As I start this topic I don't know how long it will be. But, if I can save one...just ONE of my fellow CVO Harley Forum members from this fate...then I will consider it a success.
This past Saturday my brother-in-law and I rode to a Harley dealership in Pennsylvania. I bought my bike at this particular location and received a few mailings about hosting a debut of the new 2012 bikes. So, having nothing better to do, we took a nice scenic route to the dealer. This in hindsight was mistake #1. We get there and browse the new models. They have the new CVO Road Glide in white/black. I looked it over...can't say I was thrilled...and surveyed the other offerings. They also have a new Road Glide Ultra in Red Ember. Hmmmmm, never tried a Road Glide...maybe a Demo Ride on this would be fun. Ahhhhhh, mistake #2. So, we sign up...my brother-in-law decides to try the CVO RG and I take the RG Ultra. We take a nice ride through some twisty roads. Immediately I notice how nimble the bike is. My brother-in-law...who is in front of me gives the big 'thumbs up'. We return to the dealership and compare notes. Both of us agree that the RG feels so much different than our Electra Glides. We come to the same conclusion...a Road Glide may be our next choice...when the time comes to trade-in.
Fast forward to Sunday. I do my Harry Homeowner stuff...cut the grass before the mercury hits triple digits and a few other tasks. I decide to drive to my local dealership and get a 2012 bike catalog. Yep, mistake #3. Now, having one of these catalogs serves two purposes. One, I love to browse any new 'picture book'...and two, this disturbing habit torments my wife (Any of you who have been married for more than 5 minutes knows the joy this provides). Now, as I walk in the door of the dealership what do my eyes see...a brand new CVO Road Glide in Rio Red/Black Ember. Now, I don't know if we should call this fate...karma...or what. Maybe...cruel and unusual punishment is a better term. I look it over. What a beautiful bike. I'm a big 'red fan' and thoughts of the demo ride the day before dance through my head. Now, I cannot emphasize this enough...I had absolutely ZERO intentions of trading my beloved 09 SEUC. I love this bike. I've made some nice upgrades...Fullsac exhaust...upgraded sound...and a few other minor changes. Why in heavens name would I even consider this new scooter? Ahhhh, but that demo ride on the Road Glide was so nice.
Now, lets move to yesterday. This whole Road Glide vs Electra Glide stuff is driving me crazy. I'm waking up before the alarm goes off and my mind is spinning. I research the threads here and get some opinions. I decide to ride to this local dealer and start the conversation on the CVO RG. They look over my bike...we talk some numbers...and I tell this very kind Sales Manager "I will think it over". Well, I'm done thinking. So, thanks to this very innocent appearing Demo Ride I took on Saturday...I'm gonna make the switch. Ruby will be leaving me...and Rio will be the next resident in my garage.
Now, Im providing this story as a kind of 'CVO Harley Forum Public Service Announcement'. Be fore-warned, if a dealer near you is hosting a 2012 bike debut...beware. Do one of two things: either stay away...or ride a bike just like yours. DO NOT experiment. This decision could result in hours of lost sleep...and a smaller bank account. Good day my fellow Harley owners.
Jerry
Author
Topic: Demo Rides Can Be Costly! (Read 1878 times)