Something smaller
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 5,037
From: usa
Test ride a Road King, best of both worlds, has bags in case you change your mind and do want to go somewhere, get a lower seat, and or taller boots, take that windshield off around town and it'll feel a lot less intimidating, just go out and practice. Heritage is way lighter and you can remove all the crap but it's there if you need it. Or just get a little bike or scooter for around town stuff to go with it. Buy the bike you really want.
Last edited by blap; Mar 26, 2020 at 02:43 PM.
Wondering who has ever downsized to a smaller bike from a larger one. I have a 2019 Ultra Limited and I think I would like a smaller one since all I ever do is ride around town. I can't afford 2 bikes and I have only traveled more than a 100 miles once. If you did downsize did you regret it? What did you downsize from and too? Of course I would lose my behind money wise but this bike is too heavy for me in parking lots, tight spaces, etc.
The first bike I ever owned was my current 18 Road Glide Ultra. Sure, I've messed around on dirt bikes growing up, but I "went big" early on. I also use it as a daily driver whenever I can, and even ride to work in metro Seattle area. I don't regret my decision one bit.
My guess is you just need practice. Take the time to work on the friction zone and slow maneuvers in parkings lots with cones and such. Check the "Ride Like a Pro" series on YouTube (and you can purchase the full videos as well). I was scared out of my sense the first month or two with the bike, and wondered whether I made a mistake. But I put the time in, and now slow speeds, tight turns, traffic and parking lots are a breeze (though don't get to overconfident). Also find an experienced riding buddy to show you the ropes and tricks of the trade.
With all that said, I'm still looking at a smaller bike just to have more variety. I won't get rid of my FLTRU as I love it. Another smaller bike is just a luxury, and not looking to replace my main ride. Just think it would be fun to have a Indian FTR 1200, BMR R Nine T or something along those lines.
But end of the day, some folks just can't get over the hump with big baggers, and there is no shame in that. Riding while nervous or scared is not safe, so if after investing the time you still have issues, then yes, time for a smaller bike.
Just my 2 cents.
PS - consider getting a detachable tour pack. I did that and it lightens the load.
Last edited by wolverinehusky; Mar 26, 2020 at 02:45 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 342
From: Virginia Beach
Wondering who has ever downsized to a smaller bike from a larger one. I have a 2019 Ultra Limited and I think I would like a smaller one since all I ever do is ride around town. I can't afford 2 bikes and I have only traveled more than a 100 miles once. If you did downsize did you regret it? What did you downsize from and too? Of course I would lose my behind money wise but this bike is too heavy for me in parking lots, tight spaces, etc.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Before you think about another bike, I'd simply remove the Tour Pack.
I ride an Ultra Limited. A friend of mine has the same bike with the Tour Pack removed. We traded bikes one day while out riding and his felt like a sportbike to me... The only difference was the Tour Pack. Night and day difference.
I ride an Ultra Limited. A friend of mine has the same bike with the Tour Pack removed. We traded bikes one day while out riding and his felt like a sportbike to me... The only difference was the Tour Pack. Night and day difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
I haven't yet, but i am going to buy me an 883 sportster just for putting around town on, one of these days. However, i am going to buy old and used, but I will keep the Road King as well.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
HD Dressers are a big bike to ride around the town if your not used it. You can change it up some to make it easier, remove the tour pack, put a lower seat on it. Those two changes alone make it a completely different bike. I have the FLHTK and with those two changes it's really two bikes. Then again I have the Yamaha MT10 which is another beast entirely!! Good luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1,281
From: Ky
I traded my electraglide for a Roadking last fall. I'm looking for a tour pack. Don't need no radio or speakers. Windshield will be off except for cold or rain. I'm happy with my upgrade.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Don't buy another motorcycle, learn to ride the one you have proficiently. Any shortcomings you have now will come up again with a bike that weighs, 100, 200 or even 300 pounds less. The only difference is they'll be easier to pick up. If you have moments of concern during regular tasks like starting, stopping, u-turns getting into or out of tight places; it's not the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1,351
From: Kansas
and what nomadmax said.
I went from Softail to touring in my late 50's and I struggled a bit. Just get out and ride that thing everywhere you go. You'll get used to it.
You don't need a lighter bike and you don't need a lower bike, you just need to gain some confidence.
I went from Softail to touring in my late 50's and I struggled a bit. Just get out and ride that thing everywhere you go. You'll get used to it.
You don't need a lighter bike and you don't need a lower bike, you just need to gain some confidence.