I am opposite here, I have only rode Harleys since I started. I sat on a kawasaki ninja and I could tell that it just was not for me. It seems that cruisers are safer than sport bikes. Not a bias statement, the bike crashes that I have responded to mostly involve sportbikes, it is almost a 2:1 ratio between sportbikes and cruisers. With that said glad to have you.

 

In the 70's/80's I did the rice rocket, ride hard and fast thing, liked it but did not know what I was missing. Light, high pitched screamers are fine for what they are and if you have to ride like that but I found my calling on my Road King.

 

That has absolutely zero to do with the motorcycle and everything to with the rider. Given the same rider under the same conditions. I would say sport bikes are safer due to their superior handling and braking characteristics.

 

Glad you like your Harley. I used to ride sportbikes and do track days. When I started taking long trips, I moved to a bagger. Sportbikes are fine for their intended purpose. But today I don't think I could make the state line on one without a chiropractor. Sport tourers offer a nice balance between sportbike and tourer. That's why I have a BMW RT. The ability to tour in comfort at triple-digit speeds is nice.

 

I agree. Safety has everything to do with rider, not machine.

 

We too have an EG UC, but I keep a V-Rod around for a little sportier feel every now and then.

 

I owned 2 FLH'S, I looked back, went back, and came back. Now I will never look back, Only Harley's 'til I cant ride anymore. No trikes for me BTW.

 

I had a 2000 Road King for a while, then a 2004 Ultra Classic for a while. Then went to a Yamaha sport touring bike just for kicks. Enjoyed the bike, but to be honest it was boring and the only thing exciting about it was that it would go fast...and that was not a good thing for me because I was constantly going too damn fast...everywhere! That's not the bike's fault though...but in the end the wife would never ride it with me because it was just plain uncomfortable. Riding ergonomics for me were far from optimal, even with the bars raised and back a little. Always felt like I was squattin' to take a **** when I rode that bike. All this is great for the track, but not for me during high-mileage touring jaunts.

Test rode just about everything, keeping an open mind, to try to find something with some soul and comfort. Now I am back, fat, and happy with my 2010 Ultra Ltd. The upgrades to the frame, motor, front end, tire widths, TBW, and other enhancements are all noticeable when I compare it to my earlier HDs.
I've spent quite a bit of on the bike since the purchase in May of 2010, but I don't regret a dime of it because it gives me a satisfaction that can be had by NO OTHER MOTORCYCLE on the planet.
Welcome to the hoard!!

 

Ive done the same never wanted a harley my last bike was a zx12 but between the back and neck pain after even a short ride i decided to try asportster it wasnt big enough but the ride was a lot better so i sold th 12 and bought a ultra classic ,I miss the speed but love the new comfortable ride. and now i will sell the sportster and see what type chopper i can find