if you see yourself using panniers, stock or aftermarket ones, IMO the adjustable rear shock preload on the HS is a must-have, even if you don't plan on taking a passenger. if you get a HM and buy the mechanical/electrical features to convert it to a HS, the 2K usd difference won't be enough, assuming you find someone to sell you the rear shock with piggy back co's IMO that will be the most difficult part to come by. if you don't like the bags, i'm sure somebody will gladly take it off your hands for a reasonable price. the money from the sale you can use to buy aftermarket bags.
i too, didn't like the bags. they're too big for my purpose and cause too much wind drag on the highway, hurting fuel efficiency. i use tail bags instead. but i didn't NOT buy the HS co's there's one thing i didn't like about it. it's the totality of the bike being greater than the sum of its parts (read that somewhere
) and the bags were just a minor annoyance.
that said, i'm on the market for a second bike. i'll probably wait for the monster with 821 motor and electric gizmos of the HM/HS that rumor has it they'll be rolling out of the factory late this year or early next year
i too, didn't like the bags. they're too big for my purpose and cause too much wind drag on the highway, hurting fuel efficiency. i use tail bags instead. but i didn't NOT buy the HS co's there's one thing i didn't like about it. it's the totality of the bike being greater than the sum of its parts (read that somewhere
) and the bags were just a minor annoyance.that said, i'm on the market for a second bike. i'll probably wait for the monster with 821 motor and electric gizmos of the HM/HS that rumor has it they'll be rolling out of the factory late this year or early next year
