Why a touring bike?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Tough to fine place that rent bikes where I am as well. That and demo days are the best way to find out what you might prefer.
I've always had bikes, but recently I went from a 02 Heritage (which is = to the RK IMHO) to the RG. I also added the 09 SB to the stable so I kind of have a good idea of the differences between the 2.
The touring models are a whole different world. Don't get me wrong, I love the sportiness of the Dyna around the city, but if it came down to only 1 bike, it would be my RG. Smoother suspension than the Dyna. More comfortable on the long haul. Tunes, cruise, better seat, cig lighter for accessories, and seating position.
As for handling, the Dyna handles like a sports car, but I think it's hampered a bit by the mini apes. It's also lower. The touring models are higher and have a higher center of gravity. I guess that's why I feel getter diving into a corner on the RG more than the SB. It seems more willing.
I did get a chance to demo a 09 EGS for an hour on my own. The sales manager wanted me to put it through it's paces to compare it to my 08 RG. See the differences in the frame. It wasn't for me. Handled OK, but what was made up to stiffen the frame for the handling, also transmitted to feeling every bump in the road.
If your going to jump up, and your torn between the EGS or the Ultra.... better going with the Ultra. Better to not use the options you don't want rather than adding the ones you do. Resale is better as well.
If it's a SG, you can always add a king tour pack to it with detachable hardware. Then again, it will not ride the same due to it having shorter shocks.
I'm bias to the RG so take it with a grain of salt. All I really had to do was change the windshield for me.
Love the Dyna for different reasons. Fast, handles great, back to basics bike for me. Brings a smile to my face everytime I throw a leg over it. It can do anything the touring bikes can do if it's set up right. All depends how and where you ride.
The main factor might be your wife. If she's not happy... no one is.
Good luck on what ever you choose. They're all great at what they do.
Heywood
I've always had bikes, but recently I went from a 02 Heritage (which is = to the RK IMHO) to the RG. I also added the 09 SB to the stable so I kind of have a good idea of the differences between the 2.
The touring models are a whole different world. Don't get me wrong, I love the sportiness of the Dyna around the city, but if it came down to only 1 bike, it would be my RG. Smoother suspension than the Dyna. More comfortable on the long haul. Tunes, cruise, better seat, cig lighter for accessories, and seating position.
As for handling, the Dyna handles like a sports car, but I think it's hampered a bit by the mini apes. It's also lower. The touring models are higher and have a higher center of gravity. I guess that's why I feel getter diving into a corner on the RG more than the SB. It seems more willing.
I did get a chance to demo a 09 EGS for an hour on my own. The sales manager wanted me to put it through it's paces to compare it to my 08 RG. See the differences in the frame. It wasn't for me. Handled OK, but what was made up to stiffen the frame for the handling, also transmitted to feeling every bump in the road.
If your going to jump up, and your torn between the EGS or the Ultra.... better going with the Ultra. Better to not use the options you don't want rather than adding the ones you do. Resale is better as well.
If it's a SG, you can always add a king tour pack to it with detachable hardware. Then again, it will not ride the same due to it having shorter shocks.
I'm bias to the RG so take it with a grain of salt. All I really had to do was change the windshield for me.
Love the Dyna for different reasons. Fast, handles great, back to basics bike for me. Brings a smile to my face everytime I throw a leg over it. It can do anything the touring bikes can do if it's set up right. All depends how and where you ride.
The main factor might be your wife. If she's not happy... no one is.
Good luck on what ever you choose. They're all great at what they do.
Heywood
Thanks!! Very well written and informative opinion. It seems my wife is as wishy-washy as I am. Today , she says NOT to buy it. Lose big on the trade-in. She's probably right. But...N O W....the seed of change has been planted. My current bike, 2010 FXDWG WideGlide; is a nice bike. I've equipped with whatever I wanted so far. Detachable windshield, touring seat, saddlebags, custom homemade backrest for wife, etc.....It will be paid off within a year or so. I guess we'll see what my riding habits form into during this time. With so much GREAT information given to me on such a short notice, I'd really enjoy the touring group just as well as my dynas.
On the other hand, I generally buy local(which btw is 200 yards from where I work) and off the lot. They have an 2010 Electra Glide Classic which did strike my eye and "WAS" going to ride today. Now probably not, but I'll keep it in the back of my mind. Oh, one more thing. I've included a pic of my current set-up. If all goes well, I'll move up one day. THANKS!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Oh, ONE more thing(there's never just one more thing !! lol). I'll probably fab up this weekend and din-1 radio mount to go betwen the riser and the windshield. Use a lost foam method to use of the space and fiberglass the shell. Then a set of speakers and I'll have tunes!!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 1
From: USA
I too was on the fence between sporty and comfort. For me the RG can be a sporty bagger when I am by myself,I remove the tour pack and 2 up seat,change out the windshield to the sporty one,install the solo seat and it really handles like a dream around town. When the wife and I are ready to tour I change back and off we go. Also....I am not a big guy,185lbs 5'10" and I have no trouble manuvering my bike when fully dressed and loaded.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Mill, SC
Why choose? I learned to ride on sportsters and love them around town, but wanted something bigger and more comfortable for longer rides.
I went with a Road King because I like the more stripped down look without the fairing. I now ride the RK most of the time. I can strip it down with a single seat & no shield around town, or load it up with the shield, luggage rack or tour pack, and a back rest for me on longer trips.
Every time I think about getting rid of my XL1200, I take it out for a ride and can't bear to part with it.
Ride what you like and what feels good and remember, unlike wives, there's nothing wrong with having more than one Harley.
I went with a Road King because I like the more stripped down look without the fairing. I now ride the RK most of the time. I can strip it down with a single seat & no shield around town, or load it up with the shield, luggage rack or tour pack, and a back rest for me on longer trips.
Every time I think about getting rid of my XL1200, I take it out for a ride and can't bear to part with it.
Ride what you like and what feels good and remember, unlike wives, there's nothing wrong with having more than one Harley.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 659
Likes: 2
From: Lansing
might be missing something here, but I thought HD was running a try any bike you want promo right now. Touring bikes ride a lot smaller than you might think by looking at it. It is not at all like driving a honda gold wing.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 761
Likes: 9
From: lewisville, nc
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
........ uhh...no, ....nothing wrong w/an EG, but...... the touring bike for a 'single Harley' family is a Road Glide.
...... looks like a rocket, handles like a dream, takes you & your loved one anywhere/everywhere in supreme comfort.
......Find one of the leftover '09's, they've got the cruise control built in.
...... looks like a rocket, handles like a dream, takes you & your loved one anywhere/everywhere in supreme comfort.
......Find one of the leftover '09's, they've got the cruise control built in.
Lean and slutty when you want that. Beefy and comfy for two-up touring when you want that. Of course, add a few various tweaks to make it "just right" for you. (I went with Mustang solo & separate passenger seat. M WIFE loves riding this bike!) Sweet. My D&D Fat Cat 2-into-1 exhaust system arrived today. Awaiting arrival of the 103" Big Bore kit and SEST. Can't wait to get them installed and dyno tune this baby!All Harleys are fun to ride, but the touring bikes gobble miles most voraciously! And do so in better comfort.
Last edited by DHart; Oct 22, 2009 at 02:43 AM.
Coming from a Deluxe to my RG what a great change.