Some thoughts on First Gen VS. Second Gen

[uncledj]

Well, I went ahead and did it.

I bought an '06 Black Cherry Second Gen.

I must say, it's an absolutely gorgeous bike, and the Black Cherry / Chrome look has always been my favorite.

I'm planning on keeping my 87 as well, since I do love that bike, and although I've only put 80 miles on the second gen, my first impressions are:

I like that the first gen has a tach/ temp/ voltage gauge(s) and shift position indicator.

I LOVE the performance of the first gen.

Although it's kinda apples and oranges, the first gen has a much sportier feel.

 

I LOVE the look of the second gen.

I think the brakes are better.

Not nearly as powerful as Ol' Blue, but no slouch either.

I like that it's lower, and thus easier to mount / dismount.

I like the pillow style seat. Very comfortable.

I like the floorboards for touring, although the heel / toe shifter takes a bit of getting used to.

 

As of yet I've not noticed much difference with the fork mounted fairing, although it steers a bit heavier.

Haven't found low speed handling to be an issue.

Haven't heard any sign of the whine I've read so much about.

 

I think I'll be torn between the bikes.

Planning on Black Cherry for two up riding with the wife, and Ol' Blue for solo riding, when riding with my friends so I can be sure to maintain the status of fastest bike. lol...

 

What I think it comes down to is that they're both fantastic bikes.

 

 

[Barrycuda]

Well, I went ahead and did it.

I bought an '06 Black Cherry Second Gen.

I must say, it's an absolutely gorgeous bike, and the Black Cherry / Chrome look has always been my favorite.

I'm planning on keeping my 87 as well, since I do love that bike, and although I've only put 80 miles on the second gen, my first impressions are:

I like that the first gen has a tach/ temp/ voltage gauge(s) and shift position indicator.

I LOVE the performance of the first gen.

Although it's kinda apples and oranges, the first gen has a much sportier feel.

 

I LOVE the look of the second gen.

I think the brakes are better.

Not nearly as powerful as Ol' Blue, but no slouch either.

I like that it's lower, and thus easier to mount / dismount.

I like the pillow style seat. Very comfortable.

I like the floorboards for touring, although the heel / toe shifter takes a bit of getting used to.

 

As of yet I've not noticed much difference with the fork mounted fairing, although it steers a bit heavier.

Haven't found low speed handling to be an issue.

Haven't heard any sign of the whine I've read so much about.

 

I think I'll be torn between the bikes.

Planning on Black Cherry for two up riding with the wife, and Ol' Blue for solo riding, when riding with my friends so I can be sure to maintain the status of fastest bike. lol...

 

What I think it comes down to is that they're both fantastic bikes.

 

 

 

 

Forgot the following:

A tad more modern, you can say its a 2013 and no one will know any better...

 

parts are probably more readily available and without rust...

 

either bike is more reliable than most all HDs...

 

You can switch back and forth on the forum and confuse us all on which bike ya talking about....

 

Soon Yammer will be done cursing and screaming...

 

Good luck on the 2nd gen. I know for me, black cherry is one of my favs...

[Bert2006]

Have also gone from a 1st to a 2nd gen and prefer the latter much more.

 

Also have 2006 Black Cherry and it does stand out.

 

Its just that darn cassette deck that keeps me guessing.

 

[Stealthblade]

Have also gone from a 1st to a 2nd gen and prefer the latter much more.

 

Also have 2006 Black Cherry and it does stand out.

 

Its just that darn cassette deck that keeps me guessing.

 

 

I converted my cassette deck into an ATM. 46 MPG... it pays me back.

[Yammer Dan]

If the darn things weren't so Ugly!!

[bongobobny]

Well, as far as fixed fairing vs fork mount fairing, tell me what you think about using the mirrors to do a last second check as you turn the handlebars! Fixed fairing is best!!!

 

My observations:

Handling - 1st gen hands down

Power - Ditto

Comfort - 2nd gen

Reliability - 2nd gen only because it's not as old

Comfort features - 2nd gen by a hair

Looks - Totally subjective, each is a different style.

