Upgraded from a 97 dyna wide glide.

Still getting used to the feel of the EGC. Miss my dyna at times. Loved the bars I had on it (drag bars) But I now have my radio that I have wanted. (thanks Biketronics)

I don't like how on a touring bike you sit "on the bike" I like the feel of sitting "in the bike" So I have been playing with the seat. So far I have taken approx 1/2" of foam out of the seat. Going to be taking more out of it this week.
But that is my opinion.

 

I came off of a Fat Bob all it took was one test ride on a M8 Road King. I has ridden the Street Glides and a Road Glide before and was not really impressed. The Road King on the other hand I knew within 1/2 mile from the dealership that it was going to be my next and very possibly last bike. It felt light and nimble the bigger tank, bags, floor boards, cruise control and oh so comfortable. No regrets at all.

 

Yup, didn't even test ride it soon as I sat on one I wanted it, Never been into the big *** land barges with all the stereo's and crap, been street riding since 1970.

 

I've had other brands, including street bikes like honda and ducati. My first Harley was a stripped down, hardtailed shovel head that's still a blast, but 100% different that a glide. If I want a ripper/canyon carver I'm not necessarily taking the ultra. Harley to me are about cruise, and the touring bikes have that in spades. Sure they're 900lbs, but I gto used to it as does everyone. Sure it sat a little high for my liking but a new seat made it better on the road and at the stoplights. I now ride my ultra 2-3x more than anything else. IF I could only have one bike....it just might be my ultra.

 

I love the Road King, my 05 was setup perfect, should have never got rid of it.

 

EXACTLY! The more I ride it, the more I like it.

 

My first HD was a '17 883 Iron. I loved the look of it and was amazed how affordable and easy to handle a Harley was, (as I was just getting back into riding after 30 years). I got so into it that had half the mods done by the dealer before it left the dealership, including a full stage one and 1200 upgrade. Plus, the price was less than I was expecting for an HD. I loved the look, the sound, and the ease of handling around town, and it was easy to fit in the garage in front of my car. Then, I started riding a little further, and on the highway. An hour to the beach, two hours to bike week in Laconia, etc... It was no longer a pleasure. Windshield on and off, no place to carry anything except a little saddle bag on the side. Constant stopping for gas. White knuckles up and down the highway, especially around trucks. Not to mention the slight ego drain at bike week, where I had virtually the only Sportster. I know, I shouldn't have let that bug me, but it made me visit the dealer and discover the Street Glide and the M8, so it was a blessing. The size and weight were a little intimidating at first, but after test riding, it was over. A must have.

One year later, I love my 2018 Street Glide Special. I also got it modded up before taking possession, both for the warranty, and b/c I didn't want to be always wanting the "next thing", so I went with a full stage 2, with the Rinehart exhaust, heavy breather, FP3 tuner, S.E. torque cam, plus 12" Yaffee bars and other "stuff". The power is absolutely incredible. More than I could ever want. The sound is so awesome that I rarely use my upgraded sound system. I just listen to that roar when I twist the throttle and smile. Having the hard bags, the 6 gal. tank, and the fairing are huge improvements, as is the comfort and confidence on the highways. With the quick detach system, I can easily add a backrest and rack, which make using add on motorcycle luggage a breeze. Do I miss the Iron? Perhaps the ease and fun of it a bit, but the SG can "rip around town" just as well, plus it opens up so much more opportunity for longer rides and touring. It's funny, now I see a Sporty and I feel like they look way too small.

One note: As I agonized over the decision to upgrade. A salesman at the dealership told me he went through the same thing with the same 2 bikes, and he just could not part with his Sporty, so he kept both, which was not only a financial burden, but a waste, as one was just sitting there at all times. He said that within a few weeks he was only riding the Street Glide as it was just a superior ride, and ended up selling the Sporty. It made sense, so I heeded that advice, made the switch, and never looked back. My only slight regret is that if I had waited another 6 weeks, I would be riding a '19 with the 114, and the upgraded head unit.

One bit of advice, take some long test rides on a Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King (if you don't care about the fairing). See which one feels right for you. There is a constant debate between the SG & RK about the styling, and the fixed vs. movable fairing. Only you can decide which is best for you. Good luck.

 

Try a Lucky Dave's seat. Not only comfortable, but you definitely sit "in" the bike, and it feels more "locked in".

 

Some people are addicted to buying bikes.

 

‘16 SGS to ‘19 RG...added comfort and about 40 lbs