How about I give you some facts and you make up your own mind. Harley has 4 traditional air cooled v twin model lines (with the exception of the twin cooled touring models, 2 liquid cooled high performing vtwin models, and the CVO models that are stock models customized that vary every year. The sportster has the 883 and 1200 cc air cooled evo V twin engine. Some notable recent improvements to the sportster line have been better suspension and optional ABS brakes.

The Dyna has the 103 ci air cooled engine and is the sportiest and best handling of all the big twin traditional air cooled models. The Softails are the only Harley with an air cooled 103 ci counterbalanced engine. They are also the only Harleys with the softail frame (rear suspension is underneath). Softails are designed to look like Harleys designed in the 40's and 50's.

Some recent upgrades to the softail line are cruise control, fly by wire throttle, high out put cams, 110 ci engines to the S models and improved brakes. Tourers are Harleys top of the line motorcycles. Toures also have the 103 and are designed for touring with hard locking saddlebags, cruise control, fairing or windshield, tour pack (with some models), speaker, blue tooth, infotainment system (on some models) Brembo brakes, ABS, linked Braking system, and more.

The street bikes are Harley entry level motorcycles they have the smaller liquid cooled Vrod engines and the Vrod has the Porsche designed high performing v twin which also has ABS brakes available.

All the air cooled models have the rubber mounted engines with exception of the Softails. I hope this help. You can also go to Harley Davidson.com for more info.

 

Www.nationalpowersports.net has many used bikes to check out . And they do ship if you wish not to test ride it first. You might find a good price on a Road King.

 

How about that "Softail Custom Wide Glide" that was mentioned?


A rare bike indeed.

 

Right? I would pay top-dollar just to see it! LOL!

 

1987 Softail Custom Wide Glide FXSTC.
What's so rare about it?

 

I think that was called a Softail Custom Glide.

 

If you are looking for 'light touring', nothing better than a Road King..

 

The Dynas with forward controls like the Wide Glide and Fat Bob are the roomiest for tall riders. I think the Softail's low seating position gives me a cramped leg angle, especially with boards. The touring bikes are somewhere between mids and forwards, but offer the higher seating position similar to Dynas.
Each family has it's devoted followers, so try a variety of models and see what fits you best.

 

Crap, I remember those new. FXSTC was just softail custom

 

Buy what you want out of the gate.
If you've been ridin' for 20 + years, go with a bagger.
Most do. I am one.
Much cheaper in the long run.