Was looking for my first serious bike. Initially was looking into a Honda Ace, or dare I say the VTX. Had a friend of mine who had a '00 Honda Spirit. Liked the ride, power was good, and was generally easy to ride. While I was considering which bike to purchase, a good friend of my wife...
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Was looking for my first serious bike. Initially was looking into a Honda Ace, or dare I say the VTX. Had a friend of mine who had a '00 Honda Spirit. Liked the ride, power was good, and was generally easy to ride. While I was considering which bike to purchase, a good friend of my wife offered to sell us one of his 98'HDSportster 883's he had. Offered it at a price I couldn't refuse. Now, I have to say Harley wasn't a bike I was considering, hearing about complaints of vibration and lack of power, among other general complaints. Bought the '98 HD Sportster, and after some research on the Internet, had the 1200 conversion done, with the SE Cams, and the SE pipes, Carb and Filter work done. After a pleasant experience with the HD dealership, I took the HD out for it's first drive after the engine conversion. It took 3 hours for a 30-minute ride home. I just couldn't bring myself to take it into my garage. I had the biggest grin for the whole 3 hours. After a proper break-in, I've finally opened the throttle somewhat, and the growl from the SE pipes, and the 'hold on tight' torque feel just makes me grin like a fool. My good friend who has the Spirit, was not a Harley fan also, but can honestly say when he got off the Harley for the first time, he was also grinning like a fool. There's just something about a Harley. He now just shakes his head at the Spirit. He told me he wished he had never driven the Harley. Now he said he badly wants to get one too. For those of you that are hesitant or have preconceived notions about a HD, if at all possible, take one out for a ride. I also was convinced I wouldn't like a Harley; until I rode one.
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