Is Wide Glide right for me?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
Not much more to add, I dont think i have had mine over 90mph yet. Not that i dont like speed but I just dont have the comfort level to go that fast on my WG, I dont think apes help (parachute effect).
MCII tires are working great for me; feels very stable, front tire doesnt follow every little track in the road and I feel like I still have plenty of grip in the rain.
I dont know bro, if speed is a major factor in your decision you really need to see if you can test ride a WG and see if its comfortable to you at those speeds. A lot of coin to drop and then find out it doesnt suit your needs.
However....even if a WG doesnt suit your speed needs, I have no doubt that you would still enjoy the hell out of it! It is such a blast to ride, especially when you get it exactly where you want it, comfort wise!
MCII tires are working great for me; feels very stable, front tire doesnt follow every little track in the road and I feel like I still have plenty of grip in the rain.
I dont know bro, if speed is a major factor in your decision you really need to see if you can test ride a WG and see if its comfortable to you at those speeds. A lot of coin to drop and then find out it doesnt suit your needs.
However....even if a WG doesnt suit your speed needs, I have no doubt that you would still enjoy the hell out of it! It is such a blast to ride, especially when you get it exactly where you want it, comfort wise!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 653
Likes: 7
From: illinois
I'm a x professional mx racer and a expert level road racer from years past. I would think a newer used streetglide would fit your bill better commuting for any distance, I cruise my Wg frequently at 90mph any faster it's just not as comfortable after 30-40min! Plus the storage sucks on a wide glide! People put bags on them and it (my opinion) kills the looks. The rake on the Wg also makes the bike more of a cruiser than an agile traffic buster.
Sum it up, I would buy a 2010ish streetglide stage1 upgrade, and enjoy the windshield at 100mph! Just my 2cents
Sum it up, I would buy a 2010ish streetglide stage1 upgrade, and enjoy the windshield at 100mph! Just my 2cents
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 428
Likes: 21
From: Western PA
What I found:
The longer rake on the WG means you have to lean more in turns, especially in-town driving. I've scraped the pegs (or other bits) rather unexpectedly in some pretty mild low-speed traffic turns.
With the forward controls, you can't "stand on the pegs" when going over any bumps or rough roads. All you can do is pucker up and take it.
I hate that skinny front tire - every time I cross a curb, it feels like I'm going to pop the tire or bust the rim.
100 mph is no problem for the 103. Plenty of mods you can do if you want more even more Harley umph. A fairing is nice at those speeds, though, especially if you're talking about long trips on the Autobahn.
From your description, I might go with a Switchback as a good all-around bike. For more in-town riding, maybe the Fat Boy or Low Rider. Not sure how much cobblestone you have over there, but the WG wouldn't be my first choice for that.
Then again... I got my WG because I like the look of the bike.
The longer rake on the WG means you have to lean more in turns, especially in-town driving. I've scraped the pegs (or other bits) rather unexpectedly in some pretty mild low-speed traffic turns.
With the forward controls, you can't "stand on the pegs" when going over any bumps or rough roads. All you can do is pucker up and take it.
I hate that skinny front tire - every time I cross a curb, it feels like I'm going to pop the tire or bust the rim.
100 mph is no problem for the 103. Plenty of mods you can do if you want more even more Harley umph. A fairing is nice at those speeds, though, especially if you're talking about long trips on the Autobahn.
From your description, I might go with a Switchback as a good all-around bike. For more in-town riding, maybe the Fat Boy or Low Rider. Not sure how much cobblestone you have over there, but the WG wouldn't be my first choice for that.
Then again... I got my WG because I like the look of the bike.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 54
From: GA
I can't imagine it would be comfortable sustaining autobahn speeds on any bike but the 103 will do it. You'd need to invest in a seat that'll help you stay on the bike. The rake of the wide glide will make the steering slower but once you get used to it, it would probably be fine.
Fat Bob, man. Best touring/nimble Dyna out there. I rode mine 80-90mph for 2 stretches of 11 hours last week.
I'm sure they are all great tbh, just get the one that speaks to you. Trust me though, at any sustained freeway speeds you will need a fairing or a windshield. So make sure you factor that into your decision.
I'm sure they are all great tbh, just get the one that speaks to you. Trust me though, at any sustained freeway speeds you will need a fairing or a windshield. So make sure you factor that into your decision.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 153
Likes: 1
From: Copenhagen
Thanks for your input so far.
Today, I had a chance to test ride a 2010 WG. I really liked it.
Only issue was that the front wheel didn't seem too stable at around 100 MPH.
Apart from that, it felt very comfortable.
Would some of you with longer than half hour experience share your take on how stable the front tire is at higher speeds?
Thanks
Rex
Today, I had a chance to test ride a 2010 WG. I really liked it.
Only issue was that the front wheel didn't seem too stable at around 100 MPH.
Apart from that, it felt very comfortable.
Would some of you with longer than half hour experience share your take on how stable the front tire is at higher speeds?
Thanks
Rex
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 14
From: Right where I belong!
Thanks for your input so far.
Today, I had a chance to test ride a 2010 WG. I really liked it.
Only issue was that the front wheel didn't seem too stable at around 100 MPH.
Apart from that, it felt very comfortable.
Would some of you with longer than half hour experience share your take on how stable the front tire is at higher speeds?
Thanks
Rex
Today, I had a chance to test ride a 2010 WG. I really liked it.
Only issue was that the front wheel didn't seem too stable at around 100 MPH.
Apart from that, it felt very comfortable.
Would some of you with longer than half hour experience share your take on how stable the front tire is at higher speeds?
Thanks
Rex
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 226
Likes: 56
From: Dallas, GA
I got a 2015 WG and thats the fastest bike I've ever ridden. (only bike i've ever ridden) but I absolutely love it.
I have family over in Stuttgart and went to visit them last year. Driving on the autobahn was on my bucket list. The only thing that would've made it better would be having a bike over there. The only draw back I have with mine is the seat now though. Definitely leaves something to be desired.
I have family over in Stuttgart and went to visit them last year. Driving on the autobahn was on my bucket list. The only thing that would've made it better would be having a bike over there. The only draw back I have with mine is the seat now though. Definitely leaves something to be desired.
