Speed
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
First time I had it up over 70 without a windshield (on a windy day) I definitely felt like I had to hold on. Bought a windshield the next week and it definitely lets you cruise faster without feeling like the wind will push you off. On a nice stretch of road I'll cruise around 80 but noticed last weekend that I was up to 95 when passing.
Now that you know what to expect, you'll start to feel more comfortable at the higher speed, with or without a shield. Always ride within your comfort limits and at night, don't outdrive your headlight.
Now that you know what to expect, you'll start to feel more comfortable at the higher speed, with or without a shield. Always ride within your comfort limits and at night, don't outdrive your headlight.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
No problem with going faster than the posted speed limit.........Wait. You a LEO?
Anyway, the GF sitting on the back typically eggs me on to keep going once I'm in the throttle. I think last time we hit 115mph in fourth before I had to slow down for a turn. We have no problem cruising at 80mph all day long. I haven't wound it out completely yet, as I feel I need to take it to race track to do it properly. Just get some riding time in and ride at the posted speed limit or whatever speed you are comfortable with.
Anyway, the GF sitting on the back typically eggs me on to keep going once I'm in the throttle. I think last time we hit 115mph in fourth before I had to slow down for a turn. We have no problem cruising at 80mph all day long. I haven't wound it out completely yet, as I feel I need to take it to race track to do it properly. Just get some riding time in and ride at the posted speed limit or whatever speed you are comfortable with.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 56
From: Vallejo, California
I noticed that my Iron is a lot happier doing 80mph with the new Avon Venom X tires.. before, with the stock Dunlops.. the bike felt like it was a bit less controllable as I rode 80 mph or a bit more.. it was like the bike changed its maneuverability a lot between 70 and 80.. .. but now is very stable at 80.. just my 2c
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Depends on what I'm doing. When commuting to work, 55-60 except when the limit goes to 65, then I do that. On a cruise across south park, 70 mph is about the perfect speed. The more time you spend riding, you'll find your comfortable speed.
Oh, and the motorcycle will go much faster than I have ever pushed it. No current desire to see what it feels like to go 100+.
Oh, and the motorcycle will go much faster than I have ever pushed it. No current desire to see what it feels like to go 100+.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
My first trip on the freeway on my nightster was an eyeopener. I remeber thinking I was going to get blown off the bike too. But by the 3rd trip or so I was used to it. No windshield, half helmet with some "ugly goggles" is all I've got. The bike likes to cruise around 80 and I when I'm not watching the speedo, it makes it up to 90ish with out me really noticing. I've toyed with the idea of getting a detachable windshield, but don't feel like shelling out the money.
But hey, it's all what you are comfortable with.
But hey, it's all what you are comfortable with.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukee, WI
A few weeks ago I make a 700 miles trip on my sporty. I was averaging between 70 and 80 for the whole trip. Bike felt fine for the whole 10 hour ride. I've gotten her over 100 a few times on long straight aways both with and without my windshield on.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
I run it up to 90-95mph on a fairly regular basis. Been in the triple digits a few times but it starts getting a little sketchy around 110-115.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 168
From: WPB, FL
Whatever Needed!
Sporty - Glide - King - doesn't make a difference. They can all handle the speeds just fine. A windshield at highway speeds is a HUGE plus, especially for extended periods of time. Used to crank the Sporty at hywy. speeds (75) with no problem. You don't want to lagging behind while everyone zips past you. You'll get run down for sure. Every once in a while I'd need to get it up to 80-85 to quickly pass a semi and then bring it back to cruise speed.
Of course the added weight and power of a cruiser/bagger is a big plus. But as a predicessor said, practice, practice, practice. At those speeds it can get away from you real fast. I always try to go for comfortable with a tad bit of "reality" thrown in.
Of course the added weight and power of a cruiser/bagger is a big plus. But as a predicessor said, practice, practice, practice. At those speeds it can get away from you real fast. I always try to go for comfortable with a tad bit of "reality" thrown in.