 

I like my 2nd gen but I still can't bear to part with my 1st gen...

 

PS I call the heel toe shifter the clown shifter because you need a pair of size 24 clown shoes to properly operate it...

[MasterGuns]

Forgot the following:

A tad more modern, you can say its a 2013 and no one will know any better...

 

parts are probably more readily available and without rust...

 

either bike is more reliable than most all HDs...

 

You can switch back and forth on the forum and confuse us all on which bike ya talking about....

 

Soon Yammer will be done cursing and screaming...

 

Good luck on the 2nd gen. I know for me, black cherry is one of my favs...

 

 

1) A 2013 manufactured with carbuetors and a cassette is not by any stretch of the imagination modern. I recently sold a 2001 HD that was fuel injected and had other features Yamahas still don't have.

 

2) I have an 86 and a 92 lst edition and neither have any rust and are just as reliable as a 2d gen. Reading this forum, there is nothing special about 2d gen issues, the forum if full of em.

 

3) When I sold my 2001 Harley, I used the money to buy a new 2011 FJR. HD do hold their value more than any Yamaha.

 

Just saying.

[baylensman]

87 venture royale 96 RS and 07 RSV all were fun all were reliable all had issues. having said that the issue are rare but expensive to fix, My friends (mostly single or divorced cops) ride HD's mostly they fix em more often and spend just as much to fix, so I guess the Yamahas are that bad after all.

 

as far as carb on the 13's well most cycle tests in print are very impressed with the response of the heated units so EFI aint really the cats meow.

 

I must give the nod in performance to the 87 in stock trim. I spent a bit of money to get the 96 to where it is today ( gawd I miss that two wheeled rocket, hope my son is enjoying it) the 07 is the most comfortable and forgiving bike I've ever ridden.

 

It has a lot to do with where your head is at. If i was 21 again i dont think the RSV would be my bike of choice now that i'm 55 and touring with my beautiful Girl Friends it is my choice.

 

The best would be to have the resources to have 3 or 4 bikes in the garage to match my mood.

[Barrycuda]

1) A 2013 manufactured with carbuetors and a cassette is not by any stretch of the imagination modern. I recently sold a 2001 HD that was fuel injected and had other features Yamahas still don't have.

 

2) I have an 86 and a 92 lst edition and neither have any rust and are just as reliable as a 2d gen. Reading this forum, there is nothing special about 2d gen issues, the forum if full of em.

 

3) When I sold my 2001 Harley, I used the money to buy a new 2011 FJR. HD do hold their value more than any Yamaha.

 

Just saying.

 

 

Point taken, but was cracking some fun. I agree about the carbs and cassette... My Vulcan 1500 is 14 years old and is FI....go figure.

[GeorgeS]

Have had the new 08 RSTD since May 2012. 19K on it now. Sold the 89, to guy up the street, ( he is very happy with it !! )

 

After 18 yrs rideing the 89, and 2 yrs rideing the 08, Hmmm all I can say without getting into details, is, I Love the new bike, Rides great, ( after installing dunlops ) plenty of power ( more then enuf ) No way, I would go back to the 89!! Sorry folks, but this bike is superb !!

 

After all the bikes I have owned since 1956, this is the One !!!

 

But--- a tach, and temp gauge, and voltmeter would be nice ???

[Yammer Dan]

Have had the new 08 RSTD since May 2012. 19K on it now. Sold the 89, to guy up the street, ( he is very happy with it !! )

 

After 18 yrs rideing the 89, and 2 yrs rideing the 08, Hmmm all I can say without getting into details, is, I Love the new bike, Rides great, ( after installing dunlops ) plenty of power ( more then enuf ) No way, I would go back to the 89!! Sorry folks, but this bike is superb !!

 

After all the bikes I have owned since 1956, this is the One !!!

 

But--- a tach, and temp gauge, and voltmeter would be nice ???

 

 

1st Gen has them all.

[Skid]

If the darn things weren't so Ugly!!

 

And this coming from a person who named his bike "Ugly"?

[Yammer Dan]

And this coming from a person who named his bike "Ugly"?

 

Beauty is in the eye of the Beer holder......