new harley

[cruizer18]

Originally Posted by OldMsocko

You must be all legs ( long inseam ). I have a 06 Ultra Classic and the only way I was able to sit flat footed was to lower both front and rear 1" and put of the reach seat. I was then able to sit flat footed. I an 5'8".

probably long inseam, but lower 1" front and rear would be slightly more comfortable. anyways, prefer road king / streetglide!

[cruizer18]

Originally Posted by drtumolo

I went to my dealers open house and talked about the road king and the streetglide. He felt I would be better off with a softail deluxe. I am going to rent one and spend the day on it.

that's what the dealer guy felt man. i say you get the one that u like and u feel comfortable with, after all it's u who's gonna ride it.

btw, softail deluxe = fatboy with spoke wheels???

[cruizer18]

Originally Posted by MindInMyOwnBiz

... I loved the fact I had a harley, loved the radio, loved the large-hard-lockable bags, but I was disappointed with the heat, the weight, the handling, and the ride. I dropped another 5-6 grand into it trying to make it ride like my VStar. Then I loved it even more than my VStar, but I spent 24k on it all told.
....

normal working temp heat? i feel the same w/ my dad's 07 ultra. Just rolled around 650miles and took it for 1st time service and told the service guy about the heat.
He said to properly tune up the engine would have to use this small race efi tuner so they could do something about the heat. I didnt know that my dad kept it home, so gotta bring it on nxt service. The race tuner doesnt come w/ the bike, have to actually buy it.

anyways i told the guy to take off the leg spoilers (on engine guard) to get more wind. The result was quite ok. It'll get less warm if tuned with race tuner.

*** bikes engine (with fans and radiator) heat is about the same as my fxdx or roadking. yes ultra is a bit warmer.

[christine55]

Originally Posted by drtumolo

I am looking for some advice. I am looking to move from my yamaha v-star 1100 to my first Harley. I am only 5'4" tall and need a bike that is low but my wife rides with me alot and we take some longer trips @600 miles. One of my big complaints with the v-star is that the passenger seat is @8" higher than the riders seat which puts my wife right in the air blast off the windshield. Would like to avoid this problem with the next bike. I am looking at the RK and the Street Glides but would consider others if they would suit my needs better.

Any touring models with a lowering kit should be good enough in terms of height wise.

Since you tour so much, luggage space would also be key for you and my guess would be either the road glide or the street glide. Both allows your wife not to sit too high behind you, both have got good luggage room and also offers a range of lowering options for you to have your feet flat on the ground.

Best is to have a test ride before deciding.

[Harleybodei]

I lowered me EG Standard 1.5" and I am 5' 10".
Needless to say, my knee's are bent when I sit on it.



I am happy with it....

[drtumolo]

I am heading to York open house today to hopefully demo a few bikes maybe I can then make a decision.

[Huck Finn]

I'm 5'7'' and my FXST was so low in stock form that I could have my knees bent at right angles and still flatfoot the ground. With a good windshield and bags I had no problem riding big miles.

[93-331-29PSI]

If you are considering the Deluxe and are set on a softail go with the Heritage. My wife is 5'5" and she gets no wind shear riding 2up. If it were me though I'd go with the King or Glide (radio).

[hamyoo06]

Originally Posted by drtumolo

I went to my dealers open house and talked about the road king and the streetglide. He felt I would be better off with a softail deluxe. I am going to rent one and spend the day on it.

Just be careful there: you don't know what their reasons are for selling certain bikes. It's a shame, but they have an agenda, just like you do. Problem is, they usually don't coincide. For the amount of miles you claim you'll ride, I'd go for the touring family, not a Softail. I love my Softail, but if I rode those kinds of distances, I'd rent or buy a touring bike. Also, for parts, etc., the Deluxe tends to be rather unique (exhaust, rear fender dressing, lighting, etc.), so you'll have less to choose from. Then again, the Deuce was like that, too, and Deuce owners are just plain crazy about their bikes!

[jerry34208]

Great advice being doled out here. You came to the right place for help. My $.02, rent both an FLHX and some sort of Softail (the exact same model that you want to buy). You can get 1/2 day rates at most shops. Back to back comparisons are best. I agree that the FL is a better touring frame. I spent a weekend riding around the Cascade mountains and in Eastern Washington on a rented Heritage Softail. Between both of us and our gear we had 425# on the bike. I remember thinking I could have been happy owning that bike. I imagine the scenery and the company (GF) could have influenced that. We had a great trip.

Now on the other hand ... After nearly five years and 50K miles on my '04 Ultra, I have never once wished I would have bought a different model. Buy that, lower it front and rear and you're all set.

PS. After my post I realized that DrTumolo has not posted since 9/25. Wonder what he ended up buying?

[Bronxhog]

The bike for you is a Street Glide-Hands down...this bike is low and it has a fairing and bags for your longer trips...you can also add the detatchable tour pak....Do not go with the road king as i have owned this bike and you will have to pay to lower the bike as well as it has no fairing and music.....Softtail not an option if you do long trips...good luck