Buy a FXDWG or FXDL?

[DCRANER]

Hope I am not repeating an age old question but I would appreciate some opinions.

Will be a new rider soon, have my permit and when snow clears my buddy with a 1980 FXEL will give me lessons, and I am signed up for the N.J. Rider course. I have already hashed out argument for / against starting out on a big bike, but I am confident I can do this. I am 54, car nut / drag racer since the late 60's and am 6' & about 190 lbs.

I plan on trying to get a little better deal while it is still winter, that is why I am not waiting until I complete the Rider course, etc. before buying a new bike.

I hope to cruise around town and get good / safe enough to do highway rides, long ones. I have heard some say the Low Rider is not as good as the Wide Glide for highway / long distance. Wide Glide seems to fit me and I know I could add forward controls to a Low Rider.

So, I really would appreciate your thoughts.

[sjpr13]

My vote goes to the Lowrider...I rode both before I purchased my FXDXT and I think the narrow glide front end handles (handling was a top priority 4 me) better...just an opinion. I'm 100% sure there will be people who think the other way around. Plus I like the conventional rear fender set up better, another personal "taste" call. Either one you can't go wrong they are both niiiiiiiice....I think WG's outsell the LR, but I have no data to prove it...it just seems there are more around then the narrow glide bikes.

[trader]

I have never ridden a Low Rider, but I love my Wide Glide. Easy to handle, smooth ride, not too heavy like the fatter bikes, but very solid. I have yet to see anyone here post a bad opinion of the Wide Glide. In fact one user here said that he had ridden many different Harleys, through ownership and rentals, and that he thought the Wide Glide was the best one for eating up the highway. I like it because you can pop on a detachable windshield, detachable saddlebags, touring seat, and detachable backrest, and take a long trip down the road with your wife. Then you can take off the saddlebags, windshield, backrest, and put on a solo seat, and in 5 minutes you have a chopper to cruise the blvd, complete with ape hangers and raked out front fork. Best of both worlds to me.

[steveusmc]

Your story is almost identical to mine. I retired in 2003 after 30 years in the Marine Corps and had not ridden any motorcycle in almost 30 years. My friends kept beating me up about taking the Rider's Course, which I finally did (best move). I got my motorcycle endorsement and a few months later got serious about finding a bike. I found a 1995 Wideglide (very custom) and the rest is history. The forward controls fit me perfectly (5'7", 170) The Lowrider controls make my hips and legs cramp BAD when riding in traffic constantly putting feet up and down at lights etc and I've heard others say the same thing. Maybe it's the age thing but whatever, it's bad for me.
I would not by a Lowrider just to change it to forward controls. The Wideglide is the BEST of the Dyna family. (that's just my opinion) On the other hand there is no way I would pay over $20K for one customized at the dealer. My advice is to look ahrd for a used bike that has been well taken care of, and believe me you can tell. Ride ONLY where you feel comfortable riding until you feel good on the bike. Be careful because sometimes your friends will ask you to go places or do things that your may not be ready for yet. Don't ever hesitate to say "NO guys". I found the best way to start out is to go out early on a Sunday morning and just cruise around town: practice the lanes changes using blinkers AND hand signals, practice checking for traffic both with your mirrors and looking over your shoulder, practice your turns at the lights, practice turning into the lane that you have chosen and not going too far over.
One VERY important thing to remember is NEVER touch that front brake when you are going real slow unless the front wheel is straight ahead. If you are going slow in a parking lot and you are truning and you hit that front brake, the bike will be pulled straight to the ground whichever way you are headed. Always sue a little clutch (friction zone), a little throttle, and a little back brake ONLY when moving through a parking lot or very slow, turning traffic.

