lot it is easy to handle" but you can tell from the vid, when he was in the parking lot he was acting like he was driving the Flintstones car. Must be him as its not the bike LOL
Lol!!! I noticed that too... brotha was peddling that boulder!!
Harley vs Kawa..what's the difference in price, can you upgrade speakers for that and do another review?
I bought my Vulcan (not a 1700) from a guy who owned it in Arizona. He had interesting stories to tell of riders touring and cruising on Harleys having to stop their bikes to let them cool down when the water-cooled bikes didn't need to. Sure, for 95% of the USA that may not be a problem, but for the hot states it is something to consider if your goal is to ride distances.
I'm curious as to what the reviewer meant when he said this bike wasn't on the same level as the HD. How so? It's got more power, better brakes, just as comfortable. The only thing he pointed out that in his opinion was superior was the handling and the stereo. Handling would be individual opinion, stereo obviously is fact. Exhaust sound, get outta here, a harley doesn't even sound like a harley until you add aftermarket pipes to it.
no, no esta al mismo nivel,ya que es superior en todo la kawasaki al harley
Justo Cruz ITS CALL RACISM... People never want to admit that Asians build better and more reliable machine
***** I've ridden a 2016 Ultra, 2012 SG and I own a 2015 SGS. I'm sorry if it offends you but my opinion hasn't changed. You stuck up HD owners are tagged and branded. Blinded by the bullshit. Kinda like apple vs android. Bottom line as far as handling, reliability, power and speed, imports are the best. Period.
***** oh and as far as being worthless, go trade your HD in at an HD stealership and see if your opiniin doesn't change.
+wq1299 , I like all the bikes oh yeah but Harley is better you're a piece of shit man that is the reason I don't buy a Harley because you guys just talk shit about others bikes
The Vulcan suspension is very easy to adjust and has a wide range. It can also be up graded easily for about $500 and puts it along with or ahead of the Harley. Cheap floor board kit solves the lean angle. Still save thousands of dollars and the engine design is nearly bullet proof. There are a lot of Vulcans out there with more than 100,000 trouble free miles on them. Also there is very little to do as far as maintenance on Vulcans, no humongous multiweek long shop visits.
Hi Steve is there an email address where I can communicate directly with You Sir?I am aware that You are an aviation mechanic as well.Thanks
I've tried dozens of bikes, owned over a dozen, and currently riding a VN1600, which I love. The big HD road bikes are simply on a different level. I don't understand the bashing here.
Could you please tell me how much the Harley cost and how much the Kawasaki cost
I ve had 3 vulcans, a 900, a1500, and a 1700. I never met anyone on a stock harley that could stay up with me all day touring. Half the time , half the Harleys were broke or breaking. I had a 9000.00 dollar Kawa 1500 that passed every Harley I saw to and from Sturgis from Texas. Harley only wishes they had the power and dependability of Kawasaki.
I would question the comment that the reviewer made about the Vulcan having more power in the mid-range and the top end. I own a Vulcan and I defy any cruiser to have more torque at low end than the VN2000. From the lights the torque on a VN2000 is insane and all through the gears, even in fifth, there just seems to be more torque than any other bike I've ever ridden. I own both a Harley (sportster) and a VN2000. I agree on the comments about the Harley's price and that but for me, the Vulcan is the ultimate cruiser.
No not comparing the torque - I'm comparing the build quality and value for money. Say for example a VN900 and an 883 XL Sportster the VN900 is way more bang for buck than the Sportster. Certainly in terms of build quality, value for money and reliability too.
You have a Vulcan 2000. This is a 1700cc motor. Of course your will have more torque. The V2000 motors were probably the torquiest v twins ever made.
Not comparing a vn2000 to a sportster, comparing the vn900 to the 883 sportster, both bikes which I've owned. The VN wipes the floor with the sportster in terms of build quality, reliability and value for money
Hardleys can't touch a Vulcan, can't compare at any level. Right on brother.
