06 Wide Glide test drive
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
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06 Wide Glide test drive
Going down to the HD dealership after Christmas to test drive a new Wide Glide. I've never riden a bike with as much rake as the Wide Glide. Does the more narrow front tire, with the exteneded rake cause any problems with tight turns? Handling? How does it feel on interstate driving?
I love the look of this bike. I can't wait to drive one. I would like to hear any comments from Wide Glide owners about how they feel the bike handles, say compared to a more beefy front end like on a Fat Boy.
I got my checkbook ready-hope it feels good on the test ride. Already have my eyes on one in the showroom. I hope I'm not dissapointed. My backup bike would have to be the Fat Boy, but it doesn't come close to the design and personality of the Wide Glide IMHO.
I love the look of this bike. I can't wait to drive one. I would like to hear any comments from Wide Glide owners about how they feel the bike handles, say compared to a more beefy front end like on a Fat Boy.
I got my checkbook ready-hope it feels good on the test ride. Already have my eyes on one in the showroom. I hope I'm not dissapointed. My backup bike would have to be the Fat Boy, but it doesn't come close to the design and personality of the Wide Glide IMHO.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
There's a slight learning curve. During tight low speed turns you'll notice a little faster turn in because of the extra rake and trail. But it's not much. I used to won a WG and a Sportster Sport. If I rode the sporty one day and the WG the next, I would notice it. Otherwise it's just the way the bike is and you get used to it. I never thought the 21" wheel made any differance at all. Also, the WG sits a little taller than other Dynas.
The WG front end had a nasty habit of making this really significant "clunk" on moderate bumps. That may be fixed with the new front end. If not there are ways to fix it, but will cost some coin.
The WG front end had a nasty habit of making this really significant "clunk" on moderate bumps. That may be fixed with the new front end. If not there are ways to fix it, but will cost some coin.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 858
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From: Upstate NY / San Clemente CA
RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
My buddy has an 05 WG and he has mentioned the "clunk" as well. But the new 06...Smooth as butter. It rides like a Caddy on the Highway, and I have has it on the mountain road twisties,and she handled great. I have been rideing for a while, and I would have to say this 06 WG is the smoothest rideing bike I have owned. The bike is a bit longer, but I think that is one thing that makes it look so great. Once your on it for an hour or so, you will never want to get off.
I have not road a FatBoy, but I have road other ST models......They are nice, but I am telling you, the WG is a smoother ride. Now I am 6 feet tall, and weigh 201, if that has any bearing. Anyhow, give them a test ride and get the one that puts a smile on your face.
I have not road a FatBoy, but I have road other ST models......They are nice, but I am telling you, the WG is a smoother ride. Now I am 6 feet tall, and weigh 201, if that has any bearing. Anyhow, give them a test ride and get the one that puts a smile on your face.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
Howdy, I've never been on a Wide Glide but I hope that you enjoy your chance to ride one and hopefully it will turn you on enough to be able to buy it. Everybody likes a new toy once in awhile. Good luck and enjoy the ride.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix area
RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
Don't think i'll be much help at the moment but I have an 06 Wide. My brother just picked up a Heritage Softail Classic. I'm _thinking_ one day soon we may swap just to see what the others feels like. So far I am MORE than happy with the way the Wide Glide handles.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
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RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
I recently sold my Fatboy and bought an '06 WG. For me, the FB never really fulfilled my riding expectations - it always felt too heavy, slow, unbalanced and just wasn't sporty enough for me. I didn't care much for the big front wheel and long fenders nor did I like the seating position. The FB took a lot of effort to steer and ride. Also, I never get used to the FB's floor boards. I always seemed to be repositioning my feet because they felt like they were sliding off the boards.
IMHO the new WG is just what I've been looking for. It is extremely comfortable and the seating position is perfect for me (6'2"). The rake and thin front tire make for a nimble and easy to bike to ride. I don't get nearly as fatigued riding the WG as I did the FB. The WG has a really nice look to it and the beefy front end is great. The handlebars are properly positioned for me and have a very clean look. Cruising at highway speeds takes little effort and the bike just hums along (6-speed). My FB was a carb bike and I really enjoy the FI WG - just turn the key and crank it up - no jacking around with other controls.
Unfortunately, snow is on the ground and it's only about 10 degrees so I'm going through some riding withdrawals - I really miss riding my new WG. I'm sure if you get a WG you won't be disappointed - they really are the cats meow . . .
