Best "do it all" HD model
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I consider a do it all bike as one that comes from the factory with a removable windshield, has factory bags, very comforable, factory floorboards, etc.
Any bike can be equipped with all this stuff if you spend the $, but from the factory it's really the following 3 bikes, in this order, that I consider the most versatile bikes HD makes.
Road King
Heritage
Switchback
Any bike can be equipped with all this stuff if you spend the $, but from the factory it's really the following 3 bikes, in this order, that I consider the most versatile bikes HD makes.
Road King
Heritage
Switchback
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
SG or stripped down Ultra. Tackles all of it well.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 8
From: illinois
the all around bike is the bike you can afford id say. it doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks the all around bike is honestly. because in the end it comes down to what you can afford. lets look at the current models because im gonna assume which I don't like to do but let assume your getting a new one. the roadglide is out unless u wait. so that's that. and im gonna assume your around 25 to 35 age range. since you mentioned a bar hopper. so that would leave me with 2 bikes really. a street glide or a road king for the high priced bikes.
you don't need a tour pack for either. you got bags and can get a 4 point dock. buy a sissy bar and a tourrest back rest for your passanger. just like a tourpack back rest except you don't have the trunk. out side of that both bikes are ready to roll.
lower priced bike id say the switchback. same as the other 2 buy the dock and the backrest and the tourrest back rest. the switch back has a touring front end on it as well.
you don't need a tour pack for either. you got bags and can get a 4 point dock. buy a sissy bar and a tourrest back rest for your passanger. just like a tourpack back rest except you don't have the trunk. out side of that both bikes are ready to roll.
lower priced bike id say the switchback. same as the other 2 buy the dock and the backrest and the tourrest back rest. the switch back has a touring front end on it as well.
all arounder
I have an '09 FLHP Road King. I'd say it's a great all arounder & the police look mean's you don't have near as much to clean & shine. Change the stock wheel bearings and it'll run forever. 103 is great long or short haul, Handles great ran or shine, plenty of room for 2 up and the rack's already there to load more on. Added a Memphis shades fairing w/ quick release it's great year round.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: shelby twp MI
I have an '09 FLHP Road King. I'd say it's a great all arounder & the police look mean's you don't have near as much to clean & shine. Change the stock wheel bearings and it'll run forever. 103 is great long or short haul, Handles great ran or shine, plenty of room for 2 up and the rack's already there to load more on. Added a Memphis shades fairing w/ quick release it's great year round.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
First, let's add some clarification. A "do it all" bike will be able to comfortably carry a passenger, it will be an efficient commuter, will be able to handle daily errands, and will be able to carry you and your "stuff" around on the road for 7 or more days.
I think this eliminates every motorcycle that does not have at the very least roomy saddle bags and a luggage rack. I think it eliminates every bike that does not have a touring seat and cannot accept a driver's backrest.
I do not know if any of the Dyna or Softtail models meets this criteria, but I am pretty sure they don't.
Personally, I think the Tourpak is the bees knees. While serving the obvious function of providing lockable, water proof luggage space to meet extended road trip storage space requirements, it also serves the very desirable function of turning your Harley into a legitimate grocery getter.
Pretty sure this narrows it down to the FL models.
Personally, I prefer a fairing over a windshield (have to have something for touring IMO), mainly for protection from the weather. I think lowers are an option, depending on where you tour (I am a fair weather tourer and plan my trips around good weather). Short trips in bad weather is easy enough to manage.
All that said... that's why I own an Electra Glide Classic and why Harley discontinued them is a huge mystery to me.