At least the metrics are reliable
Paint and bags does it make a better bike? Don'tthink so.
Keep in mind folks that this was done in 2009. Looking at the 09 Kaw I probably wouldn't have bought it, but there's been some changes that make a difference and I love my 2011. Both are still great bikes, but I put 8k miles on my Voyager in less than 5 months and I couldn't be happier.
And you won't have to rebuild your kawasaki motor every 30,000 miles.
@@carl9531 no, but when the front pulley grenades and stripes the output shaft splines, a shaft that cannot be removed without completely stripping and splitting the case (a $5k+ job) you definitely will wish you had better rebuild options. Kawasaki really screwed up with the 1700 transmission, that shaft was easily replaceable on the 900 for cheap. Beyond the pulley issue, losing 2nd gear is another common problem that also requires a full engine disassembly.
@@SweetLou0523n all my research I have not found anything relating to a quality issue for 2nd gear. Can you provide details? My 2014 w 16k miles has been bulletproof, so far anyway. Or the front pulley issue.
@jaybd9329 bent shifter fork is the issue. Because second is where the power really starts to be applied, its not uncommon for people to roll on tje throttle before fully shifting into gear and that will damage the shifter fork which requires an entire engine strip down.
Same thing with the improperly made and poorly designed transmission output shaft and pulley. The pully can fail, and strip out the teeth on the transmission output shaft which unlike other series of vulcans, cannot be replaced without again totally tearing down the engine. I believe the vulcan 900 can have that shaft replaced by pulling it from the opposite side of the case, not in the 1700 models.
What's particularly insulting is there is no maintainece or servicing that will prevent the issue. It's just luck of the draw. The spline washer between the pulley and the pulley nut can fail, and allow the pulley to start wobbling which eats the spline teeth. Torquing the nut down super tight actually does nothing to prevent that. Using loctite on the spline shaft won't prevent it.
@@SweetLou0523 Thanks. I read up on it and sounds like it’s few and far between, like any other bike an have issues, especially HD, of which I’ve had 3 with no problems. HD certainly have had their share of problems with slumping when they released their M8 engine back in 2017.
I got a 2003 vulcan classic I love it! I like harleys also but for alot less money I think you get a better bike with the vulcan
Ride the one you like best. Period!
Pogoee suspension on the K is super easy to adjust with preload and air in rear shock. Love my bike. Solid and suspension is way better than the hardley that I drove for a month. Bike blows the comparable Harley out of the water in every way. But that’s just my opinion since I like to drive more than repair. Ivan flash update some pipes and that’s it. Just miles now.
Can you do an updated review between the same 2 bikes for 2020? The 2020 Voyager can be had for under $14K with great features...and even has a reverse to make parking anywhere easier.
This is a dead channel. MotoUSA doesn’t exist anymore. Adam Waheed works for Motorcyclist now.
Ive ridden both bikes and the Kawi beats it hands down.
Imachowderhead are you stupid, or somethin ????
"...Harley Davison (sic) is the least expensive to maintain."
That is not the experience of the Harley riders I know. I just had a major service on my Nomad: oil, brake, clutch, coolant fluids changed. Triple tree and swing arm bearings greased. Plugs, air filter, and rear tire changed (I bought the tire elsewhere). $714.00 That was the most expensive service in 25,000 miles.
My buddy's Road Glide went in at 600 miles and they clipped him for $2000. He broke down on our next ride.
How much did you get payed from HD ?
I love my 2018 Voyager
Fun watching Adam in 2009!
First of all, I hate electronics on motor vehicles, both bikes and cars. For me there is no decision to make here. I would buy the Harley no matter what I had to give up over any other bike, mainly because of the Harley engine. The name on the tank has nothing to do with it. If the Kawasaki felt and sounded like the Harley I would buy it. But it doesn't. Since these are v-twin cruisers, they should have aftermarket exhausts. But an aftermarket exhaust will never make the Kawasaki sound like the Harley. And the Kawasaki engine will never feel like the Harley engine. The only thing the two engines really have in common is that they are both v-twins. The Harley lets you feel and hear the engine. The Kawasaki is a sewing machine by comparison. And I see no point in putting a stereo system on a motorcycle. For me the music on a motorcycle comes out the exhaust pipe. I see the Kawasaki appealing to someone who would otherwise want a Goldwing, but didn't like the scooter on steroids look. It's almost as smooth and quiet.
