Eyes open wide..today's visit to my friendly, HD dealer. (Bring Money....)

Well...since I know that as of today, I'll be riding my 2018 SVTC home later next week, I decided on my way to the lake...to visit an HD dealer.

I wasn't through the door, 30 seconds, before at least three sales 'specialists' zeroed in on my scent, via three different showroom vectors, lol. Wow...could they smell the fresh blood?!??

The youngest of the trio, got to me first...and after introducing himself ( a very nice guy, quite amicable) he inquired if I had any particular model in mind. I said; " why yes...the 2018 Road Glide Ultra, with the Shark's Head, frame mounted fairing."

He took me over to a two-tone (very nice looking!) and started explaining the standard features.

This is where the Harley Davidson Education began...

The features...standard...hardly any....

"So," I asked,; "There is no Sirius radio as standard?" "No...you'd have to buy the module, and it can be added by our installation."

"Oh..." "What about a C.B. radio?" "That can be added too...for around $800.00 plus labor."

"Oh..." "How much was that Sirius Radio upgrade..er..module?" "That would be, er...let me see on the list...er...that would be also $800.00 plus shop labor."

"Oh..." "What does your shop run at?" "It's $100.00 per hour, taken to the nearest 1/4 hour."

"Oh..." "So what would each module take?" "About one hour per module, with testing. Might be a little more for the C.B. as the tech has to remove the seat and top trunk, to route the C.B. antenna coax."

"Oh..." So, then...oh wait...what about heated grips and the heated seat for the rider and co-rider?" "That would be ...er...ah...$1,100.00 plus labor to re and re, and the wiring kit."

"Oh... So that then would be er...let me do my math...that would be ah..."

1. C.B radio and one hour shop time: $900.00 CDN

2 Sirius Sat Radio Module and one hour shop time: $900.00

3. Heated Grips and Heated Seat combo: $1,100 plus 1 1/4 hour shop time: $1,225.00

"So then, that would be, er... $3,418.85, all in?" "Right...around there...a few bucks more, possibly less."

"Oh.." Now...how flexible are you in that MSRP on the bike? It's $32,099.00, right?" "Yes..for the model with the one tone, Electric Blue." "So...in my due diligence, I have also been assessing metric manufacturers, and most of them are flexible on the MSRP to at least shaving a $1,000.00 off of the price."

"Well, I wish that I could do that, sir..but that is not allowed by not only Harley Davidson Sales...but is also frowned upon by the Harley Davidson Dealer's Association. We all try to keep a base line, and not have each dealer scavenging another. It's just what our culture does. What I can do, though, is get you a HD gift card, for such things as perhaps a jacket, or T-shirts, gloves...such as that. That's what we can do, Joe..and we'll make you happy!"

"Oh..."

So, then...with the full up MSRP of the solid tone, Electric Blue, at $32,099.00 and all of what I'd would want and need on my HD...that would be..er..(rubbing chin...) er... $39,690.72 CDN, right? All in...full HST of 13 % applied? "Yes..except for your registration and plate cost. That was not factored in."

"Oh..." "Well ok...thank you very much...I'm still kicking tires, you know...and am looking not only at you guys, but Yamaha and Kawasaki too." "Sure bud...I'm sure that you will find, we have the largest dealer network in North America...and the largest after-market parts supply, whereby you can make your HD, totally 'your own'."

"Oh..."

"Well..I had better run...I have a date with Lake Simcoe later on today...first major run of the year you know..." "Sure thing bud...and I hope I see you come back soon, so we can put you, on the King of Bikes!" "Thanks...remember...still merely thinking about it...you know...kicking tires." "Sure..no problem, you have a nice day." "Thanks, you as well" "Oh...hey...what does a normal oil change cost in parts and labor. Just wondering..." We spec an oil change, and common service done at that time...every 8,000 kilometers, and that will run you around $400.00"

"Oh..." "Ok...thanks for your time." "You bet...see ya...take care, hope to see you back, soon!"

"See ya..."

I got a SERIOUS Harley Davidson Education this afternoon. Folks....not only would it cost you just under $10,000.00 more above HD model MSRP to bring an HD 2018 Road Glide Ultra, up to the standard features found on the Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental, but ...there would still be features on the SVTC, that isn't even offered, or the HD NOT having the on-board technology to even place it onto your Harley...like electric windscreen elevation, or the move forward/move backward, parking assist, for awkward topography, or dual-zone audio sourcing. Nope...a Yamaha SVTC blows any HD, in any configuration, out of the entire ocean, for bang-for-the-buck, and feature set amenities. In many ways, it's almost shocking how well equipped, Yamaha has sent this T.C. out the factory door at! You only need to go to an HD dealership and take the 1 hour Cost to Spec course...to find out how good a deal, is the Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental....

Compared to a Grand Tour model Harley Davidson...is the Yamaha Star Venture T.C. one H*LL of a deal?----You had better believe it...and only spending one hour with an HD sales floor Rep...will clearly demonstrate that!

My Harley Davidson Buyer's Education Course has been completed. Nice looking bike...but, I'll pass. Oh wait...I did, already...

Joe

Well...since I know that as of today, I'll be riding my 2018 SVTC home later next week, I decided on my way to the lake...to visit a HD dealer.

 

I wasn't through the door, 30 seconds, before at least three sales 'specialists' zeroed in on my scent, via three different showroom vectors, lol. Wow...could they smell the fresh blood?!??

 

The youngest of the trio, got to me first...and after introducing himself ( a very nice guy, quite amicable) he inquired if I had any particular model in mind. I said why yes...the 2018 Road Glide Ultra, with the Shark's Head, frame mounted fairing.

 

He took me over to a two-tone (very nice looking!) and started explaining the standard features.

 

This is where the Harley Davidson Education began...

 

The features...standard...hardly any....

 

"So," I asked,; "There is no Sirius radio as standard?" "No...you'd have to buy the module, and it can added by our installation."

 

"Oh..." "What about a C.B. radio?" "That can be added to...for around $800.00 plus labor."

 

"Oh..." "How much was that Sirius Radio upgrade..er..module?" "That would be, er...let me see on the list...er...that would be also $800.00 plus shop labor."

 

"Oh..." "What does your shop run at?" "It's $100.00 per hour, taken to the nearest 1/4 hour."

 

"Oh..." "So what would each module take?" "About one hour per module, with testing. Might be a little more for the C.B. as the tech has to remove the seat and top trunk, to route the C.B. antenna coax."

 

"Oh..." So, then...oh wait...what about heated grips and the heated seat for the rider and co-rider?" "That would be ...er...ah...$1,100.00 plus labor to re and re, and the wiring kit."

 

"Oh... So that then would be er...let me do my math...that would be ah..."

 

1. C.B radio and one hour shop time: $900.00 CDN

2 Sirius Sat Radio Module and one hour shop time: $900.00

3. Heated Grips and Heated Seat combo: $1,100 plus 1 1/4 hour shop time: $1,225.00

 

"So then, that would be, er... $3,418.85, all in?" "Right...around there...a few bucks more, possibly less."

 

"Oh.." Now...how flexible are you in that MSRP on the bike? It's $32,099.00, right?" "Yes..for the model with the one tone, Electric Blue." "So...in my due diligence, I have also been assessing metric manufacturers, and most of them are flexible on the MSRP to at least shaving a $1,000.00 of of the price."

