2006 Harley-Davidson reviews

Just did a road trip from OK to MN, bike handled fine. Did need a little more oomph riding around interstate 40 and 25 interchange around Albuquerque for a week long visit. Think I'm ready to spring for an air filter upgrade and eng management control. I'm all stock (engine wise), except for a pair of Screaming Eagle Slip-ons. Over all very good riding bike, power and comfort are good enough while I'm still a young 42 and still like a lot of elements pounding me. Great for around town and longer trips. I appreciate that it is designed so the owner can perform regular maintenance on it. All parts/nuts bolts are good quality. Dealer support/service has been good, never a problem with them. It is good to have them look over the bikes every now and then, they really do know where and what to look for. Service manager noticed a noise that I didn't. Turned out my primary bearing needed replaced, warranty work. Show less

This mean machine runs strong. No mechanical problems at all. Has beautiful liquid finish paint and deep solid chrome. My last years Honda doesn't come close. I should have bought this Sportster first. Show less

Very nice bike, did 170 miles on it today, shifts smooth and just purrs along. The stock factory seat truely sucks though, it's ok for quick rides, but when you spend 3 hours in the saddle it gets quite uncomfortable. The new rubber mounts on the motor are great, this is no old ironhead Sporty. 24 month unlimited warranty is a major plus. Brakes are great, this bike is light enough to throw around in an emergency. (found that out today) So handles great, was able to throw it around a stalled sport bike rider with ease. (the dummy couldn't shift right and stalled right in front of me pulling away at a stop light) Well worth what I paid for it. Show less

Reliability, had difficulty starting once. Cornering, pleasantly surprised, cornered better than my Buell. Style, best looking bike of dyna class. Six speed is a bit much though, 5 would have been fine. Bumps, you'll feel them but it's not a Softail. Pick up is fair but I've riding sports bikes for 14 yrs. (not Buell either) Comfort, like sitting on a pillow of clouds. Other issues - putting the kick stand down is a pain, the rear brake pedal could be positioned better, and the suspension could be a little beefier. Overall this bike is great and really fun to ride. I would recommend this bike to my closest friends. Show less

Traded my 1200R on a Fatboy last fall. Ever since then I've been trying to raise the cash to buy another one. I love the big twins for two-up distance, but the Sportster's still a classic motorcycle for almost anything else. Desipte its iconic moniker, it's not a disposable sport bike. don't compare it to one. And don't complain about the heat, shaking, or noise! that's what they've brought to the asphalt for the last 50 years. If you buy one and are surprised by these characteristics, you should frankly stay away from anything dangerous. Yes, the newer Sporty's are more refined than their elder bretheren, but they are still not gentlemen. If you keep it classified within the air-cooled cruiser division, you really can't go wrong. H-D quality and versatility in a resonably priced package. If the Harley 'thing' is not what you're interested in, you can get bigger metric bikes for the money and may be happier for your application. For me, I can't wait to get another Sportster! Show less

The bike causght my eye when it was still awaiting manufacture for the first time. I knew I would invest both time and money in the 35th Anniversary model. From the moment I received the bike to date, I still feel a sense of personalised ownership as I have one of only 3500 bikes of that type. More than that, I have one of the few to reach the UK. The bike in its stock format was too small for me. The seat height is aimed at those who enjoy buying jeans easily, where I have to find the long section. I kept the bike stock for the first 5000 miles and completed a tour of Scotland on it. Then after months of planning I changed what needed to be changed. I put the 180 on the rear and what a difference it makes to both the handling and looks. It fills the rear mudguard in nicely. A set of HD forwards helped stop the issue with my legs cramping as did the changing of the saddle for a HD Tallboy saddle. The pipes were a bit too quiet so I changed them for a set of Cobras, with a Terry Components Terminal Velocity II tuner. That turned out to be a mistake. The SE air cleaner does its buisness just fine, but the International models were set out with the O2 sensors removed and the ECU reprogrammed, therefore no closed loop system. The pipes are producing a 138db noise that although pleasing to hear, deafening to ride. The performance has deteriorated. Funny though, the fuel mileage is up by 30 miles over stock. I get around 180 miles out of the 5 gallon tank rather than the luck to get the 150 it gave from stock. A chrome inner primary case has cleaned up the left side and the chrome swing arm has tidied up the rear. I love to ride it as it handles very well. The addition of the detachable windscreen has made the journey less tiring. Some of the negative issues are the spalling of the front fork lowers under the clear coat. The flaking of the chrome at every single nipple point on the rims was also an issue. Was being the key word as the Dealer sorted them out under warranty. Also an issue and waiting to be sorted is the failure of various parts of the bike when it rained. The alarm siren has become mute, and the speedo simply stops when it rains. I have had the bike stall when in stop and go traffic. Despite that, when I ride it still turns heads, and not just car drivers. Show less

