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In my alter ego as Logical Man, let me ask a question: You've never done any long rides. Since you've never gone on long rides, why do you think you want to do that?
You rode 750 miles in the entire time you've owned that bike. 500 miles in a day is a long ride. 400 miles a day for two days is a long ride. If you do that on your new Touring model, what are you going to do the other 363 days this year?
My last Sportster was this one. I put 3,000 miles on it in the first three months I owned it. It has bags, a windshield, and a comfortable seat. I traded it in on a Dyna, and put 14,000 miles on it in less than two years. I bought a Touring model because I actually took long rides. I put 10,000 miles on the one in my sig pic in the first 6 months, including winter. I'll have over 14,000 on it by the end of the month.
I would strongly, strongly suggest that before you buy a new, very expensive, 850 pound motorcycle because you "want to" take long rides, actually take some long rides. You may find out you hate it, you may find out you love it, but at least you'll know.
Just to reinforce what has already been said. With your limited experience I would slap some bags and a shield on that Sportster and ride it a couple years. If you do decide to get the Street glide you will be glad you improved your riding skills. Good luck !
Hey folks,
Last year I got my first bike, a Sportster 1200custom. Put 750 miles on it. After the summer I wish I had bags and wanted to do longer rides.
I am thinking of trading it in for a Street Glide. My friend says that bike is too big for me.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Can't believe nobody has asked this yet but why is your friend saying the Street Glide is too big for you?
Also, you could potentially take another financial hit so why are you considering this when you only put 750 miles on your Sporty?
I won't question your motivations but as to your question about a bike being too big for you, I've been watching the Ride Like a Pro DVD series and in it, Jerry Palladino has a 4'11" 15 year old girl riding a big bike and handling it like a pro. If I'm understanding everything I'm watching and reading, it's not so much about the size of the bike but the skills of the rider as long as the rider has honed his or her skills. I've only been riding for one year so I doubt I'm there yet but I might be a slow learner.
Definitely don't drop your dream...go do the test ride and you'll see how awesome the FLHX is. Better yet, keep the Sporty & get the Glide...best of both worlds. Trust me, you won't regret it...
I started on a XL Custom and after a year and a half, went to a Road King. Easy peasy transition for me. My decision was between an SG or the King. I rented each for a day and made my choice.
I suggest renting one as the dealer can apply the rental to the bike's price. Also, if you bought the Sporty new, you can trade to a new bike and apply the Sporty's price to the new bike. At least HD use to do that, but check with the dealer to be sure.
Lots of options available, and oh, I still have the Sporty for the shorter rides.
Last edited by RKZen; Apr 5, 2016 at 07:55 PM.
Reason: Typo
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