"Well, I wish that I could do that, sir..but that is not allowed by not only Harley Davidson Sales...but is also frowned upon by the Harley Davidson Dealer's Association. We all try to keep a base line, and not have each dealer scavenging another. It's just what our culture does. What I can do, though, is get you a HD gift card, for such things as perhaps a jacket, or T-shirts, gloves...such as that. That's what we can do, Joe..and we'll make you happy!"

 

"Oh..."

 

So, then...with the full up MSRP of the solid tone, Electric Blue, at $32,099.00 and all of what I'd would want and need on my HD...that would be..er..(rubbing chin...) er... $39,690.72 CDN, right? All in...full HST of 13 % applied? "Yes..except for your registration and plate cost. That was not factored in."

 

"Oh..." "Well ok...thank you very much...I'm still kicking tires, you know...and am looking not only at you guys, but Yamaha and Kawasaki too." "Sure bud...I'm sure that you will find, we have the largest dealer network in North America...and the largest after-market parts supply, whereby you can make your HD, totally 'your own'."

 

"Oh..."

 

"Well..I had better run...I have a date with Lake Simcoe later on today...first major run of the year you know..." "Sure thing bud...and I hope I see you come back soon, so we can put you, on the King of Bikes!" "Thanks...remember...still merely thinking about it...you know...kicking tires." "Sure..no problem, you have a nice day." "Thanks, you as well" "Oh...hey...what does a normal oil change cost in parts and labor. Just wondering..." We spec an oil change, and common service done at that time...every 8,000 kilometers, and that will run you around $400.00"

 

"Oh..." "Ok...thanks for your time." "You bet...see ya...take care, hope to see you back, soon!"

 

"See ya..."

 

I got a SERIOUS Harley Davidson Education this afternoon. Folks....not only would it cost you just under $10,000.00 Canadian dollars more to bring an HD 2018 Road Glide Ultra, up to the standard features found on the Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental, but ...there would still be features on the SVTC, that isn't even offered, or the HD having the on-board technology to even place it onto your bike...like electric windscreen elevation, or the move forward/move backward, parking assist, for awkward topography, or dual-zone audio sourcing. Nope...a Yamaha SVTC blows any HD, in any configuration out of the ocean, for band-for-the-buck, and feature set amenities.

 

Compared to a Grand Tour model Harley Davidson...is the Yamaha Star Venture one H*LL of a deal?----You had better believe it...and only spending one hour with a HD sales floor Rep...will clearly demonstrate that!

 

My Harley Davidson Buyer's Education Course has been completed. Nice looking bike...but, I'll pass. Oh wait...I did, already...

 

Joe

Do you remember my earlier post reply to you that I stated that same exact thing? I told you that you’d be looking at $40k for a comparably equipped HD and only IF they had some of the amenities available which they do not.

Glad you’re a “fast learner”!

Do you remember my earlier post reply to you that I stated that same exact thing? I told you that you’d be looking at $40k for a comparably equipped HD and only IF they had some of the amenities available which they do not.

Glad you’re a “fast learner”!

..so...it WAS an education in of itself. You hear about stuff, you read about stuff..but it is another matter, when the blood drains from your face as you mentally rack up all the 'HD offered 'stuff' that is NOT on that $32,099.00 MSRP'ed bike. Some one posted years ago..that Harley's game-play..is to offer a very attractive looking, but strategically, feature crippled bike, and then offer a huge catalog of those very options (that you would want)...at thousands of dollars, added cost. So, you were absolutely right. In Canada, to get the bike at 80 percent the options that come standard, out the door on the SVTC...is breaking the ceiling...at a whopping $40,000.00 dollars. OMG! Then...to do common maintenance, can financially cripple you. C'mon...$400.00 for a freakin' OIL CHANGE? The Harley Davidson brand, IMHO, are bikes for those that have money up the ying-yang...and don't mind parting with it.

Yep..Chief..I got my HD education today. Yamaha....you stretched me out for almost 7 months...but...THANK YOU for creating the SVTC...one h*ll of a ride... at $31,999.00 MSRP, CDN....Thank you! Compared to a Harley 'out-the-door', this price is Bargain Basement.

Do you remember my earlier post reply to you that I stated that same exact thing? I told you that you’d be looking at $40k for a comparably equipped HD and only IF they had some of the amenities available which they do not.

Glad you’re a “fast learner”!

Correct, again. Some of the T.C.'s tech, isn't even an option at the MoCo...

My '5 cents', is that this bike...is unique amongst bikes, from any manufacturer,..and they will absolutely maintain a healthy re-sale value, as more and more riders, get clued into what the T.C. affords them... My re-sale crystal ball, says that 10 years from now...I'll get (with care and maintenance) the same great R.O.I. that I did on our 2008 Wing. Take care of the bike...and the bike takes care of R.O.I.

Yea but you cant get any of them cool t-shirts, boots, chain drive wallets and stuff with Yamaha on them. And on their install stuff if they got to pull the seat to run CB wires etc and charge me for time, then turn around and charge me time to install a heated seat, I'm gonna beat someone to a pulp. Have to pull the seat anyways so why you scamming me?? The Motor Co's cost of oil changes is well known. Shoot you got engine oil and separate oil for transmission.

Yea but you cant get any of them cool t-shirts, boots, chain drive wallets and stuff with Yamaha on them. And on their install stuff if they got to pull the seat to run CB wires etc and charge me for time, then turn around and charge me time to install a heated seat, I'm gonna beat someone to a pulp. Have to pull the seat anyways so why you scamming me?? The Motor Co's cost of oil changes is well known. Shoot you got engine oil and separate oil for transmission.

LOL...and you are right on the marketing of clothing. Do you know how hard a time I am having to find a great $400-$650 Yamaha branded Touring Jacket with Kevlar Armor on at the shoulders, elbows...lower back, over kidneys? Even my own Yama Mama dealer, can't find decent quality Tour Jackets with Yamaha Logo's... The Yamaha website has mesh jackets, that are deadly over-priced and sky high, marked up. Nada..

I have two really expensive and good Honda branded Full Tour jackets with all the above described Kevlar Armor. What I am attempting to do...or will have made for me, at a tailor shop...is to get really nice cloth Yamaha Patches. I'll have both my, and my wife's Honda patchwork, over-sown with the Yama Mama...for the jackets are two tone, racing Honda red, and white. They'll look great with the red SVTC. but will look dorky...if we are riding and proudly riding our Yamaha..but are wearing Honda patches..HEY.......unless Honda wants to pay me billboard space upon my chest...Hmmm....should pitch that to them...lol!

Post Edit: Seriously...I might be wearing this Fall...and for my wife as well...Harley Davidson (the orange shield) HEATED GLOVES. Man...are these cool...and truly are quality built leather. The cat's *ss with these, is that they are connected to your bike, by means of the same (now..HD...you rock on this!) pig tail that you have standard on Battery Tender products. So..being that the pig tail from your battery is already on your bike...all my bikes run with pig-tailed battery tender leads...you plug the HD leads to the Battery Tender male...and the gloves have a press/repeat square in cloth switch...for you to pick low, medium, and high heat settings. With these gloves, you don't actually need heated grips...and we all know that heated grips only heat mostly your palms...while these gloves would equally heat your critical fingers...and finger tips. You know what? SOLD...I'm going to go back and pick up two pairs, one for myself, and a pair for her, for Christmas...well...Christmas in October...lol.

