Which touring bike do you recommend
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
Depends on your finances. All Touring motorcycles start out as Road Kings. They just add plastic, electronics and chrome as they go up in price. A Road King stock seat with a back rest will be better than the Heritage. An Electra Glide Classic is the entry level dresser. It has a fairing, tour-pak, stereo and gauges (my sig pic is a Classic with a bunch of accessories). It has a passenger seat and backrest that is really nice. Matter of fact, whether you by a Classic, Ultra or Limited, the passenger seating is the same - very comfortable. The Ultra Classic is about $2,000 higher than the Classic. The Limited is about $2,000 higher than the Ultra.
Personally, I didn't want all the stuff on an Ultra or a Limited, so I bought a Classic and will build it up to what suits me and save a few $$.
Personally, I didn't want all the stuff on an Ultra or a Limited, so I bought a Classic and will build it up to what suits me and save a few $$.
Last edited by one-up; Jun 12, 2012 at 10:20 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Since you've decided on a Touring bike, just decide how much stuff you want on it and the amount of stuff you're going to take. Having a radio and gauges is great.
Plenty of RG vs. SG debates and threads. But if you're going for a modern style (less chrome, bumpers, different tour pack options), choose one of those and then get the taller 13" EG shocks for a more comfortable ride. You can find take-offs for $100-$150
on eBay.
Plenty of RG vs. SG debates and threads. But if you're going for a modern style (less chrome, bumpers, different tour pack options), choose one of those and then get the taller 13" EG shocks for a more comfortable ride. You can find take-offs for $100-$150
on eBay.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
You need these letters, FLHT, for basic comfort for your wife. Then your wallet picks the last letter or two:
C = $
CU = $$
K = $$$
My FLHTCU is super comfortable for the long haul. My OL has fallen asleep on the back she is so comfortable.
Good luck.
C = $
CU = $$
K = $$$
My FLHTCU is super comfortable for the long haul. My OL has fallen asleep on the back she is so comfortable.
Good luck.
Last edited by equandt; Jun 13, 2012 at 12:21 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: New Hampshire
I have friends that tour all over the US on their Heritage Softail. I think you could still make it comfy with a different seat, but you have to try out the seats before buying. Mustangs are great seats, but for some people they just don't do the trick. Also, remember seats have break in times of up to 1000 miles. I've found some of the most comfortable (passenger wise) were HD touring seats. I don't know if one would fit on your bike, but it's something you could try out with your wife (make sure she sits on it first before buying).
Also, asking her to ride for "hours" may be a bit too much. As a passenger, you don't get to move around as much as the driver. Even with floor boards, the legs can't be stretched out. If we try to change seat positions, we get yelled at to quit squirreling around; and, there aren't many positions to be had between the sissy bar in back and you at the front anyway! Also, as a passenger, we don't have anything to distract us from any discomfort, so will notice but or leg pain way before the oeprator would. So, don't expect more than about 1.5 hours max before stopping for a rest. And, that rest should be more than the time it takes to get gas.
If, this is your way for angling for a tourer, hey, just forget everything I just wrote and go try some out.
Also, asking her to ride for "hours" may be a bit too much. As a passenger, you don't get to move around as much as the driver. Even with floor boards, the legs can't be stretched out. If we try to change seat positions, we get yelled at to quit squirreling around; and, there aren't many positions to be had between the sissy bar in back and you at the front anyway! Also, as a passenger, we don't have anything to distract us from any discomfort, so will notice but or leg pain way before the oeprator would. So, don't expect more than about 1.5 hours max before stopping for a rest. And, that rest should be more than the time it takes to get gas.
If, this is your way for angling for a tourer, hey, just forget everything I just wrote and go try some out.
Last edited by bogieb; Jun 13, 2012 at 06:00 AM.