Hi there, I have been lurking on the list for a while trying to learn something. I am 56 years old, haven't ridden in the last 20 years, but did have a fair amount of experience earlier in life. I am short (5' 8") and fat (250 lbs.) Two weeks ago I went to my H-d store and the salespeople kept talking me up. I came here and read the forums and decided that either one of the Super Glide models or the Road King would be the bike for me. Then I had the strangest thing happen. I took the wife with me on Sat. and was talking to the owner. She said she was almost afraid to put me on a larger bike and suggested the 883L, then even went and brough out a one owner '92 883 Hugger. It had 37,000 miles on it, but lots of extras and out the door price of $4400.00 plus tax. I have some problems with the amount of miles and the fact tht the shocks tend to bottom rather easily, even when just sitting on it. I also prefer the new Sportsters because of the rubber mounted engine.
I really was wanting a bike that would be easy to handle around town and yet be good for some semi-serious cruising.
I liked the Super Glide, the Super Glide Low Rider (although I can't understand the $3500 difference.) and really loved the Road King, but the price is scary.
My dealer seems to have an excellent reputation. Bikes sell for MSRP, all add-ons bought at the time of purchase are installed free, 1 year free membership in HOG and I think possibly a small discount on things ordered with the Bike. (MarkCuda, I live about 25 miles from you in Bloomington, IL and am referring to Chuck's H-D and Winnie. Any experience with them?)
Now I can't rrent a bike and for various reasons need to make a decision within the next week or so. My credit union approved me for any of the bikes at 5.5% for 60 months.
I am leaning towards the basic Super Glide FXDI @ 12,280 plus the rest of the stuff.
What bike would you all recommend, remembering that being approved for the amount, doesn't mean that I can afford the payments. What add-ons would get with the bike? I'm thinking engine guard, seat(s), maybe handle bars. I can sit with my feet flat on any of them, but on some a lower and narrower seat would help and new bars would help to provide the correct amount of bend for wrist comfort. I'm not real interested in extra power or louder pipes (except for the safety value) but with free install, should I consider a Stage 1 upgrade and perhaps Vance and Hines slip-ons.
Also I plan to take the Motorcycle rider course, but need to order the bike first. A $100 deposit will order the bike, but I need to set up the credit union financing w/in the next week or so (prob. job change).
Please help me with your opinions and advice. BTW, this is really a great forum and I have been enjoying the posts. TIA, Art

 

In my opinion, another factor is if you plan on a considerable amount of two up riding. If so, the Road King would be a better choice. However, if you will mainly will ride solo, then for me, I'd go with the Dyna. Sounds like your dealer is offering nice deals.

 

Have you considered the fatboy? I own an04. I am 235 and 5ft 9in and it fits me to a "TEE"

Do not buy the 92 sportster. It's an ok bike but if you want a sporty go for the 04 or 05. They have a ruber mountain engine and forward controls that make for a much more comfortable ride.

I would suggest you take the rider course and get some experience back again. Again an older sportster for your first Harley may not be a great experience ..so go for the new one..good luck jim

 

Art, IMO the best suggestion is, don't settle for anything less than what you want/need or you won't be happy. The best deal is the 1 you are happy with too!
It looks like your Dealer is working with you, so go with what your heart and wallet dictates!

 

IMO, Road king hands down.

 

Art,
I'm 5-10 , 220......I dont ride my wifes 883 as I bottom it out. You wont be happy. I own a Fatboy and Ultra as well. I dont ride the Fat any more because its just not comfortable, IMHO get the Road KIng ITs on the FLH chassis (comfortable and nimble) and you get the bags to tote her stuff arround, it also has the windshiled which is a real plus at our age.

HD

 

Hi Art and welcome,
I agree with Ironhead, do not settle for less then what you really want. My opinion is you will outgrow the Sportster real fast after you get back into riding and will probably want a bigger bike especially if you will be taking the wife along. The Road King is sweet but i think 2 of you would be pretty comfortable on a Dyna also and have you looked at any of the Softtails?

 

Art,

Welcome.

I would definately not go with any Sportster given your situation. You have said that it feels like you are bottoming out just sitting on it. This will only be worse when you actually hit a bump. As already stated, if you are going to ride two up for any distance, the Sportster is going to be inadaquate.

The Dyna Glide bikes are great choices, and would serve your needs well if you are not planning on long two-up trips. They are good touring bikes, but leave a lot to be desired if you are riding two-up.

The Softtail models (Fat Boy, Heritage, Deluxe) would be better choices if you are going to travel, but still not as good as a Roadking or other Electra Glide.

As far as your being able to handle any of them, that won't be a problem. My wife had a Dyna Low Rider, and now has a Heritage Softtail, and she has had no problems. She also rode my Road King when I had it, and has ridden my EG Classic.

Get what you want, and what fits the riding you plan to do. It's cheaper in the long run to get what you want to start with, than to be unhappy and have to trade up.

Enjoy this journey.

Regards,

Bill

 

Art,
I ride my 92 sporster every day . It is my second love . !st is a Fatboy ,
3rd my wife . as you can see my priorities are in the right order .
You and the guys are right if you are going to double up get a bigger bike ,
or buy two , nothing hotter than a girl on a bike . unless she is striped down
the bike not the girl of course.
I'm 50+ and really like doing the solo thing , my wife goes alot but she follows latter in the Blaizer . That way if I need something she right there .
Life is so Good .
lostinal

 

Howdy Art and welcome. Upon reading what everyone else has said, I don't know what I would be able to add that would help, accept this. I'm 54 and I have been trying to get my first Harley for several years but have always had interruptions in my plans. It would have been easy to settle for something less than the Harley that I had my sights set on, but I made up my mind that I wasn't going to settle for 2nd best, I was going to wait till I had the money to get the one that felt the best to me and it was the one that I really wanted. The only extra advice that I can give you is this, DON'T SETTLE FOR 2nd BEST, get what feels comfortable to you and you will find that you will be happier in the long run. Hope that this helps you a little.