If I remember, the gloves were around $140.00, BUT...they were excellent manufacture and quality. The HD name and logo is so small, that unless you pointed it out...nobody would see you running around with them on a Yamaha, or Honda...lol. I'm not thinking of getting them for myself to wear on the SVTC...but on the non-heated grips on my Kawasaki ZR7S. She would get the gloves instead of my getting those heated hand grips on the SVTC. The gloves...300 times better... Merry early Christmas, Dear.... Ho, ho...and ho!

Well...since I know that as of today, I'll be riding my 2018 SVTC home later next week, I decided on my way to the lake...to visit an HD dealer.

 

I wasn't through the door, 30 seconds, before at least three sales 'specialists' zeroed in on my scent, via three different showroom vectors, lol. Wow...could they smell the fresh blood?!??

 

The youngest of the trio, got to me first...and after introducing himself ( a very nice guy, quite amicable) he inquired if I had any particular model in mind. I said; " why yes...the 2018 Road Glide Ultra, with the Shark's Head, frame mounted fairing."

 

He took me over to a two-tone (very nice looking!) and started explaining the standard features.

 

This is where the Harley Davidson Education began...

 

The features...standard...hardly any....

 

"So," I asked,; "There is no Sirius radio as standard?" "No...you'd have to buy the module, and it can added by our installation."

 

"Oh..." "What about a C.B. radio?" "That can be added too...for around $800.00 plus labor."

 

"Oh..." "How much was that Sirius Radio upgrade..er..module?" "That would be, er...let me see on the list...er...that would be also $800.00 plus shop labor."

 

"Oh..." "What does your shop run at?" "It's $100.00 per hour, taken to the nearest 1/4 hour."

 

"Oh..." "So what would each module take?" "About one hour per module, with testing. Might be a little more for the C.B. as the tech has to remove the seat and top trunk, to route the C.B. antenna coax."

 

"Oh..." So, then...oh wait...what about heated grips and the heated seat for the rider and co-rider?" "That would be ...er...ah...$1,100.00 plus labor to re and re, and the wiring kit."

 

"Oh... So that then would be er...let me do my math...that would be ah..."

 

1. C.B radio and one hour shop time: $900.00 CDN

2 Sirius Sat Radio Module and one hour shop time: $900.00

3. Heated Grips and Heated Seat combo: $1,100 plus 1 1/4 hour shop time: $1,225.00

 

"So then, that would be, er... $3,418.85, all in?" "Right...around there...a few bucks more, possibly less."

 

"Oh.." Now...how flexible are you in that MSRP on the bike? It's $32,099.00, right?" "Yes..for the model with the one tone, Electric Blue." "So...in my due diligence, I have also been assessing metric manufacturers, and most of them are flexible on the MSRP to at least shaving a $1,000.00 off of the price."

"Well, I wish that I could do that, sir..but that is not allowed by not only Harley Davidson Sales...but is also frowned upon by the Harley Davidson Dealer's Association. We all try to keep a base line, and not have each dealer scavenging another. It's just what our culture does. What I can do, though, is get you a HD gift card, for such things as perhaps a jacket, or T-shirts, gloves...such as that. That's what we can do, Joe..and we'll make you happy!"

 

"Oh..."

 

So, then...with the full up MSRP of the solid tone, Electric Blue, at $32,099.00 and all of what I'd would want and need on my HD...that would be..er..(rubbing chin...) er... $39,690.72 CDN, right? All in...full HST of 13 % applied? "Yes..except for your registration and plate cost. That was not factored in."

 

"Oh..." "Well ok...thank you very much...I'm still kicking tires, you know...and am looking not only at you guys, but Yamaha and Kawasaki too." "Sure bud...I'm sure that you will find, we have the largest dealer network in North America...and the largest after-market parts supply, whereby you can make your HD, totally 'your own'."

 

"Oh..."

 

"Well..I had better run...I have a date with Lake Simcoe later on today...first major run of the year you know..." "Sure thing bud...and I hope I see you come back soon, so we can put you, on the King of Bikes!" "Thanks...remember...still merely thinking about it...you know...kicking tires." "Sure..no problem, you have a nice day." "Thanks, you as well" "Oh...hey...what does a normal oil change cost in parts and labor. Just wondering..." We spec an oil change, and common service done at that time...every 8,000 kilometers, and that will run you around $400.00"

 

"Oh..." "Ok...thanks for your time." "You bet...see ya...take care, hope to see you back, soon!"

 

"See ya..."

 

I got a SERIOUS Harley Davidson Education this afternoon. Folks....not only would it cost you just under $10,000.00 more above HD model MSRP to bring an HD 2018 Road Glide Ultra, up to the standard features found on the Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental, but ...there would still be features on the SVTC, that isn't even offered, or the HD NOT having the on-board technology to even place it onto your Harley...like electric windscreen elevation, or the move forward/move backward, parking assist, for awkward topography, or dual-zone audio sourcing. Nope...a Yamaha SVTC blows any HD, in any configuration, out of the entire ocean, for bang-for-the-buck, and feature set amenities. In many ways, it's almost shocking how well equipped, Yamaha has sent this T.C. out the factory door at! You only need to go to an HD dealership and take the 1 hour Cost to Spec course...to find out how good a deal, is the Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental....

 

Compared to a Grand Tour model Harley Davidson...is the Yamaha Star Venture T.C. one H*LL of a deal?----You had better believe it...and only spending one hour with a HD sales floor Rep...will clearly demonstrate that!

 

My Harley Davidson Buyer's Education Course has been completed. Nice looking bike...but, I'll pass. Oh wait...I did, already...

 

Joe

Do you remember my earlier post reply to you that I stated that same exact thing? I told you that you’d be looking at $40k for a comparably equipped HD and only IF they had some of the amenities available which they do not.

Glad you’re a “fast learner”!

It was the essence of pure...evil...my going there..AFTER I had the luxury of knowing I'm getting the best equipped motorcycle on the planet...so...it WAS an education in of itself. You hear about stuff, you read about stuff..but it is another matter, when the blood drains from your face as you mentally rack up all the 'HD offered 'stuff' that is NOT on that $32,099.00 MSRP'ed bike. Some one posted years ago..that Harley's game-play..is to offer a very attractive looking, but strategically, feature crippled bike, and then offer a huge catalog of those very options (that you would want)...at thousands of dollars, added cost. So, you were absolutely right. In Canada, to get the bike at 80 percent the options that come standard, out the door on the SVTC...is breaking the ceiling...at a whopping $40,000.00 dollars. OMG! Then...to do common maintenance, can financially cripple you. C'mon...$400.00 for a freakin' OIL CHANGE? The Harley Davidson brand, are bikes for those that have money up the ying-yang...and don't mind parting with it.

 

Yep..Chief..I got my HD education today. Yamaha....you stretched me out for almost 7 months...but...THANK YOU for creating the SVTC...one h*ll of a ride... at $31,999.00 MSRP, CDN....Thank you! Compared to a Harley 'out-the-door', this price is Bargain Basement.

