Hey. First post. I'm considering trading my 02 XL for an 05 FXD. I've read some reviews and my only concern is the reduced lean angle and ground clearance from what I am used to. I'm not an aggressive rider, but I mainly ride in the city and need the bike to handle, so I wanted to get some opinions from Dyna riders what their experience has been. The HD dealer says its no concern, there is a generous amout of lean angle for real world riding. My buddy's brother has a Wide Glide and he says his pipes scrape the pavement often. I can't rent the FXD, the Wide Glide is the only one available at my dealer. The FXDX is pretty much out of my price range so that most likely won't be an option. Thanks for your time.

 

No idea on that one...but wanted to welcome you to our online family...

Mac

 

Thanks. I take it from the number of replies I got its probably not a concern!

 

I have an 04 sportster custom and the lean angles are 1-2* less than the FXD and I have only grounded an exhaust bolt once. So don't worry about it, get the FXD and enjoy it.

 

Perfect. Thanks for your help.

 

As a fxd rider let me assure you that the fxd is the best handling bike Harley makes. I owned a 04 sporty before the 04fxd and I would take the fxd hands down. Just my opinion. But you only lose one degree of lean angle on one side. Although with forward controls you might scrape the heel of your boot a few times.

 

Cool. I was hoping someone who has ridden both would let me know for sure. Thanks...

 

Lean angle on the FXD is 32/31 degrees left/right. Ground clearance is 5.4". Lean angle of the FXDX is 35/34, and the ground clearance is 5.9". The FDXWG is exactly the same at the FXD.

Regards,

Bill

 

I have the FXDLI with 29/29* lean angle and I have not had a problem around town or on the road. I am what one would call a conservative rider. My racing daze are long gone.

 

I certainly wouldn't disagree with your buddy's brother. After jumping off a jap bike onto the Wide Glide, I found that I too was leaving chunks of expensive chrome on the road. It was real bad two-up, but found it all too easy to deck both the lower exhaust and the bracket - even in the wet. I wasn't too concerned as I'd already lined up a pair of SEIIs. I've managed to "modify"* my riding style since the Stage 1 went on, so that I haven't wrecked my new pipes yet. Maybe the've got a little better ground clearance, I dunno.

I reckon you'll soon find the limits and ride accordingly.

(*=slow down )