Just my .02
Ride safe . . .
IMHO the new WG is just what I've been looking for. It is extremely comfortable and the seating position is perfect for me (6'2"). The rake and thin front tire make for a nimble and easy to bike to ride. I don't get nearly as fatigued riding the WG as I did the FB. The WG has a really nice look to it and the beefy front end is great. The handlebars are properly positioned for me and have a very clean look. Cruising at highway speeds takes little effort and the bike just hums along (6-speed). My FB was a carb bike and I really enjoy the FI WG - just turn the key and crank it up - no jacking around with other controls.
Unfortunately, snow is on the ground and it's only about 10 degrees so I'm going through some riding withdrawals - I really miss riding my new WG. I'm sure if you get a WG you won't be disappointed - they really are the cats meow . . .
Just my .02
Ride safe . . .
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
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RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
Thanks for the comments.
I'm looking forward to my ride. I'm 6'2" and the WG always seems to fit me best of all the bikes I've looked over.
As much as I like the FB, my head always turns when I see a WG in the showroom. I just hope the ride meets my expectations. I just had some concerns about the longer rake on the WG and whether it made turns more or less different than most bikes. From what I hear it is not noticeable. An oh......doesn't it look good on the bike! I figure after riding for 15-20 minutes I'll know if its the one.
Anybody switch out the factory pegs for Kuryakyn pegs on their WG's? I like the look.
I'm looking forward to my ride. I'm 6'2" and the WG always seems to fit me best of all the bikes I've looked over.
As much as I like the FB, my head always turns when I see a WG in the showroom. I just hope the ride meets my expectations. I just had some concerns about the longer rake on the WG and whether it made turns more or less different than most bikes. From what I hear it is not noticeable. An oh......doesn't it look good on the bike! I figure after riding for 15-20 minutes I'll know if its the one.
Anybody switch out the factory pegs for Kuryakyn pegs on their WG's? I like the look.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
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From: Ozark Country
RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
I've been riding ever since I purchase my first Super Glide back in '72, and my '96 FXDWG is probably the best looking, and most comfortable Harley that I've ever owned.
It handles great, and is made for long trips down the highway.
We have had a lot of snow and cold temperatures the past couple of weeks (down to minus 14 one night), so right now it's sitting under cover with a battery tender hooked up. It's suppose to get up in the high 50's later this week, and if so it will be out on the highway...
Hard to go wrong with a Wide Glide...
It handles great, and is made for long trips down the highway.
We have had a lot of snow and cold temperatures the past couple of weeks (down to minus 14 one night), so right now it's sitting under cover with a battery tender hooked up. It's suppose to get up in the high 50's later this week, and if so it will be out on the highway...
Hard to go wrong with a Wide Glide...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: 06 Wide Glide test drive
>>As much as I like the FB, my head always turns when I see a WG in the showroom.<<
Isn't that the truth! I actually bought mine on impulse. I went over to the dealer to buy a small part for my Sporty. There's was this beautifull used white and aqua WG. I was captivated. I had a woody. Rode her home later that morning. Couldn't believe I did that. Put another 40K miles on it after that.
>>Anybody switch out the factory pegs for Kuryakyn pegs on their WG's? I like the look<<
I had the KA Iso pegs and heel stirrups on mine. Looked great, and extremly comfortable, especially with the foreward controls. I highly recommend them. I will be adding those right away to the new bike.
The only problem with them is that they are cast alum, not billet. Not a problem on the front, but if you carry a rear passenger a lot, they will eventually break. Passenger use them as a step to get up on the bike, especially short passengers. I'll get something else for the rear pegs.
Isn't that the truth! I actually bought mine on impulse. I went over to the dealer to buy a small part for my Sporty. There's was this beautifull used white and aqua WG. I was captivated. I had a woody. Rode her home later that morning. Couldn't believe I did that. Put another 40K miles on it after that.
>>Anybody switch out the factory pegs for Kuryakyn pegs on their WG's? I like the look<<
I had the KA Iso pegs and heel stirrups on mine. Looked great, and extremly comfortable, especially with the foreward controls. I highly recommend them. I will be adding those right away to the new bike.
The only problem with them is that they are cast alum, not billet. Not a problem on the front, but if you carry a rear passenger a lot, they will eventually break. Passenger use them as a step to get up on the bike, especially short passengers. I'll get something else for the rear pegs.
