Ride the 'Train
Written: Apr 28 '05
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Pros: Easy to clean, looks mean, rides great!
Cons: Stock pipes way too quiet, stock seat no good for long trips.
The Bottom Line: If you're considering a bike, you can't go wrong with H-D. If you're considering a H-D, take a look at the Night Train.
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| rthomp's Full Review: 2002 Harley Davidson FXSTB/FXSTBI Night Train |
I admit it, I used to ride a sportbike. I rode my old Ninja all over the place 'till I wore it out. The day 'Ol Blue died on me, I swore I'd get another Ninja, this time in green, and quickly. Seven years later, no Ninja. I'm older. I'm wiser. I don't need a bike that'll go 180 anymore. I finally talked my wife into letting me at least look at bikes again. She agreed, and off I went to the local Harley store.
Why Harley? Well, 'cause it's a Harley, and Harley's are cool, right? There's several things you have to understand about Harleys. First, they're American made, and they make a real point of beating that fact into your head (just don't look at the "Made in China" tags on all the "official" Harley clothes and leathers.
Secondly, they're incredibly well-made bikes. Seriously, the new bikes are light-years ahead of the bikes Harley was churning out 10-15 years ago.
Third, there's the Family. The loyal owners, the dealers, the fans. There are very few casual Harley riders, and there's a reason for that. The bikes, the experience of riding, the people, and the feeling all combine to make most riders rabid.
Fourth, they have excellent resale value. Maintain it well, and in two years you can sell it for about what you paid for it.
Fifth, they're overpriced. Sort of. But not really. Think about it, my bike (2005 FXSTB/I) was $18,600 out-the-door (including pipes and the Stage I kit). That's a lot of money, especially when all the Japanese makers make similar bikes for about 2/3 that amount. But......A Suzuki, no matter how good it may look, no matter how well it may be made, is not, and will never be, a Harley. So be aware that yes, you're paying a lot more for the bike than you probably should, but you're buying the name, and the family, and the whole Harley experience.
So how's the bike? In a word, awesome. Harley has done a fantastic job of balancing their bikes, something that I don't recall from the bikes I rode 15-20 years ago. I was intimidated by the bike's weight (630 pounds) at first, but within seconds I was able to toss it around on the road and lean it way into turns.
Then there's the sound. Orgasmic. I've got Python pipes on it, and it sounds fantastic. Do yourself a favor and have the H-D store replace the stock pipes before you pick the bike up. The stock pipes are pathetic, and the Stage I kit is only about $820 installed, and that includes the pipes. And the combo makes power. The Night Train is no Ninja, but it'll get up and go when you put the spurs to it, and it sounds much better than a Ninja.
My only gripes are that there's no on-bike storage. The Ninja had a compartment under the seat that was perfect for holding glasses or a wallet. No such luck on the 'Train. And the seat (not to mention the layout) aren't designed for long distance. For around town, or up to 200 miles or so, it's fine.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 18,600.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
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Epinions.com ID:
rthomp
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Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 0 members
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