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I am buying my first Harley. Currently I ride Honda VFR 1200 and I love the power and touring capabilities. Usually I ride by myself but occasionally with my wife. Mostly I do weekend trips about 300- 400 miles a day and a little bit cruising in the city. I was really thinking about buying Sport Glide because of cruise control and little bit luggage space. Now I really like the new 2020 Low Rider looks. I like the engine size and power that it provides but it lacks the luggage and fairing. I have been reading a lot how to customize your bike but now I am not certain how to proceed. Should I buy the Sport Glide and go for Screaming Eagle stage 3 or should I buy the Low Rider and try to find some luggage solution and some wind protection. I really like the blacked out look of Low Rider and the engine but is it something that can be turned to weekend tourer?
The Sport Glide is a mighty fine ride and comes with the goodies you want. Love mine, also a first Harley after owning Japanese, British and Italian bikes. Hard bags are a breeze to take off or put on, so I ride stripped except when tripping. The solo seat and rack were inexpensive and came down to personal preference. Stage One with a dyno tune was all the grunt I needed same hp and torque as a stock 114.
Last edited by wittangamo; Aug 22, 2019 at 02:50 PM.
I went from a Super Tenere to a Sport Glide. Put on heated grips and a taller rear shock (eBay used shock from a Heritage)...as well as some other do-dads.
Only thing I don't like about doing it that way is now I need to have a key for the ignition, a key for the Easy Brackets, a key for the saddle bags and a key for the trunk. And if you want to keep somoneone from stealing your trunk and your fairing you need another key for each of them. Now I got a key ring for my motorcycle that looks like I am a high school janitor.
Only thing I don't like about doing it that way is now I need to have a key for the ignition, a key for the Easy Brackets, a key for the saddle bags and a key for the trunk. And if you want to keep somoneone from stealing your trunk and your fairing you need another key for each of them. Now I got a key ring for my motorcycle that looks like I am a high school janitor.
A local locksmith can fix that and key them all the same except for the key fob
My Low Rider is sort of set up for touring. Bags are HD detachables. Fairing is Memphis Shades batwing with the low 5" screen - good protection and great coverage for my hands.
Since these pictures I've added a sissy bar and may add the rack on the back of the bar. Also have a set of small pockets behind the windshield for glasses, phone, EZPass, other little stuff. Planning on adding the cruise control for another $150 when I get around to it.
Bike handles loaded bags and two up riding just fine. Can strip all of it off in about 5 minutes for the naked look.
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First Harley advice needed
Now I want to create my dream bike and there is so much different options.
A local locksmith can fix that and key them all the same except for the key fob
