Thinking about Downsizing.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 99
Likes: 63
From: Lanvéoc
64 next month. (1,66m ) = 5'5" tall… or small. 72kg.
I took a Low Rider. My first HD. This bike is really easy and fun even in comparison with my former bike : Moto Guzzi V7.
I don't feel the weight even in the garage.
Really comfortable if you fix the suspension at the appropriate value (2 for me when solo, 4 with my bikette).
I took a Low Rider. My first HD. This bike is really easy and fun even in comparison with my former bike : Moto Guzzi V7.
I don't feel the weight even in the garage.
Really comfortable if you fix the suspension at the appropriate value (2 for me when solo, 4 with my bikette).
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 114
Likes: 25
From: Georgia / USA
If you can swing it, keep the dresser and get the aforementioned Heritage or Sport Glide. When you realize you never want to get back on the dresser (if that happens) then cut it loose. I rode an E-Glide standard for 14 years, I downsized in 2013. I live right next to the interstate and wish I still had my dresser. Instead of trying to avoid the interstate at all costs. Food for thought. If you are still riding you aren't a total loss. You could probably swing that dresser around a couple times a year, as long as you are not riding it all of the time. I am keeping my Dyna, just like I should have kept my 90 FXRS when I traded it for a 99 FLHT. I plan on another dresser, but no trading the Dyna.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 988
From:
This thread hits home with me. Been riding since 1972 non-stop, but father time is tapping me on the shoulder. Y'all keep updating the thread and tell me what y'all do. The chrome Heritage or the Lowrider are the only bikes HD makes that even remotely appeal to me right now, and even those are just 'ehh'. I wish I had my '85 FXR back.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I went from an Ultra to a Deluxe.
I say it depends allot on the type of riding you prefer.
The Ultra was loaded with all sorts of cool ("HEAVY $it") so I lost over 300 lbs in the move.
That includes the fairing and hard bags I added to the Deluxe (still love the long trips).
The only negative I can say about the Softail is the vibrations that start at about 78-80 MPH.
At the higher highway speeds is were the Touring bikes shine (IMHO).
But my preferred road to travel is back highways with 55-65 speed (recommendations) limits.
If you still want a touring bike and want to loose some weight look at the Electra Glide Standard or the Road King.
I say it depends allot on the type of riding you prefer.
The Ultra was loaded with all sorts of cool ("HEAVY $it") so I lost over 300 lbs in the move.
That includes the fairing and hard bags I added to the Deluxe (still love the long trips).
The only negative I can say about the Softail is the vibrations that start at about 78-80 MPH.
At the higher highway speeds is were the Touring bikes shine (IMHO).
But my preferred road to travel is back highways with 55-65 speed (recommendations) limits.
If you still want a touring bike and want to loose some weight look at the Electra Glide Standard or the Road King.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
I actually started to debate this same thing now. Downsizing... don't really do any touring on my ultra anymore. It has become a day rider or back/forth to work. Riding less and less every year. Was checking out the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer. I would just have a hard time getting rid of my Ultra as I'd never get $hit for it with it being over 10 years old, modded (motor work), and over 70k miles. I think I'd be lucky to even sell it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 116
From: Rothschild, WI
I'm 65 and been riding since I was 19, current bike is a 2010 Ultra. I'm not a big person 5'7 at a 165lbs. I ride solo 100 percent of the time and my rides mainly consist of going out in the country. Last road trip was spring of 2014, not anticipating doing anymore at this time. My main issue is pain in my lower back that just won't go away, I use Bio-freeze roll on throughout the day. Because of this I no longer feel comfortable with the weight of the Ultra. I have taken as much off of it as possible, it's set up like a Street-glide. I have decided against a trike mainly because of price. I'm wondering if any of you have been in this situation and what direction you went ? I'm thinking about trying to sell my bike and then buy something used from a private individual like a Heritage Classic. I'm looking to not be out of pocket, just thinking a smaller bike might be better for my needs. I have test ridden the Heritage at demo days. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments, trying to not make a mistake. Thanks !
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,998
Likes: 7,111
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
I find, that having huge side/trunk/top boxes, are a blessing when you fill them up at home, but a curse when on the road. Usually, they hold seldom needed gear. I've learned to live with just a small topbox, or bag.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,466
Likes: 6,333
From: pacific northwest
I'm 62, 5"7" and 180lbs ( I know I could stand to loose 20lbs) love my Low Rider, a lot of 2 up and some traveling. have thought many times would like a touring model but just never thought I could get use to a 800 lb+ machine.