Well the wing would be cheaper, and with 21 factor recalls they should be even cheaper. I would stay away from pre 05 models due to the frame weld recalls. I just dont see buying a bike for that kind of money thats been compromised. I feel that an ultra could be dressed to the comfort that you are seeking, granted it will cost more, but hell thats HD in a nut shell. Good luck and enjoy the ride.

 

If you want something that's still a little sporty looking and has the same suspension as an Ultra, consider one of the Road Kings. Especially the Custom or Classic. VERY cool looking motorcycles. Install a Sundowner seat and enjoy the ride. JMHO. YMMV.[8D]

Tom

 

I've noticed that a lot of people have given you ideas about different Harleys to buy. I don't know that much about the different models, but would some form of support for her back, ie. waist belt or something, and maybe stopping a little more often help the situation? Just curious.

 

For your particular situation, I would suggest renting before making a firm decision on either bike. Then your wife will be able to choose which scoot is the more comfortable for her and that's what this is all about anyway, right?

 

One of the main issues for me is having to sell the Softail. I've wanted one since they came out and I've spent quite a few bucks to make it a comfortable ride for my height and style. I'd hate to have to sell it and do it all over again. It's like a comfortable old chair now and at almost 40k miles, it's just getting broken in.

It's also set up so that I can change seats (Corbin solo and touring), pull off the windshield and saddlebags, and enjoy cruising around without the additional "baggage" of a touring bike. I mean, I'm not touring all the time and I'd hate to get a "touring bike" only to have it sit in the garage in between rides.

With my weight loss, she has more space and discovered that additional lap space and a better suspension might work. I've sent an e-mail off to Corbin to see if they could create a custom seat that would give my wife more lap room to be comfortable and possibly a little more height.

See, she's 5'2" and I'm 6'2". With her back problem, she's forced to sit more upright which puts her uncomfortably close to my back. It causes helmet knocks and she can't easily see around my head which of course causes neck muscle soreness. Someone sitting farther back (like a Goldwing) can make small head movements and be able to see around my head. She would also be able to anticipate upcoming events (like turns, bumps or sudden braking). Not being able to see around makes the ride mentally uncomfortable as well.

We looked at an Ultra and the lap room is about the same as the room the touring saddle offers on my Softail. The newer 1800 Goldwings have 3 to 4 inches of additional lap space.

I figure I can get a custom seat easily enough, even if I have to drill a seat hole farther back on the fender to accomodate a longer seat. So if I can locate replacement suspension that would enhance her ride experience, it'd be cheaper than trying to sell my bike and all the accessories and start all over again with a new bike.

Thanks for the thoughts and input. Keep 'em coming.

Carl

 

And for additional info, I haven't even adjusted the standard shocks. Hell, maybe just having them set up correctly would make a difference. Same with the Progressive shocks. They have the "Airtail" which is suppose to give even better support. Perhaps a longer seat pan and Airtail shocks would give her the ride she needs without having to sell the Softail.

Softail: Stage 1 kit + SEII slipons, NessTech 3" forward control extenders, HD shorty windshield, Tourmaster saddlebags and soft tail pack, Corbin solo seat, Corbin touring seat, Corbin backrest(2), service manual and various replacement parts.

So I'd have to find someone who wants all that or sell the basic bike then e-bay the rest.

Anyone use the Progressive shocks for additional comfort? Opinions? Better seat or shock recommendations? Maybe I should be talking to Mustang for a replacement seat. I figure investing a couple of more bucks in making it better for her vs the time involved in selling the Harley and aquiring the goods to make the new bike comfortable again would make it an easy sell for her (she's a bit of a penny pincher )

Thanks again.

Carl

 

Excellent and cheep solution. As far as I can figure when women ride as a group they stop about every 25 miles for food and socializing and none of them have bad backs. This alone may help keep her riding and will satisfy her frugal instincts.

 

Carl,

My wife and I are roughly the same size that you are...I'm 6'3, she's 5'4. I'm 180, she's 120. I have the Corbin dual touring saddle on our EG.

I just asked Kelly if she experienced anything that you are describing your wife has experienced. Simple answer, "No."

I'm not sure what the Ultra has in ride comfort over the Classic, other than the cruise, four speakers, lowers...but, I do know that you can get the Air Zepplin seat for the Ultra...is it also available for the Classic? The reason I bring up the classic is that you said you don't want a touring bike for everyday use...if you go with the Classic you can make the rear trunk removable...giving the bike a more sporty look for around town...

That being said, I think that once you start riding the Ultra, you'll forget about some of the other concerns...and the Wing is going to have all the same problems. You sound like you're in love with the HD line, just like the rest of us. I think you should stick with it.

Let us know what you do.

Mac

 

After riding an HD I would reccomend against a goldwing or a Valkyrie interstate which is very similar. The Valk and GW have a much higer center of gravity and tend to be a tad top heavy. Ive extensively ridden a Valk interstate and it has a kind of flop tendency at lower speeds. First time I rode an HD I was AMAZED at how controlable and maneuverable it was and how easy to control at lower speeds!