Is this the right bike?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,610
Likes: 3,378
From: Cental, MI
In the Shovelhead era a total of 300 Lbs, would have been "double", while these days 400+ is accepted as "double"
Having said that... there are Trailers, even SideCars available....LOL
My Buddy, Big Dog [RIP] made a '79 FLH look like a Mini Bike!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,577
Likes: 7,954
From: Long Island, New York
Cool bike, seems priced high for what it is, which is not stock. The only way I would pay that much if she was stock. That said, for serious highway cruising, not the bike I would be looking at. I would look at Evo Dyna's (Wide Glide) or Evo Road King. Then you can be jamming down the highway all day long in some comfort, for the same money. Just my opinion.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 547
Likes: 383
From: Phoenix
Not particularly set on an EVO, but I am open to any well maintained reliable engine. I am however set on a non-sportster. I am a 220lbs 6' man and I have a couple lady friends that like to hangout. I foresee doubling frequently on the weekends. I was originally on the hunt for a RoadKing, but the hunt led me here. In reality I like the Soft-tails and Road Kings the best.
I believe I will continue to shop.
I believe I will continue to shop.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 108
The price is way too high. I wouldn't go over 4500 but given your expressed use I wouldn't buy it at all. The used HD market is saturated as boomers quit riding or die. It's not a rubbermount so the ride as awful as its ancestors. (I have two Shovelhead Low Riders.) I'd daily any Evo in good shape and I'm not nice to anything I ride, but that thing is better as a bar bike. Solid mount frames are awful for long distance unless used with an original bagger sprung seat. The seat doesn't prevent the rest of the bike from shaking parts loose. I solve that with locknuts and red Loctite but why bother inflicting it on yourself?
Much love for my older HDs but they are functionally chit by modern standards. That's why my first HD was an FXR.
Decide your MAIN use and buy for that. Ride examples of bikes which interest you. Since you plan on touring I second the bagger suggestion.
Buying used from a dealer tends to be expensive. I buy private party because owners hate turning down cash. I'd find a good independent mechanic or if you aren't helpless get a factory (not aftermarket!) service manual and parts catalog (whose exploded views complement the manual).
Much love for my older HDs but they are functionally chit by modern standards. That's why my first HD was an FXR.
Decide your MAIN use and buy for that. Ride examples of bikes which interest you. Since you plan on touring I second the bagger suggestion.
Buying used from a dealer tends to be expensive. I buy private party because owners hate turning down cash. I'd find a good independent mechanic or if you aren't helpless get a factory (not aftermarket!) service manual and parts catalog (whose exploded views complement the manual).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 2,159
From: Ohio
If your "friend" is going to be hauling around 300 lb women, may have to make it trailer compatible with some engine mods, a head wind with that much wind drag may need a pusher vehicle.
Being young you can handle riding something other than a touring bike, it's really hard to say what is your style is going to be. A Road King is very versatile and basic non engine/trans parts run from 97 to 07and pre 97 can be adapted, a smaller bike is nimble and some cool factor but the tons of fun may make your decision easy if your "friend" pics up 2 biguns and your hauling heavy.
Being young you can handle riding something other than a touring bike, it's really hard to say what is your style is going to be. A Road King is very versatile and basic non engine/trans parts run from 97 to 07and pre 97 can be adapted, a smaller bike is nimble and some cool factor but the tons of fun may make your decision easy if your "friend" pics up 2 biguns and your hauling heavy.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
I’m not tall enough. Or strong enough to balance a 750lb bike with a 300lb passenger. I’d be lookn at trikes. But I bought Kristy her own bike. Because we ride. Nit transport
Passengers on bikes is bull ****! Plain and simple.
Wanna ride two up, get a trike
Passengers on bikes is bull ****! Plain and simple.
Wanna ride two up, get a trike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,610
Likes: 3,378
From: Cental, MI
When we really go places... My wife has always rode on the Pillion... since 1987 or so... Had her own bike since about 1989 or '90... so on 100 mile and under days, she rode her own, or of course when the Girls had a Ride, ... now, we are gettin a little long in the tooth, so we tend to use the SideCar...as I outgrew Tricycles when I was 5 YO...
And still on shorter runs...if she ain't comfortable on her own Bike ... she can step onto the Back of about any Bike we have around the Farm... or the drivers seat if she wishes...Only one she won't is the Sportster...
Very odd observation about passengers... tho it does look stupid on a Rocket ...
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
RP, Kristy and me love to snuggle as much as any love birds do.But we have so much more fun on our own bikes.
We’re fortunate enough to afford our own, so nothing stopping us from riding them how we like for now. Yeah, two up in my opinion is BS. That’s just how I feel. She never actually carried a passenger. She’s also reluctant to
Yet, we both keep the rear padded just in case of an emergency.
We’re fortunate enough to afford our own, so nothing stopping us from riding them how we like for now. Yeah, two up in my opinion is BS. That’s just how I feel. She never actually carried a passenger. She’s also reluctant to
Yet, we both keep the rear padded just in case of an emergency.
Last edited by splattttttt; May 18, 2019 at 08:05 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
