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Opinion needed folks....at 279lbs am I going to be to big for an M8 softail? (Prob Sport Glide or Low Rider S) or should I really be moving up to a touring bike to be both comfortable and look proportional?
I should note I'm 5'6" so there is a lot more comfort on the softail heights.
Softail would actually be better if you're worried about weight, because the Softail is lighter, and there for the engine has more power to push you. The Touring bike is heavier itself so it has to deal with your weight and the extra weight of the touring bike.
M8 is a torque monster of an engine, it'll handle you just fine. Sport glide has forwards and floorboards so you should see if your feet can comfortably rest on and manage those controls. Low Rider is more fitted to shorter riders as it has mids.
Get the bike that’s most comfortable for you to ride. Your weight is largely irrelevant. My bike is a Twin Cam Softail and, with my wife on the back our combined weight is 350 lbs. The bike doesn’t seem to notice her extra weight. The same held true when I had my Road Glide Ultra (also a TC103). Only difference was the Road Glide handled better with her on the back. If you plan on doing much two up riding get a touring bike. Otherwise don’t worry about your weight.
All bikes have a gross weight rating recommend by the manufacturer. It should be in your owners manual in the specifications section. If you and your passenger fall within the rating, your good. If you exceed it, youre still good.
Just get whatever fits you. You don't need to sweat the weight on whatever you decide on. I'm 6'2 260lb and you'll find me on either a LowRider S or an iron 1200. I saw 300lb+ dudes on sportys just this last weekend. Just pick what speaks to you and send it.
This was me at about 300 pounds. I rode that Twin Cam 88 inch softail for 112,000 miles both on and off paved roads including a round trip up the Al-Can hiway to Alaska. Nothing ever broke.
Opinion needed folks....at 279lbs am I going to be to big for an M8 softail? (Prob Sport Glide or Low Rider S) or should I really be moving up to a touring bike to be both comfortable and look proportional?
I should note I'm 5'6" so there is a lot more comfort on the softail heights.
Thx for your opinions.
280 at 5'6" are you a comfort eater or a weight lifter ?
Don't know how old you are...........................but 280 lbs and only 5' 6" tall, you might consider loosing about 100 Lbs.........and ride anything you want and enjoy a long life...........Just saying.
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