Which Model To Purchase
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 19
From: Folsom, CA
Which Model To Purchase
So I am looking at adding another Harley to the stable (besides, have to catch up to the wife who has a Trike and a Sporty) and I am trying to figure out what it is that I want to get. I would like to get pros and cons from everyone just so I can reach the most sensible/reasonable decision.
Here is the criteria:
Older model bike- preferable 2011 or older
Carb or EFI makes no difference
Best model for customizing- apes, exhaust etc- I do most if not all my own work
$10K spending limit
Ease of maintenance- availability of parts, service manuals, etc
Bike is going to be just a pleasure ride/commuter bike, nothing really long distance (not out of the realm of possibility, but mostly a daily ride scoot)
I am considering a Softail Standard, but also not opposed to a Dyna or a Sporty...actually been leaning towards a Sporty over a Dyna but that could change. hehe
So what say you, the HD Forum community?
Here is the criteria:
Older model bike- preferable 2011 or older
Carb or EFI makes no difference
Best model for customizing- apes, exhaust etc- I do most if not all my own work
$10K spending limit
Ease of maintenance- availability of parts, service manuals, etc
Bike is going to be just a pleasure ride/commuter bike, nothing really long distance (not out of the realm of possibility, but mostly a daily ride scoot)
I am considering a Softail Standard, but also not opposed to a Dyna or a Sporty...actually been leaning towards a Sporty over a Dyna but that could change. hehe
So what say you, the HD Forum community?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,219
Likes: 7,784
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
What style do you like?
I recommend you swing your leg over all the chassis types and see what your body likes the most.
I've had an FDX Dyna Street Bob...I converted it a bit more an old SuperGlide style.
I've had an FLHS...Electra Glide Sport...predecessor to the Road King..stripped that down a bit
Wife had a Sporty
I currently have the Springer in my sig.
For my, my Softail Springer is the most comfy I've had. My 6'5" ~210lb frame loves it the most, like a laid back lazy boy recliner. You sit "IN" a Softail...you sit "ON all other models.
I don't know your height or size..but based on the pics of your avatar there in your post you look like you're not small. I enjoyed ripping around on my wifes Sporty (when nobody was lookin')...but after about 15 or 20 minutes I'd start to feel cramped on it.
Those are my thoughts...basically...make sure you sit on all the models you're considering and get a more accurate feel of what you prefer. I can tell you what works for me. Other people here can tell them what works for them. But what works for YOU?
I recommend you swing your leg over all the chassis types and see what your body likes the most.
I've had an FDX Dyna Street Bob...I converted it a bit more an old SuperGlide style.
I've had an FLHS...Electra Glide Sport...predecessor to the Road King..stripped that down a bit
Wife had a Sporty
I currently have the Springer in my sig.
For my, my Softail Springer is the most comfy I've had. My 6'5" ~210lb frame loves it the most, like a laid back lazy boy recliner. You sit "IN" a Softail...you sit "ON all other models.
I don't know your height or size..but based on the pics of your avatar there in your post you look like you're not small. I enjoyed ripping around on my wifes Sporty (when nobody was lookin')...but after about 15 or 20 minutes I'd start to feel cramped on it.
Those are my thoughts...basically...make sure you sit on all the models you're considering and get a more accurate feel of what you prefer. I can tell you what works for me. Other people here can tell them what works for them. But what works for YOU?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,362
From: Aurora, CO
So I am looking at adding another Harley to the stable (besides, have to catch up to the wife who has a Trike and a Sporty) and I am trying to figure out what it is that I want to get. I would like to get pros and cons from everyone just so I can reach the most sensible/reasonable decision.
Here is the criteria:
Older model bike- preferable 2011 or older
Carb or EFI makes no difference
Best model for customizing- apes, exhaust etc- I do most if not all my own work
$10K spending limit
Ease of maintenance- availability of parts, service manuals, etc
Bike is going to be just a pleasure ride/commuter bike, nothing really long distance (not out of the realm of possibility, but mostly a daily ride scoot)
I am considering a Softail Standard, but also not opposed to a Dyna or a Sporty...actually been leaning towards a Sporty over a Dyna but that could change. hehe
So what say you, the HD Forum community?
Here is the criteria:
Older model bike- preferable 2011 or older
Carb or EFI makes no difference
Best model for customizing- apes, exhaust etc- I do most if not all my own work
$10K spending limit
Ease of maintenance- availability of parts, service manuals, etc
Bike is going to be just a pleasure ride/commuter bike, nothing really long distance (not out of the realm of possibility, but mostly a daily ride scoot)
I am considering a Softail Standard, but also not opposed to a Dyna or a Sporty...actually been leaning towards a Sporty over a Dyna but that could change. hehe
So what say you, the HD Forum community?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
What say I???
Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best and then buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.
Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best and then buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 573
Likes: 89
From: Rochester, NY
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 19
From: Folsom, CA
This forum never ceases to meet expectations...hehee. I appreciate all of the responses thus far, but I’m not looking for the “get what you want” or the “what fits best”...this I already know and that will be the last of my buying criteria.
What I’m looking for is personal experiences that differ from mine that can provide insight into things I haven’t thought of already...so keep the thoughts coming as long as they contribute. Not trying to sound like a dick, just trying to keep what useful on topic and what’s not, well, not.
My prior bike to my SGS was a softail slim...I did like the sitting “in” feeling, but did acclimate to sitting “on”the SGS.
What I’m looking for is personal experiences that differ from mine that can provide insight into things I haven’t thought of already...so keep the thoughts coming as long as they contribute. Not trying to sound like a dick, just trying to keep what useful on topic and what’s not, well, not.
My prior bike to my SGS was a softail slim...I did like the sitting “in” feeling, but did acclimate to sitting “on”the SGS.