Switching to HD
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
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From:
Switching to HD
Greetings from cold Pennsylvania. I've owned 2 larger bikes, a Honda 1100 Shadow and my current ride is a BMW R1100RT. I've ridden the RT all over the USA and have put 60,000 miles on it, but, I would really like to own a HD. I need some advice. My wife is an ocassional rider - so, the bike will need a suitable pillion seat - fairly comfortable as she has some arthritus. I doubt if I'll be doing much more long distance riding - been there, done that. Bike will be used for the mountain roads here in Penna with perhaps a yearly trip of 2-3000 miles. I have no idea what advantages/disadvantages are of the various HD models. In fact, the models are quite confusing. I plan on a drive to York within the next 2 weeks to see the factory - that might help. Any advice or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. I will probably sell the BMW rather than trade it, but, trading is an option. Ride safe one and all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Switching to HD
Welcome to the forums. As far as bike choice goes, you will probably get as many answers as there are models. Everyone has a preference, and a reason for their preference.
From what you have described as a riding style, the Dynas might be right for you. They are more along the lines of a sport bike, they will handle well in the mountains, and they are adaquate for two up touring on a limited basis.
Roadkings are good spartan touring bikes, and they handle well for most applications. They are not as aggressive handling as the Dynas. They share the same platform as the full dress touring bikes, they just have less of everything.
Softails, depending on the model, ride well, and make good two up tourers on a limited basis. They lack some for mountain riding, as they tend to scrape the pegs earlier that other models.
My advise is to learn as much as you can, ride as many models as you can, and make your choice based on what your expectations are.
Regards,
Bill
From what you have described as a riding style, the Dynas might be right for you. They are more along the lines of a sport bike, they will handle well in the mountains, and they are adaquate for two up touring on a limited basis.
Roadkings are good spartan touring bikes, and they handle well for most applications. They are not as aggressive handling as the Dynas. They share the same platform as the full dress touring bikes, they just have less of everything.
Softails, depending on the model, ride well, and make good two up tourers on a limited basis. They lack some for mountain riding, as they tend to scrape the pegs earlier that other models.
My advise is to learn as much as you can, ride as many models as you can, and make your choice based on what your expectations are.
Regards,
Bill
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 863
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From:
RE: Switching to HD
Retired Ted: I retired over10 years ago,I switched to Harleys more years age than I can count,I had a BMW when I was in the service in Germany (500cc ), I am riding a Heritage now and I find it very comfortable for a combination of riding situations,I take frequent long trips but I use the scoot for everything, You should rent one of whatever ride you choose and get the feel of the different rides and that way you will know what pleases you and the boss. 01 Heritage: 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Switching to HD
If you are planning to do a 2000-3000 miler each year...I would recommend the cruiser family...hands down. That would be any of the Road Kings and Electra Glide Models. More places to put your stuff, and for two up, you can't beat it IMHO.
Mac
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Levittown, PA (outsite Philly)
RE: Switching to HD
I can't remember where I saw this. But if memory serves me correctly, Harley offers a 3 bike rental deal. And if you purchase a bike, some, or all (can't remember exact details) of the rental cost is applied to the purchase.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Hinesville, Georgia
RE: Switching to HD
sounds like a (road king) pretty simple (road king) question to me (road king). of course i am biased.
welcome to the forum!!! get out there and test drive all the ones you might be interested in. the bike picks you, not the other way around.
welcome to the forum!!! get out there and test drive all the ones you might be interested in. the bike picks you, not the other way around.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Switching to HD
I'm with Pilot1996 on this one. The cruiser family would be my pick especially in the colder areas.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Switching to HD
Take a look at the Electra Glide class. You have three to choose from the Standard, Classic, and Ultra. You can add the backrest, have intercom, music, etc...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
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RE: Switching to HD
Howdy RT and welcome to Harley Country. I don't know which bike to recommend because I'm not that familiar with the different riding abilities that the different models have but I would say one thing, with your experience at riding that you have, I would rent a few bikes and see which one feels the best to you and that would be the one that I would buy. Good luck