Something smaller
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,540
Likes: 5,865
From: Syracuse NY
'16 FLHTK here. 29" inseam & 63-out of shape years old. I lowered the bike by going with 11" Pro Action shocks over the stock 13" air shocks. That made a huge difference in how planted I feel both with my feet and into the bike.
As the little woman has back issues and rides less than before, I took the tour pack off and put on a Street Glide seat. That lowers you another 1.5", on top of the lowered shocks.
But I know aging is inevitable, so my future plan B is to buy a Heritage Springer or go back to the Honda Cruiser.
Of course, I would love to have the Springer right now. To get used to it, of course.
If you're located in NYS, you can ride over and check mine out.
As the little woman has back issues and rides less than before, I took the tour pack off and put on a Street Glide seat. That lowers you another 1.5", on top of the lowered shocks.
But I know aging is inevitable, so my future plan B is to buy a Heritage Springer or go back to the Honda Cruiser.
Of course, I would love to have the Springer right now. To get used to it, of course.
If you're located in NYS, you can ride over and check mine out.
Last edited by Oko; Mar 26, 2020 at 07:48 AM.
I agree with jlombard. I think youd regret it. I know everyone is different, but a while back I went from a street glide to a softail slim. Long story short Im back on a street glide, but you have to do whats best for you. Good luck
Last edited by steelcityrider12; Mar 26, 2020 at 08:09 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,306
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
OP; I was in your situation a few years back & sold my 2009 FLHX then turned around & bought a 2017 FXDL-S off the showroom floor...absolutely LOVE the Dyna. It's agile, powerful & a hoot scoot to drive on short/long treks. Only comfort mods I've done so far are (1) new seat (comfier), floorboards (better riding position) & (3) handlebar lift (3" spacers). If you do decide to go smaller, the new FXDL-S would be one to consider & keep in mind...you can always sell/trade to Touring bike again (later). Good luck w/ your ventures & keep us updated.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 609
Likes: 329
From: Athens, Alabama
I bought a Dyna Switchback last October for my 61st birthday. Until then I hadn't owned a bike for a little over 4 years. (Bone spurs in the shoulder then successful surgery and rehab) It was the perfect bike for me since the intention was to have something to knock around on, weekend day rides, ride back and forth to work, etc. If you want a small bagger I'd recommend something in the Dyna or Softail family. I've since then traded into a '17 Road King Special because we committed to Daytona this year. I'm getting older and losing muscle mass so I don't want the extra top heavy weight of the fairing and associated equipment. The RK did great and we had enough storage with the quick change tour pack trunk I rigged up.
My wife is currently learning to ride (coming along slow but steady) but if she doesn't develop the confidence for a 2 wheeler I'm gonna encourage her to test ride a Freewheeler (which I considered for myself before the RKS stepped into my life)
My wife is currently learning to ride (coming along slow but steady) but if she doesn't develop the confidence for a 2 wheeler I'm gonna encourage her to test ride a Freewheeler (which I considered for myself before the RKS stepped into my life)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
My son rides an '11 RoadGlide Ultra and says my Road King feels like a 10 speed bicycle when he rides it. I have ridden his bike a few times and have NOT noticed any feeling that it is "massive" compared to mine. Don't know if a Road King would be any help for you vs a non touring frame bike. As many here have indicated, going to a smaller bike usually results in going back to a touring frame bike fairly soon. I am 75 and have thought about this also. The reports of downsizing from a touring bike to a dyna rarely are positive, my alternative choice was for a Heritage Classic. As a first bike, or a first Harley, they are fine but those going from a touring bike to a dyna are rarely happy.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 932
Likes: 592
From: Connecticut
Accept that you will lose money, and get what you'll ride. Throwing parts at it still won't correct the 'overweight' nature of the bike.
BTW, our local dealer is literally dying to sell bikes right now. It might be advantageous to shop now.
BTW, our local dealer is literally dying to sell bikes right now. It might be advantageous to shop now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
I have both a 2016 bagger & a 2003 Heritage.... prior to buying the bagger, I owned the Heritage as my only bike.. I took it on my long, multi-day rides in comfort.... It's not as comfortable as the bagger, but certainly comfortable enough for your riding profile..
With the Heritage, you will save on weight and the seat is lower (lower center of gravity)... it feels much lighter than the 200 lb difference between it and the bagger...
I know if in the future I get to a point (physically) where the bagger isn't manageable, the bagger will get a sidecar, or I'll just go back to the Heritage only.... But the Heritage is in my garage for the long haul....
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 341
Likes: 16
From: Michigan
A buddy of mine went from a Superglide to a Ultra. He could never get used to the added weight and after a few close calls he sold it and bought a Breakout. The Breakout fits his needs better. He seems happy about it and he is much for relaxed on the smaller bike.
Go with something that fits your needs. Everybody is different , some like to bar hop, some like the open road.
Go with something that fits your needs. Everybody is different , some like to bar hop, some like the open road.
