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I feel like that if performance is chosen over comfort all you'll be doing is riding uncomfortably but faster. Go with the comfort, these bikes will all hit a hundred plus with no problem, how much faster you need to go?
I was just thinking about the mods I have made to my Street Glide and they have been all about comfort. I added a handlebar Iphone holder from http://www.michaelsstainlessinnovations.com/index.html. I am in an exhaustive search for a comfortable seat. I've been through the stock seat, a C&C, an AirHawk (which is very comfortable) and am awaiting the arrival of a Mustang seat today. I added magnetic doors and the interior box covers to my lowers to make them more functional. I swapped out the little "windshield" that comes stock with a 15 inch to eliminate the buffeting. I added the HD heat deflectors as well.
I love having music with me on the bike, I love listening to the Red Sox and Patriot games while riding. All of these things enhance an already great experience for me.
For some, that experience is enhanced by improving the performance of the bike. I'm pretty happy with the way the bike performs straight from the factory. I would like to have more power in 6th and may address that at some point but making the bike as comfortable as possible takes priority for me since I spend hours in the saddle.
I feel like that if performance is chosen over comfort all you'll be doing is riding uncomfortably but faster. Go with the comfort, these bikes will all hit a hundred plus with no problem, how much faster you need to go?
Be careful posting about those triple digit speeds! Someone will jump on the wagon and call you a liar! LOL!
All depends on your riding style / preferences....
If you plan on 'touring' then comfort will probably be the route....
If you plan on doing mostly bar-hopping, then a performance upgrade
will fit the bill.
Total agreement here. I was gonna ask how many miles/year the OP puts on the bike? Does he tour? ride in the rain? ride through frequent bug clouds?
I have everything that you are listing, and you are making some good choices, the one difference is that I have a carb. But here is my take:
Stage 1 before cams. Buy the way the SE slip ons in my opinion are the best sounding mid-volume mufflers you can get. Same as my 98B's...love the sound. And they also make great power with stock headpipes.
However, my Andrews 21 cams (I would also add the HD SE hydraulic tensioner) are my absolute favorite mod that I have made to my bike. Gobs of low end power that you will enjoy everytime you hop on the bike. Made a huge difference for me.
For me the fairing is the last choice. I don't run my fairing very often as I like the look and feel of my RK as a RK (not a Glide). I use it primarily for long rides when I want protection and some tunes. For me a "day ride" or shorter doesn't require music.
You didn't say anything about your riding style!
Do you take long trips or use your ride as a commuter? On long trips, such as out to Sturgis, Daytona, or other cross-country destinations, the fairing may be the way to go especially if you are satisfied with the current performance level of your ride. If you are a commuter and long-distance destinations are not in your plans, the performance package might be the trick, especially if you are bothered by engine heat. Again, it all depends on your riding preferences.
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