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Local dealer do not have Sport Glide for test but I took Fat Bob for a ride and liked it very much. Even the forward controls, just took a while to find those after each stop light. Actually was so impressed about the forward controls that I am pretty sure I would prefer those.
AJ88V, that looks awesome. For me, I think I would prefer just a little bit smaller batwing. But that is great example what could be done with Low Rider! Thanks.
I’d never ridden with forwards before, either. Took just a few miles to realize what I’d been missing. Sport Glide for the win! Midnight Blue 2019 FLSB
There are really nice examples about Sport Glide and Low Rider in this thread. Still not sure which one would be best for me. Too bad dealer do not have too many bikes for to test. Here in Madrid are two dealers. Seems they both have pretty much same deals. Bike is list price + delivery, one gift like sissy bar, 3 month 20% discount of all accessories.
I have been reading about Low Rider bags. There were comments that original Harley leather bags have problem with detaching because tail turn signal lights are too close, like the turn signal light extender would be too short. Wondering if this has been taken already care of.
There are really nice examples about Sport Glide and Low Rider in this thread. Still not sure which one would be best for me. Too bad dealer do not have too many bikes for to test. Here in Madrid are two dealers. Seems they both have pretty much same deals. Bike is list price + delivery, one gift like sissy bar, 3 month 20% discount of all accessories.
I have been reading about Low Rider bags. There were comments that original Harley leather bags have problem with detaching because tail turn signal lights are too close, like the turn signal light extender would be too short. Wondering if this has been taken already care of.
The comments about the bags being difficult to detach are way overblown. Yes, the bags hit the (relocated) turn signals a bit, but you just need to jiggle the bags to get them to come off the mounts - very easy. It would take me no more than 30 seconds to detach either bag even when loaded, and at most 60 seconds to line up the three mounting points to install the bags.
That said, you could alternatively mount the turn signals to the rear license plate bracket like I have on my Dyna. Here's the Harley kit: https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...11-6873202a--1 There are aftermarket kits for about $50, but the Harley kit is worth the extra $30. I guarantee this will work, since I already am running a lay-down license plate bracket for the Dyna.
The Harley bags for the Low Rider are not very big, but the ones on the Sport Glide don't look bigger to me. The Sport Glide bags are hard bags and lock. The Low Rider bags are leather and do NOT lock.
There are a bunch of aftermarket bags available for the Low Rider. I used the Harley bags because they have a lower mounting point that makes them super stable. None of the aftermarket bags have this. The HD bags have a long arm sticking out from the bottom to attach to a mount on the frame, but the bags will sit flat on the floor when removed from the bike. The Sportglide bags are done the same way. Good design.
For me, it was that I could build the Low Rider into a weekend tourer cheaper than I could buy the Sport Glide for, and get the fairing I wanted. I love the chrome on the LR. I like the fork and ABS brakes on the Sportglide, but the wheels are goofy (to me) and the fairing is too small. I'd probably start with the new Low Rider S if I were to do it over again, but am very happy with my Low Rider.
After 40 years of sport bike I went right to Road King and haven't looked back.
I just wanted to kick back and enjoy the scenery and a massive V twin pushing me and my wife around.
Best move I made..
Dealer did me offer for new Low Rider S. Promised cruise control and quarter fairing in deal. Would get it next week. Thinking about pulling the trigger. Not going to sleep this night. :P
The best advice is to make a list of how you will use the bike, fitment issues to make the bike safe and easy for you to control, and attributes that will meet the requirements you need during your regular use of the bike. Harley makes a wide range of bikes that can be tailored for your specific needs/wants. Don;t fall in love with a bike in the showroom. I took over six months before buying a new bike this year and nearly drove the dealer sales staff crazy. Took test rides as the final step. Being patient was the best decision I made. I liked the look of several bikes, but by being patient, I bought the bike that serves 23019 Softail Low Rider View from driver's perspective.
my needs and wants the best, including price and fitment issues. FYI: Know that ABS brakes cannot be added later. If you want them, you have to buy them factory installed. I hope I never need them, but I like the feeling of having them.
In answer to your questions about a Low Rider, it is what I own. It is one of the best bikes in the HD line for modifications. Plan to spend $1k to $1.5k+ on accessories. I like the mid-controls with mini-floorboards; I feel in better control in parking lots and other slow maneuver conditions. I also like the quick disconnect ability to change from a two-up seat to a solo seat with a luggage rack on the rear fender. Quick disconnect bags can also be added but dumped for local use. Personally, (I don't like bags around town.) The Milwaukee 8 107 engine and six-speed transmission are smooth; they provide abundant low-end torque and top-end speed for highway cruising. (At 1,756 cc, the M8 is a bigger engine that in my neighbor's Honda SUV.)
Be patient, be realistic and enjoy the process of choosing a new bike and knowing you won't have buyer's remorse after the purchase.
Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Oct 8, 2019 at 04:56 PM.
Reason: Move pictures
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Now I want to create my dream bike and there is so much different options.
Be Realistic and Patient