I have been riding BIG V-twins for the past few years. 1600cc, 2053cc Vulcans and a Pro Street 1600cc Roadstar. The local dealer here took a trade and got an 06 Night Rod. When I first rode the bike I was in awe at how the bike just kept pulling. Well after a ride I had to have the bike. I have put about 300 miles on the bike. It has 1600 miles on it now. I've got to say this thing flat runs. NO, it's no sport bike but it's still a thrill to wind it out. I'm used to lots of torque but the way this bike pulls right on through a 100mph is something else. I think my arms are an inch longer from holding on. This bike ROCKS and ANYONE will enjoy the bike. Some kind of ENGINE on the Night Rod for sure. Show less

I've been riding motorcycles since I was a kid and let's just say I have a little snow on the roof now. I've owned Triumph, Honda and Suzuki. Have always wanted a Harley but kept telling myself it was too much money. Well one week ago I took the plunge and bought a new, leftover FLSTCI. I've only ridden 325 miles so far but I must say I am impressed. The motor has a balance shaft and in stock form is a little noisy. The windshield amplifies the noise, but I knew that going in. The bike is air cooled so it runs a little warm. The fuel injection is a joy. Starts right up, warms up quick and runs smooth. Acceleration is good, the ride is solid and the feeling you get riding this bike is beyond words. The stock seat is even comfortable. I went out for a ride last night 50 miles north took a break then 50 miles back home and could have kept riding. I'll update this review as I put on some more miles but for now I would have to say great bike. Show less

I have really enjoyed mine so far. I have replaced the stock seat with the sundowner seat. The sundowner seat is better for longer rides. Also, I did notice that the bike was not happy below 4K RPM. I have added a PCIII, which was very simple to install to the bike. Since doing so, I have been able to smooth out the problems below 4K RPM. The Street Rod lives for the corners. Just remember that this is not a sport bike, it still weighs over 600 pounds. But, for my riding style it fits me very good. I have heard that Harley is going to stop making this bike, so get yours if you have a chance. For a Harley, this is the best of both worlds; A cruiser along with the ability to handle the roads when they get twisty. Overall, I am happy with the bike. It may not sound like a traditional Harley, but when I start from a stop the Air Cooled Harleys can only see my rear tire since I can leave them in the dust. Show less

I am updating a review that I did back in August of 2006 after purchasing my 05 Classic. I have ridden the bike almost 10,000 miles since the purchase. After adding a different seat, handlebars, pc III, stage 1 K&n, Rinehart true dual headers and mufflers and some chrome here and there, I have made this Harley into my own. The bike has been ridden to Wash. DC, Daytona, W Va, Va, Tennessee and 5 other states with all or most of my trips being medium to long distance rides. I have never had a problem. It has been dynotuned and has 80 hp and 80 ft, lbs of torgue on the sheet. HD got it right and am now considering purchasing a second bike just to ride around. This will be a Softtail with the new 96 engine and the 6 spd cruise. that's it!!!! I would buy one of em all if I had the smack to do it... Show less