How many of you older guys gave up riding a heavy bike for a light bike to keep riding ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.,,,,,,,, Dylan Thomas
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.,,,,,,,, Dylan Thomas
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,166
Likes: 1,801
From: Puget Sound, WA.
I rode a lot of stripped down bikes- bought a Heritage and rode it for a while and kept taking stuff off until it was a basic scoot. I guess that's as big as I liked.
Last edited by Sling Blade 14; Oct 7, 2016 at 05:57 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
Am I headed the wrong way ?
I don't think so, at least so far.
Took some getting used to but I am enjoying the comfort and looking forward to seeing the country on two wheels.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 18
From: North Ga.
I agree with this. I have a Deuce and a Sportster, and the Sportster isn't that much lighter than the Deuce. Plus, it is a bit more top-heavy.
I could see the rationale if you're considering dropping down to a Honda Rebel 250, but not a Sportster.
Hope this helps,
John
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 498
From: Alberta
Wife and I each have Dyna's (FXDL & FXDF) and have each tried FLH's from Road Kings to 120R Road Glides. We've stuck with the light bikes; the heavier FLH's just feel too slow and ponderous by comparison. I'm sure a senior could ride a much heavier bike if they wanted to; may get more difficult with a passenger though. Best combination of ride and performance in a HD I ever enjoyed was my Stg 4 103 T-Sport; but those bikes have long ago been relegated to "Club Style" rather than touring. I had it down to 608 lbs with 1/2 tank fuel. Current Ultra's are nearing 1/2 ton loaded PLUS passengers...yikes! If I wanted to go lighter and tour, I'm afraid I'd be looking at a BMW. At 62 I'm still OK with my Fat Bob...but miss the performance of that T-Sport
30+ states and 6 provinces on Dyna's; Italy on a BMW...
30+ states and 6 provinces on Dyna's; Italy on a BMW...
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
Still waiting for an answer to OP's question. So far, just a bunch of us in our 60s have answered. He asked about old people.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
I owned a Sportster. I'd get another if it was what I wanted, but IME, the Heritage is easier to ride than the Sportster was (lower center of gravity, easier to steer, more stable).
Last edited by Uncle G.; Oct 7, 2016 at 09:40 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 3,366
From: Idaho Panhandle
At 69, I'll ride my touring two up until you pry it from my cold dead...estate. That said, loaded for two-three weeks two up, I have reminded her about on moving around when we are on gravel or slowing to a stop. Would I get a trailer to carry her stuff..no. Will I get a lighter bike, probably not for touring. I have a sporty for errands and commuting, so I know the difference. I prefer the touring unless shooting into work or making a run to town for some small part I need. Besides, she calls my sporty "the horrible" bike, but that is because of the tiny pillion and the mad operator. I am not trike material, just like to corner too much. So, as long as I tour and ride, we are sticking to a full size touring bike. I'd like to think I can ride a touring Harley until I am near 90, then, well maybe we'll start taking the vette. Anyone want a deal on my leathers in 2037?