Hey all,

Anyone out there in Forum-land upgraded from a Sportster to a larger HD?

What was your impression of the change-over to the heavier bike?

Considering.

Cheers,

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The "larger" bikes handle better, more comfortable, and easier to maneuver, IMHO....

How many skills rodeo riders do it on Sportsters?

 

Spend the money to rent the bike or bikes you are considering to purchase for a day so you can get a feel before you leap into something that only you can answer.

 

I'd love too but no dealer in Israel and the nearest one-day, non-Arab ride seems Germany, Switzerland or Austria. Kinda expensive.

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Probably most of us have gone from a Sportster to something bigger. Which bike were you thinking about? Obvious difference is weight when you lift a bigger bike off the kickstand and when parking and backing up. They all handle a bit different from each other.

 

I think a lot of people are pleasantly surprised when they move from one of the smaller bikes to a tourer. Obviously, the most noted difference between a Sportster and a touring is when lifting the bike off its kick stand. Once under power the bigger touring bikes feel solid and a bit more comfortable than their little brother. Don't know what you want in a touring bike but don't overlook the Road King - probably HD's most versatile bike.

 

I did go from an 883 cc Sportster Super Low to a 96 ci Softail Fatboy Lo and like the bigger bike a lot more; more forgiving, bigger tires, floorboard.

 

if you like the sportster and the way it rides look at either Dyna bikes or the Touring bikes.

A street bob or low rider would probably be perfect.

I just jumped from a street bob to a touring bike (road king).

It IS more to handle but I live in a major city and do plenty of stop/go riding. With touring it's easier to get ABS and ABS is awesome.

 

I went from a 04 1200 Classic to an 06 RK Classic. Loved the Sporty in Japan, perfect for the conditions there. City traffic, legal to cut lanes, drivers get out of the way and are courteous to a fault. Came back to the States and it beat me to death on the freeway. Loved that bike but traded to the RK.
Easier to ride at speed for long distance, longer wheelbase/better suspension is easier on my back.
First thing I did when I traded was to get "Ride Like the Pro's" on DVD and practice the maneuvers over and over. Did it every time I came back from a deployment or long time off the bike. Good training and it prepares you for the difference between the two bikes.

 

i went from a huffy to a fatty. didn't notice much difference except the bugs hurt more.