This Harley stuff is dangerous. In the first few days of considering a Harley I was going for a Road King as a friend had one and I knew what it was. After dealer visits it became apparent the SG was probably a better candidate. Now after more visits and reading several tests and articles the dealers and magazine writers have managed to sneak the Heritage and Switchback into the suspects list. I plan to do a lot more research and drooling but found it interesting that learning more leads to knowing less as in just what I want to do.

 

Much harder to decide to go Harley, than to decide which Harley.

 

Take them all for a ride. If one really "floats your boat", get it. In general, if you're going to be hitting the highway a lot, get an FLH variant and if you're in a warm climate, go for a road king so ya can strip it back for summer. Somebody else will tell ya something different so get ready to be confused...LOL...

 

If yer gonna do any 2 up or long distance riding, get a comfy bike. Any of the "Glide" models, or a Road King will do. A fairing or windshield is nice to have when you meet a june bug at 70 mph, plus it just helps with the fatigue factor. You can set and enjoy the ride rather than being tense trying to resist the wind. Some models are pleasing to the eye, but after a 300 mile ride, you develop a different opinion of them.

 

yup, you gotta take your time- buyer's remorse costs over $15,000 around here.

understand that the touring bikes share the same frame and general chassis and drivetrain, differences are in the amount of fiberglass, radio ( or not) and the badges and cosmetics

the dyna frame is a lighter weight bike, more nimble and faster

both the above have the entire drivetrain suspended on rubber bushings to isolate the frame from vibratio n

the softail frame has the shocks hidden underneath and is not ( IMO) near as good a ride--it also has a "B" motor with balancing shafts, solid mounted to the frame.

do not rush into this.

mike

 

I loved the Switchback and wanted one badly, after riding it with my wife on the back knowing we wanted to take some trips I bought a used Electra Glide Standard and am very glad I did, the Switchback would have gotten to small very quickly. I still want one, but for riding aound locally and going to work, even a short trip maybe. It just depends what you want to do with it as well, long trips you will want a full faring and the comfort of a Glide, what the guys are saying about getting worn out by the wind is true, it is the journey, not the destination.

 

RK RK RK RK ..... But I'm a little biased. I looked at a heritage, then a 'glide, but was sold as soon as I threw a leg over the King. Of course, a fit for me may be a foul for you. Try them all!

 

Take your time do your homework and rent a few bikes worth the effort. cant go wrong with any harley.

 

Common sense? Ok.

I like riding without a fairing because I like to see more of the road in front of me. It's more 'bike' to me. Being surrounded by crap isn't my idea of riding, but when touring and traveling long distances, you find different needs. I go by percentages. What kind of riding and how much. I ride a lot after sunset, warm or cold. I also USED to make a 5 and a half hour journey to see my significant other often. The RK was a gem. Now, traveling 12 hours...never done it. Fairing might come in to play for fatigue factor there, but, it's not in my percentages, so, I go without. YMMV.

 

I should have added I will be solo all the time. Ideally I'd have a few different models best suited to various uses and ride the one best for the ride of the day/week/month. Unfortunately I have to choose just one as a compromise for all riding uses. I'm just looking for any and all input to choose the compromise.