Considering a Harley Bagger & need advice
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
All the bikes in the touring family are basically the same frame and engine. Some have a different seat height but that's about it. They can all be changed to fit you. Different seat, handlebars, extended floorboards. The differences are in the accessories. You have to determine what you want to use the bike for and then what features you want for that purpose. If your touring, you want storage. Not all had cruise control in the year range you are looking at. Is the stereo important. Ultras have CB's. Fixed fairing vs fork mounted. And above all, looks. Used bikes have all had mods done to them. You have to like what the previous owner did or be prepared to spend a lot of money to make it yours. You already know this though from your softail.
Tough decision but you will love the touring family of bikes no matter which one you chose. I road a softail for a few years. Now I have the best of what you are looking to do. I have a Road King to commute and run around town and a Limited to take out on long trips with the wife.
Tough decision but you will love the touring family of bikes no matter which one you chose. I road a softail for a few years. Now I have the best of what you are looking to do. I have a Road King to commute and run around town and a Limited to take out on long trips with the wife.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 16
I know exactly where you are on this.Ive been riding for over 35 years and always SWORE Id never ride a bagger.A few years back I got slammed on my Wide Glide and decided to look at the new FLHX models for the same reason you mentioned.I picked the new 2014 Street Glide special for just over 20k.
You can find very low mileage models for a good price.Id definitely look at the Rushmore line.Im 6' and 195# and changed to the Klockworkz windshield and 12" Carlini Electrafied Bagger Apes to make the bike fit me.The stock bars are made for folks with short arms.At your height youll damn sure need a set of bars.
I like the Road Glide but the Street had a feel that fit me better.It seemed that the frame mounted fairing would take a bit more getting used to although it does have an advantage on the highway,as it seems to handle cross winds better that the FLHX.
I havent had any issues with it though. I can ride all day at 100 without batting an eye.I realize now why the baggers are selling so well. After all these years of strapping on duffle bags and getting the snot beat out of me by the wind I made the jump.What a difference...
You can find very low mileage models for a good price.Id definitely look at the Rushmore line.Im 6' and 195# and changed to the Klockworkz windshield and 12" Carlini Electrafied Bagger Apes to make the bike fit me.The stock bars are made for folks with short arms.At your height youll damn sure need a set of bars.
I like the Road Glide but the Street had a feel that fit me better.It seemed that the frame mounted fairing would take a bit more getting used to although it does have an advantage on the highway,as it seems to handle cross winds better that the FLHX.
I havent had any issues with it though. I can ride all day at 100 without batting an eye.I realize now why the baggers are selling so well. After all these years of strapping on duffle bags and getting the snot beat out of me by the wind I made the jump.What a difference...
Good luck. Hope you find your sweet spot. Extended floor boards, changed bars and different and more comfortable seat will be a great start to your desired comfort. Not that you are retired and not in your 20's anymore and if you are like me, comfort is up there in need to performance. Post some pics when you find your ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
If you are going to be pounding on the miles, you might consider a newer bike. Most dealerships will not work on bikes older than 10 years because their mechanics are unfamiliar with them...newer stuff only.
Your first bike will rarely be your last bike. Give it your best shot picking out the one you feel will give you the most enjoyment and service. After thousands of miles you will better know which features your next bike will need.
If you are going to ride with a bunch of buddies, you will need enough engine to keep up with them when they ride with enthusiasm, and also have a large enough fuel tank so you will not need to stop when everybody else wants to keep riding.
Agreed, the friendship bonds you developed in the military are intense. Expect to not be able to replace that feeling on the highway. Things will be easier going for sure.
Your first bike will rarely be your last bike. Give it your best shot picking out the one you feel will give you the most enjoyment and service. After thousands of miles you will better know which features your next bike will need.
If you are going to ride with a bunch of buddies, you will need enough engine to keep up with them when they ride with enthusiasm, and also have a large enough fuel tank so you will not need to stop when everybody else wants to keep riding.
Agreed, the friendship bonds you developed in the military are intense. Expect to not be able to replace that feeling on the highway. Things will be easier going for sure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 1,957
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by The Silver Viking
I'm going street glide bro. Gonna hold off a bit until I find the right one at a great price. Patience will be the key.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I just upgraded from 01 FLHT to an 09 FLHTCU.
I was looking at the Rushmore's but the cost was more than I wanted to shell out at this time. I don't do loans. After looking for a few months I found the 09 I bought, it had 9888 miles on it and had just about everything. I redid the seat and tires are next. The 96 and 6 spd are worth it (IMHO) much nicer road bike.
The 01 did run cooler though I will give it that.
I was looking at the Rushmore's but the cost was more than I wanted to shell out at this time. I don't do loans. After looking for a few months I found the 09 I bought, it had 9888 miles on it and had just about everything. I redid the seat and tires are next. The 96 and 6 spd are worth it (IMHO) much nicer road bike.
The 01 did run cooler though I will give it that.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I just upgraded from 01 FLHT to an 09 FLHTCU.
I was looking at the Rushmore's but the cost was more than I wanted to shell out at this time. I don't do loans. After looking for a few months I found the 09 I bought, it had 9888 miles on it and had just about everything. I redid the seat and tires are next. The 96 and 6 spd are worth it (IMHO) much nicer road bike.
The 01 did run cooler though I will give it that.
I was looking at the Rushmore's but the cost was more than I wanted to shell out at this time. I don't do loans. After looking for a few months I found the 09 I bought, it had 9888 miles on it and had just about everything. I redid the seat and tires are next. The 96 and 6 spd are worth it (IMHO) much nicer road bike.
The 01 did run cooler though I will give it that.
