Which Softail should I get??
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
Which Softail should I get??
How's it going everyone,
Just joined this forum and looking for opinions on which Harley I should get. Here is a little bit of a back story.
I have grown up riding dirt bikes and street bikes. I had to get rid of my CBR 600RR a couple years ago for personal reasons and knew that I always wanted to eventually own a Harley. I recently took a trip to Las Vegas and rented a 2019 Low Rider for a day. It was a blast and I am officially hooked. I plan on buying one within the next 6 months and have started doing my research.
I am undecided on which model I would want but know I like the Softails the most. I just want to hear some recommendations from people who have experience riding Harleys.
Here are some specs/details that may help:
Height: 6'2
Weight: 190
Models interested in: Low Rider, Sport Glide, Street Bob (would want a back seat so this might not be an option), Street Glide (I know this is not a Softail but wondering if I am too big for the other bikes).
Usage: Mostly weekend riding with occasional weekday commuting. Would go on some road trips but nothing more than a few hours.
State: Live in Northern California (Bay Area)
Upgrades I would do to the bike right away: Lucky Daves Tbars (Suggestions on size, 13in -15in?), Slip on Mufflers (Suggestions? - want it loud but not make my ears ring),
Forward controls (Advice on this?)
Hopefully that info helps and I am open to hearing everyone's opinion.
Sorry if this is not the correct place for this thread.
Thanks!
Just joined this forum and looking for opinions on which Harley I should get. Here is a little bit of a back story.
I have grown up riding dirt bikes and street bikes. I had to get rid of my CBR 600RR a couple years ago for personal reasons and knew that I always wanted to eventually own a Harley. I recently took a trip to Las Vegas and rented a 2019 Low Rider for a day. It was a blast and I am officially hooked. I plan on buying one within the next 6 months and have started doing my research.
I am undecided on which model I would want but know I like the Softails the most. I just want to hear some recommendations from people who have experience riding Harleys.
Here are some specs/details that may help:
Height: 6'2
Weight: 190
Models interested in: Low Rider, Sport Glide, Street Bob (would want a back seat so this might not be an option), Street Glide (I know this is not a Softail but wondering if I am too big for the other bikes).
Usage: Mostly weekend riding with occasional weekday commuting. Would go on some road trips but nothing more than a few hours.
State: Live in Northern California (Bay Area)
Upgrades I would do to the bike right away: Lucky Daves Tbars (Suggestions on size, 13in -15in?), Slip on Mufflers (Suggestions? - want it loud but not make my ears ring),
Forward controls (Advice on this?)
Hopefully that info helps and I am open to hearing everyone's opinion.
Sorry if this is not the correct place for this thread.
Thanks!
Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Well personally I'm gonna suggest the sport glide (since I have one). Good for short and longer rides. Already has the saddlebags if you need some storage. I added the tab performance slip on with zombie baffles to make it louder, not annoying loud but more people know you're around. If you don't mind the wind you can keep the stock fairing. If you don't mind the extra money and want something slightly bigger I would say the street glide then. I personally went with the sport glide because it's slightly smaller and also wanted to save some money next bike will more than likely be a street glide though.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
Well personally I'm gonna suggest the sport glide (since I have one). Good for short and longer rides. Already has the saddlebags if you need some storage. I added the tab performance slip on with zombie baffles to make it louder, not annoying loud but more people know you're around. If you don't mind the wind you can keep the stock fairing. If you don't mind the extra money and want something slightly bigger I would say the street glide then. I personally went with the sport glide because it's slightly smaller and also wanted to save some money next bike will more than likely be a street glide though.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
Haha thanks for the advice man. That's what I'm leaning towards as well.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Well you are taller than me. I'm 5'9 and fit it pretty well leg wise, personally I would like my arms to be about another inch longer and id probably be even more comfortable. You would probably want a different seat so you can sit further back in the saddle.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
Ok cool thanks that's what I was thinking. Glad to know I'm on the right track. That's why I want the Tbars (thinking 14in or 15in Lucky Daves) and I just like the look of them. I'd probably do the bars first and then see if I would need the seat as well.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 33
From: Texas Hill Country
I am 6'2" ; 220 lbs with a 34 inch inseam for riding pants. I have owned a lot of Harleys, ad the Heritage is my current "sweet spot" for weight, handling, and luggage capability.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
Appreciate the advice. All Harleys are awesome in their own way but the Heritage is not something I would buy purely based on the looks. You mentioned they are the sweet spot for weight but since you have experience in a lot of Harleys how would you say the other Softails are in terms of height and reach of someone that is 62?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 314
Likes: 130
From: US
I'm 6'5" and ride a 2018 Breakout 114. To accommodate my height I got the forward control extension kit to move the pegs 3" further out. I also installed a tallboy seat which moves my butt up and back 2". And finally I installed 16" apes which allows me to be more upright. Each of these by themselves makes a difference. Used together I'm a comfortable 6'5" Harley rider.
But the Breakout's wide rear tire and low lean angle make it an acquired taste. The Sport Glide is going to be a more nimble, more immediately practical bike. Plus all of these same tall-rider modifications are available for it as well. (The Sport Glide wasn't available when I bought my Breakout, or I'd have been very tempted to go that way.)
The Street Glide can also be adjusted, but not as much, and not enough for me to buy one, unfortunately. But I'm taller than you. I bet you could make a Street Glide very comfortable.
Between the Street Glide and the Sport Glide, you should test ride both. Both excellent motorcycles but very different. Have fun and post pics when you decide!
But the Breakout's wide rear tire and low lean angle make it an acquired taste. The Sport Glide is going to be a more nimble, more immediately practical bike. Plus all of these same tall-rider modifications are available for it as well. (The Sport Glide wasn't available when I bought my Breakout, or I'd have been very tempted to go that way.)
The Street Glide can also be adjusted, but not as much, and not enough for me to buy one, unfortunately. But I'm taller than you. I bet you could make a Street Glide very comfortable.
Between the Street Glide and the Sport Glide, you should test ride both. Both excellent motorcycles but very different. Have fun and post pics when you decide!