Best Harleys for the Most Experienced Riders
Which choice makes sense as an older HD rider? Lighter, lower or just plain easier to handle?
You can find any number of stories yammering on and on about which Harley Davidson motorcycles are the best for beginners.
But, what about the old-timers? Don’t they deserve their own guide? You say, “well shouldn’t they know by now which is the best HD for their needs?” Maybe, but don’t forget our generation may be getting a little senile and need a helping hand.
I’m mostly staying away from the obvious vintage bikes, because I don’t want to be responsible for some dotty old dude cleaning out his savings account for a 1949 Hydra Glide. These are just sensible HDs for aging riders that want to keep on riding into that last golden sunset.
Three-Wheelers are a Breeze to Ride
The first choice is obvious. Harley was smart enough to come out with its trikes a few years ago, so we’ll just point out some of the differences in the options if you want to buy a new three-wheeler.
These are all trikes, one wheel in front, two in the back. They all have reverse gear, and they all have specially designed safety features for three wheels, like Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking , Cornering Enhanced Traction System and Drag-Torque Slip Control System.
Suspension, Fairings and Infotainment Options
The Freewheeler starts at $30,000. It’s powered by the Milwaukee Eight 114. It has a slightly lower seat than the Tri-Glide and weighs 1,110 pounds. The Freewheeler boasts premium front and rear touring suspension with tool-free pre-load
The Road Glide 3 starts at $33,000. It’s also powered by the M8, but has better wind protection in the form of a frame-mounted sharknose fairing with triple “splitstream” vents. It weighs 1,163 pounds and has the Boom Box GTS infotainments system with two speakers.
The Tri-Glide Ultra starts at $36,500. It has the same powerplant, and is the heaviest trike at 1,243 pounds. Its Boom Box GTS infotainment system has four speakers because, as we all know, the Boomers like their Metallica loud.
Softails Offer Styling and Low Seat Heights
– Softail Slim. The last Slim rolled off the assembly line in 2021. It has one of the lowest seat heights of any full-size Harley at 25.5 inches. The Slim sports old-school styling combined with just the right amount of modern technology old-timers know.
It’s a great, laid-back cruiser, and if you’re off your meds and try to hot-rod, you won’t get very far before the scraping noises bring you back to your senses.
– Softail Deluxe. What can you say about the styling of the Deluxe? It also has that low riding position as well as classic styling with modern power and technology. This is the motorcycle they invented the word “iconic” for, especially if you find one in two-tone.
New Sportsters are Lightweight and Fast
Now, let’s face it, old-timer, you ain’t as strong as you used to be. The Slim and the Deluxe are both big bikes and there are times you have trouble lifting that PBR can to your mouth these days without the shoulder arthritis acting up.
Maybe it’s time to downsize. We’re already seeing a lot of this from touring bike riders to softail, and even some from softails to sportsters.
So here’s the 2023 Nightster. It’s cheap, fast and only weighs 481 pounds. Or the Sportster S, which is not cheap at all, but it’s faster and weighs only a little over 500 pounds. It is a bullet with 121 horsepower and 94 pound/feet of torque.
Yes, it looks hideous, but did I mention the 121 horsepower? Besides, your grand kids will think you’re cool.
Photos: Harley Davidson,
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