Just to keep our club's records transparent, honest and fair - the pics below clearly state what the 2018 HD Road Glide comes standard with and those items do include Sirus and CB... IMHO,, the heated grips/seat thoughts above are note worthy but, having experienced concerns over getting burned by hot engines/exhausts in certain environments - especially excrutiating for a passanger if touring 2 up, would bring me to the point that - if considering touring on a big Twin that I would wantask the same question about the costs for adding water cooling to the Yamaha as a comparison to what it would cost to add the heated seat/grips to the HD = fair is fair IMHO..

As noted, the Road Glide also includes other items as standard equipment such as Heal Toe which is far from a few dollar additional cost if wanted for the Venture and then,, as much as folks really dont seem to want to go here,, pain for paint - quality of chrome for chrome and accessory for accessory availability PLUS the fact that the two bikes are only 500 bucks apart from each other as shown in the pics - IMHO,, that gap is far narrower than what some people may be under the impression that it is..

Just sayin it like it is.....

Puc

" why yes...the 2018 Road Glide Ultra, with the Shark's Head, frame mounted fairing."

 

He took me over to a two-tone (very nice looking!) and started explaining the standard features.

 

Following @cowpuc 's post I'm wondering if that sales person a) knew his product and/or b) showed you a standard RG (if there is such an animal) ... (not an Ultra)?

Just to keep our club's records transparent, honest and fair - the pics below clearly state what the 2018 HD Road Glide comes standard with and those items do include Sirus and CB... IMHO,, the heated grips/seat thoughts above are note worthy but, having experienced concerns over getting burned by hot engines/exhausts in certain environments - especially excrutiating for a passanger if touring 2 up, would bring me to the point that - if considering touring on a big Twin that I would wantask the same question about the costs for adding water cooling to the Yamaha as a comparison to what it would cost to add the heated seat/grips to the HD = fair is fair IMHO..

As noted, the Road Glide also includes other items as standard equipment such as Heal Toe which is far from a few dollar additional cost if wanted for the Venture and then,, as much as folks really dont seem to want to go here,, pain for paint - quality of chrome for chrome and accessory for accessory availability PLUS the fact that the two bikes are only 500 bucks apart from each other as shown in the pics - IMHO,, that gap is far narrower than what some people may be under the impression that it is..

Just sayin it like it is.....

Puchttp://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112373http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112372http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112370http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112371

Puc..I intend to call the dealership once more...and seek clarification that indeed he was speaking to me about the Ultra...as he heard me ask about. That was the only model I was interested in. I'll report that clarification ASAP.

He did keep mentioning that the Ultra (he used that word) has the capabilities to integrate the modules...but as stock from the factory...you do not have those radios. I'll report back tomorrow.

Following cowpuc 's post I'm wondering if that sales person a) knew his product and/or b) showed you a standard RG (if there is such an animal) ... (not an Ultra)?

I'm going to call the dealership tomorrow..and ask them once more...about the feature set as standard....will post the results of that conversation. We were talking about the Ultra...that was clear...and he said that the Boombox 6.5 has the built in capabilities..but only if you add the modules...

I call for clarification from another person at the dealership. Oh...also, we were standing over the bike..and it had the tour box on it. Only the Road Glide Ultra has that...for the other ones...are merely baggers.

Just to keep our club's records transparent, honest and fair - the pics below clearly state what the 2018 HD Road Glide comes standard with and those items do include Sirus and CB... IMHO,, the heated grips/seat thoughts above are note worthy but, having experienced concerns over getting burned by hot engines/exhausts in certain environments - especially excrutiating for a passanger if touring 2 up, would bring me to the point that - if considering touring on a big Twin that I would wantask the same question about the costs for adding water cooling to the Yamaha as a comparison to what it would cost to add the heated seat/grips to the HD = fair is fair IMHO..

As noted, the Road Glide also includes other items as standard equipment such as Heal Toe which is far from a few dollar additional cost if wanted for the Venture and then,, as much as folks really dont seem to want to go here,, pain for paint - quality of chrome for chrome and accessory for accessory availability PLUS the fact that the two bikes are only 500 bucks apart from each other as shown in the pics - IMHO,, that gap is far narrower than what some people may be under the impression that it is..

Just sayin it like it is.....

Puchttp://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112373http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112372http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112370http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112371

About the heat ...Puc...I have not heard one person talk about heat so bad...that it marred their ride, from forum members here lucky enough to have been riding. Also...heat certainly gets generated from my 4 cylinder air/oil cooled Kawa...but nowhere near any level of true notability. Just a slight air temp rise, totally comfortable. Also to mention, that my ZR-7S's engine sits completely out in front of me, in the air stream...and comes back on me. Heat? Nothing to even mention. Actually, I don't even think about it...

I think that the members here, are honest enough, that if they had any type of heat, at a level of rabid discomfort...they would certainly make mention of it. Nobody has...ChiefGunner has over 5,000 miles of active riding...and nothing from any of his posts...is where heat comes front and center...to the point that ruins the ride and experience.

I certainly will honestly say, if I find any engine heat...to be a red flag. That only helps another's decision. I will say that heat was a killer on the Ultra's (the rep's words) on as late as the 17's...for on the 18's...they moved the cat's back behind the co-rider's foot boards. I think it was 17, or perhaps the 16 model year. I asked about the twin cool...and he said that it does help, but it was actually moving both CATS back behind the cockpit that really made a difference to both the rider and co-rider. I didn't even know, of course that HD did that...but he quickly mentioned what has changed on the Ultra model, to effect a cooler cockpit environment. The CATS...were the killer here, according to him, and not so much the top end of the motor...for that is only what is partially cooled. I wonder where the CATS are on the SVTC. Aren't they actually below the bike...and in the open air flow, unhindered? Chief...wanna step in here? Where are the CATS on your bike?

BTW, Puc...I did go for the heel and toe...and that was about just over $500.00 dollars to put on. That, if taking everything else as standard equipment, vs. the HD ultra...would be IMHO, a drop in the bucket. Also to be fair, one would have to add (which I did also) the rear brake pedal, rather than the prong that comes standard. That was around $208.00 so let's say I have to add $700.00 to the SVTC. Certainly a far cry from to bring the Ultra up to the feature set of the SVTC. I think that we have to discount what we ourselves would want to have on the bike...in other words, whether one would want to add heated seats and grips to the Ultra...but...if this is a fair feature set comparison...we must. For the same (as you point out) within a few hundred dollars MSRP...which bike, has the greatest and varied features as regards the 'opponent'. Clearly the SVTC out strips the MSRP Ultra. I will get clarification on those two radios, tomorrow, that you can be sure...but all the other items that were discussed by me, with the sales rep...was basically rattling off what comes with the SVTC..and his advising me of what it would cost, to add those features to the Ultra (for delivery). Apples to apples...

Joe

LOL...and you are right on the marketing of clothing. Do you know how hard a time I am having to find a great $400-$650 Yamaha branded Touring Jacket with Kevlar Armor on at the shoulders, elbows...lower back, over kidneys? Even my own Yama Mama dealer, can't find decent quality Tour Jackets with Yamaha Logo's... The Yamaha website has mesh jackets, that are deadly over-priced and sky high, marked up. Nada..

