Is your bagger a chore to ride?
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Texas
There is nothing like having a bagger when I am out in the open or on a longer ride, but when I am zipping around town or when I feel like having that nimble ride, I LOVE my softail. I am lucky enough to have both and if I had to pick one, I'd probably stay with a bagger, but it is a completely different experience. I do feel the weight and it feels like I sit ON my bagger, where it feels like I sit IN my softail. Again, two TOTALLY different experiences and I am glad I have the option depending on where I am going that day.
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Thanks guys...I have a long time to decide...still gonna save all winter and next summer but I feel a lot better about my thoughts on a bigger bike....I appreciate all the responses....it won't be till next Xmas time buy ill definitely update everyone on what I wind up with.....now I I just gotta sell mine!....gotta get a little warmer first....ryan
The Sportster is lighter and more nimble feeling, but I much prefer the handling of the Road King. I've been riding about 45 years on all kinds of bikes and moved to the Road King two years ago from a BMW R1100RT, preceded by other good and fairly heavy sport touring bikes and before that various bikes of different types and makes. They all have their own characteristics, so it comes down to what works best for you at the time.
The Road King has even, predictable handling, low center of gravity and is fine at low speed maneuvering. Practice some tight turns in a parking lot and you'll get the hang of it quickly. It's a very comfortable bike, and based on what you've said should fit you well.
Good luck with your choice, and the Sportster should move quickly when you put it up for sale. There's a good market out there for used Sportsters.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Lot of people talking about moving the bike around. You just have to get use to it. I'm sure you all have seen small guys moving these bikes around in the dealership. The one mistake most make is leaning the bike into them when trying to move them. This only makes the bike heavy and very hard to push. You have to get use to keeping the bike standing straight up and it's a lot easier to move. Takes a lot of practice like everything. Just don't let it lean to far away from you. I'm a small guy 5' 7 1/2" and 185 and have no problem moving my FLHTK around.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 975
Likes: 14
From: Bayville, NJ
Thanks guys...I have a long time to decide...still gonna save all winter and next summer but I feel a lot better about my thoughts on a bigger bike....I appreciate all the responses....it won't be till next Xmas time buy ill definitely update everyone on what I wind up with.....now I I just gotta sell mine!....gotta get a little warmer first....ryan
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: spain and uk
Hey sixguns, your side car is a bit big, and I think it's on backwards.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 2
From: toms river nj
I wok rel close to bay vile. I'm sure I've seen your bike on Craigslist if it's for sale there.....thanks for posting....now all I need is the money!....I might actually see if my local dealer would put up my bike for sale for consignment.....I like that option better than selling it myself...ryan
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 975
Likes: 14
From: Bayville, NJ
Ryan, it's not on CL yet, just here and Cycle Trader. I think OCHD does consignment bikes, but not sure. They have a ton of used there so would probably push their bikes over yours, just my opinion. Advertise it everywhere and price it right and it will sell. Best of luck to you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
The thing I like most about my bagger is the low center of gravity.
I had been riding metric touring bikes for a few years and was about to make the move to a trike because as I got older the bikes seemed to feel more top heavy.
I don't get that feeling at all with my SG, it feels low and planted and I have never had the sensation that it was going to lay down on me.
Yes, I am mindful of how I park. I've lowered the front and I can back it up with my legs but it is a chore and I can't back it up if there is much of an incline at all. I just watch how I park. Other than that the SG is the best bike I've ever owned.
I had been riding metric touring bikes for a few years and was about to make the move to a trike because as I got older the bikes seemed to feel more top heavy.
I don't get that feeling at all with my SG, it feels low and planted and I have never had the sensation that it was going to lay down on me.
Yes, I am mindful of how I park. I've lowered the front and I can back it up with my legs but it is a chore and I can't back it up if there is much of an incline at all. I just watch how I park. Other than that the SG is the best bike I've ever owned.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
My 2 cents:
Sportster = 2-seater convertible
Bagger = Cadillac
You're not going to toss a Bagger around like the Sporty - there's a lot of mass there and you'll definitely feel the difference. That said, unless you just HAVE to ride like you're on a crotch rocket to be happy, I think you'll find a bagger very easy to handle and very relaxing. For me the point of riding is to get out and relax and the SG is perfect for me. If you want to get your adrenaline up every time you ride, a bagger may not be the best choice.
If you're worried about how they handle, just google motorpatrol riding videos and see what they ride - you'll see lots of RKs. There's a reason for that.
Sportster = 2-seater convertible
Bagger = Cadillac
You're not going to toss a Bagger around like the Sporty - there's a lot of mass there and you'll definitely feel the difference. That said, unless you just HAVE to ride like you're on a crotch rocket to be happy, I think you'll find a bagger very easy to handle and very relaxing. For me the point of riding is to get out and relax and the SG is perfect for me. If you want to get your adrenaline up every time you ride, a bagger may not be the best choice.
If you're worried about how they handle, just google motorpatrol riding videos and see what they ride - you'll see lots of RKs. There's a reason for that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
Off topic... but speaking of handling, I sure wish Harley offered something like the Dyna Super Glide T-Sport. There hasn't been a good handling big twin since this model. If I could find a clean one with low miles, I'd take it over a 2014 any day.
Last edited by Geoff; Dec 29, 2013 at 10:50 AM.