Wide Glide vs Sporty
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I would say it's more that you're talking out of your *** than it is people taking personal offense to what you're saying. It's an inanimate object, it doesn't hurt my (or it's) feelings if you don't like it. The things you describe just haven't been experienced by me or many others here for that matter, obviously. I put 10k miles on the stock tires and while they left something to be desired, I never once felt unsafe or scared because of the handling of the bike.
If you want to complain about a particular bike not handling well on the roads you live with, get a bike that is actually suited for your shitty dirt roads rather than blaming it on a bike that was never designed nor intended for such things. Seems the "enduro" comments are well placed.
If you want to complain about a particular bike not handling well on the roads you live with, get a bike that is actually suited for your shitty dirt roads rather than blaming it on a bike that was never designed nor intended for such things. Seems the "enduro" comments are well placed.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,770
Likes: 2,231
From: Florida
I have a 02 WG now and it has a 80/90-21 front tire, and I've never had any problems with the handling. I do live in Florida, and other than I-4 thru Orlando we have nice roads, but I have rode it a lot on cobblestone and dirt roads with no problems....slow riding that is.
As far as braking goes, I've been in *** puckering braking situations on both bikes, and both did better than I ever expected. The Sportster had a 130 rear tire, and my WG has a 180.
Loved my Sportster, but I'd never trade my WG for one. The Harley WG has been my favorite bike since they came out with them.
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
The first brand new bike I ever owned was a 2000 883 XLH Sportster. I kept it for 7 years, and put 37K miles on it. First 2 years I had it I lived in Ohio so it sat most of the winter. Pretty sure it had a 100/90-19 front tire, but a friend of mine had a 1200 Sportster Custom and it had the narrow 21" tire.
I have a 02 WG now and it has a 80/90-21 front tire, and I've never had any problems with the handling. I do live in Florida, and other than I-4 thru Orlando we have nice roads, but I have rode it a lot on cobblestone and dirt roads with no problems....slow riding that is.
As far as braking goes, I've been in *** puckering braking situations on both bikes, and both did better than I ever expected. The Sportster had a 130 rear tire, and my WG has a 180.
Loved my Sportster, but I'd never trade my WG for one. The Harley WG has been my favorite bike since they came out with them.
I have a 02 WG now and it has a 80/90-21 front tire, and I've never had any problems with the handling. I do live in Florida, and other than I-4 thru Orlando we have nice roads, but I have rode it a lot on cobblestone and dirt roads with no problems....slow riding that is.
As far as braking goes, I've been in *** puckering braking situations on both bikes, and both did better than I ever expected. The Sportster had a 130 rear tire, and my WG has a 180.
Loved my Sportster, but I'd never trade my WG for one. The Harley WG has been my favorite bike since they came out with them.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Ft Hood, Tx
I think this thread has gotten way off topic just like the other wide glide thread. To the op, go ride the dyna's at your harley dealer and determine which on you enjoy the most and fits your riding conditions. As stated before I had an 01 sportster and it was a great bike, however like you I needed something bigger for two up so I traded it for a 12 wide glide. Love the bike and I'm not afraid of taking it through the same paces I did with my sportster
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,770
Likes: 2,231
From: Florida
I avoid rain as much as possible, but rain happens. I've honestly never tried to see how it handled in the rain, just slowed down and looked for somewhere dry to ride.
The WG is a great bike but not for rookies or whiners. But then Harleys are not for rookies or whiners, LOL. I have seen Savaship do nothing but whine so that makes me believe he is a rookie. He was given good advice on his post and now wants to hijack this one. Please go away rookie!!!
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
The WG is a great bike but not for rookies or whiners. But then Harleys are not for rookies or whiners, LOL. I have seen Savaship do nothing but whine so that makes me believe he is a rookie. He was given good advice on his post and now wants to hijack this one. Please go away rookie!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
To the poster who said " But then Harleys are not for rookies" I must respond...
Au contraire, mon ami...Harley sells a lot of product for a lot of different reason.
One that is overlooked a lot, however, is that a Harley is one of the easiest bikes to ride and learn to ride for a newbie. Low center of gravity, low seat height, and no abrupt power delivery.
Au contraire, mon ami...Harley sells a lot of product for a lot of different reason.
One that is overlooked a lot, however, is that a Harley is one of the easiest bikes to ride and learn to ride for a newbie. Low center of gravity, low seat height, and no abrupt power delivery.
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To the poster who said " But then Harleys are not for rookies" I must respond...
Au contraire, mon ami...Harley sells a lot of product for a lot of different reason.
One that is overlooked a lot, however, is that a Harley is one of the easiest bikes to ride and learn to ride for a newbie. Low center of gravity, low seat height, and no abrupt power delivery.
Au contraire, mon ami...Harley sells a lot of product for a lot of different reason.
One that is overlooked a lot, however, is that a Harley is one of the easiest bikes to ride and learn to ride for a newbie. Low center of gravity, low seat height, and no abrupt power delivery.
