First-time HD - Buying Advice
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
I bought my '13 Street Bob in '15 with just over 1,000 miles on it. It has the stock solo seat, 1" shorter Progressive shocks (cheap ones), and forward controls. The ride can be somewhat harsh, to say the least. If I rode it as my main bike, I'd replace the Progressives with some standard length Ohlins or something nicer. The forwards feel good to me, but they're not the best for cornering.
I think the Monster had a more midrange suspension, for a Ducati - not overly stiff but still firm? The SB will be a different feel - the chassis will probably feel sloppier and the brakes not as firm. But like I said, I love mine. Best thing you can do is narrow your choices down a bit and go hit the dealer - sit on a bunch, ride as many as you think you need to to narrow it down. I'd recommend riding a few Dynas, maybe a Softie, see what feels good to YOU. That's all that matters - it's gonna be YOUR bike.
I think the Monster had a more midrange suspension, for a Ducati - not overly stiff but still firm? The SB will be a different feel - the chassis will probably feel sloppier and the brakes not as firm. But like I said, I love mine. Best thing you can do is narrow your choices down a bit and go hit the dealer - sit on a bunch, ride as many as you think you need to to narrow it down. I'd recommend riding a few Dynas, maybe a Softie, see what feels good to YOU. That's all that matters - it's gonna be YOUR bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
I went from the Blackline to the Street Bob to the Fat Bob to the Low Rider to the Wide Glide to the Slim S to ... well, you get the picture. After looking at all of those, the used Street Bob is the one that finally spoke to me.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 668
Likes: 34
From: New Jersey
Coming from a sport bike you should definitely hit a dealer and test ride some. Get the expectation set. A demo day is probably even better. It's the best way to find out what's right for you. We all can suggest until the cows come home, but you are you. Dyna is a great place to start though!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
It's funny, I read a few things online where the street bob was called a "girls bike" and a few people said they were very small? What's the deal with that?
I'll be going to the dealer tomorrow and checking everything out. Excited!
I'll be going to the dealer tomorrow and checking everything out. Excited!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
It's only a "girls bike" if a girl is riding it. You'll hear people call damn near every model a girls bike at one time or another. There's a whole thread on it...
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
Yeah I thought that was weird. Same in the Ducati world where the monster was a girls bike. I always just thought the stupid girls bike thing was said about sportsters... Didn't realize even some larger models were called that too. Either way yes, it's stupid...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
This explains it:
"The important thing was that I had an onion on my belt, which was the
style at the time. "
-Grandpa Simpson
"The important thing was that I had an onion on my belt, which was the
style at the time. "
-Grandpa Simpson
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 5
From: CT
