Greetings from Coastal NC. Just jumping on here to introduce myself. My name is Jim and I am getting ready to retire from the Marines after almost 22 years. With that being said, I am currently looking for a new toy to go in the garage next to my Electra Glide. Yes, I ride a Harley, but I have been eyeing the GL1200's and GL1500's for a while. I am not the snotty Harley type, as I like to ride with everyone. Yesterday I test rode a 1986 Interstate that cranked up nicely and rode smoothly, but the rear shocks were harsh and I was not able to flat foot. I am guessing the air pressure was pumped up a bit, but with out a gauge, I did not know. Wow, was that ride completely different than my Glide! For one, it was SMOOTH and really quiet! I could hear myself think, which is kinda scary. It even had an aftermarket cruise control that kinda worked, but was finicky. I didn't try to mess with it too much while riding an unfamiliar bike. Then I looked at a 1985 Aspencade, which felt really nice, much softer in the rear and the on board air worked AND I was able to flat foot this one. Had 10K less than the Interstate. No cruise on this one, but had the heel toe-shifter / driver floor boards I am used to. Same guy with the Aspencade is supposed to be getting a nicer LTD in, but I really do not know much about the earlier EFI. The two I looked at both sounded very nice and ran smoothly, just have some cosmetic neglect challenges on each, the Interstate looked better than the Aspencade, but not by much. So far I am leaning towards the the Aspencade, but there was lots to like about the Interstate. With two bikes in the garage I can still wrench and ride. Well, I have decisions to make and when I find my new toy I will probably have a lot of questions for the experienced wingers on here. OK, will shut up for now. Thanks in advance for your help and good meeting you all!
Jim
Jim
