2003 FLHRI
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2003 FLHRI
Pulled out my 1976 KZ900 Kaw was a show bike back in the 70's and 80's then parked for 20 years, My son wanted to learn how to ride, so I tought him on it> asked my advise on what bike to buy, I said a sportster and he bought one, a new 2005 883 custom sportster. We put a set of vance and hines straight shots and a dyna jet kit along with the air cleaner kit Must say I like it very much even at my age of 54. I'm now into this harley kick with him and found my Z1, still as fast as a raped ape but just to uncomfortable for me, my back just can't take it for more than an hour or two. I test rode a 2002 road king today and the vance and hines pipes did sound good but the power was just not there. Also I shook the steering at about 50mph and the response felt rubbery. Is this the way these bikes are??? Maybe I should buy a sportster instead, I like the response of my sons. At 54 a road king should be the bike for me. I just don't know if I could get used to the lack of power and the sluggish front end. I realy like to roll the power on in the turns but I also need comfort too. Any recommendations for me on which harley I should be looking at. Tomorrow I', going to look at a 1977 electra glide touring FLH it's a shovelhead 1200 and the owner say's it realy got some power, ??? only 18,000 miles and $7,500 help please
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: NY
RE: 2003 FLHRI
the kz 900 is one of my first bikes too, preceeded only by a honda hawk 400, i too ran only sport bikes since 15 till now(36) and own a 97 electraglide classic with plenty of extras and power. i would not go older than the evolution engines only for reliability, i got my bike with 16k on the clock for $12k i will check where you are but here in NY there are so many people who buy and then want something else it's crazy.i saw a 2003 fat boy with an HD 97" engine and all sorts of chrome for 16k maybe it had 4k on the clock . if you look you will find a gem.on this site is HD trader and there are loads of places to look.someone here may even be selling a nice machine wait for reply, you never know
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 1
From: East Tennessee
RE: 2003 FLHRI
Since your main riding will be with you son (and that's great) maybe you should try a 1200 Sportster. I've heard the shaking is to a minimum now. It should have enough power and handling to satisfy you and with all the H-D options could be made comfy for your 54 year old butt. What a great experience it must be to ride with your kid...teach him well.
Oh yeah, I had a Superglide once. It handled great -- don't know how the power stacks up to the 1200 though.
Oh yeah, I had a Superglide once. It handled great -- don't know how the power stacks up to the 1200 though.
"Moderator & Connoisseur of Ice Cream"
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 5
From: Montgomery Al
RE: 2003 FLHRI
My re-entry back into riding after a 30 year hiatus was on a 05 Superglide. FINE machine. Sporster like handling with more torque. WOnderful machine. Cant say enough good about it.
But - in the end I traded it for my 02 EG Classic and have never looked back. Every bike handles different. I say go for the bigger bike. Us older guys do better on them.
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
But - in the end I traded it for my 02 EG Classic and have never looked back. Every bike handles different. I say go for the bigger bike. Us older guys do better on them.
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
"Moderator & Connoisseur of Ice Cream"
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 5
From: Montgomery Al
RE: 2003 FLHRI
On another note.
I raced Kawasakis for several years. MotoX Rode the 900's as demos while I worked at the local shop. Mean bike, but as you said, not very comfortable.
Go with the touring bike. If you want more power, you can get it. Stage I or II or beyond.
Mikeeeeeeeee
I raced Kawasakis for several years. MotoX Rode the 900's as demos while I worked at the local shop. Mean bike, but as you said, not very comfortable.
Go with the touring bike. If you want more power, you can get it. Stage I or II or beyond.
Mikeeeeeeeee
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
RE: 2003 FLHRI
You may also need to adjust your riding style to make use of Harley power. Shift lower and use the lower RPM range. The torque will be a real treat once you get the nack of it. Just over 2000 to about 4000 is the right spot most of the time . IMO
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 1
From: East Tennessee
RE: 2003 FLHRI
Yeah, in the end I opted for an "04 RKC. But we both played with more quick and agile bikes first -- aka Superglides. So if he wants to tool around and keep up with his boy on the twisties, maybe do as we did and get it out of your system first. At 54, it shouldn't take long. What do you think? I say 3 years.
ORIGINAL: no1likhim
My re-entry back into riding after a 30 year hiatus was on a 05 Superglide. FINE machine. Sporster like handling with more torque. WOnderful machine. Cant say enough good about it.
But - in the end I traded it for my 02 EG Classic and have never looked back. Every bike handles different. I say go for the bigger bike. Us older guys do better on them.
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
My re-entry back into riding after a 30 year hiatus was on a 05 Superglide. FINE machine. Sporster like handling with more torque. WOnderful machine. Cant say enough good about it.
But - in the end I traded it for my 02 EG Classic and have never looked back. Every bike handles different. I say go for the bigger bike. Us older guys do better on them.
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
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From: Ozark, AL
RE: 2003 FLHRI
I have a 2002 Road King FLHR that I have ridden for 18000 miles since March. I love it. I think you would regret the sportster if you are going to do any long distance riding. We are about the same age and the RK suspension will help you enjoy the ride both on and off the bike. Mine has SE slip on pipes that have a nice mellow sound at 65-70 where I spend most of my time. Loud pipes over a long run start out cool and just wind up loud. Whatever you decide, enjoy the ride and good luck keeping up with your kid-on anything!
Vern
Vern
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: 2003 FLHRI
Unless you are a pretty good Wrench, I would stay away from the 1977 model. Shovelheads require a lot of TLC and work. The '77 is also not going to be rubber mounted if memory serves, and it is going to shake more than a little.
Regards,
Bill
Regards,
Bill
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: 2003 FLHRI
Thanks for all the imput, Guess I'm having troble choosing because I know this will be my last bike
Pat
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Pat
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