 

I have two really expensive and good Honda branded Full Tour jackets with all the above described Kevlar Armor. What I am attempting to do...or will have made for me, at a tailor shop...is to get really nice cloth Yamaha Patches. I'll have both my, and my wife's Honda patchwork, over-sown with the Yama Mama...for the jackets are two tone, racing Honda red, and white. They'll look great with the red SVTC. but will look dorky...if we are riding and proudly riding our Yamaha..but are wearing Honda patches..HEY.......unless Honda wants to pay me billboard space upon my chest...Hmmm....should pitch that to them...lol!

 

Post Edit: Seriously...I might be wearing this Fall...and for my wife as well...Harley Davidson (the orange shield) HEATED GLOVES. Man...are these cool...and truly are quality built leather. The cat's *ss with these, is that they are connected to your bike, by means of the same (now..HD...you rock on this!) pig tail that you have standard on Battery Tender products. So..being that the pig tail from your battery is already on your bike...all my bikes run with pig-tailed battery tender leads...you plug the HD leads to the Battery Tender male...and the gloves have a press/repeat square in cloth switch...for you to pick low, medium, and high heat settings. With these gloves, you don't actually need heated grips...and we all know that heated grips only heat mostly your palms...while these gloves would equally heat your critical fingers...and finger tips. You know what? SOLD...I'm going to go back and pick up two pairs, one for myself, and a pair for her, for Christmas...well...Christmas in October...lol.

 

If I remember, the gloves were around $140.00, BUT...they were excellent manufacture and quality. The HD name and logo is so small, that unless you pointed it out...nobody would see you running around with them on a Yamaha, or Honda...lol. I'm not thinking of getting them for myself to wear on the SVTC...but on the non-heated grips on my Kawasaki ZR7S. She would get the gloves instead of my getting those heated hand grips on the SVTC. The gloves...300 times better... Merry early Christmas, Dear.... Ho, ho...and ho!

You won’t need heated gloves Joe. I’ve ridden down to 40 degrease so far and had the heater for seat and grips set on 7. They were literally burning my hands through the gloves and I had serious RUMP ROAST cooking as well. The heat function on the SVTC is intense!

You won’t need heated gloves Joe. I’ve ridden down to 40 degrease so far and had the heater for seat and grips set on 7. They were literally burning my hands through the gloves and I had serious RUMP ROAST cooking as well. The heat function on the SVTC is intense!

Right...those gloves were going to be used on my Kawasaki ZR7S, Chief..but for my gal...she could use them at her seating position on the SVTC.

BTW...can you please comment right now, if you have found during your 5,000 miles so far..if generated engine heat...has in any way affected your pleasure, or 'quality' of your riding experience, even at that day of 80F? Puc and I are in discussion that that can be a minus on the 'want this bike' ballot.

What has your personal experience been, so far?

I'm going to call the dealership tomorrow..and ask them once more...about the feature set as standard....will post the results of that conversation. We were talking about the Ultra...that was clear...and he said that the Boombox 6.5 has the built in capabilities..but only if you add the modules...

 

I call for clarification from another person at the dealership.

Heres an article that might help!

http://ridermagazine.com/2018/04/06/2018-harley-road-glide-ultra-vs-indian-roadmaster-vs-yamaha-star-venture-tc-comparo-review/

In a straight up comparison, the SVTC takes the Gold!

Heres an article that might help!

http://ridermagazine.com/2018/04/06/2018-harley-road-glide-ultra-vs-indian-roadmaster-vs-yamaha-star-venture-tc-comparo-review/

In a straight up comparison, the SVTC takes the Gold!

Chief...can you address the question about real life, heat generation on your SVTC. How did it feel to you, on your 80F day ride? Both Puc and I would be very interested on your reply to this question. Did you find it in any way uncomfortable, to the effect that it was foremost and always on your mind during your time in the saddle?

Thanks.

Joe

About the heat ...Puc...I have not heard one person talk about heat so bad...that it marred their ride, from forum members here lucky enough to have been riding. Also...heat certainly gets generated from my 4 cylinder air/oil cooled Kawa...but nowhere near any level of true notability. Just a slight air temp rise, totally comfortable. Also to mention, that my ZR-7S's engine sits completely out in front of me, in the air stream...and comes back on me. Heat? Nothing to even mention. Actually, I don't even think about it...

 

I think that the members here, are honest enough, that if they had any type of heat, at a level of rabid discomfort...they would certainly make mention of it. Nobody has...ChiefGunner has over 5,000 miles of active riding...and nothing from any of his posts...is where heat comes front and center...to the point that ruins the ride and experience.

 

I certainly will honestly say, if I find any engine heat...to be a red flag. That only helps another's decision. I will say that heat was a killer on the Ultra's (the rep's words) on as late as the 17's...for on the 18's...they moved the cat's back behind the co-rider's foot boards. I think it was 17, or perhaps the 16 model year. I asked about the twin cool...and he said that it does help, but it was actually moving both CATS back behind the cockpit that really made a difference to both the rider and co-rider. I didn't even know, of course that HD did that...but he quickly mentioned what has changed on the Ultra model, to effect a cooler cockpit environment. The CATS...were the killer here, according to him, and not so much the top end of the motor...for that is only what is partially cooled. I wonder where the CATS are on the SVTC. Aren't they actually below the bike...and in the open air flow, unhindered? Chief...wanna step in here? Where are the CATS on your bike?

 

BTW, Puc...I did go for the heel and toe...and that was about just over $500.00 dollars to put on. That, if taking everything else as standard equipment, vs. the HD ultra...would be IMHO, a drop in the bucket. Also to be fair, one would have to add (which I did also) the rear brake pedal, rather than the prong that comes standard. That was around $208.00 so let's say I have to add $700.00 to the SVTC. Certainly a far cry from to bring the Ultra up to the feature set of the SVTC. I think that we have to discount what we ourselves would want to have on the bike...in other words, whether one would want to add heated seats and grips to the Ultra...but...if this is a fair feature set comparison...we must. For the same (as you point out) within a few hundred dollars MSRP...which bike, has the greatest and varied features as regards the 'opponent'. Clearly the SVTC out strips the MSRP Ultra. I will get clarification on those two radios, tomorrow, that you can be sure...but all the other items that were discussed by me, with the sales rep...was basically rattling off what comes with the SVTC..and his advising me of what it would cost, to add those features to the Ultra (for delivery). Apples to apples...

 

Joe

I have personally ridden all three bikes that the "Titan's of Touring" comparison in Rider Magazine (the one I extracted pics from and also the one that Chief is linking you to below) and long before that article was written - stated clearly that my experience was the Polaris Roadmaster was by far the hottest (wayyy hotter than the 103 that Freebird talks about getting baked by too), seconded by the Yam and the HD definitely runs alot cooler on the legs and backside.. Ironically,, that article where the Yam takes the Gold states exactly the same finding.. Knowing that there are some folks,, not everyone but some,,, who do consider desert touring as part of the touring experience - I simply think that including in the additional costs of adding upgrades,, to be apples to apples - it may be wise to consider what it would cost to upgrade the Yamaha to water cooled heads and add that in.. Just like adding in any other non-standard items the other way around... Just being fair...

Right...those gloves were going to be used on my Kawasaki ZR7S, Chief..but for my gal...she could use them at her seating position on the SVTC.

 

BTW...can you please comment right now, if you have found during your 5,000 miles so far..if generated engine heat...has in any way affected your pleasure, or 'quality' of your riding experience, even at that day of 80F? Puc and I are in discussion that that can be a minus on the 'want this bike' ballot.