Okay, I'll shut up now. You will never be sorry if you get a Wideglide. If you do decide to do a LOT of long distance traveling later you will probably want a touring bike instead. The Wideglide is a cruiser and is perfect. Mine is 10 years old and looks new....and I plan on trying to keep it that way.
I have pictures but they are too big (file wise) to put in here. I haven't figured it out yet how to make them smaller. I would be glad to send you some pics if you want to send me an email at: stevelind@aol.com

Good luck and you will LOVE riding that Harley when you get it.
Semper Fi,
Steve...Pensacola, Fl

[fxdwg2005]

There were a lot of factors that put me in the seat of a WG... mostly having to do with my size. I am 6'2" and all the mid peg bikes make me feel cramped. I have a problem with my left hip, and sometimes would cramp up just sitting on a mid peg bike on the dealer floor. I know you can move the pegs forward on (all?) the Dyna's, but the WG was already that way. I have now extended the controls with the Kuryakyn extension kit.
Another factor was the mini apes... These put me in a more comfortable riding position. Again, this can be done to any of the bikes. My thought was, if I bought a different model and did all the changes, it would be more like a WG anyway.... and probably end up costing more.
As far as the front end and handling is concerned, put a Kuryakyn fork brace on the front end, problem solved.
I also like the look of the bob rear fendor, and since my wife rides with me most of the time, the passenger backrest is already there.... aaaannnndd.. in addition to these factors that helped me decide which direction to go... the WG has a nice compliment of chrome in its stock form.

I think there is a lot to consider when choosing your first Harley (this is my first). Ranging from which one puts that sparkle in your eye (the romantic), to the underlying form of what suits your riding style and comfort needs (the classic).

I took my first Harley purchase very seriously, and actually took a year to figure it out (I knew a year in advance that I would be able to afford it in the future). I thought I settled on a specific model several times, that is where renting comes in nice. I surely would not want to spend this kind of money and wish I had gotten something else. It took me several years to pursuade the boss into even considering a motorcycle, so I wanted to make sure I got what I wanted... I havn't had a single regret with the WG.

hope this helps.

[fxdwg2005]

heh heh

steveusmc and I posted at about the same time commenting on the whole hip/leg cramp thing.... great getting old isn't it?

[DCRANER]

Originally Posted by fxdwg2005

heh heh

steveusmc and I posted at about the same time commenting on the whole hip/leg cramp thing.... great getting old isn't it?

Thanks to both of you. I sat on a WG and it just felt right, mini-apes are good for my old neck injury. I plan on being safe & smart, but dream of a nice long trip one day with the sun shinning!

[DCRANER]

Originally Posted by steveusmc

Your story is almost identical to mine. I retired in 2003 after 30 years in the Marine Corps and had not ridden any motorcycle in almost 30 years. My friends kept beating me up about taking the Rider's Course, which I finally did (best move). I got my motorcycle endorsement and a few months later got serious about finding a bike. I found a 1995 Wideglide (very custom) and the rest is history. The forward controls fit me perfectly (5'7", 170) The Lowrider controls make my hips and legs cramp BAD when riding in traffic constantly putting feet up and down at lights etc and I've heard others say the same thing. Maybe it's the age thing but whatever, it's bad for me.
I would not by a Lowrider just to change it to forward controls. The Wideglide is the BEST of the Dyna family. (that's just my opinion) On the other hand there is no way I would pay over $20K for one customized at the dealer. My advice is to look ahrd for a used bike that has been well taken care of, and believe me you can tell. Ride ONLY where you feel comfortable riding until you feel good on the bike. Be careful because sometimes your friends will ask you to go places or do things that your may not be ready for yet. Don't ever hesitate to say "NO guys". I found the best way to start out is to go out early on a Sunday morning and just cruise around town: practice the lanes changes using blinkers AND hand signals, practice checking for traffic both with your mirrors and looking over your shoulder, practice your turns at the lights, practice turning into the lane that you have chosen and not going too far over.
One VERY important thing to remember is NEVER touch that front brake when you are going real slow unless the front wheel is straight ahead. If you are going slow in a parking lot and you are truning and you hit that front brake, the bike will be pulled straight to the ground whichever way you are headed. Always sue a little clutch (friction zone), a little throttle, and a little back brake ONLY when moving through a parking lot or very slow, turning traffic.

