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If I had to get a Harley for riding in the twisties, it would be a Honda CBRR or Suzuki GSXR ... and if I was really hung up on the Harley thing, I'd slap a Harley sticker on it.
Me for fun and all round everything, I'd get a BMW R1200 RT. I only test road one some years back (owned K1100 LT at the time). The RT was the only time I really felt part of the bike it was a joy to ride. Good power handling and brakes that were shockingly powerful but controllable. You can tour, you can run twisties, you can be comfortable and don't need an advanced performance skill set. I'd have one now but my wife likes to ride with me and the RT is not the best for long 2 up rides.
A few years ago I took a couple of test rides on the Honda Crosstourer. It's probably the most capable bike I've ever ridden - it's crazy fast, is very comfortable, and handles beautifully. However, I agree with those above who ride for enjoyment rather than speed. Personally, I find my 2014 Low Rider with forward controls provides the fun I want in the twisties, whether fast sweepers or hairpins - it's balance and power delivery make it much more fun than my 1200 Sportster Custom was on similar roads. I had an Indian Scout 60 with floor boards which was quicker and had a smoother engine, but let down by its poor suspension and lack of ground clearance - and it didn't feel anywhere near as planted on sweepers as the Low Rider. I had a couple of BMWs that were fine and did everything asked of them. I've also had Moto Guzzi 1100s (a couple of Californias and a Breva), and when once one had learned to dance with them they were awesome through the twisties; sadly they are no longer made and spares are becoming more difficult. I love riding twisties and right now I can't think of a bike I'd rather do that on than my Low Rider; and, although no longer made, spares and expertise are plentiful. Having test ridden most of the M8s, the one that impressed me most was the Heritage; if or when I next change bikes, that's what I'd consider first.
It's funny, Harley owners generally were attracted to the low stance of even most stock Harleys and often lower them more. A low center of gravity is a detriment to aggressive twisties (if you're looking for the "best"). A Sportster, with it's shorter wheelbase and higher center of gravity will be the best Harley for that type of riding.
And I beg to differ with you. I have a 2006 VRSCR and a 2010 XR1200....oh, and a 2018 Fat Bob 114. The VRSCR is much better at handling corners than you think. Tweaks were made to it for doing just that. The motor is a gem and the chassis is as well for what it was designed to do. Granted, the XR1200 is a step up in handling the twisties but just doesn't have the oomph, or rev range, to be a serious contender. I would also say the softail Fat Bob is on line with the VRSCR in handling but lacks the motor flexibility.
Throw in a Road Glide and you have my retirement dream line up. I say retirement so I would have the time to ride all of them.
Last edited by Walter White; Mar 6, 2019 at 07:36 AM.
A lot of the guys on here are older and don't really want to put up with the discomfort of a true sport bike, but would still like to do some spirited riding. And for the record, pushing your school bus Heritage or Street Glide over to 30 deg in a corner only qualities as "riding the twisties" on a Harley forum. LOL.
So what we're really talking about here is a naked bike. Powerful, lean, outstanding handling, and super easy to ride. And importantly, much more comfortable than a sport bike. Try one of these:
KTM Super Duke 1290R
Ducati Monster 1200S
BMW S1000R
Those bikes are the top of the food chain in the naked category, but can be kind of pricey if you buy one new. But you can find a used Super Duke pretty cheap and they sound glorious with a full exhaust.
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