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The New Touring HD series are the best Bikes to ride
Just saying!
Sporty is a good bike but I prefer the tourer even if it is a short ride.
Just more smooth more classy.
I had metrics before I grabbed up an 06 EGC. Never looked back, much easier with a passenger by far. Short trips to the store no longer require a backpack and long rides seem effortless. Now I have a 2007 EGS and love the extra gear. You'll love the bagger and all the goodies you can get for them...
I thought the same thing I went from a low rider to a ultra classic and was surprised how good the big bike handled.I have been riding for forty years all kinds of bikes and this is my favorite by far.
My Ultra wasn't too hard to go, and even maneuver in tight spots. It was a mother to stop fast on. I have the skid marks to prove it. And not just on the road.
You need to apply the rear brakes firmly but controlled. Otherwise the rear locks up, and skids forward of the front wheel. Took practice, including Rider's Edge Skilled Riders Course, to master controlled panic stops.
You won't have to worry about that with the new linked brakes they are awesome!
I have both a 2013 Road King and a 2001 1200 Custom. Your question is certainly a valid one. Yes, the bagger is more of a "chore" to ride. Certainly more of a nuisance to park. Its a much bigger and heavier motorcycle. But it rides much nicer, and is a lot smoother. That being said, I MUCH prefer my Sportster for quick jaunts. Its much better for in and out traffic, fits in places the bagger wont (both traffic and parking), and is a million times more nimble regardless of how great the new touring chassis are. That being said, if your are only going to have one motorcycle, the Sporty isn't the best choice. A larger, better riding, more practical family like the touring bikes is a very worthwhile upgrade. I am sure you drive your motorcycle more than just 15 minutes too and from work. Keeping the Sporty and getting another bike is the best option. If that's not practical, then yes, a larger motorcycle is a worthwhile expense given how much and how often you ride them.
I came from 2 years on a Dyna Wide Glide and 13 years before that on a Softail. I have to say my 05 EGC is way more stable in just about any handling or riding situation than my previous two bikes. Hell.... I even ride down to the corner bus stop and back to pick my daughter up off the bus, and that's only about a half mile each way.
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Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
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