Down sizing
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 128
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Down sizing
Hey, I'm a 70 year old rider who has ridden some kind of motorized cycle since I was 14. The past few years I've ridden a '99 Ultra Classic which I love. The situation is this: I hate to admit I'm not as strong as I once was and that is a BIG machine. I am thinking maybe a smaller lighter bike would be better for me. Now I don't want to hear that I need to hang it up, cause that ain't gonna happen. I like a nice windshield or preferably a faring; don't care for the bugs in the teeth etc. I am open for ideas, and Thanks in advance.
Ken
Ken
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
RE: Down sizing
Well....I have a few thoughts. You could always remove the Tour Pack (see my photo) and lower your bike somewhat and that would make it easier to handle. As a plus, if you ever need the TP, you can mount it back on ina jiff with the docking station, which is what I did. As you know, if you want a fairing you're limited to the Touring family which leaves you only two choices: Batwing or Sharknose. The Road Glide has the Sharknose and the Ultra, Street Glide, Electra Glide Standard and Electra Glide Classic all have the Batwing. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. So taking off the TP is my best advise, or possibly look at a Heritage Softail. It comes with a windshield and bags ready to roll. That might be an option.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: Newport TN
RE: Down sizing
hay don't over look the Sportster!. They do make fairings and hard bags for them. And for those NOT in the know the Sportster is a quick handling lil POWERHOUSE!! Ifn you doubt it go and rev up on a 1200 Sporty and see if yur big bike can keep up!
I got an Ultra for the long rides and a Sporty for the local stuff and just plain FUN rides. But I ran accross this country 5 or 6 times on a Sporty years ago, and may just do it again.
Anyways there are a TON of extras out there for the Sportster today.
I got an Ultra for the long rides and a Sporty for the local stuff and just plain FUN rides. But I ran accross this country 5 or 6 times on a Sporty years ago, and may just do it again.
Anyways there are a TON of extras out there for the Sportster today.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 2
RE: Down sizing
Kenneth you could lower the bike quite a bit , 1" in the front and 1" to 1 1/2" in the back., send your seat out to have it cut down a little, the way I understand it they can lower your seat an inch pretty easily. That would give you a lot lower center of gravity and let you get your feet on the ground better. Like the others said removing the tour pak would help a lot too. Good Luck Klee. Stafford
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RE: Down sizing
ORIGINAL: klee
Hey, I'm a 70 year old rider who has ridden some kind of motorized cycle since I was 14. The past few years I've ridden a '99 Ultra Classic which I love. The situation is this: I hate to admit I'm not as strong as I once was and that is a BIG machine. I am thinking maybe a smaller lighter bike would be better for me. Now I don't want to hear that I need to hang it up, cause that ain't gonna happen. I like a nice windshield or preferably a faring; don't care for the bugs in the teeth etc. I am open for ideas, and Thanks in advance.
Ken
Hey, I'm a 70 year old rider who has ridden some kind of motorized cycle since I was 14. The past few years I've ridden a '99 Ultra Classic which I love. The situation is this: I hate to admit I'm not as strong as I once was and that is a BIG machine. I am thinking maybe a smaller lighter bike would be better for me. Now I don't want to hear that I need to hang it up, cause that ain't gonna happen. I like a nice windshield or preferably a faring; don't care for the bugs in the teeth etc. I am open for ideas, and Thanks in advance.
Ken
