To tour or not
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
Sounds like a Road King to me, but, if you like tunes while you ride (I never thought I would like riding with music (I would not give it up now!), I think a 2009-2010 Street Glide might fit the bill for you. Like others have said above, go check out bikes at the dealer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I also went from sportsters to my limited. I wanted more storage space and a more comfortable ride to work 35 miles 1 way. Go out and try the batwing bikes cause believe me, on a cold azz morning riding that far to work, with the heated grips turned on and tunes cranking, I would not trade my batwing for anything now, you will be surprised at how nice it is. You have more than enough saved up to have a really nice bike. Good luck with your search brother.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
Funny stuff and I've been there myself. Back in the 70's, couldn't quite afford the Big Twin of my dreams on the chump change I was making right out of high school. The availability of a '72 XLCH needing a home compelled me to invest a small fortune into the HD of my needs. Paperwork complete, helmet buckled and off to impress the young redhead I had eyes for working the drive-thru window at the bank. Expecting much as thumped up to the window, the future Mrs. theCoach simply raised both eyebrows over those green eyes and asked, "it's nice but isn't it a little small, I thought Harley's were much bigger?" At 6'5", 235, I dwarfed that scooter. Less than 3 months later, 75 Shovel. Wildon, go big brother, you won't regret it.
Don't discount the fairing until you have tried one. I started with an '87 Heritage and progressed through Road King, Classic and now Ultra. I am not really a fan of the softtails, even in the Heritage so my choice if I really wanted a Spartan touring bike, it would be the RoadKing.
As far as your 15,000 limit, there is a lot you can do with that if you are willing to shop and travel a few miles. In November I picked up a 2013 Limited with 2,116 miles on it for 18,500. Had to go a ways to get it, but the deal was right. Just look on National Cycle Trader, find what you want and start making offers. This is the middle of the winter and dealers need to move stuff.
I got an e-mail from Avalanche HD in Denver yesterday wanting to sell me a 2013 Limited that I had called them about in November. They had wanted 21,000 then and I offered 18,500 which they refused. They now want 17,900 for it.
Bill
As far as your 15,000 limit, there is a lot you can do with that if you are willing to shop and travel a few miles. In November I picked up a 2013 Limited with 2,116 miles on it for 18,500. Had to go a ways to get it, but the deal was right. Just look on National Cycle Trader, find what you want and start making offers. This is the middle of the winter and dealers need to move stuff.
I got an e-mail from Avalanche HD in Denver yesterday wanting to sell me a 2013 Limited that I had called them about in November. They had wanted 21,000 then and I offered 18,500 which they refused. They now want 17,900 for it.
Bill
This is so true! With tons of new 2015 models in route to dealers and snow on the ground for a large chunk of the U.S. now is the perfect time to negotiate a deal with a dealer!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 4
From: Lansing, MI
TOUR!!!! 
If wind protection is one of your "must-haves" then check out the batwings and the RK. As others have said, the RK gives you flexibility of going naked or with a windshield. I wanted the RK sooooo bad, but once I rode the SG, I had to have it... and I have zero regrets.
For $15k, you should be able to get a great 2010-2011 bike with pretty low miles.
Let us know what you get!
If wind protection is one of your "must-haves" then check out the batwings and the RK. As others have said, the RK gives you flexibility of going naked or with a windshield. I wanted the RK sooooo bad, but once I rode the SG, I had to have it... and I have zero regrets.
For $15k, you should be able to get a great 2010-2011 bike with pretty low miles.
Let us know what you get!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
Once you have decided on the '10 or newer Harley Touring frame, you are almost there. Whether you end up with a Road King or a Street Glide (or Road Glide or Ultra) is just your personal choice. I prefer the large windshield, National Cycle handguards, and Desert Dawg soft lowers on my Road King to my aftermarket batwing (which I purchased for winter rain riding). I remain as dry or drier with the LRS windshield, handgaurds and soft lowers than when I have my aftermarket (Reckless) fairing on. I should sell it as I do not use it anymore.
That said, my friend broke her ankle in Yellowstone this summer and I got to ride her Street Glide Special to Yellowstone Harley in Bozeman. It is a very nice bike. If I had one, I'd keep it. It is just I prefer the Road King and based on that I'll buy another Road King before I'd get a batwing. I think the batwings look great when parked or when riding next to you, but I prefer the view from the handlebars of the Road King.
I love riding in the rain. The visibility and protection from my Road King is as good as my friends Road Glide or Street Glide. The big issue with the Road King is music. My music is the engine and exhaust, but if you want Meatloaf, or Emmy Lou or someone else, a fairing with speakers is a must.
Oh, I keep an '96 sporty also and I am 6' and 240. I love my sporty for quick errands and playing in the valley farm back roads. It is just I prefer the Road King 99% of the time.
That said, my friend broke her ankle in Yellowstone this summer and I got to ride her Street Glide Special to Yellowstone Harley in Bozeman. It is a very nice bike. If I had one, I'd keep it. It is just I prefer the Road King and based on that I'll buy another Road King before I'd get a batwing. I think the batwings look great when parked or when riding next to you, but I prefer the view from the handlebars of the Road King.
I love riding in the rain. The visibility and protection from my Road King is as good as my friends Road Glide or Street Glide. The big issue with the Road King is music. My music is the engine and exhaust, but if you want Meatloaf, or Emmy Lou or someone else, a fairing with speakers is a must.
Oh, I keep an '96 sporty also and I am 6' and 240. I love my sporty for quick errands and playing in the valley farm back roads. It is just I prefer the Road King 99% of the time.
Last edited by son of the hounds; Feb 4, 2015 at 11:04 AM. Reason: I do not think that 6'1" and 240 is to big for a sportster. Just different.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
I wanted to get into the touring bikes, too, and didn't like the thought of a fairing. Thought a RK would be the ticket. Rented on for a weekend and LOVED it. Then I rode a SG...which, as you can see from my sig, is what I brought home. Through all the commutes, weekend rides, rallies, etc, not once have I regretted not having a removable screen - although if you're looking for ultimate comfort, you'll probably need to replace the SG shocks. My suspension is still stock and I can do 800+ miles in a day with no worries...
Ultimately, your choice will boil down to a) what look you like, and b) how you're gonna ride it. Once you have those two things figured out, you'll know what to get.
Ultimately, your choice will boil down to a) what look you like, and b) how you're gonna ride it. Once you have those two things figured out, you'll know what to get.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 3
From: Pacific Northwest
And yes OP, my vote goes for a RK. I'm only a little prejudiced