Street Glide or Electra Standard?

[ChuLaiDocFMF]

After too many years of not riding I'm planning on returning to the open road. My last bike was a Triumph Bonneville and I've also had a small Honda while attending college. This summer I took the Harley Davidson Safe Rider Course and then rented a Street Glide for the weekend to get familiar with the big touring bikes. I'm now ready to make my decision on what to get so I can make that big ride to the west coast from Michigan.
I'd appreciate tips and advice on whether to go with the Electra Standard (less costly) or the Street Glide. If money was no object I'd do the Street Glide and be doing the "melt the snow and lets get going dance" but cost is important so I'm looking for pros and cons.
Thanks,

[Motorcycle Forum]

[Easy Rider]

but cost is important so I'm looking for pros and cons.
Thanks,

OK, so if cost is important, why do you seem to be stuck on Harley??

[Davecm203]

OK, so if cost is important, why do you seem to be stuck on Harley??

[C90T Rider]

Well, My bro-in-law has a StreetGlide, and I'm amazed that people would pay MORE for a StreetGlide than an ElectraGlide because my bro-in-law's bike is simply an E-Glide with a bunch of stuff taken OFF of it! That's right, HD TOOK THINGS OFF the E-Glide, called it a StreetGlide, and charges MORE for it! All the fender and bag chrome trim is gone, the fender running lights, etc. The ONLY thing nicer on the StreetGlide is the stereo system........if it were me, I'd buy the E-Glide and take the stuff off myself!

[DrBob]

The two bikes are virtually identical- same frame, engine, transmission, etc. The Street Glide is just jazzed up with cosmetic touches like fairing mount mirrors, different tail light and turn signals, and a thinner seat & shorter shocks for a lower seating position. It also comes standard with things that are optional on the Electra Glide Standard, like a sound systems. If you are price-sensitive, get the Electra Glide Standard and add the radio, and save a bunch of cash. But if you want the style, get the Street Glide, as it would cost you more than the price difference to lower the Standard and add all the other touches.

[leonidas]

OK, so if cost is important, why do you seem to be stuck on Harley??

Exactly.
You don't have to pay $18,xxx or more for 1970s technology
and get a tatoo to be accepted. You can get a way
better built bike for about half what you'll pay for the HD.
It's funny when I read, "I upgraded from a C90 (or whatever)
to a Harley. Upgraded? Pffft.
But, if you're already dead set on buying your way into
"the Lifestyle" (good grief), the Electraglide Std is a blank slate
for customization. It's the wiser, or maybe the lesser of two evil choices.
Good luck. If you make it this far on your first day, we have an extra bed
for you and garage for you bike or lifestyle accessory.
Have fun and ride safely!

[DrBob]

Exactly.
You don't have to pay $18,xxx or more for 1970s technology

Wow. I stand in awe of your incredible depth of knowledge about Harleys. I had no idea Harleys in the 1970's had carbon fiber belt drives, 6 speed transmissions, electronic cruise control, MP3/ CD player, LED lights, and 96 cubic inch, and electronic fuel injected twin cam motors. Wonder how I missed all these features on my 1970s Electra Glide, yet noticed them right off on my new one...

[leonidas]

Wow. I stand in awe of your incredible depth of knowledge about Harleys. I had no idea Harleys in the 1970's had carbon fiber belt drives, 6 speed transmissions, electronic cruise control, MP3/ CD player, LED lights, and 96 cubic inch, and electronic fuel injected twin cam motors.

And I stand in awe of you awesome ability to read.
Where did I mention that this was 1970s Harley technology?
Of coures there were no MP3 players and CD players LD lights, cruise control
and such back in the 70s.
These frills make a better functioning motorcycle?
And the increase in dispalcement is just a number.
There has been little power gains.
And it looks like you'd be quite surprized of my Harley knowlege and overall knowlege of most brands of motorcycles.
I've been rideing for 36 of my 44 years and owned more than one Harley, and do nearly all of my own wrenchin'.
To each their own,since it would be a boring world if we all rode the same bike but I've bought my last Harley.

[Dave Nadeau]

Ride what you like. I came from a C50 to an 08 EGC. Best move I ever made. Metrics are fine IF you like metric bikes. I always felt some thing was missing on the C 50. I did put 18000+ Miles on the C50 in 18 months and 15000 on the Glide in 15 months. Even though it cost more I would not go back to metric. The Harley is my 6th bike.

[Easy Rider]

It's funny when I read, "I upgraded from a C90 (or whatever)
to a Harley. Upgraded? Pffft.

SIGH!
Knew I probably shouldn't have done it.
My intent was NOT to bash HD, nor was it to bait anybody else into it either.
I have no problem with the machines OR with anybody who can AFFORD to ride one.

The question was and is: IF MONEY IS A PROBLEM or even a consideration, why do people insist on buying things they can't afford?? houses, cars, women, bikes...........has the current recession taught us nothing?? Guess it hasn't hurt enough people badly enough yet.

[DrBob]

And I stand in awe of you awesome ability to read.
Where did I mention that this was 1970s Harley technology?:

I read exactly what you wrote- your comment that buying a new Harley was paying $18,xxx for 1970s technology. So I pointed out that new Harleys have all those features. This leaves two posibilities- either those technogies are from the 1970s, or you have no idea what you are talking about and are just Harley bashing. I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but as you yourself have pointed out that these are NOT 1970s technology, I guess that only leaves one posibility.

You are certainly welcome to ride and be proud of whatever you want, as there are a lot of really good bikes out there from a lot of good manufacturers. Hell, I have two Japanese and one British bike in my stable right now, in addition to the 2 Harleys. But when someone posts ignorant crap that is not true, be it about Harleys being 1970s technology, or Japanese bikes all being junk, or any other BS, I am going to call them on it.

[tricker]

last harley i sat on had apes and was leaking oil.. hahahaha ok it was like a 1980 something or other and who knows how well it was taken care of.

ok but in all honesty if i could afford a harley i know which style of harley i'd get and i'd get it in a heart beat.

[leonidas]

Ok.
I was out of line.
My reply should have just read:
If money is a factor as far as getting your foot in the door for a Harley,
I'd suggest getting the standard.
It's a bike you can do a lot with over the years, makeing it
look and perform the way you'd like.
My last Harley was a FXSTI-a Standard Softail that I ordered new in '02.
From the basic, low cost (in the Harley lineup) bike, I made it look the way
I wanted.
And it was so darn fast the camera couldn't even catch it!
Better? Ride whatcha like. My bad.

[Davecm203]

I think ya'll scared him off.

[ChuLaiDocFMF]

Been busy with my real life. I appreciate the comments, suggestions and the "ribbing". I'm not interested in the "Harley Life" and I've had plenty of opportunities to get tattoos while in the USMC and USN; I don't need tattoos or "do rags" or any of the other trappings to make my life complete. I was looking for, and found, some well thought out advice to validate the research I had already done. I thank all of you for helping.
To answer the question "why Harley?". Can't really answer that; I just want one and I can afford it as long as I'm prudent. I've save up my money and it's time to make the choice.
Thanks again