Second bike?

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Nov 25, 2015 | 03:43 PM

#21

Loonie

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 177

Likes: 12

From: Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Your attention span is under question!! Your Slim S is less than 90 days old and you're already looking at another bike.

LOL !! I share your concern but seriously, I'm not interested anymore to have a bike that does everything with all du respect for those who have adopted the do-it-all configuration! I'll spend 2-3000k on extra parts trying to make a good (?) touring bike with my Slim S and at the end of the day, I will lose that amount on resale. Of course I could sell these extra parts but I find the process long and annoying. So my thinking is: spend a little more and get another bike that is designed to make long distance.

The Slim will remain roughly original and I bought this bike because it was perfect in terms of aesthetic and performance. After all, I would like to keep that bike in solo mode for my pleasure .... (very selfish I know! ;-)

The purpose of the touring bike will be the capability to achieve longer trips and participate for example at the rolling thunder, Sturgis, 66 and more!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Being that you want to stay with HD, I suppose you'll need to assess your long distance needs.

I'm sold to HD :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Will you ride 2-up often?

always with this bike

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

I know your many big highways, but your beautiful country also has a lot of awesome B-Roads. Which will you use most often?

70% highways-30% Broads. (With the Slim 80% Broads-20% highways)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

How much crap do you want to carry?

rain suits x 2, Spare clothes for a range of 2 to 3 days x 2 before heading to the washing machine

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Do you place value in radios, GPS, and other useful but unnecessary distractions?

Not at all! But to have a radio would be a "nice to have".....not mandatory but...!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Is fuel range beyond the typical 5-gallon tank a major issue?

No, my wife will ask me to stretch her legs before i had a chance of emptying the tank!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

The FLHTCU is certainly an excellent choice if you need all it has to offer. A similar year-model Road King will have the touring bike feel, with less creature comfort. You save some weight and cost with the RK if you are OK with just a windshield.

I agree!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

A Heritage will do everything the RK does with even less weight. It has just a tad less road-bike feel than the RK due to the slightly smaller frame and Softail suspension. In my opinion, this is a good thing, but it depends on what you want to do with it.

Still a softail frame, in that case i will prefer to have a RK on a long term basis

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Consider the Dyna Switchback. At your budget, you can get a newer one. It's a very capable machine and offers the most sportiness from the HD Big Twin families. It's a compromise in some respects, but its only real flaw is that it offers less legroom than the other bikes mentioned. If you are under 6', it wouldn't be an issue. Extended forward controls can remedy the issue also.

Already considered! It doesn't work, I'm 6-1 and my wife 6'.Plus the fact that storage capacity is less than a RK or FLUTCU.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Obviously the Road Glide and Street Glide are also good mile eating machines. People that own Road Glides LOVE them. The fixed fairing is not visually attractive to me, but I can see the functionality compared to the Ultra or Street Glide. Street Glides are just a couple clicks down from the Ultra. HD sells so many of them in the US, with many to new riders, that the used market is flooded. They make a good bargain if a full-up touring bike is the target.

Your right and people recognize the good values such as the Street or Road glide. But I still think that a top case may be even worth the extra money.

By the way, thanks for that reply, I really appreciate your input SLV! very Constructive and serves well the purpose of this forum.

Cheers

Loonie

Last edited by Loonie; Nov 25, 2015 at 04:27 PM.

Nov 25, 2015 | 06:07 PM

#22

DK Custom

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Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 18,685

Likes: 5,817

From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi

I currently have a Heritage, a Tri-Glide, and two Sportys.

I've owned a couple of Dyna's and several of the Touring 2 wheelers...including, RK, SG, and Ultra's.

If I were to set up a long distance touring bike today, I would start with a Heritage, add a batwing or sharknose fairing, hard bags and a Tour Pak.

That would give me all the storage and wind protection of a Touring model, and give me the nicer ride I like from the Softail.

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Nov 25, 2015 | 06:45 PM

#23

SLV

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 4,423

Likes: 47

From: Outside the Lines

Ditto on the top case Loonie. It's the next purchase for the BMW. I currently use the two side hand cases and a waterproof duffel. I can get 3 nights' clothes, toiletries and rain gear plus an extra t-shirt or two.
It works for late spring through early fall, but isn't enough for anything cooler than 60 degrees. A medium size top case would give me just the right amount of space.

I travel long distances, but solo. The Bluetooth GPS and iPod in my helmet is a must in a 500 mile day. Heated grips and cruise control make the days easier. The 525lb touring bike lets me have fun when I get somewhere.

It sounds to me like the Ultra is the right bike for your needs. I wouldn't fret over the 96" motor. It's a good motor with plenty of 2-up power. Pipes and intake is plenty. Cam's add enough to make it even better.

The only real risk with a big touring bike is weight. Parking lots and other slow maneuvers make it noticeable. At speed, a big heavy bike is a good sensation.

Nov 25, 2015 | 08:19 PM

#24

Loonie

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 177

Likes: 12

From: Canada

SLV, TSheff

There is no coincidence in life ... This is the bike that i'm looking for, note the color! LOL!!

http://www.becancourharley.com/used-...a-classic.html

Model FLHTCU
Year 2009
Color Aqua
Mileage 49 547 KM
Product number 11004

I'll keep you update, thanks for your help, really appreciate!

Loonie

Nov 25, 2015 | 08:27 PM

#25

TSheff

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 11,321

Likes: 3,654

From: SE Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loonie

SLV, TSheff

There is no coincidence in life ... This is the bike that i'm looking for, note the color! LOL!!

http://www.becancourharley.com/used-...a-classic.html

I've only seen 2 others in person, 1 at a dealer and one at a rally. I've been asked to park next to cars at Car Shows and rarely do I go anywhere that someone doesn't come over to talk about it. The colors scream 50's Ford & Chevy. Wish the best if that's the direction you go.

What she looks like at 60mph...

Last edited by TSheff; Nov 25, 2015 at 08:48 PM.

Nov 26, 2015 | 04:57 PM

#26

SG_Jim

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 840

Likes: 20

From: Lafayette LA.

I have both an FLSS and a SGS. I like having a choice of bikes based on the ride. Having one bike is nice but having two is better. Having three bikes, well that would be.................. it never ends