Yes, ride and handling is what my reference is to.

 

Thanks for all the quick replies everyone. It would be my wife riding with me if there ever was someone. As for the size question, I'm 5'8" and 180ish lbs. She is 5'6" and 140ish so our combined weight isn't too much. I've heard from some other people as well to get the class out of the way first. I'm just excited about everything I guess. I had almost had my choices down to a dyna until I saw the 1200 last night. And since I love the look of the sportsters so much, the thought that it was bigger and maybe could hold 2 people just as well came to mind.

 

Yall are not too big, get a sporty and have some fun Dont fall for the bigger is better mantra.

 

And the above pic was taken on our 4 day camping trip up to the dragon from south of Atlanta. No we didnt use a trailer

 

I have a Dyna Switchback and shortly after my purchase my riding buddy, who rode BMW's and sport bikes, decided to get a 1200C Sportster. He let me take it for a ride and I was surprised how quick it was and how good the brakes were. If I ever come across a 2007 1200R, I want one.

First, take the class. I did it and am thankful for it. Also, have your significant other take the class as well. Even if she doesn't ride, she'll be a better passenger.

I've never ridden 2 up on a Sportster, but my bike handles it fine. I see the Sportster as a rawer lighter machine, more for a solo rider. I see the Dyna's as a slightly more refined ride that is roomier that is more of a jack of all trades relative to HD's. My buddy changed out the fork springs and bought mid level Progressive shocks. His bike now handles pretty decently. As others have mentioned, outside of specialized bikes like the XR1200 or Dyna Sport from the late 90's/early 2000's, HD suspension goes from sucky to mediocre. My bike has had the forks done (still not totally happy) and have shocks on the way.

Over last summer, by buddy and I rode out bikes down to the Dragon. Again, the suspension is the limitation, but I think for both us, we were pretty happy with how the bikes handled. I think the advantage the Dyna's have, is for slogging it on the highway. Coming back from the Dragon, we were averaging 80+ on Rt 81/78/287/80. I think the Dyna feels more comfortable at those speeds. We did a 10+ hour slog on the highway coming back from Asheville, NC over 710+ miles. He mentioned once or twice at gas stops on the slog, that he wished he had something a little more substantial than the Sporty.

 

I really dig that. Very cool!

 

Adyna
A Dyna can last you a lifetime, happy ever after.

 

Before I bought my '14 1200C last year, I was looking real hard at Switchbacks. I rode a bunch of them at demos and was dead set on one. I found two at a dealer (non-Harley) about two hours away that were priced right and very low mileage. Unfortunately, they had a "no test rides" policy, so I never even made the trip.

I opted for the 1200C and really enjoy it. In fact, it doesn't feel a whole lot different than the Switchback. I put a Sundowner on it. My gf and I aren't very big so we fit fine on the bike.

Still, if my primary riding was going to be touring, then I'd probably go with something with the 103 in it. For now, the 1200C is really the perfect bike for me.

I will say that I test rode the new 1200T last year and hated it. I'm short and felt totally cramped on the bike...couldn't wait to get off of it.

Rog...always love seeing your pics!

 

Learn to ride and then choose the bike you're feeling ok. Earned my roadname testcees riding all kind of bikes. Even all Harley-Davidsons. My comment on the Sporty is the lack of rear suspension. On a perfect road that's no problem but finding the perfect road might be a problem. did an iron Butt ride on my Dyna. Feels much better but that's my feeling. you have to choose you're kind of riding and you're bike. But first learn to ride and to keep control over your right hand.

 

Iron Butt? No problem. Heres the 500 mile half way mark at DK Customs

Im the old guy on the left