Kaw VN2000 vs HD Electra Glide Classic

[T-man]

I had the opportunity to drive the HD in the wilds of Utah and Colorado for nearly 2000 miles. So, as a result, I thought I would do a comparison with my V2K...realizing they are a little different class bike. Maybe some will find these comparisons interesting.


HD Electra Glide Classic
vs
Kawasaki VN2000

Score

Mileage on odometer

14,000 HD

5,000 Kaw



Power – overall

HD - Basic “1500” engine gave adequate power – torque curve does not seem as flat as a Kaw 1500 – torque delivery is ‘peaky’ but fairly high when RPM is kept up

Kaw - No surprise that a VN2000 power is far superior than HD – no replacement for displacement; awesome hill-flattening power

Kaw

Handling – hi speed

HD - Good for a 800# cruiser, very predictable

Kaw - Good for a 850# cruiser, have to be careful with power not to get in trouble in twisties

Even

Handling – lo speed

HD - Average for a heavy cruiser but passenger floorboards are poorly positioned and could entrap driver’s foot during slow speed ‘walk’

Kaw - Excellent for a heavy cruiser, very predictable and controllable during slow speed maneuvers, better than many smaller cruisers

Kaw

Vibration

HD - Shakes terribly at idle to a degree to be disconcerting, handlebars, engine shake excessively – above idle is smooth, very smooth at all hiway speeds

Kaw - Almost no vibe at idle and at speeds below 65 mph; above 70 mph, a high frequency buzz is present and annoying

HD

Ergonomics

HD - Good fit for average driver

Kaw - Stretched out layout is better fit for tall drivers

HD (based on my size!)

Comfort – driver

HD - Seat is well padded and contoured backrest is quite comfortable, fairing creates nice calm air bubble at freeway speeds

Kaw - Stock seat is not padded well; Mustang replacement seat gives good support

HD

Comfort – passenger

HD - Saddlebag bars contact passenger legs (annoying and uncomfortable)and is hard to mount/dismount

Kaw - Passenger floorboards are high due to exhaust pipe location not allowing passenger to stretch out legs

Even

Gauges

HD - Oil pressure, tach, fuel, speedo, clock, trip, odometer and air temp round out the cockpit

Kaw - Basic gauging, speedo, clock, trip, fuel, low fuel, FI diagnostic

HD

Clutch

HD - Heavy pull, grabby operation

Kaw - Easy pull, smooth operation

Kaw

Transmission

HD - Tinny sounds, grinding noises in 4th

Kaw - Clunky on shift, but solid and quiet otherwise

Kaw

Engine

HD - Noisy mechanical sounds

Kaw - Quiet except for exhaust note

Kaw

Sidestand

HD - Locks for downhill parking but is not switched for starting with sidestand down

Kaw - No locking on downhill park; has switch to prevent operation with stand in down position

Even

Storage

HD - Solid bags and trunk; all lockable and cam-type closers

Kaw - No storage

HD

Brakes

HD - Good dual discs up front – adequate stopping ability

Kaw - Oversize dual front discs – powerful stopping ability with low effort

Kaw

Ignition switch

HD - Locking switch at handlebar with ability to switch on and off without key – must use key to lock

Kaw - Locking switch at handlebar without ability to turn on after shut off (self-locking without key)

Even

Turn signals

HD - Separate left and right hand signals with flasher ability

Kaw - Left hand signal operation – no flasher

HD

Mirrors

HD - Small mirror, left and right

Kaw - Large mirror, left and right

Kaw

Exhaust

HD - Muted, stock unit, no V-twin rumble when throttle opened

Kaw - Stock unit gives some V-twin sound at idle and during accel

Kaw

[Buster]

Nice comparison T-Man.

I haven't had the chance to ride either bike but have sat on both. If the Kawi dealer had of had a 2000 on the floor last year when I went in, there would be one in the garage right now. Thats what started me on my HD riding experience.