 

What has your personal experience been, so far?

Heres an article that might help!

http://ridermagazine.com/2018/04/06/2018-harley-road-glide-ultra-vs-indian-roadmaster-vs-yamaha-star-venture-tc-comparo-review/

In a straight up comparison, the SVTC takes the Gold!

Chief...can you address the question about real life, heat generation on your SVTC. How did it feel to you, on your 80F day ride? Both Puc and I would be very interested on your reply to this question. Did you find it in any way uncomfortable, to the effect that it was foremost and always on your mind during your time in the saddle?

Thanks.

 

Joe

Here is another article written by a long time Venture rider with many thousands of miles under his belt on the Gen 2 who has experience in some of the warmer touring climates.. In this article found here in its entirety: https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/03/01/iron-butt-comparison-2018-yamaha-star-venture-vs-personalized-2007-royal-star-venture/

the writer openly explains his experience on both the new Venture and the Eluder in which he clearly states:

''The heat coming off the rear cylinder exhaust on the left side is a real issue in warm weather. It never got above about 73 degrees on this ride, but on my Eluder Death Valley ride it got up to 78. When I was going 35 mph, my left leg was hot enough to be raising my internal body temperature, or at least it felt that way. I am concerned how the heat will affect me when I am riding in stop and go traffic in the California summer.

There are adjustable lower fairing ducts. When closed on a cool morning, the exhaust heat felt good but as the day warmed up the flow-through tunnels did not seem to move the heat that rises from the left side exhaust. I could feel the warmth on my left thigh all day, even in the cool of the morning.''

Its to bad that this writer had to do his testing during the winter months and could not have experienced some actual normal summer tempts (95 to 110 degrees) that the area which he was riding in (southern Cal, Arizona,, Death Valley = areas that many many people consider part of any transcontenintal touring experience) to have experienced what an air cooled V-Twin may really have been like concerning heat but,,, IMHO and past experience with all three of the bikes mentioned in the Titans article,, his stated concerns with the Venture/Eluder = even in the 70's was/is a valid one.

Personally,, if I was going to pay out serious money (and IMHO,, anything over 10 grand for an engine and two wheels is truly serious money) I would wanna demo and rent the socks off a perspective purchase and ride it in as close to the extremes of any potential CTFWing I would be doing and I would do so 2 up if thats what I was gonna do just so I would know exactly what I was getting... I have known more than one person who side stepped that,,,,,,, made the purchase only to find out that WOWZY WOW WOW WOW - the wife/kid on the back could no way on Gods green earth survive the heat that was being laid out.... On the same token though,,, I also know that the magazine reporting that I have read about the new age of touring riders actually WANTING to get burned/baked holds some truth so hey,,,,,,,,, what ever makes ya smile,,, all I am saying is knowing what I am getting into before I take the plunge has always worked for me.....

I have personally ridden all three bikes that the "Titan's of Touring" comparison in Rider Magazine (the one I extracted pics from and also the one that Chief is linking you to below) and long before that article was written - stated clearly that my experience was the Polaris Roadmaster was by far the hottest (wayyy hotter than the 103 that Freebird talks about getting baked by too), seconded by the Yam and the HD definitely runs alot cooler on the legs and backside.. Ironically,, that article where the Yam takes the Gold states exactly the same finding.. Knowing that there are some folks,, not everyone but some,,, who do consider desert touring as part of the touring experience - I simply think that including in the additional costs of adding upgrades,, to be apples to apples - it may be wise to consider what it would cost to upgrade the Yamaha to water cooled heads and add that in.. Just like adding in any other non-standard items the other way around... Just being fair...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another article written by a long time Venture rider with many thousands of miles under his belt on the Gen 2 who has experience in some of the warmer touring climates.. In this article found here in its entirety: https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/03/01/iron-butt-comparison-2018-yamaha-star-venture-vs-personalized-2007-royal-star-venture/

 

the writer openly explains his experience on both the new Venture and the Eluder in which he clearly states:

''The heat coming off the rear cylinder exhaust on the left side is a real issue in warm weather. It never got above about 73 degrees on this ride, but on my Eluder Death Valley ride it got up to 78. When I was going 35 mph, my left leg was hot enough to be raising my internal body temperature, or at least it felt that way. I am concerned how the heat will affect me when I am riding in stop and go traffic in the California summer.

There are adjustable lower fairing ducts. When closed on a cool morning, the exhaust heat felt good but as the day warmed up the flow-through tunnels did not seem to move the heat that rises from the left side exhaust. I could feel the warmth on my left thigh all day, even in the cool of the morning.''

 

Its to bad that this writer had to do his testing during the winter months and could not have experienced some actual normal summer tempts (95 to 110 degrees) that the area which he was riding in (southern Cal, Arizona,, Death Valley = areas that many many people consider part of any transcontenintal touring experience) to have experienced what an air cooled V-Twin may really have been like concerning heat but,,, IMHO and past experience with all three of the bikes mentioned in the Titans article,, his stated concerns with the Venture/Eluder = even in the 70's was/is a valid one.

Personally,, if I was going to pay out serious money (and IMHO,, anything over 10 grand for an engine and two wheels is truly serious money) I would wanna demo and rent the socks off a perspective purchase and ride it in as close to the extremes of any potential CTFWing I would be doing and I would do so 2 up if thats what I was gonna do just so I would know exactly what I was getting... I have known more than one person who side stepped that,,,,,,, made the purchase only to find out that WOWZY WOW WOW WOW - the wife/kid on the back could no way on Gods green earth survive the heat that was being laid out.... On the same token though,,, I also know that the magazine reporting that I have read about the new age of touring riders actually WANTING to get burned/baked holds some truth so hey,,,,,,,,, what ever makes ya smile,,, all I am saying is knowing what I am getting into before I take the plunge has always worked for me.....

To be able to demo (a serious demo...)like renting a car for a weekend...too bad you really can't do that with bikes...would be great, but I don't know if your description of wanting to get 'burned/baked' would apply to myself or my wife. We anticipate engine heat, and in our leading up to, and following after, our summer core riding season, will certainly welcome it. Puc..I just can't imagine that Yamaha with so many (I'll play it safe...) hundreds of hours in wind tunnels...and perhaps as long, in camouflaged live riding scenarios, would allow their good name to even be laid out on a scale, to balance, if there was a serious, again, a serious heat issue with this bike, under most median riding/touring conditions. Yes...if i was running down in Death Valley in June or July...there might be issues with this bike. Heck, there would be issues with my 750cc Kawa 4, under the same meteorological conditions. But..in real life, would I even attempt to run in places that even having a helmet on, would have sweat POURING down my back...well no. I just would not consider it. So for my wife and I...we'd only plan to take on Phoenix in the months of May..(so to get down there, through Oklahoma without blizzards) and so on. For those that live in Florida...year round, I wonder if I would even HAVE a bike...but then again, some down there, ride without brain protection...so perhaps that's their gamble to a heat management solution.

