It seems I have read hundreds of threads in the Touring section that talk about someone switching to a bagger from a softail/sporty/dyna and never switching back. You would expect that point of view from the touring section but I've been wondering if there isn't another perspective of someone that switched to a bagger and switched back. I'll admit to my own bagger bias having ridden a bagger for the last 30 years. Nevertheless, I'd like to think I'm still not to old to develop an appreciation for a different perspective so I decided to post this question in all four sections.

Anybody switch to a bagger then switch back? Reasons?

 

I tend to see more bagger owners with second bikes rather than a full out switch.

 

I would have to agree with that statment. See I love sport bikes and I wanted and HD and did not want to give up my sport bike so I got the XL50 and kept the Z1000 since it was only a few months old at the time when I got the HD. Yeah part of me thinks I sould have got a big HD and just had one bike, but I liove both my bikes and I do not tour so I'll keep them both. I love and want a 07 or newer SG, but at the same time I don't think I would like it for my only bike.

 

I just switched back last month. My first harley was a 2006 XL883C and I loved the bike. I switched to a 2008 Streetglide since my wife really enjoyed touring and I thought the Streetglide would suit us for riding needs. Well, in two years we put about 16,000 miles and she and I really enjoyed all aspects of the bagger. The hard bags are great to carry stuff around and the radio is nice for long rides and the wind protection and weight make for great touring.

The one gripe I had with the Streetglide is that is isn't as fun to ride as my sportster was. Just not as nimble. The lean angle on the left side was horrid. If I had funds to have two bikes, I would have kept the glide and bought a sportster for when I just want to go out and have some fun.

Since my wife is pregnant, I decided to sell the Touring bike and get a sportster since we wouldn't be doing much riding for the next 10-12 yrs... I'll be commuting to work daily about 25 miles a day and the occasional weekends for a few hours and the Sportster will be excellent for that.

Well.... I am having so much fun on the 2009 XL1200C I got... put Vance & Hines Straight Shots with Duke A/C and Fuelpak, fun to ride!!

Will eventually install detachable bags for occasional touring that comes up but for what I need it's perfect!

 

I dont switch...I just keep adding to the stable and the last was my new XL48.

 

spent two years adding stuff to my electraglide. spent last week taking crap off my new switchback. feel like i lost 200 pounds and can lean into the corners now.
for some reason the ground is way closer ?!
never going to get rid of my glide nothing tours like a big fat pig oink oink.
heated seats, gps, stereo, sheepskins, what wind?
awesome for a tour bus on 2 wheels, but a bit much to run to 7 11.

 

I have an 06 Sporty and 08 Ultra Classic.

Both of the bikes have their good and bad points, depending on the type of riding.