nsp261 wrote:
I know this is a Roadstar forum and I love my Roadstar, but, the wife and I have been looking for something more in the touring line. To make my 2000 Roadstar into a "touring" bike, the way I want to set it up, would run about $2500-$3000.

I am looking at a 2004 Electra-Glide Ultra Classic, mint condition, all the service records with 30,000 miles. I have put quite a few miles on a friends 2007 with the 96 cubic inch engine and the 6-speed transmission and I like it plus I am large enough to "hold" it up. This same friend recently traded the 2007 Ultra for a 2008 Street Glide because he has been sick and can't handle the 850 pound bike anymore.

I have spent no time on an 88 cu inch with 30,000 miles. Looking for advise/opinions, good, bad or indifferent.

Either way, it's going to cost you a ton of money (upgrade the Roaddie or swap it out for the HD).
Here's an alternative. When you need the touring bike for trips, just rent one from the HD dealer. It should be cheaper in the long run unless you are touring frequently and you get the benefit of keeping your Road* which you'll have a hard time selling for a decent price anyway.
My 2 cents!

stinger wrote:
My friend who has run an independent custom HD shop for years told me that the Evo engines need a rebuild around 30k. An acquaintance had taken her Heritage to him because of a knock that had developed at around 35k. He should know as he's worked on them for over 20 years. Her rebuild costs were gonna' run around $3500. Made me appreciate my Roadie just that much more. Just thought you'd want to know. I beg to differ; Maybe someone has had a problem along the line but I have 101k on an 02 Harley and it is still just fine. Why would anyone go to a bike shop if they didn't need to. Your friend is naturally going to see bikes that are broke (he's a mechanic) but there are bunches that aren't. Besides, the newer bikes have the twin cam engine, which is pretty dependable. Look to the left, there is a whole list of problems people have with their bikes. All bikes have some problems. Besides, all bikes nowadays are way more dependable than they used to be. I believe that most any cruiser out there nowadays should do the 100k mark without too many problems

RoadieFF
You make an excellent point. I have spent enough time and miles on a friends Electra-Glide to know that it handles much different than a cruiser. Now you have me wondering if I want to give up a cruiser for a "dedicated" touring bike(plus my R* is paid for!!!!!!).

Decisions, Decisions

Here's some free advice on this: Keep your Roadie, you like it anyway. If you want a touring bike start saving your money now and when you think you've got enough to make a purchase start looking for a bargain. That way when you find that deal you'll have extra $$ in your pocket for a nice trip on that touring bike or to pay for a couple of years of insurance.

Trust me, you'll sleep better at night if there's no payment hanging over your head....regardless of the make or model of bike. I mean, doesn't it feel good knowing that your Roadie is YOURS??!!

My .02

-M7

I rented an Electra Glide Classic (2007 version) for a day during a recent trip to Wisconsin. I definitely liked the feel of this model compared to the Road King which I rented last summer. The biggest concern for me was the difference in power compared to my R*. My R* is stock and the additional torque it has compared to the HD is very noticeable. I liked the manueverability of the Electra Glide and would give it the edge over my R*. If it were me, I'd try to spend a few days riding the bike before making a decision. Try it out under a variety of conditions. I put 265 miles on the rental bike and came away with a positive experience althought I'm not sure I am ready to trade in my R*. One thing to think about.....HD redesigned the frame on this and other bikes in 2009 or 2010. The changes supposedly give the bike a much different (and improved according to the dealer) ride.

I had a 07 roady with full fairing hard bags only thing left was the tour pack very nice riding .But it is not an electra glide i sold the roady to a friend and got a 2010 ultra classic yeah it was alot of money but it rides alot better than the roady. It is built for all the extra weight in the front and balanced alot lower .Dont get me wrong i loved the road star but couldnt keep both and my next step was to get the tour pack and finish it or get a new one .

According to the mags, the new Harley has a new
frame and much improved handling. Came in 1st in a
shootout against the Venture, Vision and a Triumph.
My last couple of bikes have been Yamahammers so guess
I'm a loyal buyer. I might go for a Venture as the
Harley is out of range for me price wise. How about
keepin the Road* and buying an older Voyager/Venture
or Goldwing.