Now...without any prior experience with a large bore air/oil cooled V-Twin motor...all my comments, are rather subjective. No riding experience to back any of them up. That will this summer, be taken care of...and I will sort of blog, as we go. I will also be totally truthful and honest. If there is no discomfort felt to either myself or my wife...as to engine heat output...which of course there will be generated...then I will happily blog that. If there is...I'll eat crow...and state in hindsight, this was a mistake for us, in hindsight. My wife and I carefully scoured every written article or blog that we could find on matters of large bore V-twin touring and ownership...and could not find one article that absolutely by language warned you of perhaps a risk of physical harm (burns to the flesh) Most said that the engine and exit exhausts, generated heat...so be warned of that. But Puc...so did every other bike that was air/oil cooled that I have ever owned...with some having a displacement of 1000cc's. Right now in Ontario, around Toronto, it's getting to be nominally 60-66 F...and that is what I expect to ride home in. I'm going to make notes...of my comfort zone, with each 5 degree rise of ambient temperature this summer...as well as the humidex. It will be interesting to log and track. My take, my intelligent take, even having not even ridden a mile on the SVTC...is that we won't have any condition, that will foment regret. If anything, Puc...comfort. Not a wish to burn/cook/braise/swelter...but a gentle warmth that actually stimulates good blood circulation. That is what we anticipate sitting behind those two humongous cylinder towers... I'll let you know...as the miles and months pass. Open and honest, it will be....

As I mentioned before, I got up on a Saturday morning and decided I was going to buy a Harley that day. I got to the dealer in the afternoon and after quickly deciding on the Road Glide instead of the Ultra Classic I sat down with the salesman to negotiate the deal. I didn't dicker around much. The 2013 was the year before they added the boom audio system as standard. It did have intercom and CB standard though. Mine was single color black with some minor stripes. I don't remember exactly but the tag hanging on it as around $23,500.00. He came back with a quote that just added the prep and tax and etc. to that price. I just told him, I'm not going to sit here and dicker with you. I'll pay the $23,500 out the door. That will include all extra charges and sales tax. I also want $1,000 worth of accessories included and a 20% discount on them. He was gone about 5 minutes to talk to his manager and came back and said "ok, you have a deal". It was quick and easy. I probably could have done a bit better if I had been in the mood to negotiate for an hour or so but just wasn't interested.

I left with almost the full thousand worth of accessories that I wanted. Riders backrest, saddlebag guards, a couple of other things. The only thing that they didn't have in stock was the handlebars that I wanted. I took the accessories with me and installed them at home the next day. Went back a couple of days later to pick up the handlebars and they offered to install them while I waited for $125.00. Having installed handlebars, I knew that it could be time consuming so let them do it. The first service was also included in the price. The service with synthetics was usually $300.00 or so. After that first one, I did it myself.

About the heat ...Puc...I have not heard one person talk about heat so bad...that it marred their ride, from forum members here lucky enough to have been riding. Also...heat certainly gets generated from my 4 cylinder air/oil cooled Kawa...but nowhere near any level of true notability. Just a slight air temp rise, totally comfortable. Also to mention, that my ZR-7S's engine sits completely out in front of me, in the air stream...and comes back on me. Heat? Nothing to even mention. Actually, I don't even think about it...

 

I think that the members here, are honest enough, that if they had any type of heat, at a level of rabid discomfort...they would certainly make mention of it.

 

Joe

Just to refresh:

VentureFar - another forum member wrote and quoted in post 16 above:

''The heat coming off the rear cylinder exhaust on the left side is a real issue in warm weather. It never got above about 73 degrees on this ride, but on my Eluder Death Valley ride it got up to 78. When I was going 35 mph, my left leg was hot enough to be raising my internal body temperature, or at least it felt that way. I am concerned how the heat will affect me when I am riding in stop and go traffic in the California summer.

There are adjustable lower fairing ducts. When closed on a cool morning, the exhaust heat felt good but as the day warmed up the flow-through tunnels did not seem to move the heat that rises from the left side exhaust. I could feel the warmth on my left thigh all day, even in the cool of the morning.''

And then another VR forum member known as Cowpuc (me) made this clear statement:

""I have personally ridden all three bikes that the "Titan's of Touring" comparison in Rider Magazine (the one I extracted pics from and also the one that Chief is linking you to below) and long before that article was written - stated clearly that my experience was the Polaris Roadmaster was by far the hottest (wayyy hotter than the 103 that Freebird talks about getting baked by too), seconded by the Yam and the HD definitely runs alot cooler on the legs and backside.. Ironically,, that article where the Yam takes the Gold states exactly the same finding.. Knowing that there are some folks,, not everyone but some,,, who do consider desert touring as part of the touring experience - I simply think that including in the additional costs of adding upgrades,, to be apples to apples - it may be wise to consider what it would cost to upgrade the Yamaha to water cooled heads and add that in.. Just like adding in any other non-standard items the other way around... Just being fair... ""

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8t52ROZCxg

:big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon:

Right...those gloves were going to be used on my Kawasaki ZR7S, Chief..but for my gal...she could use them at her seating position on the SVTC.

 

BTW...can you please comment right now, if you have found during your 5,000 miles so far..if generated engine heat...has in any way affected your pleasure, or 'quality' of your riding experience, even at that day of 80F? Puc and I are in discussion that that can be a minus on the 'want this bike' ballot.

 

What has your personal experience been, so far?

I’m gonna start a new thread where we can isolate just that issue and hear from other SVTC riders as well.

To be able to demo (a serious demo...)like renting a car for a weekend...too bad you really can't do that with bikes...would be great

I wouldnt have a clue about this in Canada but here in the States, motorcycle rentals seem fairly common. Matter of fact, I have ran into numerous folks both from outside our country and citizens while out CTFW who claimed to be riding rented bikes - no different than renting a car for travel if I understand it correctly.. I actually have even ran into lots of folks at places like the Sturgis Rally that were riding rented bikes and the last couple times I attended there I noticed a fair amount of Polaris Indian repops buzzing around the area and told Tippy that it appeared that maybe there was some truth to the Polaris claims about putting a dent in HD's skid plates.. I later learned that the local Polaris shop in Sturgis was renting the bikes and that the vast majority of the Polaris Indians we saw attending the rally were indeed = rentals...

I may be totally and 100% wrong about this cause I have personally never actually rented one (gotta be a much more knowledgable/experienced club member who would know for sure) but I am pretty sure that renting is totally doable here..

The CATS...were the killer here,

The position of the CATs on the Victory CCT also caused excessive heat for both the rider's and passenger's right foot / leg. I removed them on my Vic and it made a huge improvement.

Right...those gloves were going to be used on my Kawasaki ZR7S, Chief..but for my gal...she could use them at her seating position on the SVTC.

 

BTW...can you please comment right now, if you have found during your 5,000 miles so far..if generated engine heat...has in any way affected your pleasure, or 'quality' of your riding experience, even at that day of 80F? Puc and I are in discussion that that can be a minus on the 'want this bike' ballot.

 

What has your personal experience been, so far?

Yamaha offers grip heaters for the passenger as well.

I'm going to start a new thread under TECH TALK addressing the heat issue so that we can have hopefully other SVTC owners chime in about it.