Gas mileage really suck on all the Kawasaki 1700 models. Have a 2010 Nomad and am barely getting 30mpg on super premium gas. My old 900 got over 45mpg on reg gas. What a difference. Next bike will be a Harley or Victory.
Packfan I've recently purchased a 1999 RoadKing, 88 cube, dual cams, 6 speed Baker transmission, absolutely love it! gas tank holds just under 5 gallons, just rode from Charlotte NC, to Longview Texas, in a day and a half, had a blast, enjoyed every mile, can't wait to ride back, Harley Davidson people are a special group, really welcoming, I love em!!
which one to buy.harley o kawa . help me pls?#!!:-)
This kid cracks me up. I would bet that he was paid a good penny to make those remarks. You can tell he really does not know what he is saying. I own a 2009 Voyager and before I bought it I did test ride a Harley Ultra Classic. I chose the Voyager because of the good ride, dependability, and it had nothing to do with the price. So let him keep his Harley.
Consumer Reports is a joke concerning accurate info. I remember in 2004 them saying the Nissan Titan was the best improved, strongest, reliable, you name it greatest truck to come out. In 2005 it made the list as one of the worst buys of 2004.
mrpotatoheadracing yep, right along with the rest of the rip off copys
handles nimbily ?
ash i still does, but you hafta hang on to the handle bars num nutz
maybe a little bias i think the kwaka cheaper to buy and probly cheaper to own in the long run as engine rebuilds are very costly a big harley down point.//
I here Harley is the second least dependable brand out there and Kawasaki ranks second best. Do you want to ride or spend time at the shop?
Had to stop at 1:10... are you serious? lol You are not going to "surprise some sportbike riders on the turns"...
Ya, I spit out a little of my drink when I heard him say that lol
Lmao was like yeah right
Why do people bother with these kind of comparisons? Harley almost always is going to come out on top because "it's a harley". The Japanese bike can win overwhelmingly in almost all categories but the Harley almost always comes out on top. Whats up with that? I have nothing against Harley but good grief. Can't we get a little honesty going here? Sheez!
To end the battle of which is better. As long as you ride two wheels your good in my books
New Subscriber. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is the better deal because you get more for your money.
Did you adjust the shock setting? Did you add orvtakevout air as well from the rear shock? Don't t think so ...this bike sitsca little higher yet yourctelling us it scraped quicker? Nope not true... tw add a small little amp to the stock speakers and honestly they sound great or with the money you save just add a stronger amp and some polk audio or jbl speakers and destroy the harleys audio...only down fall on the kawasaki vs Harley is the plastics harley has way better plastics.
3:25 "when you hit a jump" ? Wow, I don't think I would be that brave to hit a jump on that kind of bike. Maybe it's just me....
I'm European ... and here the Harley Davidson is good mainly for its beauty and exhaust sound ... but in terms of reliability and engine technology and performance ... Kawasaki is superior in my opinion ... value for money Kawasaki wins ... I hope one day buy another bike and Voyager would be my choice ... good trips Anthony, you have an excellent bike for that, good choice and lengths ...
which is more reliable ?
Reno P Harley
I couldn't afford a hd until i got older.
I started on metrics went 2 bmw then hd's. They are hella expensive but worth it imo...
Perhaps the MOST important question is WHY the price difference is SO BIG between two very, very, similar motorcycles, both fabricated by big brands like HD and Kwsk.
I have a 2010 Kawi and I know the meaning of instability when I go over a bump at 80mph. The bike jumps up and lands hard and you feel it on your tailbone. The suspension does not absorb road imperfections like it should.