After riding my smaller HD's, I was amazed at the shear bulk of the V2K when I did get the chance to sit on it. That thing was a monster to get up off the kick stand. I have been told that the ride is great!

The shaking on the HD that you referred to is due to the rubber mounting of the engine. My Low Rider's engine is mounted the same way. Vibrates like a dog shaking water off its back but smooth as silk at speed. Very little mirror vibration.

My softail is just the opposite. With a hard mount and the 88b engine, I get no shaking at idle but a slight tingle at speed. The rubber mounts in the risers take care of any mirror vibration.

All the new HD's came out with an easy pull clutch this year. You have to pull one to believe it! It's easier and smoother than the hydraulic units that are stock on the Screamin Eagle models. Was this an 06' model you drove?

Both bikes look great. I would have a hard time deciding what to buy if I was in the market.

Thanks for posting.

[Crue]

Thanks for the comparison.

[Pirahna]

Nice write up, I am actually thinking about a Electra Glide for my next bike.

[T-man]

Originally Posted by Buster

Nice comparison T-Man.

I haven't had the chance to ride either bike but have sat on both. If the Kawi dealer had of had a 2000 on the floor last year when I went in, there would be one in the garage right now. Thats what started me on my HD riding experience.

After riding my smaller HD's, I was amazed at the shear bulk of the V2K when I did get the chance to sit on it. That thing was a monster to get up off the kick stand. I have been told that the ride is great!

The shaking on the HD that you referred to is due to the rubber mounting of the engine. My Low Rider's engine is mounted the same way. Vibrates like a dog shaking water off its back but smooth as silk at speed. Very little mirror vibration.

My softail is just the opposite. With a hard mount and the 88b engine, I get no shaking at idle but a slight tingle at speed. The rubber mounts in the risers take care of any mirror vibration.

All the new HD's came out with an easy pull clutch this year. You have to pull one to believe it! It's easier and smoother than the hydraulic units that are stock on the Screamin Eagle models. Was this an 06' model you drove?

Both bikes look great. I would have a hard time deciding what to buy if I was in the market.

Thanks for posting.

The HD was a 2005...I did not think the bike justified the price difference between the two, particularly since the V2K is so much more powerful. A screaming eagle would be the way to go, but now you're talkin' double the price.

[Ken]

Excellent shoot out report, T-man! Personally, I'd take the Kaw over the HD any day

[jnk]

nice report t-man i think hd makes a good product and would not be opposed to owning one but like you i don't believe they are worth the price diff.

[Cabo]

Interesting there was not a price comparison being that's what most people end up making their choice on....I know I really wanted the road king but after talking to several people and being the price would have been double I went with the Nomad..

[xepathfinder]

I also was thinking of HD for my next bike, the Street Bob to be exact, the new 6-speed tranny, starting at 13,195 which is about what larger Japanese cruisers are going for.

Plus HD riders around here anyways have a much better organized group of riders who go on HD group rides all the time, all over the state. Something the metric cruisers people just don't do. A relative of my fiance's bought a HD and has made tons of new riding partners. He traded his V-star on a Road King. I have approached people to get a metric cruisers club but no one seems interested.
Plus I just think that the Street Bob is just awesome looking.

[ppark]

Originally Posted by xepathfinder

I also was thinking of HD for my next bike, the Street Bob to be exact, the new 6-speed tranny, starting at 13,195 which is about what larger Japanese cruisers are going for.

Plus HD riders around here anyways have a much better organized group of riders who go on HD group rides all the time, all over the state. Something the metric cruisers people just don't do. A relative of my fiance's bought a HD and has made tons of new riding partners. He traded his V-star on a Road King. I have approached people to get a metric cruisers club but no one seems interested.
Plus I just think that the Street Bob is just awesome looking.

You can’t ride with them or join the club if you don’t ride a HD?
I thought it's about not what you ride but that you ride.

[tnhunter]

You didnt pick one bike over the other. Which one is the better bike in your opinion? Of course the HD is 4k more the Kawasaki. But even if they were even I would still go for the 2k myself. I cant stand that stop light shake. If that is the best their engineers can do to balance and design a motor I dont want to try the rest of the machine.