Okay, I'll shut up now. You will never be sorry if you get a Wideglide. If you do decide to do a LOT of long distance traveling later you will probably want a touring bike instead. The Wideglide is a cruiser and is perfect. Mine is 10 years old and looks new....and I plan on trying to keep it that way.
I have pictures but they are too big (file wise) to put in here. I haven't figured it out yet how to make them smaller. I would be glad to send you some pics if you want to send me an email at: stevelind@aol.com

Good luck and you will LOVE riding that Harley when you get it.
Semper Fi,
Steve...Pensacola, Fl

Thanks. But, more importantly can I say "Thank You" for your 30 year service, we all live & ride carefree because of our service people IMHO. Proud to be associated with any & all.

[Cryptoboy]

I'd personally have to vote for the Lowrider myself (although I am biased, since that's what I have!) It's kindof funny you guys mentioned the leg cramping, one of the guys I ride with occasionally would have cramping issues on his wide glide, and I never had any problems on my bike (200+ mile rides). Although I do have the forward controls put on my FXDL.......

Seriously though, go test ride both before you decide (if you can, sounds like weather might be a negating factor to do that). Either way, you won't go wrong, I haven't heard a person yet that rides either bike that doesn't love their own ride!

[fxdwg2005]

Originally Posted by Cryptoboy

It's kindof funny you guys mentioned the leg cramping, one of the guys I ride with occasionally would have cramping issues on his wide glide

I did notice some fatigue in my legs with the forward controls, which could have led to cramps eventually for me, but I put on heel rests before it became a problem. That works reall well for me. Perhaps you can mention that to your friend if he hasn't done that already.

[ratt]

Originally Posted by DCRANER

Hope I am not repeating an age old question but I would appreciate some opinions.

Will be a new rider soon, have my permit and when snow clears my buddy with a 1980 FXEL will give me lessons, and I am signed up for the N.J. Rider course. I have already hashed out argument for / against starting out on a big bike, but I am confident I can do this. I am 54, car nut / drag racer since the late 60's and am 6' & about 190 lbs.

I plan on trying to get a little better deal while it is still winter, that is why I am not waiting until I complete the Rider course, etc. before buying a new bike.

I hope to cruise around town and get good / safe enough to do highway rides, long ones. I have heard some say the Low Rider is not as good as the Wide Glide for highway / long distance. Wide Glide seems to fit me and I know I could add forward controls to a Low Rider.

So, I really would appreciate your thoughts.

well ,,, the lowrider is a better riding bike ,,, the fatter front tire does smooth out the road more than the 21 in skinny tire of the WG ......If you wanna tour ,, and you have the experience to ride a heavier bike ,,, go for one of the FLH series bikes.... roadking , roadglide or electra glide ..... if you want a dyna ,, the superglide is the best buy and prolly the best handling due to the steeper fork rake ... I have a lowrider and an electra glide ... and have ridden the wide glide ....... Wide glides seem to sell better ,, and i would guess its do to the chopper looks ....I guess it all comes down to what you are comfortable with .... Harleys are all high quality bikes ,,, and what model you buy depends alot of what you want ,,,, For me i will never buy another dyna ....but i do enjoy riding the one i have.... for a short rides. A 300 mile day on a dyna glide is plenty ....the electra glide will knock down 500 miles a day for multiple days in a row .... our last tour was 7000 miles..... Just my opinion .... rat

[steveusmc]

I agree with Ratt for sure about putting the miles on a Dyna. After a day of riding you KNOW you have been in the saddle for sure. My bike is more work on longer rides than stock because I have Carlini drag bars, Badlander seat, and went to a 19" front wheel. Most of my riding is cruising within a 50 mile radius so for the time being I am VERY happy with my WG. It is full custom, House of Kolor by "Colormania" paint job, Kuryakyn Hypercharger, Andrews EV-3 cam, Vance & Hines Propipe (I love that pipe), Screamin Eagle ignition, Revtech billet chrome calipers, Arlen Ness tail light and license plate holder, Ness grips, chorme swingarm, chrome inner primary cover, Carlini Torque Arm, all stainless braided lines, chrome covers on all fasteners, custom made wheels (computer designed and cut out on cnc, supposedly one of a kind set), and Kuryakyn mirrors with the LED turn signals in the housings (SUPER bright).