Change your shock oil. Front and rear. Night and day difference! Your bike is 4 years old and the shock oil should be changed every 2 years.
Packfan I had an 04 and I hit a retread off a semi in a turn, lived in LA at the time and was splitting lanes, didn't go down, didn't tag the cars next to me. I used to have a full dress Harley and I surely would have lost it had I been on the HD.
a 2010 what?? the suspension on these baggers are adjustable. i had to dial mine in on my 11 vaquero and what a world of difference
Packfan been there, I heard bad stuff about Harley's, then I bought one, the people bitchin the most, are afraid to buy one, afraid their little world will grow, and it will, I love all of MY HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES,
Damn good review!!!
When it comes to bang for your buck, the Kawasaki blows the Harley away. Also, this review is wrong about lean angle and dragging hard parts earlier on the kawi, I've extensively ridden them both and there is almost no difference in lean on them. This would appear to be a Harley funded review.
Voyager, no doubt. I would say 3 times cheaper, but I am not an expert
yeah your right, they do use ABS now ... The ABS on metric bikes hard bags still feel really thin and cheap compared to harleys hard bags!! Do your own comparison and tell us what you think..
Hmmm I think aftermarket bags are much nicer, more detailed and well designed. There's no such thing as "ABS on metric bikes" There are a lot of difference's between brands and models. You can buy bags and fairings from china that will last one year but that's not what Yamasuki puts on the bike. As most cruisers are build in the USA their origin will not make the difference.
Rode a Kawasaki 1700 cc vulcan from 2016 but in my opinion it has not enough power.. havent tried a HD yet..
A biker is a biker is a biker no matter what they Ride I’ve had gold wings, 6 Harleys and My first Vulcan a 2001 with 35000 miles still snow on the ground up here near the Canadian border so I’m gonna change all the fluids and get ready to roll
Vulcan 2000 👍👏
people commenting below.. listen to the review again.. before commenting.. thks
Keep your HD, I will keep my Voyager along with the extra cash in my pocket.
Hope you got lots of extra cash however, you will need it for repairs.
Anthony Greaves YOUR NEEDING it ,can't afford a real bike, green monster gotcha by your balls, huh HAHAHAHAHAHA
@FullBloodedHmoob dont get ur panties in a bunch, my statement is based totally on my experience. i owned a 1994 honda 1100 shadow spirit, a 1998 suzuki lc 1500 and had trouble with both. my 2007 electra glide is trouble free so far.. just my opinion. love them all, just love the harley more..
whb1965 I hear ya, been there myself
It sounds like we have another Harley only lover. Just trying to not speak to much crap about the Vulcan. I know for a fact that Vulcan is better than Harley. I have less power yes, but my bike actually harnesses all of that power, so despite being way smaller i still outrun that Electra Glide. And he’d do full throttle while i do half. I know, cause i’ve tried.
Shame Kawasaki just knocked off the styling completely from the Harley which they have been using since the late 80's. At least Victory had a go at making their own tourer using unique styling.
zac- but you do, that's why you made the comment you did
Dude actually FLHT HAS adjustable air suspension, same as kawi has accept on kawi you must pay attention to have same pressure in both sides, HD has it linked.The new FLHT frame owns Nomad in cornering, didnt have to hit brakes hard on nomad so no clue about brakes.
all i heard was blah, blah..not a good review
pretty sure this guy gets a pay check from Harley lol
+john b Yeah, I like the best seat he has ever sat on comment... Don't think he's ever sat on a goldwing!
john b jealous
I always wondered if GM , used the same marketing strategy as Harley Davidson, pick one car style that is popular like a 1957, and produce it year after year, same motor,body style,drive train, etc every so often offer new colors,minor tweaks to motor, different chrome trim items, and label as a new model with different names like touring,sport,gt,etc, but still retained the inferior handling,braking,acceleration and fuel
economy of a 1957 car, if Gm would get the same results.
