Is the LR right for me
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From:
Is the LR right for me
Hello, I'm new to this group and I have a question. I'm about to but my first Harley in about a month, I've got it narrowed down to the Dyna LowRider and the Softail Standard. Which bike is right for me? I been on sportbikes since 92, been riding for well over 30 years (always wanted a Harley) and I'm a MSF instructor. I live near the mountains, ride them often, ride between 12,000 - 15,000 miles a year. The bike will be used to demo the exercises while I teach, commute (No traffic, just country roads) take my wife and kids for rides and day rides of 400 - 600 miles. I'm not looking for a touring bike, just a somewhat comfortable, mellow, bike with soul. I'm 6'0 210 pounds. I love the LR, it really seems to feel right and I really like the 6 speed and Fuel injection, but I worry about the limited suspension and lean angle.
Thanks
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
RE: Is the LR right for me
From your post, I would say that a Dyna would be in order. The Standard softtail has a 200 mm rear tire. Not the best on corners compared to a 160 mm for the Low Rider. I would think that maybe the Super Glide Custom would be a good fit. It has 6" ground clearnace like the softtail and the lean angle is 34/32 compared to 34/35 for the softtail. At 6' you are plenty tall enough to flat foot the Super Glide Custom. If possible rent them. Better to spend a little money up front to find the right bike, instead of regretting your choice later.
LeavenworthJeff
05 FXDI Silver
LeavenworthJeff
05 FXDI Silver
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Is the LR right for me
I think you will find that any of the Dynas handle better than the Softails in the twistys. If you are coming off of a sport bike you will probably like the handling of the Lowrider better.
My wife went from a Lowrider to a Heritage Softail. She likes it much better at low speeds in the parking lot, but she really misses the handling when in the mountains.
Regards,
Bill
My wife went from a Lowrider to a Heritage Softail. She likes it much better at low speeds in the parking lot, but she really misses the handling when in the mountains.
Regards,
Bill
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Is the LR right for me
I've owned Softtails and now my first Dyna which is an '06. I was originally in the market for another Softtail. The 6 speed tranny and massive updates to the Dyna series sold me on it. The ride and handling is quite different then the softtail and very similiar to the old 4 speed FL Harleys of the 1970's but better in every way. I don't think you can go wrong with either but at least this year, the Dyna's are hard to beat right here, right now. For '07, things will get more interesting once the other series get their updates to the drivetrain.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
RE: Is the LR right for me
Rent them and compare. You may find you sit better, more comfortably, on one than the other and maybe like the way one rides etc. I can tell you I am happy with the way my 05 FXGI handles. Real happy with the bike. I've never had the experience of a Softail so I can't tell you anything about one.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 4
From: Central Jersey
RE: Is the LR right for me
Just a note..I'm the same size 6', 210lbs...I have a wide glide, but I rode a few other dynas before I bought. The only problem I found with the dynas (other than the DWG) is the lack of forward controls. I just felt way too cramped without them. That said, it's certainly easy enough to have them installed before you take delivery. You may also want to consider an alternate seat. Other than those two things (along with a nice set of pipes/slip-ons, for improved performance and sound), the Dynas (superglide, street bob, or low rider) should work very well for someone like yourself, seeking a great handling, comfortable bike.
Todd
Todd
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal's East Bay
RE: Is the LR right for me
At 5'7" I bought a low rider because I just felt the bike fit me best...I feel on top of the mid controls...if you go low rider...I agree that you're going to want forward controls. I love the way my low rider handles...I don't think you can go wrong with a Dyna.
RE: Is the LR right for me
Hi there and a big welcome to the HDForum from New Zealand, enjoy!!!! [sm=welcomesign.gif]
I am also thinking that you should stick with the Dynas, but the best thing is to try each potential scoot and then make your mind up.
I am also thinking that you should stick with the Dynas, but the best thing is to try each potential scoot and then make your mind up.