new guy question about a soft ride
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 90
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From: Maryland
new guy question about a soft ride
Been w/o a bike for 10 years. I owned 6 or 7 bikes starting in 76 with a KZ900 ending with a 1500 Goldwing in 93. In the middle I had a 91 Sportster among others. Thinking about another bike for local rides. A custom 1200 Sportster looks nice but I want to ride my wife on the back and my back (no pun intended) can't take the jarring it did even 10 years ago. I can't afford a touring bike but I want a softer ride. Oh yeah, I'm 6'2" at 190. Looking for any suggestions but it'll definately be a HD and I'm not afraid of buying used. Superglide, Softail?
Thanks
Thanks
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 523
Likes: 2
From: New England
I just bought an 07 Softail Custom. It gives a nice ride. My wife enjoys riding with me, but she wouldn't mind a better sissy bar. We looked into it and it seems like it would be a major pain in the *** to change. But, we love the bike.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Maryland
There's the problem, I have NO idea where to start with HDs anymore. My last HD was a sportster 20 years ago. The road king is a great looking bike, is it a better riding bike (comfortable) than other non-touring bikes? I guess I need to get out and sit on a few.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
If looking at used, Touring bikes are the best bang for the buck these days. Used Dynas are a little less $. Either will be more comfortable than the Sportster, especially 2 up.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 55
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From: Roseville, CA
I had a softtail and with me and the old lady on board we'd bottom all the time. Granted neither of us are feather weights. I'm pushing 260 and the OL is 150ish. In any event we went with a Road King and it is night and day more comfortable.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
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From: Japan
Buy a nice used Fatboy, Heritage or Deluxe. All Softails that are basically the same bike, each set up to look a little different. These three are the most versatile and best all around bikes for 2-up riding, imo, before going to the touring line. Then, put a Shotgun Shock on it - think Cadillac on two wheels.
The dealer is a good place to start and sit on a few. Then perhaps Craigslist, eBay or even the classified ads on this forum for buying. When you narrow it down to a what you think you may be interested in, post links and/or pics of the bikes in question here and you will get some really good input and ideas as to weather it's a good buy or not. Good luck!
The dealer is a good place to start and sit on a few. Then perhaps Craigslist, eBay or even the classified ads on this forum for buying. When you narrow it down to a what you think you may be interested in, post links and/or pics of the bikes in question here and you will get some really good input and ideas as to weather it's a good buy or not. Good luck!
Last edited by HoggyMtnBreakdown; Jun 10, 2011 at 08:15 PM.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: PNW
I'm always pleasantly surprised at how nice the ride is on softails. I've never had a passenger on one though. But, I just posted on another (what bike?) thread about a buddy who rides 2-up on his all the time and loves it.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,210
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From: LI, NY
Go to a factory demo ride day. Dates and locations found on MOCO website. Also many dealers will allow test rides.
Best thing to do is to try which HD you like the best then depend on what others like. I have rode Dynas' never any softails or touring. So to me there is a big difference in comfort level between a Sportster and Dyna. Will that be enough for you. Only you doing a test ride will give you the right asnwer.
Best thing to do is to try which HD you like the best then depend on what others like. I have rode Dynas' never any softails or touring. So to me there is a big difference in comfort level between a Sportster and Dyna. Will that be enough for you. Only you doing a test ride will give you the right asnwer.