As I mentioned before, I got up on a Saturday morning and decided I was going to buy a Harley that day. I got to the dealer in the afternoon and after quickly deciding on the Road Glide instead of the Ultra Classic I sat down with the salesman to negotiate the deal. I didn't dicker around much. The 2013 was the year before they added the boom audio system as standard. It did have intercom and CB standard though. Mine was single color black with some minor stripes. I don't remember exactly but the tag hanging on it as around $23,500.00. He came back with a quote that just added the prep and tax and etc. to that price. I just told him, I'm not going to sit here and dicker with you. I'll pay the $23,500 out the door. That will include all extra charges and sales tax. I also want $1,000 worth of accessories included and a 20% discount on them. He was gone about 5 minutes to talk to his manager and came back and said "ok, you have a deal". It was quick and easy. I probably could have done a bit better if I had been in the mood to negotiate for an hour or so but just wasn't interested.

 

I left with almost the full thousand worth of accessories that I wanted. Riders backrest, saddlebag guards, a couple of other things. The only thing that they didn't have in stock was the handlebars that I wanted. I took the accessories with me and installed them at home the next day. Went back a couple of days later to pick up the handlebars and they offered to install them while I waited for $125.00. Having installed handlebars, I knew that it could be time consuming so let them do it. The first service was also included in the price. The service with synthetics was usually $300.00 or so. After that first one, I did it myself.

Wow..interesting post. I didn't want to really try and dicker yesterday either, for I had no real intention, of entering honest negotiations....and if so, that would have been bad form. After all info and opinions gleaned from my thread, I 'just had to know' the lay of the land, Harley-wise..so paid a visit. I clearly saw that the rep was hungry to land a deal, but still, and clearly stated, no negotiations on price...here's the MSRP, and that's that. He was talking about giving me some lee-way (barter trade in other words) through issuing a HD gift card. For how much, was never extended in our intercourse.

I'm just about to call, to clarify if we were indeed talking about the Road Glide ULTRA model, regarding if the actual radios, (Sirius Sat and C.B.) come standard and operate at MSRP. I'll report right back ASAP. Also Freebird, none of those modules, or the heated seat and grips, were ever offered as a deal incentive or sweetener...not a one. It was like...at HD, this is what we do...and you're gonna love it! I'll get right back...

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Post Edit, Puc...Freebird, everybody reading this, I JUST got off with my HD dealer that I was talking to yesterday, but even another rep who just confirmed: ...and For the 2018 model year the Road Glide ULTRA...stock, MSRP and sitting on the floor, DOES NOT COME WITH FULL SIRIUS, OR C.B. CAPABILITY. YOU MUST PURCHASE THE ADD-ON RADIO MODULES that I indeed accurately related in my original top post. The BoomBox 6.5 is only as MSRP, 'compatible' if you should wish to have Sirius Sat or C.B. capability. Again, this IS information given to me for the ULTRA, not the standard Road Glide. They do not have those two radios, as fully capable on the 2018 model of this bike. He and She said, that ONLY the CVO this year comes with Sirius, and a three month subscription, just like the Yamaha SVTC (in Canada) comes with. BTW, this was a female rep that I spoke with. So two reps verified, it only comes with the capability should you wish to have those two functions. Want them...and it's adding at extra cost, the modules for both radios....

So..accurate info, Puc. At least for stated, in Canada for 2018.

Interesting side note, I asked about that CVO model...over $50,000.00 CDN, and it only had the Sirius Module already installed, ready to go...with subscription, but not the C.B. module. You still at that price level, had to pony up to put in the C.B. module to allow you that function.

I have no personal issues with HD as a brand. None whatsoever, and probably would have gone that route, had I not had a successful conclusion to my waiting at the alter on the SVTC, but in no way, Puc, does an HD, at MSRP, come even close to the feature set, on a 2018, to 2018 with a Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental model. Even the CVO...the Harley top of the food chain...doesn't have Harley Davidson (in Canada) giving you for the MSRP, a working C.B. radio...you..(can't believe this, actually) still need to pony up, and buy and (labor cost) have the C.B. module and antenna installed.

Just to refresh:

 

VentureFar - another forum member wrote and quoted in post 16 above:

 

''The heat coming off the rear cylinder exhaust on the left side is a real issue in warm weather. It never got above about 73 degrees on this ride, but on my Eluder Death Valley ride it got up to 78. When I was going 35 mph, my left leg was hot enough to be raising my internal body temperature, or at least it felt that way. I am concerned how the heat will affect me when I am riding in stop and go traffic in the California summer.

There are adjustable lower fairing ducts. When closed on a cool morning, the exhaust heat felt good but as the day warmed up the flow-through tunnels did not seem to move the heat that rises from the left side exhaust. I could feel the warmth on my left thigh all day, even in the cool of the morning.''

 

And then another VR forum member known as Cowpuc (me) made this clear statement:

 

""I have personally ridden all three bikes that the "Titan's of Touring" comparison in Rider Magazine (the one I extracted pics from and also the one that Chief is linking you to below) and long before that article was written - stated clearly that my experience was the Polaris Roadmaster was by far the hottest (wayyy hotter than the 103 that Freebird talks about getting baked by too), seconded by the Yam and the HD definitely runs alot cooler on the legs and backside.. Ironically,, that article where the Yam takes the Gold states exactly the same finding.. Knowing that there are some folks,, not everyone but some,,, who do consider desert touring as part of the touring experience - I simply think that including in the additional costs of adding upgrades,, to be apples to apples - it may be wise to consider what it would cost to upgrade the Yamaha to water cooled heads and add that in.. Just like adding in any other non-standard items the other way around... Just being fair... ""

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8t52ROZCxg

 

 

 

:big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon:

Hi Puc, last night after you posted, I grabbed my trusty, dusty, cup of coffee and hunkered down, and read his entire contribution. As I was reading...it truly dawned on me...that (because this person is a unique individual), he found that the heat was uncomfortable for him. Also the stock seat became uncomfortable for him, in as early as 30 miles, and he needed to use his Air Hawk pad upon it. Also, that I read, this person suffers from joint stiffness, has a sore neck after hours in the saddle, and of course this can adversely affect his comfort, perhaps on any ride. So what did I glean from that article, more actually than his personal likes, and of course dislikes...is that (including mine!) we are giving our own personal usage and opinion, and how the bike (any bike) affects...US. He could have handed that bike to another rider, and he/she would (who is to say?) never even bring up any sort of heat issue making him/her, feel body-uncomfortable...because in his/her case,...quite frankly, it didn't!

Will ChiefGunner and I have the exact ride experience? Frankly, I don't know Puc. We are two individuals...different body sizes, different tolerances to wind, heat, pain, musculature...all of that. I doubt our riding feed-back will be mirror images. So, in a nutshell, I think that as you say...as you say, ....everybody can read about another's riding experience on any blah-blah bike...can read about their unique interaction, likes and dislikes about said bike....but...what only and truly matters...is what the due diligence rider thinks about the bike, either on faith...and intelligent expectation, or even better yet, as you say, RIDE THE BIKE (if able to do so..() BEFORE YOU LAY OUT THE COIN!

In Canada, I have never found dealers willing to allow you to ride their stock. I have seen this many times on YouTube videos in the States. Yes..we have manufacturer demo day rides...but for the any-time-you-want event...that to me, was never (to date) offered. So, all my bikes over the last 50 years, were purchased by going to the dealer...sitting on the floor model...interacting only on that level...but riding out upon the road? Never happened, as an every-day, customer walk in. Oh..I should correct that...for new bikes. For a used bike, yes, you could ride it. Just not new stock. Up here, anyways.