Low Rider Question

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May 9, 2014 | 06:33 PM

Danno47

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 3

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From: New Jersey

Low Rider Question

Hello Board, I have a question (or ten) about a Low Rider. I haven't had a HD for over 35 years. Last one was a 63 pan head. I wrecked my Honda VTX1300 last weekend and was offered a chance to buy a 1998 Low Rider from one of my fellow club members for $5000.. It is mint with after market exhaust and only 700 miles since new Screamin' Eagle heads and other motor work.

What I'm asking up front is this, is it worth it? And most important, is it any good for long rides? I put an Ultimate seat on my Honda because it looked better than my Air-Hawk cushion (which worked well) and made my back feel much better than the stock seat.

I tend to ride all day when we go out and sometimes several days. I've heard that the Low Riders are "light" and not so good for long cruising.

What say you ?

Thanks,

Danno

May 10, 2014 | 12:01 AM

motolocopat

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 689

Likes: 6

From: Glen Rose TX

Propably a good deal for a cool old bike.
As long as you approach it as it is a cool old bike should be good.

May 10, 2014 | 05:49 AM

br549A1

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 2,358

Likes: 34

Ride it first. It's no honda make sure you know it's what you want. I bought a 98 low rider and have been through 4 sets of bars 4 sets of risers and two tbars trying to get it just right.

May 11, 2014 | 01:44 PM

Danno47

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 3

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From: New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by kp877

Ride it first. It's no honda make sure you know it's what you want. I bought a 98 low rider and have been through 4 sets of bars 4 sets of risers and two tbars trying to get it just right.

I can sure relate to the try this, try that method of customizing. What other way is there? It's like Pelosi said, "you have to buy it before you try it", lol.

What I'm wondering about is really how are these for long rides. Nay sayers have told me they aren't for long cruises but better as half-day rides.

My back couldn't take a ridged frame anymore (I'm old) but it is, after all a soft tail. Do they have any redeeming properties ??

What are the pros and cons ....

THank You,

Dan

May 11, 2014 | 06:06 PM

seniorsuperglideE8

Supporter

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 15,788

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

Sometimes motor work and after market exhaust go hand in hand of the harder I twist the throttle the more noise I'm making and possibly working over the engine. I rode my 05' low to NY state and back and didn't seem bad at all, and did all day cruises on it. Don't know about the 98's but my 02 FXD and 05 FXDLI are not softails.

May 11, 2014 | 07:00 PM

hd4evr2008

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,982

Likes: 2,141

From: Ohio

A Low Rider isn't a Softail, unless you mean it has shocks and not a rigid frame. Softails are a whole different line of Harleys.

May 11, 2014 | 11:01 PM

tuner

Novice

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 17

Likes: 5

From: Hesperia, CA

I'm 74 years old and ride a 2009 Low Rider. A couple of years ago riding to Sturgis I rode from So. Cal to Salt Lake City non stop, about 640 miles and felt great when I got there. It has a stock seat.

'09 Low Rider, Andrews 37 cams, K&N RK-3932 intake kit, Power Commander V with auto tune, BUB dual exhaust, Screamin Eagle manual primary chain adjuster, small windshield and Harley removable bags.