Thinking about going lighter
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
All good points, but if I may.....while the overall weight of the Ultra and RK are not that different, the point made about the high center of gravity of that weight due to the tour pack AND the fairing can make a big difference in slow speed handling. As many have suggested ride them and see if its comfortable for you....GL.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,559
From: South Carolina
The Softail will feel much lighter than the touring bike (I have a Road King and a Softail), it is narrower at the front of the seat, and lower, which will give you more control of the weight of the bike when stopped.
The Softail may not be much lighter, but it will feel lighter and be easier to maneuver at low speeds.
The Softail may not be much lighter, but it will feel lighter and be easier to maneuver at low speeds.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 858
Likes: 286
From: nw Ark
Ride solo, test ride both and off you go.
Ride 2 up, same thing, just let the wife decide.
No sure bets in this world but I will give odds the passenger wants the Road King.
And 80 or 100 pounds is a big difference.
Ride 2 up, same thing, just let the wife decide.
No sure bets in this world but I will give odds the passenger wants the Road King.
And 80 or 100 pounds is a big difference.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 606
From:
on my 85, i took the tour pac off and i removed stuff that accumulated in the saddle bags over the years. that alone took about 40 pounds off the bike. in 85 the fairing was like a shovel head as it was empty as in no radio. there was an option for a gauge and radio caddy so i installed a radio and speakers. i took radio and speakers out a few years ago and lost about 8 pounds, i didn't listen to it anyway. loosing the weight that was up high made a huge difference. i picked up a yamaha morphous scooter too for quick trips around town. i like it.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 46
OP, be careful what you wish for. I'm 67, had a '10 RG bought new in Jan. 2011. Started thinking it was too heavy so I traded it for a '14 Switchback. Couldn't stand it. Got a '17 RG last October. They're gonna have to pry me off that one.
The remove the tourpack thoughts are a good idea. With my previous FLTRX I had a detachable tourpack. The current FLTRXS I simply got a sissy bar/luggage rack and use a tour bag when traveling. Better deal any way since it just lifts off the bike to go into a hotel room. Missus hasan't complained about not having the wider tour pack pad.
The remove the tourpack thoughts are a good idea. With my previous FLTRX I had a detachable tourpack. The current FLTRXS I simply got a sissy bar/luggage rack and use a tour bag when traveling. Better deal any way since it just lifts off the bike to go into a hotel room. Missus hasan't complained about not having the wider tour pack pad.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
Seven years ago at age 66 I decided the 2009 Ultra Classic was getting to heavy to maneuver around.I sold it and bought a 2009 Sportster Special.That lasted only 6 months and traded for a 2012 Dyna which I upgraded with forward controls and w/shield and bags.Wasn't happy with that and traded in for a 2013 Road King which I rode for 2 years before deciding it was cumbersome to maneuver around at slow speeds.I traded it in on a 2016 SGS which I found was not that much lighter but the weight was more evenly distributed and made bike easier to handle.I have since got a 2017 M8 SGS and am very satisfied with way bike handles and maneuvers at slow speeds.Go to a Dealer and push around a Road King and then a SGS and you will see the difference.I am 73 now and have no problems handling a SGS.So a lighter bike isn't always the answer ,but a well balanced bike could be.
Last edited by GTK; Dec 24, 2017 at 07:49 AM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
I have the same thoughts. If you are going to go softail, I would definitely try the 18s, before buying a 17. Ivs ridden a couple and the new frames and suspension are great. The biggest factor is comfort as mentioned above. There is a big difference in wind protection.
The heritage seemed quite nice and the Fatboy I rode was very stable. Id like to get out on the sport glide but I think that will have to wait til spring.
The heritage seemed quite nice and the Fatboy I rode was very stable. Id like to get out on the sport glide but I think that will have to wait til spring.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 384
From: SoCal hi desert
At 71 I'm definitely "old school". The 2018 Softails (both the Fat Boy and Heritage) are not appealing to my taste. I think they are aimed at the younger crowd. I really like the classic looks of the 2017 Fat Boy and Heritage much better than the 2018s and I don't need the extra power of the new engines. I test rode a 2016 Fat Boy and the 103 has plenty enough power for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
Hate to say it but going lighter may not do as you intend and the bikes all will be too heavy backing them into a slot or out of a slot when parked. Made up my mind last year after my back/neck surgeries that when time comes when cannot manhandle the ride will step up to or down as many consider to a trike.
Will make better sense not having to worry of laying it down, or dropping when park or roadside stop and reverse gear to back into tight spots.
Can add a hitch where can retain the N-Line trailer we have just will work a little different.
Will make better sense not having to worry of laying it down, or dropping when park or roadside stop and reverse gear to back into tight spots.
Can add a hitch where can retain the N-Line trailer we have just will work a little different.