Cool.

The Trains are sweet and if the Bones was not around at the time when I bought mine I may have ended up with a Train.

Not trying to change your mind but I wanted to comment on your two points above about the Bones. Checking the neck bearings every 2500 miles is really not hard but does require the use of a special socket that costs around $40, the availability of a jack to lift the front end, the ability to disconnect your clutch and throttle and idle cables and an understanding of doing a fall-away fork test. It really is easy to do but only if you have the right equipment mentioned above. Although I was used to doing regular maintenance on cars and some minor repairs, to say that I was mechanically inclined would have been an overstatement when I bought my Bones. And I had never even been close to a motorcycle until I bought one so that was totally foreign territory for me. It took time to build the confidence (and the tool collection) to reach the point that I am at today in ability to work on my scoot. But as green as I was I think I can hold my own as good as most and I believe that anyone with a good head on their shoulders can do the same. It's mostly a matter of whether or not you are interested in taking on those challenges.

As for handling the front end; I should have mentioned that my Bones is my first and only motorcycle. In other words, I learned to ride on my Bones. After having ridden a motorcycle with a telescoping front end, I definitely could tell the difference in handling at lower speeds and it took me a good bit of time to get a real handle of it. Because I loved everything else about the motorcycle more than any other Harley, I think I was motivated to fight through the extra challenge of getting used to the front end. Plus at highway speeds it is a dream to ride so it was all worth it in the end. Thus I would not discourage you from turning down a Bones if you really like one because of this. Learning to ride a springer is totally doable for someone new. I just wanted to give you an honest assessment of some of the operating challenges that you might run into should you go the route of the Bones.

Anyway. Not trying to change your mind. Just thought I'd offer that extra bit of info for what it's worth.

I'd also say that an 2008-later Night Train is a good way to go. Either way, let us know as soon as you make the leap!

Good luck.

 

As another option, if you're considering the X-Bones, but like the look of Story808's train, you might also consider one of these:



This (FLSTS) is what the X-Bones replaced. Springer, like the X-Bones, but with the longer fender in the rear. Production years are '97-'06, so it's also available in the Evo flavor, but can't be had in 96, 6-speed. Can be blacked out easily enough. This bike, imo, is one of the best-looking bikes H-D ever produced.

 

Thanks for the input Shane. I appreciate it.
I agree that is a nice bike. I actually made a thread awhile back about test riding a Softail Springer (which ended up being a constructed title with Delkron cases, and probably a hodge-podge Harley). They do look nice.

Looking at your bike I dig your full fender you have back there. I seem to be in the camp that likes either a full fender or a flat chopped fender.
However with the full fender I like it without the big brake light sticking out the back, like yours is and also how Story808's fender is.

My Iron XLN thankfully does not have that big back light.

 

I am starting to dig the looks of the Softail Slim. My dealer actually has those so I can get to sit on it and see how it feels.
The reason I shied away from it is the fat front forks. I'm not really a fan of those, but blacked out I think they could grow on me.

I asked them about the Night Train and they said that it is very rare that they get one in on trade.

 

Train, all dizzay!

 

I second that! I myself have a Heritage, but I bought my wife a Night Train. I sneak the Train out all the time lol. I guess its because of the stance and feel of it compared to mine (I have 18" apes on mine).

 

Own a Xbones, love it but like mentioned maintainence is annoying. Train is beautiful but rare.

If I were you I'd go for Fatboy Lo OR if you can afford it the Softail Slim. Both blacked out, both have floorboards, both great bikes. Just my 2 cents

 

Yeah, my first choice is the Train.
I suppose if I just sit tight and be extremely patient, I'll get what I want.

The Fatboy Lo is a lot like the Slim at least as far as I can tell. I may actually prefer the full rear fender of the Lo compared to the slim fender of the, uh, Slim.
The Lo isn't black enough though.

I'm starting to kind of dig the footboards on the bigger bikes. I've never ridden with them before, but it does seem it would be more comfortable. I'm used to pegs from my Iron and even with forward controls I can't really stretch out that much so I have limited foot position. I know the Train goes with pegs and that's okay. I am still young enough I can get by with a less than comfortable ride.

 

Hahahahaha

 

This thread is sounding like women buying a party dress. Jesus, go down to the dealer, test ride a few bikes and buy the damn thing. Enough said. LOL