another which one to pick poll

[Papa Lazarou]

Another tiresome "which one?" poll, but these do seem to be crowd pleasers.

A friend has a few thousand nicker (£) spare and wants to buy a second bike to provide a more sensible option to his Ducati toy thingy.

It must be capable of touring long distance and be a cruiser. Being no fool, he has eliminated BMW. He doesn't want a Triumph either-thinks they're not "real" bikes like wot they used to be.

he has narrowed it down to an HD (think it was a Softail-but something around 1600cc) and a Guzzi California. Guzzis are cheap second hand here. Harleys aren't. Victories are too pricey.

I told him to get the Guzzi. the finish on Guzzis is superior and they're easy to work on.

BTW-Anyone owned both?

How do they compare? I had a Cali in the early 80s and it was great. Never owned a Harley though, ridden them but never lived with them.

[Wockman]

The Guzzi has character, and will stand out.  The Softail is just another Harley...  

[thecap]

Triumph not "real" bikes like wot they used to be.  Yea, their just 10x more reliable then wot they used to be.  I think he's taking that "Real men have spanners." thing a little to seriously.

[falconati]

I like apples.

No Suzuki or Kawa options?

[Papa Lazarou]

I like apples.

No Suzuki or Kawa options?

Apparently not.

A) They're made in Japan

and

B) They're not proper bikes.  

[jwhite518]

Buy a Harley?  

[keppyou812]

I like apples too...  

Of those two choices, well lets just say I wouldn't let my dog ride either of them. If I had a dog.  And it could ride.  And it was looking for a second bike.  

[Last1Out]

If he's looking for something more sensible, tell him to forget these bikes and go find a nice used Mazda Miata. Carries a lot more stuff and keeps you dry in the wet.

[jhawk]

Guzzi California vs. H-D Softail  

The California is lighter, better looking and handles better, weighs less, costs less than the Softail....so, if none of those matter, he should get the Softail.  

....and a Bonneville weighs less and costs less than the California....  

[stevent]

I already have a Harley so I'd get the 'Guzzi except I'd get a Nor-Gee or Stelvio instead of the California. an early '70's 'Guzzi Ambassador would be cool too

   

[pops66]

I like apples.

No Suzuki or Kawa options?

+1 +1

[richak]

I love my apple. By the way, your lordship, did you get that Tbird sorted or are you still throwing money at it?

Apparently not.

A) They're made in Japan

and

B) They're not proper bikes.  

[Papa Lazarou]

I love my apple. By the way, your lordship, did you get that Tbird sorted or are you still throwing money at it?

Getting there-still not quite right, but useable.