Push me over the edge or pull me back!

[PJ St. Fern]

Hi everyone,

As the title says, I'm right on the edge of getting a HM. . . just need a little push. In the past I had a '92 900 SS (not one of their best years) that cost me a fortune to keep running. . . perhaps in part me and perhaps the weak shops that did the work. In any event, I've really been lusting for a HM, and do miss my Ducati days. I like the idea of the oil/air cooled simplicity of a big twin. Perhaps one of my favorite bikes of all time (and I'm really dating myself here) was my '94 Norton Commando 850. I kinda think the HM is the modern equivalent of that old Norton.

So, regular or S model? 99.99% street riding. Rare track days. Wife will want to ride. Do I jump, or?

Thanks in advance for all your advice!

PJ St. Fern

[johnchypermotard]

buy the base model, throw some oil under it in the garage (to make it seem like a norton commando), and enjoy.

ciao,
johnc

Originally Posted by PJ St. Fern

Hi everyone,

As the title says, I'm right on the edge of getting a HM. . . just need a little push. In the past I had a '92 900 SS (not one of their best years) that cost me a fortune to keep running. . . perhaps in part me and perhaps the weak shops that did the work. In any event, I've really been lusting for a HM, and do miss my Ducati days. I like the idea of the oil/air cooled simplicity of a big twin. Perhaps one of my favorite bikes of all time (and I'm really dating myself here) was my '94 Norton Commando 850. I kinda think the HM is the modern equivalent of that old Norton.

So, regular or S model? 99.99% street riding. Rare track days. Wife will want to ride. Do I jump, or?

Thanks in advance for all your advice!

PJ St. Fern

[ak57]

push forward, base or S you'll feel 10-15 years younger

[Dr. John]

Oh hell yes. If you have ever loved old english iron none of the HM's little "character flaws" will bug you.

[webspoke]

Even the base is well equipped (fully adjustable suspension, good, if not outstanding brakes). And you'll save quite a bit of coin. The character flaws are minor, nothing like my old carburated 750 monster.

The only issue may be your wife riding, the bikes are tall (albeit well balanced) so that could be a factor. Also don't rule out the ast of the S2R air cooled monsters, I came from an S2R1000, and that was a very good all around bike, with basically the same powerplant. Nice retro look too.

[Monstaman]

... just don't get one of those cheap plastic red ones and you will be fine

Seriously for your level of riding either will do fine, if you have the coin and want a few more useful lollies then get the S as you could not buy that stuff after purchase for the difference in cost.

[desmolvr]

I say push forward. The two valve air cooled motor is sweet. I took my wife for a ride and she thought it was fairly comfy

[flying_hun]

I've got a standard because I'm cheap. It's true that goodies on the S would cost far more standalone than the price delta between the Std & the S, but you can still have a good time on the Std. I picked mine up in May and it's in having its 7500 mile service right now. The most fun bike I've ever owned.

[ak57]

Just make sure it's RED

[AXE]

Hell you will like it even if you love Old English 800!

Out!