here is my story.... don't remember the first time i thru a leg over a motorbike, but i couldn't afford tag and insurance until 1965. had two or three small bikes then a new triumph i rode until the 70s,even did some competion riding on dirt bikes. spent one year on a customised kicker sportster(don't miss that one) got 76 super glide in december of 75. ride, repair, repeat for 29 years. i bought a new road king a really good riding bike in 05. i retired at 69 and had a heart attack 6 months later while on a trip out west. i still ride almost every weekend weather permitting, and i'm one of those nuts that a trip across town is an excuse to ride. here is my delima...at 71 years old. i don't have the strength and agility i once had and the road king is getting to be a handfull especially at low speeds, parking lots or worse unpaved lots or gravel. i have some smaller vintage bikes and scooters i am comfortable on. one of my riding friends who is in his 60s gave up on his dresser and went to one of the soft tail models. another friend also in his 60s confided in me a while back that he is not as comfortable on his dresser as he used to be and his eyesight is declining. i am no where ready to give up riding, and would like to hear from other old guys who are having to face facts and go to lighter bikes to be safe and keep riding as long as possible. i want a bike with saddlebags and windshield and would like to stay with harley. i don't want to hear from some guy who was born 20 years after i was riding, racing, and mechanicing on bikes telling me it is time to quit.
believe me if you keep riding things will change for you.

 

I sat on a Fatboy at the dealer the other day. That bike was much lighter and lower to the ground than my Ultra and saddlebags and a windshield would make it a decent road bike.

 

Sounds like you need a Heritage Softail Classic.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Switchback.

 

Well Larry,i'm 64,and I can imagine your dilemma.As mentioned,I think in your situation I'd be looking at the Switchback. [Hoping I can ride the big bike for as long as you have!]

 

My father in law is 73 and he traded his Ultra for a heritage a few years back. He loves it and rides some serious miles each year.

 

+1 for the Heritage.

Larry: Have you considered a model with 3 wheels ?

 

Great attitude man! I am 15 years away from being an old fart of your vintage. Is a trike of interest? May be the long term solution. My wife's fat boy definitely lighter and easier around corners. Good luck!

 

Two options.

1. Sell the Road King, get a Heritage

2. Get a lowering kit and slam the King down so low its like riding a moped. And just let the crash bars do their job, should you slip. Hell, that Burly Slammer kit is under $300. Your plush ride will suffer a bit, but hey.... how attached are you to the King?