Decisions, decisions
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek, South Carolina
Decisions, decisions
I am looking to buy another bike this year and am thinking about one of the touring models. I have never owned/ridden one, so was hoping to get some advice from those of you who do ride them. A bike is my normal transportation, so I would ride to work (25 mile one-way) and around town running errands. I do weekend trips on a regular basis and some longer rides. Once I retire in about 7 years, long trips will be the norm. My wife does do some 2-up riding, but not very much.
Other than the touring models, the only other contender right now is a Low Rider. In the touring family, I like the Road King, EG Standard, Street Glide and Road Glide. I know in most cases a bike choice is an individual decision based on how the bike feels, but was wondering if any of you had a positive or negative adivice on any of the above models? Once I narrow the choices down, I plan to rent one to try them out.
Also, my biggest concern with the baggers are their weight. I have been riding Sportys since the 70's and wonder if the difference will cause me any trouble, especially in stop and go traffic? Any thoughts? How difficult are they to move around with foor power, ie. backing out of a parking space?
Thanks in advance!!
Other than the touring models, the only other contender right now is a Low Rider. In the touring family, I like the Road King, EG Standard, Street Glide and Road Glide. I know in most cases a bike choice is an individual decision based on how the bike feels, but was wondering if any of you had a positive or negative adivice on any of the above models? Once I narrow the choices down, I plan to rent one to try them out.
Also, my biggest concern with the baggers are their weight. I have been riding Sportys since the 70's and wonder if the difference will cause me any trouble, especially in stop and go traffic? Any thoughts? How difficult are they to move around with foor power, ie. backing out of a parking space?
Thanks in advance!!
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Decisions, decisions
I like the Road Glide for a basic platform. I can put on the detachable back rest for me for longer rides, the detachable backrest for the passenger if I have one on board, the detachable rack if I am carrying my Dresser Bag. I can remove the windshield for easy cleaning of the front end, (I never ride without it, but that is an option).
I can install the tour pack and use that hard bag if necessary. I have avoided the fairing because I don't do alot of long distance riding. After I retire in 4 more years, I plan on getting an Ultra Glide.
I can install the tour pack and use that hard bag if necessary. I have avoided the fairing because I don't do alot of long distance riding. After I retire in 4 more years, I plan on getting an Ultra Glide.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
RE: Decisions, decisions
You will notice the weight. I am 5-8 and 180 lbs and the only place i notice the weight is when I am backing up on a small incline. As far as riding the weight is no problem. As a matter of fact the weight makes the ride very smooth. The weight also helps on very windy days. The balance on the toruing bikes is very good. I would never go back to a smaller bike. I rode a 1000 cc bike one day after I got my Road King and i felt like i was on a mini bike. Do test ride some. Go and rent one.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: Decisions, decisions
Rentals will be the best best way for you to make that decision on your own and fell good about it. However, since you did ask..... ROADGLIDE!
The timing of your question and comment regarding the Sporty vs big bike is ironic. Just yesterday (literally) someone was telling me how he could not imagine going from his Sportster to his new RoadGlide - before he got it. And... now the exact opposite is true! He said he simply could not imagine riding the old Sporty the way he now rides the RG.
Do the rentals and let us know what ya think & decide!!!
Good Luck!
Phil
The timing of your question and comment regarding the Sporty vs big bike is ironic. Just yesterday (literally) someone was telling me how he could not imagine going from his Sportster to his new RoadGlide - before he got it. And... now the exact opposite is true! He said he simply could not imagine riding the old Sporty the way he now rides the RG.
Do the rentals and let us know what ya think & decide!!!
Good Luck!
Phil
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 661
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From: Goose Creek, South Carolina
RE: Decisions, decisions
ORIGINAL: PhilM
The timing of your question and comment regarding the Sporty vs big bike is ironic. Just yesterday (literally) someone was telling me how he could not imagine going from his Sportster to his new RoadGlide - before he got it. And... now the exact opposite is true! He said he simply could not imagine riding the old Sporty the way he now rides the RG.
The timing of your question and comment regarding the Sporty vs big bike is ironic. Just yesterday (literally) someone was telling me how he could not imagine going from his Sportster to his new RoadGlide - before he got it. And... now the exact opposite is true! He said he simply could not imagine riding the old Sporty the way he now rides the RG.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,482
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From: BOSTON originally / APPLETON WI now
RE: Decisions, decisions
EGLIDES ARE EXTREMELY HEAVY - takes a little geting use to.
NOTHING at all like a Sporty.
Lowering kit on my Ultra gave me much more confidence and stability - worth every penny.
RE: Decisions, decisions
All of the bikes you mentioned are very nice. Starting at the Top. The Ultra, Classic and Streetglide are all the same basic bike with the same fairing but different bling. The streetglide is the sport model of the bunch and has a short windshield so you will still get the blast. The ultra is the king with regular windshield, 4 speaker stereo and lowers. The classic is an ultra with out the rear speaker and lowers (also no cb or intercom but I've never used them anyway). The roadglide (my favorite) is like a classic with a fixed fairing that ads stability and handling improvements. Oops, almost forgot the standard, which is a classic without the stereo or tourpak. The roadking is all of the above without a fairing, stereo or tourpak.
Like everyone said, try them out and make a decision on what is important to you for comfort.
Like everyone said, try them out and make a decision on what is important to you for comfort.