So now we’re all coming to terms with what is coming for 2022 from Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Lots of websites, commentators and observers have gotten really excited with the new models. Social media sites ave been full of those expressing support and enthusiasm…but are they all completely blinkered and just plain wrong?
I came away from the Live virtual launch thinking, well at least they didn’t spend half the time talking about their history and ‘lifestyle’. However they did spend a lot of time telling us how well they have dome in winning the King of the Baggers series in the USA.
So people are talking about the new models but I hate to be the one who tells you again…but these are not new models, but rather they are new variants of the same model.
The newly installed 117ci engine in the Low Rider S, ST and the ST versions for the Street Glide and Road Glide.
Apart from some tweaks to the suspension, ground clearance, saddlebags profile and height above the ground with some exhaust tuning too, there hasn’t been anything new…oh apart from the paint and the increased prices of course.
I have said previously that these changes are two years overdue but my real issue is that the extra you’re being asked to pay for the ST versions and could you get a much better deal by buying a used bike and doing a better upgrade for similar or less money…I think you can.
For the tourers we have always stated that the suspension really needs changing, and whilst there have been modifications to the suspension travel, it isn’t what the performance bagger crowd really want. They intimated that Ohlins suspension would be there or that they used that, however that was on their race bike. So you’ll have to pay a couple of thousand to have front and rear changed.
Also they were keen to say that the 117ci is a better starting point to get to a 131ci, however if you already have a 2018/2019 bike for example worth 10-15K, then you could make all the mods you want to blow these out of the water and still come in under budget.
Let’s not forget that when it comes to performance baggers, Harley-Davidson are not the only game in town. Just ask Indian, BMW, Honda to name but three.
Performance bagger is a bit of an oxymoron anyway as we know that what they really mean is that your trying to get as much performance and grunt to move a really heavy bike down the road and to make it go around a bend just a little bit better. But if you really want a performance bike then go get a proper performance bike.
Hell, I could buy a 30yr old 1100cc bike and it would run rings around these bikes and only pay a couple of thousand too.
So the price for me is a big factor. Not what they are charging, but rather what the comparison cost is to what you could spend to make an older gen bike better than these. I also have a problem with the polarising paint schemes on the CVOs and that they still only have the 117ci engine in them too. They are not special now…and for 40K+ it is a travesty that they are not being offered with a 131ci engine as standard.
I get the feeling that the company have bedazzled us with the 117ci engine in the cruiser and tourers but when you scratch beneath the surface you realise that whilst they may look good, you’re actually getting a bad deal.
I suppose we’ll have to wait another couple of years for those upgrade option, to then revert back to this offering and select this one.
Right now if I really wanted a 117ci, then I would take a 114ci and upstage it beyond the 117ci for a better bike. Upgrade the suspension myself and add bags and fairing of my choice and still have a few drachma in my bin. The same for the tourers. I would take a 114 Street Glide Special or Road Glide Special and give it the same treatment. It would probably look better and go a lot better too for less money.
However don’t take my word for it. Go ask the performance bagger crowd and ask them whether they think the STs are good value for money, especially when what the company claim is a better starting point, still means you’ll be swapping out a lot of components still. In my eyes not a great deal.
But then again I am being rather grumpy today. I do like the bikes and at last they are slowly reacting to public opinion. But they are doing it too slowly and I do think there is a better deal to be had elsewhere.
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