Virgin bagger needs help
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 338
Likes: 23
From: Wisconsin
You can't get both here. My buddy has stretched bags and raked front with 24" wheel and it looks bad ***. He has front and rear air ride and doesn't use a kickstand. It rides like crap, and he jacks it way up so it doesn't drag or bang the rear of the front fender. His front end seems to fall out and get real heavy in a turn. It's not as bad as a Big Dog chopper I once road, but still something I'd have to get used to. It's not really a tourer, and he doesn't like when we only stop for fuel (200 miles). I haven't ridden bigger or even a 21" bagger. I would say try your best to test ride one somehow. Maybe a dealer somewhere.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
You can make it look good or ride better. I would have to suggest Performance (if not already done)and comfort first. i.e. Shocks, (Soon as you and the wife bottom out on the first little bump,You'll know what I mean)Upgraded sound system.(My choice)Things that make a difference on the road (I'll bet She don't like her stock seat! lol)
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
There's ton of different ways to start customizing your bagger. I started with wheels on mine, then went to the stretched bags (4.5), rear fender, front fender, stereo and then finished (cough cough), with a stretched tank and custom seat. The possibilities are limitless, get out riding and check out all the different rides and go from there! But the most important thing is to have fun and do it right the first time!!!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,677
Likes: 4,178
From: Virginia
If all you are going to do is one way 100 mile trips, you can do whatever you like to your glide. I ride long distance usually 3 times a year (3000 to 6000 mile round trips) and have met many bikers doing the same but all those bikes are generally modified for comfort, not for show. For me reliability and ability to stay in the saddle for 10-12 hour days is whats important.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Port Neches, Texas
If all you are going to do is one way 100 mile trips, you can do whatever you like to your glide. I ride long distance usually 3 times a year (3000 to 6000 mile round trips) and have met many bikers doing the same but all those bikes are generally modified for comfort, not for show. For me reliability and ability to stay in the saddle for 10-12 hour days is whats important.
I could probably only see a few long trips in my future. Mainly Galveston or the lake house about 250 miles away. Still want comfort but wanted a few mods. Seems like that is a bad idea.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
Mine is a Danny Gray Longhaul 2up, Built in Airhawk system, Looks good too. It cured that whining noise behind me lol.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver B.C.
My wife only weighs 110 lbs and she found the stock seat terrible , I went to the dealership and took advantage of the demo seat program and found a seat that made us both happy . Also make her comfy with a backrest . As for the wheels I still run the stockers and wouldn't want to give up any side wall cushioning for low profile tires .
