Performance vs. Comfort - Was It Worth It?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 168
From: Tryon, NC Cape Vincent NY
I have an '01 FXDX that I bought used and rolled 25K miles on it, 80% touring.
All those touring miles were on the stock seat with gel from Saddlemen.
I also have a Corbin for it, but that is for the bride, I like the stock.
Bought a 2012 Streetglide this March and my first ride of any distance was from NY to Sturgis.
The FXDX is so small compared to the FLHX, but the FLHX sucks up the miles, and the bride still hated the stock seat, so I have a Mustang Lowered touring seat when she rides with me.
I will take comfort over performance any day.
I love my FLHX.
Ken
All those touring miles were on the stock seat with gel from Saddlemen.
I also have a Corbin for it, but that is for the bride, I like the stock.
Bought a 2012 Streetglide this March and my first ride of any distance was from NY to Sturgis.
The FXDX is so small compared to the FLHX, but the FLHX sucks up the miles, and the bride still hated the stock seat, so I have a Mustang Lowered touring seat when she rides with me.
I will take comfort over performance any day.
I love my FLHX.
Ken
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
I don't know man. I was fully prepared to do the Ohlins upgrade reading these forums and I bought my 16 Road Glide Special and thought hmm this suspension is pretty good but lets test it. Rode it over railroad tracks didn't feel it on my rear end so I took it over a bunch of broken pavement and it gobbled it up without jarring me one bit. Took it out on the interstate and pushed the bike hard and have not observed any ill behavior in the factory suspension. I don't think a suspension upgrade is needed or a worthwhile investment. Of course YMMV, but for me I'm not spending the money. I don't observe the problems I had on my 07. I'm not bounced around on bad pavement, in fact the bike absorbs it well and I don't see any of the high speed handling problems that were painfully evident on my 07.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
On the new bikes? Not needed. My last bike had Ohlins, and it was needed, and while very good the suspension on the new bikes is very good too. Ohlins is not enough of an improvement to justify cost. The older bikes it was a worthwhile expense, the Rusmore bikes not so much.
Ah,for some reason i was thinking he was talking about maybe getting into an older bagger so if he's in fact looking to get into a newer 2014-2015-2016 bike what you said make a lot of sense so thanks for setting me straight!/LOL!
Scott
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
I don't know man. I was fully prepared to do the Ohlins upgrade reading these forums and I bought my 16 Road Glide Special and thought hmm this suspension is pretty good but lets test it. Rode it over railroad tracks didn't feel it on my rear end so I took it over a bunch of broken pavement and it gobbled it up without jarring me one bit. Took it out on the interstate and pushed the bike hard and have not observed any ill behavior in the factory suspension. I don't think a suspension upgrade is needed or a worthwhile investment. Of course YMMV, but for me I'm not spending the money. I don't observe the problems I had on my 07. I'm not bounced around on bad pavement, in fact the bike absorbs it well and I don't see any of the high speed handling problems that were painfully evident on my 07.
Well with all issues HD is still having with todays new bikes its nice to hear something positive and am glad to see they seem'd to have done a better job of getting the newer bikes to handle decent & safe while at the same time retaining a reasonable non back breaking ride which was about time!/LOL!!!
Good luck & Happy motoring with your new bike !
Scott
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 10
From: Frederick, MD
I have an '01 FXDX that I bought used and rolled 25K miles on it, 80% touring.
All those touring miles were on the stock seat with gel from Saddlemen.
I also have a Corbin for it, but that is for the bride, I like the stock.
Bought a 2012 Streetglide this March and my first ride of any distance was from NY to Sturgis.
The FXDX is so small compared to the FLHX, but the FLHX sucks up the miles, and the bride still hated the stock seat, so I have a Mustang Lowered touring seat when she rides with me.
I will take comfort over performance any day.
I love my FLHX.
Ken
All those touring miles were on the stock seat with gel from Saddlemen.
I also have a Corbin for it, but that is for the bride, I like the stock.
Bought a 2012 Streetglide this March and my first ride of any distance was from NY to Sturgis.
The FXDX is so small compared to the FLHX, but the FLHX sucks up the miles, and the bride still hated the stock seat, so I have a Mustang Lowered touring seat when she rides with me.
I will take comfort over performance any day.
I love my FLHX.
Ken
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 190
Likes: 10
From: Bucks County, PA
I bought my Ultra Classic this past March and love it. My wife is on it almost all the time with me and loves the comfort. We spent a lot of time on it this season and I have to admit, it is real nice climbing off and not having my old bones aching and stiff.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Different Types Of Bikes
I have an 06 Street Bob with a bunch of engine mods and a 2011 Road Glide Ultra.
The Dyna is still great to ride and a way to blow off steam when needed. The big bagger is more of a highway cruiser and will gobble up miles and make you feel like you're on a road couch.
I don't ride the Bob as much as I used to but I won't let it go even thought I sometimes hurt when I get off of it. Too much money in it and to much fun out of it...
BTW The 103 in the RGU is not slow. It's no crotch rocket but it isn't a granny bike either.
The Dyna is still great to ride and a way to blow off steam when needed. The big bagger is more of a highway cruiser and will gobble up miles and make you feel like you're on a road couch.
I don't ride the Bob as much as I used to but I won't let it go even thought I sometimes hurt when I get off of it. Too much money in it and to much fun out of it...
BTW The 103 in the RGU is not slow. It's no crotch rocket but it isn't a granny bike either.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 10
From: Frederick, MD
That was my impression of the FLHX after sitting on it for just 2 minutes. Serious difference in riding position and seat comfort between the Street Glide and my FXDX with its Badlander seat.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 10
From: Frederick, MD
I have an 06 Street Bob with a bunch of engine mods and a 2011 Road Glide Ultra.
The Dyna is still great to ride and a way to blow off steam when needed. The big bagger is more of a highway cruiser and will gobble up miles and make you feel like you're on a road couch.
I don't ride the Bob as much as I used to but I won't let it go even thought I sometimes hurt when I get off of it. Too much money in it and to much fun out of it...
BTW The 103 in the RGU is not slow. It's no crotch rocket but it isn't a granny bike either.
The Dyna is still great to ride and a way to blow off steam when needed. The big bagger is more of a highway cruiser and will gobble up miles and make you feel like you're on a road couch.
I don't ride the Bob as much as I used to but I won't let it go even thought I sometimes hurt when I get off of it. Too much money in it and to much fun out of it...
BTW The 103 in the RGU is not slow. It's no crotch rocket but it isn't a granny bike either.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Crotch rockets tend to handle well but be uncomfortable for distance riding.
Baggers tend to be comfortable, but not handle the highest speeds in the corners.
It all depends on your own personal aspirations.
Most everyone wants their baggers to handle better, and their crotch rockets to be more comfortable. Also most everyone also want their baggers to be even more comfortable and their crotch rockets to handle even better.
Takes significant $$$ and talent to accomplish any of these goals.
Baggers tend to be comfortable, but not handle the highest speeds in the corners.
It all depends on your own personal aspirations.
Most everyone wants their baggers to handle better, and their crotch rockets to be more comfortable. Also most everyone also want their baggers to be even more comfortable and their crotch rockets to handle even better.
Takes significant $$$ and talent to accomplish any of these goals.