The local dealer was having a 2011 Demo Day last Saturday so a couple of buddies and myself figured why not. Don't slam me, but here's what I thought. The dealer also had new 2010 models discounted trying to empty the showroom before winter.
I rode a Fat Boy first. No power and the exhaust sounded terrible with the factory pipes. Single disk on the front wheel makes it feel like it has wooden brake pads. In my opinion it is highly over rated and owes it fame to the first Terminator movie. Plus it drags hard parts like nothing I've ever rode.
Next I rode a Road King Classic, base price $19,500 + fees that comes with the 103 inch motor. Love the looks and seating position. It has more of a classic "Happy Days" look and not like your trying to look like Billy Bad Ass. It's a lot of fun to ride and the factory pipes have a nice subtle sound, but really couldn't see myself spending the day on it. At a stop with the engine at idle it shakes like a carnival ride. It would be a nice second bike as a toy but the vibes would rule out a long haul.
Didn't ride the VROD, but noticed the demo was already showing signs of a seep from the engine case with 23 miles on the odometer... Nice ad for the extended warranty.
To get back on my Busa was an amazing contrast in Performance, Engine Vibration (or lack of), Braking, etc. It's hard to explain how drastically different they are. To say the Busa is a superior product is a huge understatement, especially when it costs about 40% less. The reason that HD is having trouble attracting new customers I think is mainly because of the limited technology, low build quality, and over inflated price of their product. But that's just my opinion.
BTW, HD can finance you for up to 10 years at as high as 25% interest. Once again showing how "they care" for their loyal customers.