Something faster.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
I came off a CBR600RR, to be honest, I really wish I would've just stayed with that bike. I really like my SB but I miss the handling and braking of a sport bike. It really doesn't matter what you do to these bikes (you could put a 200ci engine it), they will never touch a sport bike in any performance category, which is fine, it's not what they are made to do.
Do what you want to do, you are the only one that can make this decision. If you don't like it, you can always buy another HD.
I'm in the process of selling my SB right now. Going to take a few years off, raise my family, re-focus on motocross and later on I will buy another sport bike. I will always look fondly back on my HD days, but they just aren't for me.
Do what you want to do, you are the only one that can make this decision. If you don't like it, you can always buy another HD.
I'm in the process of selling my SB right now. Going to take a few years off, raise my family, re-focus on motocross and later on I will buy another sport bike. I will always look fondly back on my HD days, but they just aren't for me.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
I had a few metric cruisers and then finally bought a brand new Hayabusa in 2008. The Busa was a great bike and as long as I was riding local it was a lot of fun but for long trips it got old pretty quick tucked behind the sport shield. There were a couple of times that I rode it really fast, stupid I know, on the interstate but 99.9% of the time it was second and third gear through the twisties and for me just walking through the garage and seeing it got the pulse racing. I decided heading into my late 40's that the bike for me was a Harley, everybody wants a Harley 
, so I sold the Busa and bought a 2012 Street Bob. I find that I ride much more on the Harley and it is more comfortable for the long haul. Most of my friends ride cruiser style bikes so I find myself riding in a group more now as well. I'm headed for the Smokies, the Dragon, and the Cherohala Skyway for 4 days late this summer and while the Busa would have been great once I got there I wouldn't have enjoyed the 6 hours it took to get there but that's just me. Do I miss my Busa, yes but I really enjoy my Street Bob. It's a tough call and there is no easy answer.
, so I sold the Busa and bought a 2012 Street Bob. I find that I ride much more on the Harley and it is more comfortable for the long haul. Most of my friends ride cruiser style bikes so I find myself riding in a group more now as well. I'm headed for the Smokies, the Dragon, and the Cherohala Skyway for 4 days late this summer and while the Busa would have been great once I got there I wouldn't have enjoyed the 6 hours it took to get there but that's just me. Do I miss my Busa, yes but I really enjoy my Street Bob. It's a tough call and there is no easy answer.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,876
From: New York
My three faves
If you want comfort, speed, handling and great brakes and removable bags ride these three SPORT TOURERS:
Honda VFR 1200
Kawasaki Concourse 14
Yamaha FJR 1300
I rode all three extensively. The Honda is an animal with a V4 and great brakes. Riding position is a little more like a sport bike than the other two. But all worth a test ride. Oh, they all have good forums. Have fun! Motorcycles are effen cool no matter who makes them.
Honda VFR 1200
Kawasaki Concourse 14
Yamaha FJR 1300
I rode all three extensively. The Honda is an animal with a V4 and great brakes. Riding position is a little more like a sport bike than the other two. But all worth a test ride. Oh, they all have good forums. Have fun! Motorcycles are effen cool no matter who makes them.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
The FJR1300 might be one of the most complete overall bikes out there today. Just a great bike, it will be on the top of my list in a couple years. There are a ton of them out there with 50k+ miles which says something for their reliability also.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
From: Millington NJ
I have ridden sport bike of many types, 10 years ago I went to Harley Davidson cruiser The dyna I own now I call a sport cruiser. It is a 2005 FXDX, with a 131 inch Big Jims motor. I have adjustable suspension, steering damper, and a 5 gallon gas tank on it. The brakes are unless to try and stop it at speed over 100 MPH, I have a 6 speed direct drive baker on it with a 34 teeth primary sprocket.By nature, sport bikes are more dangerous motorcycles than cruisers. The temptation to drive recklessly is hard to resist when you are sitting on a machine that will do 80 miles per hour in first gear, and only take a few seconds to get there. In addition to that, the types of individuals who ride sport bikes are wired a bit differently than cruiser riders. Age is probably the easiest way to determine whether a rider owns a cruiser or a sport bike. Cruiser riders tend to be older, and more content to enjoy a nice comfortable ride with the wind in their face. I am 65 years old and still like to go fast, but I like to take long trips once in while. I have just purchased a 1125 CR Buell, for riding fast in the twisted roads. Just my two cents
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,876
From: New York
Thisclose to buying one
After losing my RoadKing to Hurricane Sandy I vowed to open my mind to every option out there. I was ready to buy the 2013 FJR 1300 when I went to Americade a month ago and took the Super Glide around the Adirondacks numerous times. Turned out I wasn't ready to switch teams just yet. But the FJR is a forever bike for sure if you want it to be.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,846
Likes: 1,386
From: Florida
That's a tough choice because they are two different worlds. I have always had Harley's but I have had sport bikes as well. To me the Harley's are like friends that can stay around forever. (I.e. be rebuilt). Sport bikes are more disposable just like jap bikes. Less options but fun out of the box. I just don't know if you'll be able to get a crank assembly for a Honda shadow 30 years down te road
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
If you want a fast cruiser, get a Ducati Diavel. I bought one a few months ago and it's just incredibly fun to ride. I also have a RG with a 107" and a FXDL with a 117" that's no slouch.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 2
From: Near Fort Bragg, NC
I have also been looking at the Triumph range of bikes. Overall they seem to be of great quality and very reliable. I used to own a Triumph Sprint RS and it was a very fun ride. I do like the Thunderbird too and the two people I know who own them got rid of their Harleys to make room.
Never been without a Sporty since 1964, so the Roadster is staying. However, the Thunderbird may just have earned a place in my barn. Plus, they are on sale in July at Ray Price Triumph - imagine buying a motorcycle on sale.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Perth
I went from two Ducati Sport Classics, then a BMW R1200GSA to a BMW S1000 RR and then the Street Bob.
I can honestly say I don't miss any of them since I bought the Bob. Every time I turn the key and hear that rumble I develop a **** eatin grin and it just makes me wanna ride more. Happy to give away the speed and wrist/neck cramps for a comfortable cruise
I can honestly say I don't miss any of them since I bought the Bob. Every time I turn the key and hear that rumble I develop a **** eatin grin and it just makes me wanna ride more. Happy to give away the speed and wrist/neck cramps for a comfortable cruise