When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Owning a FLTR and a FLST gives me a good idea of the plusses and minuses of both plusI've test ridden a number of the new bikes. IMHO the new rubber mounts shake too much at idle but are fine at speed. The new softails are smoother than the old 88s. Must be the MoCo getting the balancers better dialed in. I can run the FLST at 80+ all day and not get "shook up". I personally think wide rear tires are over rated. The FLST has more leg room than my FLTR. I am short legged but old kneed. From what you have said and seeing what you came off of I would take a hard look at a Fatboy or maybe even a Crossbones.
Thank you for all the replies. I agree with all of you. The shaking is cool at idle, surely not what I expected when coming to a stop. And after the 40 mile ride, I was used to it. I guess I thought it was a little more sporty, and that might be the root of my issue. I do not want to go back to my softtail... I would not have sold it if i liked it... I always thought the road king is/was the sporty touring bike... Maybe it is... Maybe my idea is a little different...
The bike is sure footed and rides like my wifes denali when moving. Sounds good with even stock pipes, and turns like a dream... I guess i just want some sport. I was happy with the power... I guess it was the sport look...
Sorry for the rambling, but I just cannot get to the root of my issue, and I would like to pick up my bike for the year. A buddy of my fathers has an Ultra. I think I might hop on that to see if there is any difference to me. I like the looks of the King better, but....
If you can afford to buy & sell each year then it doesn't much matter. If you're lookin' for a bike to live with for a while you need to do some test ridin'. Go rent various models for a day & see how they ride & handle. Don't pay much attention to the ergonomics because those can be changed on any bike.
I started my Harley ridin' on an FXR. I liked the sport riding style, & for 30 some years never allowed a windshield near a bike I owned. My last two bikes have had massive fairings & windshields, & now when I hop back on the FXR (I still have my first one) it feels strange for a couple of miles to be without. We all change, so give yourself a chance to test a few different bikes & a chance to get used to whatever feels good to you.
I've never noticed any vibrations from my Ultra while slowing or stopping, but the vibtating while idling did take a little getting used to, coming from a Softail. I dothink you should try a couple of different touring models to find the one you really like. The Ultra and maybe a Streetglide would be two I would suggest.
I am 6 foot 4 and weigh in at 245. I got a 07 RKC and love it. The windshield is just right for me. Done a lot of figuring before I bought it. You will find what is just right for you. Keep Going.
I agree with most of the other comments here. If you're wanting something in between sport and touring, maybe give the Street Glide a shot and see what you think. As far as a wider rear tire, it just doesn't line up well with a touring bike. Granted there are kits available that let you load a 200mm under there, I doubt seriously the bike would handle nearly as well as stock. As always, just my $0.02. Good luck in finding what you want. Don't let it stress you out, as shopping for a bike should be an enjoyable experience. Take advantage of the ability to rent bikes for a day and really test them out before you purchase.
v-rod with a 240 rear tire, smooth rear tire smokin' power, forward controls, stable enough in the corners to drag the exhaust and pegs. Maybe you ought to ride a v-rod.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.