Looking for first touring bike.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 553
Likes: 14
From: Southern NH
Looking for first touring bike.
I have been looking around for quite some time and seem to check the touring section more than the softail one. I ride an 08 night train with woods 6 cams and a rinehart 2-1 pipe. but have been looking for a electra glide or street glide. The 03 electra glides in silver/black have really caught my eye. But am i going to be disappointed with the performance and lack of 6th gear that i am used to?
My bike is paid of and i added it up to $6000 in extras in just parts. I dont need to get rid of it and i still love it just want a touring bike. Keeping both isnt an option at the moment.
My bike is paid of and i added it up to $6000 in extras in just parts. I dont need to get rid of it and i still love it just want a touring bike. Keeping both isnt an option at the moment.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
The touring bike will seem less in performance no matter what against your train just because of all the variables. According to the numbers you should be able to sell the train for about $13k or trade it for about $10k. However, that's providing the market. I'm guessing a sale for $11 or a trade for $9 is probably what you might ultimately end up at.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
I have been looking around for quite some time and seem to check the touring section more than the softail one. I ride an 08 night train with woods 6 cams and a rinehart 2-1 pipe. but have been looking for a electra glide or street glide. The 03 electra glides in silver/black have really caught my eye. But am i going to be disappointed with the performance and lack of 6th gear that i am used to?
My bike is paid of and i added it up to $6000 in extras in just parts. I dont need to get rid of it and i still love it just want a touring bike. Keeping both isnt an option at the moment.
My bike is paid of and i added it up to $6000 in extras in just parts. I dont need to get rid of it and i still love it just want a touring bike. Keeping both isnt an option at the moment.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I rode an Electra Glide UC and Limited for a couple of years and just recently re-discovered the joy of a Road King, which despite being the same-same frame and motor has a lot better handling. I really like how the RK (see below) maneuvers compared to the Electra Glide, so I suggest trying a Road King before you decide the EG is IT. jmtc.
2008 105th Anniversary SERK4
2008 105th Anniversary SERK4
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
As a guy who owns both a Electra Glide and a Night Train, I can tell you that you will miss the performance of the Softail. The comfort of the Touring bikes does make the longer days in the saddle much more fun. I also like the Glides ability to better control airflow. It can keep you nice and cool on hot days, and protect you on those cold or windy days. Really extends the riding season.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
Just make sure it's an 09 or newer. Newer frame, wider tire & fender, etc. I went with a Classic in 09, just because I wanted a tourpak. I now have a Limited Ultra. If I didn't care about a tourpak, I'd have gone Streetglide.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Arizona & Europe
It seems you will need to define what you mean by touring? Will it be long-haul type, where you will want to be able to carry all the things you'll need for a week+, rider comfort in all types of weather, two-up riding maybe, etc.? If you're leaning in that direction I think you will find the UC to be the machine you'll want. You may sacrifice performance, compared to other models, but the UC is the king of the road when it comes to pure, long-distance touring.
I've had my 08 UC on the road since it was new and have toured throughout the US and Europe and it is by far the best touring bike I've ever owned. It'll take on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of weather, and keep its own on the German unrestricted speed autobahn (and its pretty much stock except for stage 1, pipes, etc.).
I've had my 08 UC on the road since it was new and have toured throughout the US and Europe and it is by far the best touring bike I've ever owned. It'll take on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of weather, and keep its own on the German unrestricted speed autobahn (and its pretty much stock except for stage 1, pipes, etc.).
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 17
From: Orange, VA,
I have had several bikes over the years, but once I got on a rode the 99 EG Standard I have had for 3 months now I can't stay off it. I love the full faring and the ability to have a nice sound system, the wind does not beat me up and I can ride a lot longer. The gearing I am told is different then the new bikes, at 70 mph on my bike I am still doing just under 3,000 rpm's in 5th, I don't cruise down the road at 80+ mph so not having a 6th gear is not a bid deal to me. Also a 2003 is a good year, they have a forged crank shaft, the only thing you have to do is keep an eye on the tensioners or upgrade them, mine were replaced before I bought it and should be good for another 30k miles. Remember a 2003 is a 88 ci engine but is easily made bigger with a big bore kit if wanted, my 88 is plenty for me, am a easy cruiser and love riding this thing, wish I had test ridden one a long time ago instead of having sportys and metrics
Last edited by fwb35; Sep 18, 2012 at 09:29 AM.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
You would be hard pressed to find anyone that will argue the fact that the Road King is the most versatile bike one can own. I have yet to put a fairing on mine but it is in my plans. I like to keep it solo (Mustang solo seat with riders backrest) and Mustang fender bib. Just down right sexy solo. If the wife wants to ride I can have her set up with pillion and backrest inside of 2 minutes. Windshield off/on in seconds. I want a Road Glide in the worst way but my Road King is staying with me.