Hey, I'm new to the forum. I've been reading through the threads for a bit and decided to create and account. I've been riding a honda shadow 750 for a while and I want something with more power. I have a couple in mind and I'd like to get your opinions on each.

First is an '06 Dyna Super Glide. Has 25k miles and asking price is $7,000

Next is an '11 XL1200C Sporty. 11k miles with an asking price of $6,000

Then there's an '06 Nightster Sporty with 10k miles and an asking price of $7,000

I like all 3 of these bikes. So it's proving to be a tough decision. I am 5'10" 185 lbs. I ride a good bit solo and I also ride some 2up with the woman. Most of my riding is to work and back and some stress relief riding after work. Usually once a week on Saturday I will make about a 200 to 300 mile trip.

Now that that's out of the way, which of these is the best bang for the buck?

I love the super glide but I'm concerned with it being 25k miles. Then again, a bike with 3k miles could possibly be in worse shape. Depends on the previous owner I guess.

So, from your experience, what's the better choice? Obviously I'll go with what calls to me the most. I'd just like opinions to see what you think.

 

'06 dynas had a few issues. You could do a search here to get the details of that.

You'll get guys here who will dismiss the sportster out of hand. I'm about the same size as you. I ride an '07 dyna. Last summer, the day before leaving for Sturgis, I had a problem with my dyna of my own creation. I rode my wifes '13 XL1200C instead. Not a huge trip, about 800 miles each way. I loved the sportster.

Good luck.

 

I hear ya. I already have friends telling me "it's a girl bike". Haha. It doesn't bother me. If I like it, I ride it.

I'll check out the 06 Dyna issues. Thanks for the reply.

 

The only girls bike is a bike that a girl rides. They all can break the speed limit.

 

This is true

 

Welcome aboard.
My wife had a 06 Dyna and the stator caked at 20,000 ish miles. It was a big problem on the 06 Dynas. Maybe that one has been repaired. But she rode the heck out of it and traded up to a Road King.
Sold it at 37,00 miles and the guy that bought it is still riding it .No engine problems

 

Awesome. Thanks. No matter which one I get I'm going to purchase the warranty with it through Harley. Better safe than sorry.

 

Raise your budget a couple thou and do a Road King or E Glide. You will be glad. Your riding is perfect for it. I went from a Shadow 750 too to this. No problem. I don't know where you live, but low mileage 10 year old bikes are out there all the time

 

Having had a Sporty and now a Dyna, I think in the long run you'll be happier with the Dyna.
For the money they're asking on the Super Glide you can find an 07 or even newer for about the same cost. They are all over Craigslist around here. And you're getting a 96" motor instead of the 88", as well as avoiding some of the issues with the 06.

 

If you are looking for an increase in power over your Shadow, I think you are going to have to do a more detailed analysis of what you are trying to get out of a bike. If you just want to get a Harley, for whatever reason, that's great, they're wonderful bikes.

In evaluating power you have to consider weight, rpm's for comparative hp evaluation, torque etc. In an evaluation of the Sportster 1200, CycleWorld came up with 60 hp at 5800+rpms, and about 65 ft-lb Torque at 3800 rpms, The amount of time you spend at 5800 rpms on a Sportster is insignificant.

When you factor in the weight of the bikes being considered, as well as the hp, and tq, your Shadow is not much different.

In stock form, Harley numbers are not impressive compared to many other bikes, even in moderately modified form, Harley numbers are no big deal, and some folks chase power with bottomless wallets.

There are many stock 600cc class bikes that no stock Harley could vanquish.