I do think the cramping problem is definitely age related and possibly also to not having enough Potassium a lot of the time. I run and work out very regularly and it is still an issue when I get on a Lowrider. I agreew ithe veryone in here about how great the dynas are. Also agree that a BAGGER is the way to go when it comes time to tour.

Thanks for the comments about the military....there's no better way, in my opinion, to spend a career. It's not really a career, it's something that just happens. You go into the service not always sure what you are going to do....then all of a sudden, it's 30 years later and 30 years of gray.

I will not work for awhile. I will enjoy my wife, our Grandbabies, our dogs, and my HOG.

Semper Fi,
Steve

[DCRANER]

Originally Posted by steveusmc

I agree with Ratt for sure about putting the miles on a Dyna. After a day of riding you KNOW you have been in the saddle for sure. My bike is more work on longer rides than stock because I have Carlini drag bars, Badlander seat, and went to a 19" front wheel. Most of my riding is cruising within a 50 mile radius so for the time being I am VERY happy with my WG. It is full custom, House of Kolor by "Colormania" paint job, Kuryakyn Hypercharger, Andrews EV-3 cam, Vance & Hines Propipe (I love that pipe), Screamin Eagle ignition, Revtech billet chrome calipers, Arlen Ness tail light and license plate holder, Ness grips, chorme swingarm, chrome inner primary cover, Carlini Torque Arm, all stainless braided lines, chrome covers on all fasteners, custom made wheels (computer designed and cut out on cnc, supposedly one of a kind set), and Kuryakyn mirrors with the LED turn signals in the housings (SUPER bright).

I do think the cramping problem is definitely age related and possibly also to not having enough Potassium a lot of the time. I run and work out very regularly and it is still an issue when I get on a Lowrider. I agreew ithe veryone in here about how great the dynas are. Also agree that a BAGGER is the way to go when it comes time to tour.

Thanks for the comments about the military....there's no better way, in my opinion, to spend a career. It's not really a career, it's something that just happens. You go into the service not always sure what you are going to do....then all of a sudden, it's 30 years later and 30 years of gray.

I will not work for awhile. I will enjoy my wife, our Grandbabies, our dogs, and my HOG.

Semper Fi,
Steve

Well, I cannot afford 2 bikes so I am thinking the Wide Glide would cover fitting me, cool around town cruising, and be reasonably comfortable on a trip. That is sort of the goal anyway.

Enjoy your time off, you have more than earned it.

[ratt]

Originally Posted by DCRANER

Well, I cannot afford 2 bikes so I am thinking the Wide Glide would cover fitting me, cool around town cruising, and be reasonably comfortable on a trip. That is sort of the goal anyway.

Enjoy your time off, you have more than earned it.

Price a wide glide and price an electra glide standard or road king ..... the wide glide isnt near the bike after you get past the visual bling .... buy what you want ,, if you keep riding harleys ,, sooner or later you will be on a FLH ,,,,, thats pretty well the way it works......and it works like that for a reason ..... its called comfort and ridability . rat

[sjpr13]

Ratt,
It's all personal taste...I went from a FLH to a dyna and I love the handling improvement...It all depends on the type of riding YOU DO vs the type of riding you THINK you are going to do...there is a big difference. If your looking to cruise around town with and take the occaisional trip then I think the dyna is a better fit. The RK's and most of the touring bikes don't handle as well in the twisties and around town...(type of riding I mostly do)...If you do alot of long distance touring then I would go with the RK or one of the other touring bikes.