[Ed from Florida]

T-Man: I rented an '04 Electra Glide for 5 days in California earlier this year. I really thought that I wanted it or a Road King. The bike was comfortable but the vibration and the clunky transmission really made the bike feel unrefined in my opinion. Also, it only seemed to run smoothly and powerfully in a very narrow RPM range. I ended up buying a '05 Nomad and couldn't be happier although I did need to work on the seat, add PhatII risers and Edmonds style lowers to feel as comfortable as I did on the Electra Glide. The California trip was awesome. I would highly recommend US1, LA to SanFrancisco. ED

[T-man]

Originally Posted by tnhunter

You didnt pick one bike over the other. Which one is the better bike in your opinion? Of course the HD is 4k more the Kawasaki. But even if they were even I would still go for the 2k myself. I cant stand that stop light shake. If that is the best their engineers can do to balance and design a motor I dont want to try the rest of the machine.

TN: I tried to be objective in the comparison...I would pick the V2k. As far as price, a fair comparison would be to outfit a V2k with luggage, windshield, engine guards, decent seat, backrests, and the like AND pick a Screaming Eagle to get closer to the V2K performance. Approx. $$ would be:

SE Electa Glide HD...$30,000

V2K...$19,000 (base bike with accessories)

[T-man]

Originally Posted by Ed from Florida

T-Man: I rented an '04 Electra Glide for 5 days in California earlier this year. I really thought that I wanted it or a Road King. The bike was comfortable but the vibration and the clunky transmission really made the bike feel unrefined in my opinion. Also, it only seemed to run smoothly and powerfully in a very narrow RPM range. I ended up buying a '05 Nomad and couldn't be happier although I did need to work on the seat, add PhatII risers and Edmonds style lowers to feel as comfortable as I did on the Electra Glide. The California trip was awesome. I would highly recommend US1, LA to SanFrancisco. ED

Hey Ed:
The Cal trip sounds super-neat...I am planning Montana, Wyoming, Idaho next summer. Might U-haul truck my V2K up there and ride home...we'll see.

I was shocked by the tinny tranny on the HD....even tho my V2K "clunks" on shifting, it is an anvil-like clunk versus the tin-can sound of the HD. Totally copy the narrow power band, too. V2K is a stump-puller from idle on! I put on a Mustang seat and am super comfortable.

My trip went from Vegas thru southern Utah (outstanding!!) and to Durango/Ouray area of Colorado and loop back to Vegas. 6 fantastic days and 1,970 glorious miles. Utah was the best, IMO.

[junkiefred]

Originally Posted by xepathfinder

Plus HD riders around here anyways have a much better organized group of riders who go on HD group rides all the time, all over the state. Something the metric cruisers people just don't do. A relative of my fiance's bought a HD and has made tons of new riding partners. He traded his V-star on a Road King. I have approached people to get a metric cruisers club but no one seems interested.
Plus I just think that the Street Bob is just awesome looking.

That new Street Bob is pretty hot looking.

One thing I miss with my Kawi, is the overall experience you get with Harleys.
For example, when I purchased the bike, they gave me a 1/2 run through the bike and it's features. Then then invited me to a new owners night, which explianed how service works, some of the benefits of owning a Harley, where to take th MSF courses, how to resolve problems, etc. They put me on a maintainence schedule and would call me to see if my bike was being serviced at proper intervals. I received membership into HOG that comes with a periodical mailing listing events, and things to do. It all just felt like they cared about you after the purchase. My Kawi dealer after the purchase was complete, handed me the keys, and pointed to the bike out in the lot, didn't even bother to explain the starting proceedure (I didn't know you couldn't start the bike with the kickstand down).

T-Man, nice review.
I was looking at the 2K before I purchased my meaning, and I really felt intimidated by the weight, it just felt really heavy. I thought it might be too heavy to manuever comfortably at low speeds.

