Finally know why...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Eton, GA
Finally know why...
I used to ask myself why someone would pay so much for a Harley Davidson when metrics are so much cheaper usually(especially used). Over the past little while, I have been on here lurking and talking about what I have some(emphasis on some) knowledge of, and I finally managed to go test drive a HD motorcycle this past weekend. I test drove a 2011 Fatboy that had about 38k with V&H pipes and possibly a bigger air cleaner with the 6speed transmission. Other than the clutch letting out near the top so to speak, the bike performed amazingly! In my limited opinion.
I had a 2008 VTX1800F that I bought new and that bike didn't feel as good or as smooth brand new as the 2011 HD with nearly 40K miles on it did. I have to say, I am impressed. When I sat down on the HD brand seat, I felt alot more comfortable than I did on my stock Honda seat(seat, floorboard, and handlebar positioning). We took the bike thru some twisties, and it seemed to handle them well for a bike that is(correct me if I'm wrong) 96ci, and it seemed to push my big **** around just fine. Honestly, I felt like I was on my little 74ci Shadow I had back in the day in the curves and it still had enuff pep when needed. HAHA. All in all, I have to say, since I have ridden a HD cycle, I'm hooked and want one more than ever now.
Now, I do have a question for those of you that have managed to read this much into my post. Which of the softail models would you recommend to try next? or should I try some other family like the dyna? Eventually I'll have me a nice touring bike, but gotta save up for a while to manage that one. The Softails and Dyna seem to be within my range that I am saving up toward.
I had a 2008 VTX1800F that I bought new and that bike didn't feel as good or as smooth brand new as the 2011 HD with nearly 40K miles on it did. I have to say, I am impressed. When I sat down on the HD brand seat, I felt alot more comfortable than I did on my stock Honda seat(seat, floorboard, and handlebar positioning). We took the bike thru some twisties, and it seemed to handle them well for a bike that is(correct me if I'm wrong) 96ci, and it seemed to push my big **** around just fine. Honestly, I felt like I was on my little 74ci Shadow I had back in the day in the curves and it still had enuff pep when needed. HAHA. All in all, I have to say, since I have ridden a HD cycle, I'm hooked and want one more than ever now.
Now, I do have a question for those of you that have managed to read this much into my post. Which of the softail models would you recommend to try next? or should I try some other family like the dyna? Eventually I'll have me a nice touring bike, but gotta save up for a while to manage that one. The Softails and Dyna seem to be within my range that I am saving up toward.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Personally, I like my 05 Springer and I wouldn't trade it or sell it to anybody. My next bike of choice would be the Deluxe because to me it has kind of a nostalgic look to it. I saw one at the dealership that was two tone, white and grey and I liked how it looked and felt. I would recommend that you go and look at various models of Softails and see which one felt/looked the best to you and then go from there, good luck.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Eton, GA
I think the sales guy that went with me on the test ride drove a springer. I'm not 100% on a fatboy, but after ridding one, I do have to say, I like em. LOL I'll keep test ridding till i am for sure of what I want. 
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 786
Likes: 119
From: Grand Prairie
absolutely love the Fat Boy. I've not ridden one yet, but have heard many say that the Slim is the BeezKneez.
I will say that you can find used Touring bikes for reasonable prices. Be thorough with your shopping and make them work for it.
I will say that you can find used Touring bikes for reasonable prices. Be thorough with your shopping and make them work for it.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 809
Likes: 39
From: Duluth, MN
I am a bigger guy....and I LOVE my Road King....you can pick up an older one for a decent price...IF you are not in a hurry....
But with that...the deluxe and the fatboy were my other choices...
But with that...the deluxe and the fatboy were my other choices...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Eton, GA
I love the looks of the road king, street glide and road glides. I want a HD fast, but I'm not going to make a quick decision. LOL. I'm gonna take my time and get a bike that feels right. So far the fatboy is closest I found. I will test drive more in the coming months and hopefully(fingers crossed), by summer I'll be cruising on my new HD cycle.
So far the fatboy is closest I found. I will test drive more in the coming months and hopefully(fingers crossed), by summer I'll be cruising on my new HD cycle.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 99
From: Michigan
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 89
Likes: 20
From: Alabama
Grew up on Triumphs and Nortons. First Harley was a 2002 Sporty 1200, '05 Super Glide Sport, then economy hit and I ended up resurrecting a 2000 Sporty 1200. Now ride a 2006 Softail Springer. Absolutely love the Springer; handles well, comfortable ride, gorgeous paint and chrome and gets comments wherever I go etc. But I have to say, for the twisties, the Super Glide Sport (FXDX) felt as light and "tossable" as a Sportster but cruised like the big twin that it was. Wouldn't it be great to win the lottery - I'd give all the cash to the old lady, keeping only enough to find another FXDX and buy gas and tires for both bikes 'til I croak.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Well, I voted Fatboy in August this year when it was my turn to decide. I've never regretted it. I am at that stage in my life when I can buy any motorcycle that I want, and for me it was the Fatboy. The bike rides like a dream, is mechanically awesome, and (if I do say so myself) looks awesome.
