I'm doing something I thought I'd never do
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I can't even imagine how a Sporty would be a better around town/urban areas bike than a Road King. They're so damn small, I can't imagine the cagers would see you. Advantage of a RK. Bigger, more easily seen by the cagers. 3 headlights on a RK vs. 1 on a Sporty. Common sense bro. And I'm not buying the "more nimble" argument either. Nope, not happening! Think about it, they're used by police depts.
And hearing protection...I preach it til I'm blue in the face and everyone thinks I'm stupid! Wear friggin earplugs every damn time you get on the bike!! That **** kills your hearing! Like your eyes and your teeth, you only get one set. And it's not the exhaust noise. It's the wind noise and road noise of vehicles next to you. You'll thank me when you're in your golden years cuz you'll be able to hear people talking to ya. Trust me on this.
And hearing protection...I preach it til I'm blue in the face and everyone thinks I'm stupid! Wear friggin earplugs every damn time you get on the bike!! That **** kills your hearing! Like your eyes and your teeth, you only get one set. And it's not the exhaust noise. It's the wind noise and road noise of vehicles next to you. You'll thank me when you're in your golden years cuz you'll be able to hear people talking to ya. Trust me on this.
As for the nimble argument? I'll have to determine that for myself. Logic dictates that a lighter and smaller bike should be more nimble. Sport bikes are built small and light for speed and agility.
I've been riding in a stop-and-go or urban environment since I've been riding on the road. I've learned to rely on being situationally aware more than hoping other traffic sees me.
I wish I could find hearing attenuators that are comfortable for me to wear for hours on the road. I've tried many. I don't want plugs that completely obscure all ambient sounds so I can't hear the traffic around me.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 11
From: Hollywood Florida
Fwiw, I think a Sportster is ideal for urban use. Too small to be visible to cars? Um, no. Easy to horse around in tight spots than a bagger Dyna? Yeah, easily. Just my opinion and I've ridden both in the crazy city traffic of south Florida.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I learned to ride a street bike when I lived in S FL. Insane. If you can survive there, you can survive anywhere in the US.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
I am in my golden years. LoL
As for the nimble argument? I'll have to determine that for myself. Logic dictates that a lighter and smaller bike should be more nimble. Sport bikes are built small and light for speed and agility.
I've been riding in a stop-and-go or urban environment since I've been riding on the road. I've learned to rely on being situationally aware more than hoping other traffic sees me.
I wish I could find hearing attenuators that are comfortable for me to wear for hours on the road. I've tried many. I don't want plugs that completely obscure all ambient sounds so I can't hear the traffic around me.
As for the nimble argument? I'll have to determine that for myself. Logic dictates that a lighter and smaller bike should be more nimble. Sport bikes are built small and light for speed and agility.
I've been riding in a stop-and-go or urban environment since I've been riding on the road. I've learned to rely on being situationally aware more than hoping other traffic sees me.
I wish I could find hearing attenuators that are comfortable for me to wear for hours on the road. I've tried many. I don't want plugs that completely obscure all ambient sounds so I can't hear the traffic around me.
As far as the bike of choice, just go for it. I love my Road King with detachable Memphis Shades fairing. Easy on/off. If you were to become a junkie such as myself, there are no limitations with the Road King. Best of luck and hope you keep your Sporty for those fun trips.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The RK is a great value in a touring bike. You just can't go wrong. The 103 HO motor is very strong. No money is wasted for a fairing and radio gear.
Since you are keeping the XL you will have the best of both worlds.
Since you are keeping the XL you will have the best of both worlds.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Whatever you decide I would like to thank you on the razor tip
As far as the bike of choice, just go for it. I love my Road King with detachable Memphis Shades fairing. Easy on/off. If you were to become a junkie such as myself, there are no limitations with the Road King. Best of luck and hope you keep your Sporty for those fun trips.
As far as the bike of choice, just go for it. I love my Road King with detachable Memphis Shades fairing. Easy on/off. If you were to become a junkie such as myself, there are no limitations with the Road King. Best of luck and hope you keep your Sporty for those fun trips.
I'd be stoked if I could afford the 103.
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From: anacoco, la
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
have you tried the surefire ep3's? i find them very comfortable on long days and they don't drown out all sound, just dampen it so it doesn't damage your hearing.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new
Yep. Those have been the most comfortable and I always keep them stored on my bike. They do start to irritate my ear canals after extended wearing. But they work excellently.