Trading Up From Sportster
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 237
Likes: 38
From: Joisey
My first bike was a honda shadow VLX 600, went from that to a 1200 custom. Hated it at first for exactly what you described. Rode it for 5 years and LOVED it! last March I bought a 09 Heritage, sits lower than my sporty and is MUCH more comfortable.
I would say a softail slim would be a good call for you. Not sure how tall you are, but the slim sits real low. As far as power on the slim, it moves!! Good luck!
TJ
I would say a softail slim would be a good call for you. Not sure how tall you are, but the slim sits real low. As far as power on the slim, it moves!! Good luck!
TJ
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 147
Likes: 15
From: Bergen County
Went from a 1200 sporty to a Slim S. Weight is noticeable when riding as all the weight is down low and i actually find it easier to corner than the sporty.Like you said, I feel like i am in the bike and not on it like on the sporty. And the added power of the 110 is nice!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,252
Likes: 3,135
From: Texas
Also, the Fat Bob is the tallest seat height of any of the Softails, so if you're considering something like a Street Bob, that has a really low seat height and you should find it very easy to handle.
Don't worry about the giant motor -- keep the revs down and it's as tame as can be. Very easy to maneuver in traffic. There's a hellacious beast in there waiting to be unleashed, sure -- but you have to want to unleash it, it won't run away from you on its own.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 237
Likes: 2
From: NC, USA
I've owned 3 Sportys, a Heritage, and an Ultra Classic (VERY briefly). I had a good time on all of them except the Classic... which was the motorcycle equivalent of driving a steam roller. I'm on a ST Slim at the moment and I can tell you that I enjoy the Slim as much or more than any of the Sportys. It all depends on what you want from a bike. The Slim is everything you expect from a Sporty, but more of it... if that makes sense. I can make my Slim do 90% of the things my Sportsters did in terms of handling and it feels better on the edge.
I think you're overthinking it too. I went from a 1200 Sportster to a 103 Heritage, a little fearful backing it out of the garage the first day, off I went and rode it work, big smile on my face by the first traffic signal. I've ridden a friend's Sporty once since and couldn't imagine going back to one.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Hi Guys
Thanks for the replies. Havent got back cause been Harley shopping.
Was all set to get the Street Bob but it just didnt fit. I'm only 5'8 but the thing was too weird in seating, felt cramped up. Even sales guy said the bikes not for you.
Sat on the Slim and flat footed easily, it feels bigger well its about 80 pounds heavier than the sportster. Bars felt a stretch by about an inch or 2. Just rode this one round the parking lot and liked it enough to put a deposit.
Only concern is that they have thrown in Screamin Eagle pipes but from googling I think they are just a tad over stock. Dont want anything ridiculous but a throaty rumble.
Will need to call the dealer and say maybe other pipes (slip ons) would be better.
BTW thanks for the advice I'll keep you posted and send pics. But I think you nailed it when you daid I was overthinking....I tend to do that.
Thanks for the replies. Havent got back cause been Harley shopping.
Was all set to get the Street Bob but it just didnt fit. I'm only 5'8 but the thing was too weird in seating, felt cramped up. Even sales guy said the bikes not for you.
Sat on the Slim and flat footed easily, it feels bigger well its about 80 pounds heavier than the sportster. Bars felt a stretch by about an inch or 2. Just rode this one round the parking lot and liked it enough to put a deposit.
Only concern is that they have thrown in Screamin Eagle pipes but from googling I think they are just a tad over stock. Dont want anything ridiculous but a throaty rumble.
Will need to call the dealer and say maybe other pipes (slip ons) would be better.
BTW thanks for the advice I'll keep you posted and send pics. But I think you nailed it when you daid I was overthinking....I tend to do that.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 215
Likes: 27
From: Sydney
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Cheers mate. Could not believe how stable the thing was when stopped. My sporty really shakes a bit and that I reckon makes a top heavy bike seem more top heavy.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 74
From: Los Angeles
The most favorite thing about my moves was getting an HD with a 6 speed and fuel injection. Check out a Train, the seating position is most likely exactly what you're looking for and the 6 speed makes corners and freeways a joy!