What would you purchase and why?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Florida
What would you purchase and why?
This question is for thous of you that have a lot of touring bike experience.
If you where currently in the market for a touring bike, what would you purchase and why?
I know this probably has been asked to death, but I am curious to know what the current opinions are.
If you where currently in the market for a touring bike, what would you purchase and why?
I know this probably has been asked to death, but I am curious to know what the current opinions are.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I'm happy with my 2009 FLHTC- it does everything I want and is a real value compared to the FLHTCU/ FLHTK models which have expensive geegaws I'd never use.
I think the technology is in flux- i would not be quick to jump on a 2014 model
minor consideration, but the 49 State 2009 has no cat and is not subject to same "tampering" penalties
Mike
I think the technology is in flux- i would not be quick to jump on a 2014 model
minor consideration, but the 49 State 2009 has no cat and is not subject to same "tampering" penalties
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 11, 2013 at 07:38 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I'm asking both.. What year, model, and anything else that would influence your opinion..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,858
Likes: 5,421
From: My own little slice of heaven
I like the RoadKing. It has bags to store things so I can travel. I really like the ability to take the windshield off for around town riding.
Personally I do not like the batwing or the tour pack.
I traveled for years on a BMW and never had the Givi trunk. Just never saw the need for it. I went all over the country and never felt like I could not pack enough in the saddlebags or a small duffle bungeed on the back seat. I rode alone so that has way different implications on choice of bike than if I had a rider YMMV
Personally I do not like the batwing or the tour pack.
I traveled for years on a BMW and never had the Givi trunk. Just never saw the need for it. I went all over the country and never felt like I could not pack enough in the saddlebags or a small duffle bungeed on the back seat. I rode alone so that has way different implications on choice of bike than if I had a rider YMMV
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 36
From: Four Corners
Two up riding, a 2014 Ultra Limited hands down.
Solo, a 2014 Streetglide Special.
I rode both at the 110th party and then rode a 2013 rental through the Black Hills. Those Rushmore bikes are that good!
Solo, a 2014 Streetglide Special.
I rode both at the 110th party and then rode a 2013 rental through the Black Hills. Those Rushmore bikes are that good!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
As stated, it really depends on what type of riding you do. That being said, If I were to buy a new bike tomorrow, I would go with a Road Glide custom and add a Tourpak and QD hardware. Reason i would go with the custom is purely looks, much sportier, and IMO better more simple colors. The Big Blue pearl for 13 or Chrome Yellow for 12.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
If it were time for a new touring motorcycle, I'd go with a Road King again. I say again because I'm on the 3rd one. I ride solo so I don't need all that comfort for the passenger that the Limited or Ultra offers. I'm half deaf so music is not an option. Besides, I like listening to the exhaust and talking to God when I ride. I had a 2011 Electra Glide Classic, but not fond of fairings and tour paks-raises the center gravity and they're not as easy to slow speed manuever as a Road King. Regarding road trips, I put on the pillion seat and a 2 up luggage rack, strap bags down and roll on. Don't need no high cost tour pak. That's just me, but you asked what and why, so there you have it.