I have a 2010 FLSTF with about 12k on her, along with new Metzlers in the front and rear.
I am losing my vision (Glaucoma) and this may be the last year I have to really ride. I'm planning to ride to see some national parks, see friends and relatives I lost touch with, and finally see/experience the Florida Keys. I must change my handlebars, am borrowing a friend's new H-D luggage, but am wondering if I should focus on the brakes as well. I understand the importance of the right set of brakes and tires, but SS Disability is not about to toss me the money for upgrading to PM or Brembo brakes. I thought I had to fist think about gas, food, and riding with enough $$$ for a plane ticket home if I can no longer see well enough to ride, but now I am wondering if I should be asking the Blind Bikers Assoc. (as if there ever would be one) for a grant to upgrade my brakes. I may not make it through the whole trip, could end up having to pull over and call 911 for someone to pick me up and put on a plane home. so, on a 2010 FatBoy with low milage, should I be thinking about funding brakes before trying this bucket list of mine?
Thanks,
Rob

 

Before you change your bars, I've been riding Harleys almost 40 years now and they always come with the bars set too high for me. You may be able to get more comfortable with yours by simply rotating them in their clamps towards you a little. Can work wonders and costs nothing more that the reward of a beer when you've done!

As for your brakes you can improve them with aftermarket pads, which is a simple and cheap improvement. If your prospects are as you describe, it would not be wise to spend out IMHO.

Very best wishes from across the pond, for a happy time riding, while you can.

 

What aftermarket pads are the best, and is the Google Navigation on my Droid X good enough, or do I need to get a real GPS?

 

I live in the UK, so what I use may not be available over there, but Lyndall gets plenty of mentions on HDF. It would be a good idea to pop into the Softail forum here on HDF and see what they use. There will be a lot more members in there than this Tech forum.

I'm not familiar with your Droid, so can't help you there, but if it uses Google it sounds fine to me!