Useful information. Thank you, guys.
I rode a Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic, it felt comfortable and great, but I hate the noise from the exhaust, for me its dumb ridiculous that people like the noise,and they make them that way, to be noisy, also I hate the vibration from the engine when idling
Ok, i see! an american magazine reviewing an american motorcycle vs a japanese motorcycle. Who did you think the winner would be?
Mitsaras 1982 FUCK YOU
I would not even consider buying at Harley Davidson. Not because they cost so much. And I know that they are much better than they were decades ago now that they are using Japanese ignition, fuel injection, and who knows what else..
I have been a motorcyclist for decades. I was a motorcycle mechanic at three different shops, I was a part-time motorcycle salesman during the busy seasons for 17 years.
I have always heard of the issues with reliability with Harleys..
I just never got interested in them. I have had dozens of motorcycles over the decades. I at any one time usually had at least four motorcycles. A dirtbike, a trials, bike, a sport, bike, and a big touring bike. I’m not even counting the number of bikes I went through in my road racing days. where I won six championships, two time national champion in the eight years I raced..
I just never got into the Harleys. I think they signed the best, and they certainly have a great paint jobs. But I just don’t like them, and I would never even consider one.
A 900lb motorcycle is not easy to get around a parking lot. What credentials do you have. This seems low budget and like a high school project.
Harley haters are something, they just cant stand that ElectraGlides are awesome. I ride a 2013 Streetglide with lower fairing, 13 inch Legend shocks, no abs or stupid computer screens, i bought a nice repair manual and do all my own work. Just ran a 3200 mile road trip, it was 100 degrees in the Utah desert and i was up 12,000 feet in Colorado with my DD Fatcat exhaust i installed myself and tuned myself without O2 sensors using Dynojet tuner that lets u manually raise up fuel and spark. Life is what you make of it, A lot of riders probably dont do the maintenance and get stranded or hit with heavy repair bills but i choose the bike i wanted and spent the time seting it up and it's been great. Lose the brand loyalty non sense, Theres models of all brands that are lame or have what you dont like and some that do, Some people want navigation and rider modes and ABS it all just depends, I dont think i'd ever buy a Goldwing but i'm not gonna bash it and why live in a box, maybe you'll like riding an Electraglide or Goldwing, you never know.
That kawasaki is about $200 a month less.... $14k... this guys complaints... speakers are about $100.. change them... neck/steering bearings... change them... helps with feel....
Ive owned lots of Japanese bikes. While they are decent machines. None of them give me the enjoyment and sense of pride of ownership like my Harleys. I still own two Yammies a Kaw and ktm for dirt though. Its like us Harley enthusiasts say...if you gotta ask why....you'll never understand
im a new rider i have had my bike about 9 hours now.i bought a used bike from a dealer,me not having a lot of knowledge about motorbikes i asked for his suggestions on a good used cruiser,he had 2 hd bikes on the floor.he told me if i wanted to look good buy a harley,,,,if you want to ride and not spend a lot of time having your bike worked on buy kawasaki,,because the harley cost more money he lost money,so i got the nomad,,,looks good and rides great,,today anyway,,,lol
Believe me a dealership hardly loses money. You mean he didn't make as much.
No comparison Harley is BEST!!!!
In conclusion kawasaki is better!
Good
Features,touring ability,electric things more lean engine,braking, engine cooling that's in Kawasaki. But not in next level like Harley. What r talking man. Are you serious what is left behind.
Funny that the negs bring up ''speakers'' as a talking point,
and not the Frame issue mentioned.....
I have a Kawasaki, but I really like the styling of the Electra Glides
over other cruiser bikes, but they're all good bikes, hard to find
a 'bad' bike these days.
The FRAME? If this is true , the lean angle, then that is a big deal,
could easily be a deal breaker for a lot of riders.
So the bashers point to speakers, and present that as if it is
the main issue in this review.
