Touring bike options.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
The Triumph Rocket 3's with the big 2300cc in line 3 cylinder motor seems to the other bike that could be a possibility. Triumph is talking quality. I never road one, their dealers, like the Honda dealers are real reluctant me to let test ride. I'd like to see a Rocket with a full fairing, a tour pack, and cruise control.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, Va
And I still buy CDs actually I collect them but on the bike I listen to my Ipod or an MP3 CD.
As for the OP. You will want to ditch the stock HK anyway, so you can go with whatever head unit you desire.
Shakey
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
I have been riding my 2008 fatboy for a while now. This past year I have been looking at the touring models and now they are starting to grow on me. Especially Street Glide and Road Glide. I am keeping my options open and even looking beyond Harley to make sure I have everything covered.
I looked/test drove BMW R1200RT ...not as impressed as others on the bmw forum.. Wifey did not like the lawn mover sound out of the boxer engine. A bit too much wind. The seating was too high off the ground for her ..she thought that it was uncomfortable being that high off the ground. She did not like the fact that she had to pay just as much attention as if she is riding the thing herself. My thoughts were the bike is ok, sure I can make it fit me with few after market accessories, but were do I get the harley sound that my wife likes. :-)
I have been doing a bunch of research and ran into Victory cross country/touring. looked Nice, Color options are great, Price is great, dealer is close by so I decided to go check it out. Took it out for a spin and the stock pipes sound as if u are riding a moped and if you get on the throttle it sounds like a lawn mower. The saddle bags look big but once you open it ..half the volume is on the top lid ..so either you can fit few things or you need a saddlebag liners if you want to fit the full volume.
Seems like there is no other better choice when it comes in comparison to Street Glide and Road Glide. Waiting for 2014 info to come out before I go dealing with the dealer.
Thanks for listening.
I looked/test drove BMW R1200RT ...not as impressed as others on the bmw forum.. Wifey did not like the lawn mover sound out of the boxer engine. A bit too much wind. The seating was too high off the ground for her ..she thought that it was uncomfortable being that high off the ground. She did not like the fact that she had to pay just as much attention as if she is riding the thing herself. My thoughts were the bike is ok, sure I can make it fit me with few after market accessories, but were do I get the harley sound that my wife likes. :-)
I have been doing a bunch of research and ran into Victory cross country/touring. looked Nice, Color options are great, Price is great, dealer is close by so I decided to go check it out. Took it out for a spin and the stock pipes sound as if u are riding a moped and if you get on the throttle it sounds like a lawn mower. The saddle bags look big but once you open it ..half the volume is on the top lid ..so either you can fit few things or you need a saddlebag liners if you want to fit the full volume.
Seems like there is no other better choice when it comes in comparison to Street Glide and Road Glide. Waiting for 2014 info to come out before I go dealing with the dealer.
Thanks for listening.
2. You will get much a much better stereo if you go after market.
3. The Harleys do not have a rumble off of the floor either.
4. Test ride all that you can with your wife to see what you guys like the best. Keep in mind that with most brands there will be a few thing you would need to change to make it just right!
5. Have fun on the test rides!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
If you're still looking at other brands the new Indians are nice, so are the Goldwing F6Bs and I think they would sound awesome with a six pipe exhaust but I tried to talk my wife into one of those and even though the seat is way comfy on the Goldwing she fell in love with the tour pack on the "Limited". Also the stock exhaust on the Harleys sounds decent once you get rid of the cat. And I still buy CDs actually I collect them but on the bike I listen to my Ipod or an MP3 CD.
All my music is in MP3 format. I burn cd's to play on the bike. I would much rather have a USB slot than a cd player, though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
I'll see you and raise you one. I actually still buy and listen to vinyl records for their sonic superiority over digital.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 610
Likes: 6
From: Florida boy living in Jacksonville, AR
My 2011 StreetGlide has the plug-in for an Ipod but I listen to CDs ... got rid of the stock windshield and put a 10" windshield on and cut the wind ... also put lowers and the tour-pak on for long trips and when the gf rides ....
So you haven't considered the Aprilia Caponord? It is a V-twin, but talk about a lack of dealer network!
On the radio thing, there is an input jack where you can put a Bluetooth receiver and connect with your iphone or ipod. Personally I'm considering a Sony with a USB jack. Won't be able to use my JM speakers, but I've heard that there are much better speakers for much less when you get away from the 2 amp system.
On the radio thing, there is an input jack where you can put a Bluetooth receiver and connect with your iphone or ipod. Personally I'm considering a Sony with a USB jack. Won't be able to use my JM speakers, but I've heard that there are much better speakers for much less when you get away from the 2 amp system.
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Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 15
I have 2010 Fat Boy in Black Ice Pearl w/OEM chrome wheels, it was too pretty to walk away from, but sometimes I kick myself for not getting a RK Classic, Lately I'm really interested in a Glide, but I'sd like to hear why you guy's are saying to look at a RK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville
Love the king. Comfy. Can use the shield, can take it off, can buy an after market fairing. With the other touring models, you are stuck with it. I like options. Plus, the RK feels more nimble than the batwing due to less weight on the forks.
For me, no stereo is no big deal. Easier to find the inner calm.
For me, no stereo is no big deal. Easier to find the inner calm.
Last edited by Clubber; Aug 15, 2013 at 12:21 AM.