Bagger handling
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Bagger handling
I just got back from a 150 mile ride on a bunch of Mississippi back roads with twistys and sweepers.
Was not doing a crotch rocket imitation, but was not laying back most of the time either. Lots of long hard sweepers going in at 50-55 and coming out at 70. Had a blast!
Discovered a few new roads also. (one with some pretty good elevation changes mixed in with a bunch of sweepers and a few hairpin curves. 
Have a ridestr8 stabilizer...basically same thing as the TWR. Also running Michelin Commanders. I scrape the floorboards and floorboard brackets every now and then, but mostly at lower speed, sharper turns. (and if it ever became an issue, they are adjustable and I currently have them on the lowest adjustment).
I am completely happy with my King.
Was not doing a crotch rocket imitation, but was not laying back most of the time either. Lots of long hard sweepers going in at 50-55 and coming out at 70. Had a blast!
Discovered a few new roads also. (one with some pretty good elevation changes mixed in with a bunch of sweepers and a few hairpin curves. Have a ridestr8 stabilizer...basically same thing as the TWR. Also running Michelin Commanders. I scrape the floorboards and floorboard brackets every now and then, but mostly at lower speed, sharper turns. (and if it ever became an issue, they are adjustable and I currently have them on the lowest adjustment).
I am completely happy with my King.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 2
RE: Bagger handling
I traded my '06 Night Rod for my SG. It was a very nimble bike. If you pushed both bikes hard on the twisties the V-Rod would handily come out on top. That being said. In casual fun riding on the same road, the Glide is every bit as easy to handle and as much fun to ride as the Rod. Amazingly low speed handling is far better on the SG. It is incredible how easy a bike this big and heavy can be to handle! I can turn this bike around in the street at a crawl. no problem. It balances better than any other bike I've ridden. The slightest forward momentum keeps it steady. Even two up it's a breaze to handle. Factor in that I'm completely comfortable, have a jacket and / or rain gear with me when I need them, arrive rested at my destination, and have tunes when I ride.... No contest! I can see myself owning another V-Rod as a second bike. But as an only bike.... Baggers rule!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: california
RE: Bagger handling
Love my bagger and love the twisties also. Have taken some corners at probably easey 20 over the speed limit with no problems.Do realizeit some on the switchbacks but compared to my FXE i would never give up my bagger.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: Seattle
RE: Bagger handling
I went from a FXDC to a RK,have nothad an issue on the twisties with the new bagger. I would definately recommend attending your upcoming dealers' demo days and see for yourself. Honestly, I don't think you will go wrong with a bagger--especially if you are planning to push out a couple of hundred miles 2 up. Best of luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 57
From: St. Louis, MO
RE: Bagger handling
ORIGINAL: spacelord
I traded my '06 Night Rod for my SG. It was a very nimble bike. If you pushed both bikes hard on the twisties the V-Rod would handily come out on top. That being said. In casual fun riding on the same road, the Glide is every bit as easy to handle and as much fun to ride as the Rod. Amazingly low speed handling is far better on the SG. It is incredible how easy a bike this big and heavy can be to handle! I can turn this bike around in the street at a crawl. no problem. It balances better than any other bike I've ridden. The slightest forward momentum keeps it steady. Even two up it's a breaze to handle. Factor in that I'm completely comfortable, have a jacket and / or rain gear with me when I need them, arrive rested at my destination, and have tunes when I ride.... No contest! I can see myself owning another V-Rod as a second bike. But as an only bike.... Baggers rule!
I traded my '06 Night Rod for my SG. It was a very nimble bike. If you pushed both bikes hard on the twisties the V-Rod would handily come out on top. That being said. In casual fun riding on the same road, the Glide is every bit as easy to handle and as much fun to ride as the Rod. Amazingly low speed handling is far better on the SG. It is incredible how easy a bike this big and heavy can be to handle! I can turn this bike around in the street at a crawl. no problem. It balances better than any other bike I've ridden. The slightest forward momentum keeps it steady. Even two up it's a breaze to handle. Factor in that I'm completely comfortable, have a jacket and / or rain gear with me when I need them, arrive rested at my destination, and have tunes when I ride.... No contest! I can see myself owning another V-Rod as a second bike. But as an only bike.... Baggers rule!
Chris
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Bagger handling
I've had a Road King and now an UltraClassic. No wobble, but then I haven't gone over 100 mph yet. For the size, they actually handle very nicely once you get used to them. I weave in and out of places at low speed with no problem. I travel comfortably with plenty of lockable space. I use my bike for grocery trip and you'd be surprised at the amount of crap you can carry. For me, the bagger works as a great all around bike. If I had the money, I'd have several different styles, but I don't so this one works the best for my lifestyle. Good luck.