Harley is the best
Doesn't go into Neutral very easy on the harley
1st review that i see that states the Kawasaki ride is worse.
Been watching a few of these shoot outs and comparisons. One thing that has stood out more than any other is the Engine. The lack of power from a liquid cooled vs Air cooled. There's a reason for that. Kawi used the H-D as the standard, same as every other company that makes these type of Bikes, and the power is more than adequate without putting any strain on the Drivetrain. This Bike, along with the Vaquero is putting pressure on H-D. Not a lot and certainly not as much as Indian will but enough that the 103 had to become standard. H-D and their Rushmore Project is the result of Star, Kawi and Victory all pushing their own Bagger to compete with the Glides. These Kawis have been out since '09 yet trying to find one used is almost impossible and the showrooms can't keep them in stock. Back to the Rushmore project. They spent too much money on R&D. Some of the new Bikes that are in the pipeline are bikes that have been built on their own website with the few accessories that are available for customization. All they had to do was add more of their own catalog to the website and see what people were building. That could have saved them a few Million bucks.
Think you meant lack of power from an air cooled to a liquid cooled? I rode them both (2010's) and the power difference is there going in favor of the Kawi. It just had more ass from 3rd gear up no doubt. You are also right about these voyagers being about impossible to find used! Just try and find one on craigs list, half are in dealerships and they wont budge on price because they know it wont last long. Not sayin the Voyager is a better bike, just that it's better for the money.
If the Rushmore project was a result of pressure from Star, Kawi, and Victory I'd have to say it was a sad attempt to keep up. That 103ci high output engine pales in comparison to the 1854cc Star engine. I can't speak on the Kawis and Victory because I've never ridden one. But I've ridden the Star and it is a beast.
The star is a beast but is also a 4 cylinder motor so it should be.
funkeytoad08 Agreed. I read somewhere somebody said HD stated that the reasons why their bikes have less horsepower than others is due to EPA regulations. Makes no sense to me. If other manufacturers are following the same EPA in this country and consistently our performs HD, it tells me that HD is giving the consumer as little as possible and charging an enormous amount of money for it.
I would rather go with the Royal Star Venture. The 09 HD is a great bike. I've ridden it too and it is a big improvement to the older models.
Kawasaki every time
Slickflyguy. Maybe, you should slow down or better yet avoid the bump all together.
It does not mater if I am going 60 or 80, it still kicks up and hits me. Bumps are everywhere and can't be avoided on most highways. The rear suspension should absorb some of that shock and not my tailbone. Rear shocks are too complicated with both air valves to set pressure and a dampening dial. My 900 rode much smoother and that single rear shock did the job well to absorb the shock and it was easy to set with just a dial setting on the top of it.
Packfan
Let some air out of the rear shocks fool! Not that hard at all.
funkeytoad08. I know right? I mean if his 900 was so great than why did he get rid of it? Oh, I know to join the loyal Harley fan base that over pays for maintenance repairs. LOL
funkeytoad08 I run it at atmospheric pressure all the time. I have never put air in the shock. Increasing the damping setting seemed to help a bit at high speed, but still a bumpy ride.
Packfan then put a bit in it they ride like a sofa , very nice.
This review makes me think of the movie Idiocracy
that's hysterical... I thought the same thing. Brawn ! it's got electrolytes....
Two Sheds makes US, realize, YOU are idiotic
Ride what you like... who gives a shit what anyone thinks?
Your English isn't all that great, but I wholeheartedly agree.
I have ridden my Heritage next to Vulcan before. At around 60 MPH the Vulcan make a droning noise. It sounded something like, Wanabwanabwanabwanabewanabe.....Just kidding, Great bike.
You ride a heritage that's pretty gay idk any bike that would want to be a heritage lol UK but really
B Haskins
Over all though it was a good comparison and review of both bikes. I ride an 07 Electraglide with a tour pack now , bought last week used for my retirement bike. It is like riding in an easy chair. 16500 miles on in and runs like a new one.
correction 6000 not 600