Learn more, know less
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Learn more, know less
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.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane, Australia
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...
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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
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
Last edited by mkguitar; Jul 31, 2012 at 08:34 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 17
From: Orange, VA,
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.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL
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!
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Take your time do your homework and rent a few bikes worth the effort. cant go wrong with any harley.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
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 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.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Houston
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.