Touring or not
Novice
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
I ride an electra glide standard and love the comfort of it. I am also very attracted to the fixed fairing of the road glide as I have been told it cuts the wind where my EG has a shake due to the resistance of the wind against the fairing. I have friends who ride sportsters, heritages, fatboy, and road kings in my group and they all ride comfortably long distances when we go. However that being said, the seat you use will make the difference between 70 miles or 150 miles between stops.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I had 2 sportsters before I got my limited. I wanted more wind protection, comfort and storage space. I absolutely have no regrets and wonder why I did not do this years ago. My limited is just a quick as my stock 06 1200 custom that I traded in. Like many have suggested, go out and ride the models you are interested in and make your decision from there. No one can tell you what you will like or what you should get because we do not know what will you will end up with. Good luck with your search bro, stay safe out there.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
For daily riding, a touring bike is hard to beat. I just got my first touring bike this year, an 03 Electra Glide Classic, and while I haven't yet used it in a "touring" fashion, for a daily rider, its awesome. Comfortable to ride, plenty of easy to access storage and I never thought I'd enjoy having a radio on a motorcycle as much as I do.
As far as the stigma of the "geezer glide" that comes from riding a full dresser, BFD. I'm 30 and wished I'd have gone this route years ago.
As far as the stigma of the "geezer glide" that comes from riding a full dresser, BFD. I'm 30 and wished I'd have gone this route years ago.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
Ultra. Bottom line is a full fairing bike is best for the long rides you WILL do once you own one. WIndshields suck and no windshield? HAHA. Full fairing Batwing bikes are simply the best at riding in the rain. You arms will not get tired from fighting the wind, either. The Ultra has storage to go, too.
I had a Heritage, a Street Glide and an Ultra all since 2008. Ultra wins hands down. You will get used to the extra weight in no time and then wonder how you ever did without it. 12 pack fits nicely in the tour pak, too.... if thats your thing for coming home from work.
Out of all of the 'big' bikes, I like the LOOKS of the Road King the best, with Hard Bags. But... ride one for 500 miles a day for a few days and it will beat ya down, and one needs to add crap to carry anything, too. To me? storage was the downfall to the street glide.
So... if comfort is what motivates you, and a decent stereo to boot, get an Ultra. I personally recommend trying to find a bike that is 09 and up, too. The 09 and up Ultras (all touring frames, actually) have the nicer frame and is generally a better riding bike than an older bike.
I mention all of the riding you WILL be doing.... that is how it progressed for me as I have moved through different bikes. I tried to tour with the Heritage, but a Softail simply isn't the best for that and the full windshield did squat for when riding in the rain. Street Glide? That is when I seriously made the move to long distance riding and took Bikecations with it. The Ultra is what I use now and will not go back.
I had a Heritage, a Street Glide and an Ultra all since 2008. Ultra wins hands down. You will get used to the extra weight in no time and then wonder how you ever did without it. 12 pack fits nicely in the tour pak, too.... if thats your thing for coming home from work.
Out of all of the 'big' bikes, I like the LOOKS of the Road King the best, with Hard Bags. But... ride one for 500 miles a day for a few days and it will beat ya down, and one needs to add crap to carry anything, too. To me? storage was the downfall to the street glide.
So... if comfort is what motivates you, and a decent stereo to boot, get an Ultra. I personally recommend trying to find a bike that is 09 and up, too. The 09 and up Ultras (all touring frames, actually) have the nicer frame and is generally a better riding bike than an older bike.
I mention all of the riding you WILL be doing.... that is how it progressed for me as I have moved through different bikes. I tried to tour with the Heritage, but a Softail simply isn't the best for that and the full windshield did squat for when riding in the rain. Street Glide? That is when I seriously made the move to long distance riding and took Bikecations with it. The Ultra is what I use now and will not go back.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Didn't read every posting here so I don't know if anyone mentioned this... first, Ultra. It is so awesome to ride. The only thing that wont meet your needs is the "I don't want to have to refuel for 250 miles or so." You will have to do that.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,994
Likes: 653
From: bklyn,ny
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 84
From: Central KY
You made it pretty clear.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 53
From: Myrtle Beach,SC
I had reservations about a tourer since I really don't "tour" here. Those days were best out west. However for comfort and around town handling as well as the ability to "Winterize" it with lowers and Guard Chaps makes it a year round commuter. As much as I have a sudden like for the Street Glide after really taking a look at them today, i would probably leave a lot of that bike "on the table" But like someone said its probaby better to take stuff off then buy stuff to carry more stuff. In my case my wife does not ride so i definitely don't need the tour pack and seat,
Last edited by TenMidgets; Apr 25, 2014 at 08:58 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
My advice is get to an event where HD has the demo trucks, and ride all of the touring bikes back to back. I did that last summer in Laconia, knowing I wanted a touring bike but not which one, spent hours riding them all and liked the Ultra Limited the best, then I rented one for a 2000 mile trip, loved it, so came back and bought one. They're all nice, and have different characters and ergos even if they're on the same platform.
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