Harley Tours

Harley Davidson Buyers Guide

Motorcycles come in many different styles and it is important to match the bike to your riding style and expectations. Harley Davidson is known more for their cruiser and custom style bikes than for sport bikes, even though the sportster under the sport bike category to some degree. If you have decided that a Harley Davidson is your motorcycle of choice it is time to consider the various Harley models available. Here are a few styles when selecting either a new or used bike :

1. Touring. If you are planning to take long trips this style of bike is for you. When picking out a touring bike weight is something to consider. Harley touring bikes include the classically styled Road Kings and the fully equipped "Glides", such us the road Glides and Ultra Glide. These bikes fall under Harley's FL designation with the exception of the heritage and fat boy.

2. Cruiser. While not an official category of motorcycle with Harley Davidson, these bikes are similar to touring bikes due to their big FL style front ends though they are classed as softails. While not as heavy as full touring bikes these bikes are still heavy are not for the beginning rider.

3. Softails. These bikes are unique to Harley Davidson and have the look of a rigid mount bike from the early days. Softails incorporate a hidden shock to provide rear suspension and are very popular as a daily rider or as the foundation of a Harley custom. These bikes are lighter in weight than their touring and cruiser brothers.

4. Dyna. Also known as a "rubber mount" the Dyna models has a dual shock rear suspension like the touring bikes but a lighter front end share with both the Softails and Sportsters. Unlike these other the Dyna has a rubber mounted engine to reduce engine vibration. Dynas come with either a wide-glide or sportier narrow-glide front end. Some consider the Dyna a street-class bike.

5. Sportster. Harley Davidson's core sport bike model has long been the Sportster or "XL" model. These bikes have a smaller engine and frame design and are lightest bikes offered by the motor company. Long considered a great bike for beginners or smaller individuals (such as lady riders) these bikes are by no means any less of a true Harley than their big brothers. Sportster are the only Harley offered in two engine sizes, the 883 and 1200.

6. V-Rod. Harley Davidson's newest model is the V-Rod. Very different than any of the other model, this bike combine the power and style of an imported sport bike while maintaining stretched out forward controls that are uniquely Harley.

7. Buell. While not exactly a Harley, these sport bikes are American made and owned/ sold through Harley Davidson. A true sport bike looks and styling like an import sport bike the buell is powered by an American V-Twin engine. This is a great all-around bike for daily riding and carving up a canyon road.