No problem
Did you move up from a smaller HD? What did you gain?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 1,189
From: Anywhere we stop
I have not rode a Softail since 2006 or so, but the solid mounted "B" engine put a buzz in the bars that I didn't like. The Moco may have "fixed" it by now though...something to pay attention to on a test ride. 500 miles with a buzz in the bars will wear you out.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 224
Likes: 53
From: OHIO
2011 Limited
2013 Switchback
I went from a 2013 Switchback to a 2011 ultra limited ( both bikes have the 103 ) I loved the Switchback , but at 53 yo and with a bad back I could only ride it about 4 hrs a day ( 2 hrs out and 2 hrs back home ) it did not take long before I got bored with my destination options and so I traded it in for my limited. Like many have said it is like nite and day and I love my Limited, it gives me much more time on the bike where I can enjoy the whole day getting out with friends.
But I have to say , I do miss my Dyna for the short trips and cruising around town. My only regret is not keeping it and having both bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 15,710
From: Florida
I started with a Kawasaki 400 in 1976. Then a Sportster in 1979. Got my Super Glide FXR in 1986 and had only it until 2012. I currently have a Softail Springer and an Indian Chief Dark Horse. I am jonsing badly for a Road King and look everyday for a deal to good to pass up. So I have been on a steady increase in power and size over the years. I was never one to like bikes with a faring but lately there is something about a Street Glide that I am starting to fall for. I can see myself on a Street Glide as my retirement bike. I am getting old.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 24
From: Indianapolis
Rode sportsters for a few years then got a switchback, and it was quite a good bike. I liked the "mini road king" feel of the bike. It was comfortable and light enough it was nimble. Plus the looks were good. I went from that bike to a Road King special and it was very minor in difference, weight wise. It did feel slightly bigger though but I got used to it in a couple weeks. I can say without a doubt, a way better bike.
Here is what you will gain...highway and long distance riding becomes a pleasure. The extra weight is a pro on the freeway with semi's blowing wind around. Way more planted and comfortable! After that couple weeks, its second nature. I am only 5'6" so the RKS, with the shorter suspension, is still taller than me to be flat footed. I was going to lower the bike/get new seat, but here I am in a Street Glide Special and still no lower suspension. Hope that helps coming from the same bike you have.
Here is what you will gain...highway and long distance riding becomes a pleasure. The extra weight is a pro on the freeway with semi's blowing wind around. Way more planted and comfortable! After that couple weeks, its second nature. I am only 5'6" so the RKS, with the shorter suspension, is still taller than me to be flat footed. I was going to lower the bike/get new seat, but here I am in a Street Glide Special and still no lower suspension. Hope that helps coming from the same bike you have.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,184
Likes: 4,114
From: Michigan
Had a 09 Low Rider that I liked a lot, some throw over saddle bags and a windshield and it was a highway mile eating machine. Took it out to Sturgis and beyond 5 yrs straight, great bike.
In 2014 picked up a new RK standard, love the cruise, 6 gallon tank and the water tight lockable bags, bike is amazing on the highway and really everywhere else. Only down side to it is the weight, when I go on road trips I camp so I have to watch where I park it (on campsites) because it can be a bitch to back it up with all my gear on it on say wet grass or loose gravel. Other than that I love the bike. Not to say though that someday, I'm 63 that I won't look real hard at another LR being what 150# lighter.
PS. I do keep a Sporster ( Nightster) around for commuting and short jaunts.
In 2014 picked up a new RK standard, love the cruise, 6 gallon tank and the water tight lockable bags, bike is amazing on the highway and really everywhere else. Only down side to it is the weight, when I go on road trips I camp so I have to watch where I park it (on campsites) because it can be a bitch to back it up with all my gear on it on say wet grass or loose gravel. Other than that I love the bike. Not to say though that someday, I'm 63 that I won't look real hard at another LR being what 150# lighter.
PS. I do keep a Sporster ( Nightster) around for commuting and short jaunts.
Last edited by Bricklayer; Apr 29, 2019 at 07:50 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
I recently went from a 2010 Super Glide Custom to a 2018 Road King. I got hard bags, wind protection for long hauls, better 2-up riding, a 6-gallon tank and more power by virtue of the M8. The Road King is 175 lbs heavier but feels surprisingly lighter. That's the first thing I noticed when I took it for a test ride. I could not believe how light it felt even though it was a much heavier bike. I had avoided the touring class for a long time because of the weight, never even test rode one. On my Dyna I always had a bag on back to carry things, with the King the saddlebags easily handle my daily needs and allow me to lock up my jacket and such while off the bike.
Also, I am not a big fairing guy so the Street Glide and Road Glide would be a stretch for me. I love being able to keep the windshield off for local and back road riding. If I know I am going to be logging highway miles the windshield goes on. After having the Road King for more than 6 months I don't think I would ride anything else. (Famous last word right).
Also, I am not a big fairing guy so the Street Glide and Road Glide would be a stretch for me. I love being able to keep the windshield off for local and back road riding. If I know I am going to be logging highway miles the windshield goes on. After having the Road King for more than 6 months I don't think I would ride anything else. (Famous last word right).
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Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
2011 Limited
2013 Switchback
I went from a 2013 Switchback to a 2011 ultra limited ( both bikes have the 103 ) I loved the Switchback , but at 53 yo and with a bad back I could only ride it about 4 hrs a day ( 2 hrs out and 2 hrs back home ) it did not take long before I got bored with my destination options and so I traded it in for my limited. Like many have said it is like nite and day and I love my Limited, it gives me much more time on the bike where I can enjoy the whole day getting out with friends.
But I have to say , I do miss my Dyna for the short trips and cruising around town. My only regret is not keeping it and having both bikes.
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Rode sportsters for a few years then got a switchback, and it was quite a good bike. I liked the "mini road king" feel of the bike. It was comfortable and light enough it was nimble. Plus the looks were good. I went from that bike to a Road King special and it was very minor in difference, weight wise. It did feel slightly bigger though but I got used to it in a couple weeks. I can say without a doubt, a way better bike.
Here is what you will gain...highway and long distance riding becomes a pleasure. The extra weight is a pro on the freeway with semi's blowing wind around. Way more planted and comfortable! After that couple weeks, its second nature. I am only 5'6" so the RKS, with the shorter suspension, is still taller than me to be flat footed. I was going to lower the bike/get new seat, but here I am in a Street Glide Special and still no lower suspension. Hope that helps coming from the same bike you have.
Here is what you will gain...highway and long distance riding becomes a pleasure. The extra weight is a pro on the freeway with semi's blowing wind around. Way more planted and comfortable! After that couple weeks, its second nature. I am only 5'6" so the RKS, with the shorter suspension, is still taller than me to be flat footed. I was going to lower the bike/get new seat, but here I am in a Street Glide Special and still no lower suspension. Hope that helps coming from the same bike you have.