Getting Old
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 67
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Getting Old
I must be getting old. Traded my Indian for a 05 Road King and man is it heavy. On the highway it is king but as a bar hopper I almost dropped it several times last week. Its not the beer the bike is just heavy and bulky. Should I go to a Hertigage Classic or a Fat Boy? How do they stack up as far as maneuverability vs the Road King?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
RE: Getting Old
How long you been ridin' the RK? Gettin' off my shovel to the RK, first few days, I was a little uneasy, taller, heavier, bulkier and way more expensive! After a few hundred miles, even the ol' lady said she could tell I was getting used to it. Now, about 1500 miles, I just ride, it's become part of me and I feel every bit as agile as I did on my shovel, just much faster and smoother.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: Coconut Creek, FL
RE: Getting Old
I'd give it some time. It rides a little differently because you sit "on" it instead of "in" it. It's a little heavier and a little taller. Once you get used to it though, you won't want to ride anything else. I wouldn't trade mine for any other bike out there. It's a lot easier to ride than some of my old Hondas were. I think the longer you ride it, the more you'll like it. Keep at it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
RE: Getting Old
I have an old club brother with the same problem. He's 68 yrs. old and his FLHT is just too heavy in tight places. His back is bad. I've picked it up several times. If you don't do a lot of highway long distance riding, you might be more comfortable on a Fat Boy or Dyna. With a windshield and some bags you can travel quite comfortably on these bikes. It won't be as luxurious a ride as a touring bike but not that bad. I love my Street Glide, it's fabulous on the road and easy to handle as soon as it's moving. My hot rod Fat Boy is still more fun to ride around town and especially backing up in and out of parking spots. Another old brother ( he's kinda short) kept his Ultra and bought a new FXD for around town when he retired earlier this year. Rent what you think you might like and try riding it. You'll be safer and enjoy the ride more riding what "feels right for YOU!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: Getting Old
I just trade my Triumph Rocket III for an Ultra and found the same thing. I am having the seat modified so I am lower and more into the bike. It is getting easier as I ride, though. I find it hardest to keep it up when stopping when I'm tired or stressed. I rented a RK before I bought the Ultra and laid it down in the parking lot on my test ride before I took off. It was after a stop and I tried to hold it up but was unable to and I had to set it down. Embarrassing, but no harm done.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 814
From: Nevada
RE: Getting Old
I have a bum knee andhave considered moving from an Ultra Classic to something lighter. The Softail Custom with bags and shield looks nice.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Banks, Alabama
RE: Getting Old
And I thought I was the only one? Went from a Super Glide to an Ultra. Whew. It only took me about 150 miles before it wanted to rest on the crash bars in a sandy parking lot at the beach. I found an easy remedy. Look at pics.
[IMG]local://upfiles/28484/4137E3BD1C7A4AE1B283AAB01A68ED4E.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/28484/4137E3BD1C7A4AE1B283AAB01A68ED4E.jpg[/IMG]
