Touring on a Wide Glide?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
Nice post so far with alot of good suggestions. I have an 05 Wide Glide with the tall back rest for wifey and just picked up a real nice Tour Master Cruiser Bag for $60.00 bucks only used once by previous owner. What a bargain and a real nice bag with detachable duffle on top. Also bought a 100 anniversery windshield off ebay for $120.00. That's where you'll have to understand some work will need to be done. Depending on your height and helmet type you will need to possibly cut the windshield down for 2 reasons.
1. You need to be able to see over the windshield at least 20 feet in front of you. For riding in the rain mainly and I don't like looking thru a curved glaring windshield anyway.
2. The wind noise when I got mine was so bad I couldn't even hear my bike at 40mph and steadily got worse and buffeted my head all over.
Simple to fix though. Cover the winshield with blue painters masking tape 2" is best for me. I made something like a compass to draw a radius and used a jig saw to cut it then filed and sanded to finish. Saddle Bags will be added if needed but I don't think they will.
[IMG]local://upfiles/30036/E7CEAC1217EC433FA90E11B503BE3BB4.jpg[/IMG]
1. You need to be able to see over the windshield at least 20 feet in front of you. For riding in the rain mainly and I don't like looking thru a curved glaring windshield anyway.
2. The wind noise when I got mine was so bad I couldn't even hear my bike at 40mph and steadily got worse and buffeted my head all over.
Simple to fix though. Cover the winshield with blue painters masking tape 2" is best for me. I made something like a compass to draw a radius and used a jig saw to cut it then filed and sanded to finish. Saddle Bags will be added if needed but I don't think they will.
[IMG]local://upfiles/30036/E7CEAC1217EC433FA90E11B503BE3BB4.jpg[/IMG]
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
I did Houston, Tx to Sturgis. SD in 2002 and 2006 on the same Dyna Wide Glide and loved the entire trip both times. We did several 600+ mile, days without a problem. As everyone above indicated touring seat, windshield, bags, heel rest pegsare all handy accessories.
enjoy your trips
enjoy your trips
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 27
From:
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
I just returned riding from MN to Oregon then up 101 to Washington then over to East Washington (Spokane) then back to the West (Mt Vernon) on highway 20 ( Late April highway 20 is still a bit chilly and over 12 feet of snow on sides of the road, but oh so sweet a ride). Long story short just returned home today, putting over 5500 miles on the bike in less then 3 weeks. 400 mile days are super easy. I usually do 600 to 700 mile days when touring across country to get some place.
I have a badlander seat, biker's friend luggage bag that acts as a back rest. And that is it really for comfort mods. Most do not like the bandlander seat for long rides but that seat paired with the bikers friend bag I love it. Haven't had a passenger though who has liked that seat for any amount of distance though.
I have a badlander seat, biker's friend luggage bag that acts as a back rest. And that is it really for comfort mods. Most do not like the bandlander seat for long rides but that seat paired with the bikers friend bag I love it. Haven't had a passenger though who has liked that seat for any amount of distance though.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
I pile on the back pack and tie stuff on and ride in the wind and rain without a windshield and love every minute of this. My friends think Im a bit goofy but by the end of our trips there minds have changed and they ALL think I ******* crazy . 
there always has too be one in every crowd.
there always has too be one in every crowd.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
I use a Kuryakyn Grantour, and a Tbags roll , have made 2 trips of 1500 miles with that setup. The Corbin helps on the back end. I just installed a backrest on it , although the Grantour bag has one on it, the Corbin is more solid. Solo I think it's a good bike for twisty road touring. If I was going to do much on the superslab I'd get a windshield.
[IMG]local://upfiles/14246/3D24EC3DF0AC4613B6AECBFFC6EA8051.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/14246/3D24EC3DF0AC4613B6AECBFFC6EA8051.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
Not trying to hi-jack the thread but for those following this one - We've read a lot about gear and miles ridden. I'm curious how many Dyna riders choose the interstates over highways. Let me know which way you like to travel. Highway? Interstate?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
Dave, when it comes to choosing the interstate or a highway, I'll take the highway every time. I plan my trips to avoid interstates. If I'm Ridding my Wideglide, I want to take my time and enjoy the trip. If I need to get somewhere fast I'll take the Chevy pick up and the interstates. Hey but that is just me . One of my closest friends loves to ride those concrete ribbons on his Super Glide.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
ORIGINAL: WdGldDave
Rebel Ryder,
Thanks for the info. Can you lean on your bag?
Rebel Ryder,
Thanks for the info. Can you lean on your bag?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: Touring on a Wide Glide?
ORIGINAL: Gary_L
I want to echo what micg1313 said about ear plugs. If you ride with your ears uncovered, with or without a windshield, ear plugs are essential for comfortable travel.
The wind rushing past your ears is uncomfortable and will cause hearing loss over time.
With plugs, you can hear and enjoy your pipes a lot better. I buy the yellow foam ones made by AOSafety available at Walmart and Lowes.
I wear 'em all the time.
I want to echo what micg1313 said about ear plugs. If you ride with your ears uncovered, with or without a windshield, ear plugs are essential for comfortable travel.
The wind rushing past your ears is uncomfortable and will cause hearing loss over time.
With plugs, you can hear and enjoy your pipes a lot better. I buy the yellow foam ones made by AOSafety available at Walmart and Lowes.
I wear 'em all the time.