Harley's are really a bit underpowered out of the box. Once you get the stage1 upgrade though, things get much more responsive. My biggest problem with Harley's are the pathetically small brakes they use.

[Jay_C_NNJ]

Great review T-man....I was real curious myself since I have a V2k and my brother in AZ has a screaming eagle road king. After I picked my bike up and ran through all the standard features that were big selling points for me (125 ci motor, 200mm rear tire, belt drive, breaks) I could hear in his voice that he was like "wtf?".....I know he looked into getting a larger rear tire and I think it was something in the range of $3-$4k in parts and labor and that's on top of the $29k he paid.

I really can't wait for him to make a trip back east so he can ride it and get his review.

[nelsonc]

I just got done riding a 2007 Road Glide for 2 days down to the florida keys and back. I cant agree more with the shootout even though the years are different. The HD has a narrow range where it is really smooth. I went out the day after I got back and bought a 04 V2K with bags and an upgraded seat and couldnt be happier. The HD was so clunky in town there was no happy gear. It didnt shine until it got on the highway turning around 3200 - 3600 R's. And what about the torque? Guys adequate is not in my motorcycle vocabulary. Last night on my first ride with the V2K I was cruising at 75 in 5th and cracked the throttle. First I was smiling from ear to ear when it accelerated like I was in first gear, however that turned to fear when it quickly jumped into triple digits. Yahoo. The only complaint I have is I have a small rattle in the front and the belt is a bit whiney when I am coasting. I have never had belt drive so I am not sure if this is normal. It seams some people are saying a whiney belt indicates over tightening. Guess I will check that.

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by nelsonc

I just got done riding a 2007 Road Glide for 2 days down to the florida keys and back. I cant agree more with the shootout even though the years are different. The HD has a narrow range where it is really smooth. I went out the day after I got back and bought a 04 V2K with bags and an upgraded seat and couldnt be happier. The HD was so clunky in town there was no happy gear. It didnt shine until it got on the highway turning around 3200 - 3600 R's. And what about the torque? Guys adequate is not in my motorcycle vocabulary. Last night on my first ride with the V2K I was cruising at 75 in 5th and cracked the throttle. First I was smiling from ear to ear when it accelerated like I was in first gear, however that turned to fear when it quickly jumped into triple digits. Yahoo. The only complaint I have is I have a small rattle in the front and the belt is a bit whiney when I am coasting. I have never had belt drive so I am not sure if this is normal. It seams some people are saying a whiney belt indicates over tightening. Guess I will check that.

Well let me start by welcoming you to ur little slice of the world wide web.....and quite possibly the best chunk of it.
And welcome to the brotherhood of the V2K....we are an ever growing club......it seems the more folks that test ride one...the more buy one.

I too have a small rattle in the front occasionally. It is likely from inside the headlight assembly itself. If you remove the headlight, and jam some rubber between the light and springs that hold it in place, the noise should go away.
I haven't had any issues wih belt chirping, though other have, and someone oughtta be along with some advice their.

I hear you about the "smile turning to fear" perspective....she sure gets up and goes when you crack the throttle.

So welcome again, it's good to have you on board. hope you broguht your sense of humour along for the ride.

Cheers,
Carlo.

PS. Head into the Main Lobby and introduce yourself to everyone.

[bross]

Originally Posted by nelsonc

The HD has a narrow range where it is really smooth. I went out the day after I got back and bought a 04 V2K with bags and an upgraded seat and couldnt be happier. The HD was so clunky in town there was no happy gear. It didnt shine until it got on the highway turning around 3200 - 3600 R's. And what about the torque?

Same experience when I rented a FatBoy. I fought with that thing on some real twisty roads (Palms to Pines Highway) and was just exhausted after 2 1/2 hours of that. Then the next day we rode through Joshua Tree National Park and the harley was in it's element 30-50MPH sweepers and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Now the whole trip would've been better on my meanstreak but at least I got to ride.

Congrats on your V2K.