Thought I wanted a super glide - maybe not

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Oct 2, 2018 | 12:45 PM

hillcountryflt

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Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Texas

Thought I wanted a super glide - maybe not

I have had it in the back of my mind for a couple of years that I would like a carburated super glide as a second bike for running around town, going to work, etc. instead of my Ultra Limited. Had started looking more closely lately as finances have started to improve. This past week, while on a 4-day, 3-state rideabout, I stopped at Toad Suck Harley in Conway, Arkansas. They had a couple of superglides on the lot.
The bike that was pretty close to stock, I couldn't get my right leg comfortably around the air breather to reach the brake. The other bike had mid controls and there was nothing comfortable about it as well. I like the look of the super glide, but maybe I should be looking at some other Dyna model for a second bike. Don't want a Sportster.

Oct 2, 2018 | 12:53 PM

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

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From: Sandy Eggo's North County

When I bought my '95 FXD, I had the same concern. It makes zero sense to have a bulbous A/C where it is, but, that's where HD put it.
It only really got in the way when using the "Highway pegs" as they're located forward. Using the regular pegs, the A/C wasn't nearly as obtrusive. But, it still wasn't perfect. Once underway, these trivial issues fall away.
Get your superglide and find out what true "point n shoot" urban riding is all about.
Don't be surprised if you ride your FXD more than your bagger.

Oct 2, 2018 | 01:36 PM

cggorman

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Joined: Jun 2014

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From: NW Ohio

Yeah, that air cleaner was a huge problem for me as well. I have a Wide Glide with forward controls and every conventional air cleaner I tried dug into my knee uncomfortably or was just plain awkward. In most cases, they forced my foot to slide out on the RH peg and made toeing in to reach the brake pedal very awkward. I'm not bow-legged at all. Not exactly knock-kneed, but definitely not bowed.

The Heavy Breather style air cleaners were a good solution for me. I no longer touch the air cleaner with any part of my leg and I can easily pinch the tank with both legs.

DK Customs' 636V air cleaner is extremely popular (and my personal preference among commercial offerings). The Heavy Breather is very popular as well. K&N also makes a version.

Last edited by cggorman; Oct 2, 2018 at 01:42 PM.

Oct 2, 2018 | 02:23 PM

hillcountryflt

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 692

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From: Texas

I see how the 636V air cleaners and others like it would remedy that issue. Not fond of the look, but here it would appear practical.

Oct 2, 2018 | 03:37 PM

Qdog002

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 3,515

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From: Upstate New York

Take a look at DK`s Cyclone. It`s no where near in the way for me with mids or further forward mids. Don`t know about forwards.

Oct 2, 2018 | 07:43 PM

seniorsuperglideE8

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

There are extended brake pedals out there that will avoid the curl in the leg effect.. Rode my '02 SuperGlide, with fwd. cont., to work from 2002 to 2016 when I retired, it's a great get around bike and handled two up riding also. 650# is easy to move around in traffic.