So I was bored friday after returning from my union hall for job call and decided to stop at Oakland Harley Davidson. I gotta say, the store is great, I walked in and was welcomed warmly and was asked what brought me in. I told the salesman I was looking for a new bike and was looking at the Dyna but didnt know what model I wanted to go with. We walked around a few bikes while he explained the differences. Next thing I knew I was in the saddle on the road, first time I've been on a Harley, it was fun but I dont think any of the four bikes I tried that day were perfect. I couldn't find myself just enjoying the ride from the first light I kept thinking things like the throw on the shifter is too long, the pipes arnt loud enough and I really didnt like looking down into my crotch to read the speedometer. All four bikes had digital tachometers, which was really annoying for someone like me who can drive by the sound of the engine but not when its muted so much that I would have a hard time startling squirrels crossing the road.

So I suppose I was expecting too much, I thought when I went to go test out an American standard for turning gasoline into noise and rubber into smoke I would be a bit more impressed. All I could tell the salesman when I returned from the test ride was things I would have to change on the bike to make it more ridable. These bikes are more like hot rods, labors of love by the owners because they will never be worth the combined cost of the parts and labor put into them.

So now I've found the solution is to buy a nice Harley someone has already turned into an awesome Harley.