Epic Softail Slim Rant
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
I was always a sportbike/standard rider. I went to a bike rally years ago (when I was closer to your age) and, while waiting to ride a Honda sportbike at a demo, one of the Honda guys asked if I'd test ride a Goldwing. I told him I wasn't interested (thinking "that's an old person's bike"). He asked again, but added that he's bored out of his gourd and is only allowed to ride if he rides along (on a separate bike) if someone is test riding. I finally agreed. Well, tell you what, old person bike or not, we rode Goldwings like they were sportbikes (and that's on the old GL1500s) and had a blast. Shortly thereafter I added one to my garage. Still have one. I don't own an HD touring bike, but I did rent one for a week and rode in the mountains last year. It's not a sportbike, or like my Fat Bob, but it was still a blast. Try one, you may like it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
That's what I'm afraid of, lol. I can have fun on a Vespa. They just lack being badass. I feel like if I never took it on the highway above 55 I wouldn't even me having this conversation. We'll see how the ride home is today.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
I have no problems going between 135 & 155 kph (85/95 mph) for hours at a time on my '05 Fatboy (read: solid wheels - no bullet holes, no windshield) even on windy days.
Having the correct seat and handlebar combination will make the difference between a miserable and enjoyable experience.
Having the correct seat and handlebar combination will make the difference between a miserable and enjoyable experience.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
I upgraded the stock seat to a Mustang Wide Tripper. That made a huge difference for by behind but nothing for me legs. This bike is pretty low compared to other Harleys. Maybe that is my problem.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Bike height only effects how fast you are able to take corners.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
Look at how a sportbike rider is sitting, their center of gravity is over the front end. That is what keeps you stable at higher speeds. You don't have to be laying on the tank but sitting straight up or leaning back doesn't do you anything other than looks.
Bike height only effects how fast you are able to take corners.
Bike height only effects how fast you are able to take corners.
I get what you mean about sportbikes. On this bike I feel like my feet are just kind of sitting on the floorboards with no weight from my body to hold them in place.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
I had the Mustang Vintage Solo on my bike and anything over 100 kph (60'ish mph), I felt like I was going to fly off. Changed it out to a Danny Grey Speed Cradle and now I am ready to test the top speed of the bike on the Autobahn
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
The stock seat made me feel like I was going to fly off the back. This wide tripper doesn't. So I guess it's more in than on.
But the knee thing is a mystery to me. Every other harley rider I talk to doesn't know what I'm talking about. Maybe I have really weak thighs or something. If anything would work it'd probably be fangs. I'd ride a bike with hard lowers but I just can't get onboard with the leather lowers on a crash bar.
But the knee thing is a mystery to me. Every other harley rider I talk to doesn't know what I'm talking about. Maybe I have really weak thighs or something. If anything would work it'd probably be fangs. I'd ride a bike with hard lowers but I just can't get onboard with the leather lowers on a crash bar.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
My shorter friend just rode my bike and said it fit him perfectly, so maybe the seat is still suspect. FYI there are hardly any other seats that fit this bike. I'm tempted to take the stock seat to an upholstery place and see what they can do for me.