Well if you're hell bent to jump in, I'll go back to my first post. Road King. For $10K you could easily get into an '08 with the 6 speed. '09 up has a new frame from memory. Check out the Heritage or Deluxe too. Personally I'd look at '95-'98 Evo RK.

None of these will have the power of the Indian you rented. For that you should look at '18s, but then you'll be double your budget minimum.

 

After 30 years of not riding, I considered myself a new rider so i bought 883 sportster, upgraded it to a 1200, then bought a Dyna, and now a Heritage. If i did it again i would have skipped the Sportster and bought the Dyna first just to learn on. Not saying you should buy a Dyna, but definitely buy a bike you can handle first, ride it a little, get comfortable, then upgrade. It's worked for me anyway.

 

Based off your specifics a 2009 Road king will fill the bill nicely. You get the new frame, 6 speed and bags. To me the touring bikes ride better than a softail and somewhat cooler on the family jewels. Now is the time of year to find a deal.

 

Touring frame, simply based off of payload requirements. Maybe a Heritage, but I think a Shotgun shock might be necessary right out of the gate.

Everyone suggesting he start with a little bike is like telling someone that wants to buy a truck to pull a travel trailer, to start with a single-cab Toyota Tacoma, then trade for a half-ton Chevy, then finally buy a Dually.

My first ever bike was a 2011 FatboyLo. Was it a lot of bike? YUP... Did I learn a lot? YUP. Do I regret it? NO

Simply, the OP will not be able to safely or enjoyably ride 2up on a smaller bike.

just my

 

This spring I bought '06 Heritage, 15,000 miles for $7,500.00. It had been a long time since I had ridden too. Most of my riding will be 2 up with wife also. It's big enough and comfortable enough for both of us. In fact it's model she wanted b/c she thought better to ride on than a Deluxe...which was my preferred bike. It's not too big if you have any experience. It is a little too big for my 13 year old with little experience (but that's another story). But if you have any experience, I think it's a great bike. I think you will be able to find a lot of bikes for $10,000.00 or less. Sure seems to be a lot of them out there.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I went to my local dealer, and after speaking to a sales rep and the parts guys concerning suspension and various concerns brought up by y'all, concluded that the Road King fits both our needs and our wants. Took several for test rides and both me and my wife are impressed. Looks like a Road King is on our horizon!

 

I always liked Cindy Crawford

 

Long live the King! Congrats.

 

Yeah, Cindy Crawford is really hot, even today....pretty hot. Hey road king is nice. That Indian was pretty cool too. Whatever you buy, enjoy! We only go on this ride once

 

I have a friend who absolutely loves his Road King. I've never ridden one, but they sure seem nice.