Can't help much with how a WG handles, you will notice that he bike weighs more which won't be much of a big deal. I started with a XL883 Sportster as my 1st bike, I rode it 3k miles and had it 2 months before I decided that I wanted more. I bought a Electraglide Classic which to me was much more suited to what my wife and I wanted. I found the EG to be a easier bike to ride than the Sporty, I now have a Ultra Classic. The best thing that you can do is find a dealer that will allow you test ride some bikes. I would ride more than one, check out the WG that your interested in but also check out a touring bike also. If you and your wife enjoy riding and enjoy taking trips on a bike then a Touring bike would be a better fit. Just my 2 cents worth.
Switch to larger bike
Currently, I ride a Honda Shadow 600 and want to move upward to a H-D Dyna Wide Glide. What will be the biggest change I will experience? I know there will be about 200# difference, much more power/torque, but what else? Or, is this too large of a leap? Would a move upward to a Sportser 1200 be a better change, an intermediate one? One of the reasons for the change in the first place is to get a smoother ride w/ me alone and a bike with better performance w/ two-up riding w/ my wife? Thanks for your comments. BTW -- I'm 62 and have only ridden one year with 5600 (safe) miles to my experience.
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hoping to help, i will share my experience.
i have always rode hot rod sportsters, but also wanted a smoother ride, so i decided on the 06 dyna fxdi.
this is a very forgiving bike. you can let the cluth out at idle and the bike takes off gently. it doesnt do anything strange, handlimg is great for a bike this heavy--better than great, it will absolutely rail a curve! front brake is awesome, rear is mediocre (who uses it anyway,lol) and the suspension in compliant.
my girlfriend has been on the back of lots of motorcycles and claims this is the smoothist she has ever been on.
during spirited two up riding, it will bottom the rear only on hard dips ( we weigh 345# together ).
cons: major wind and turbulance at speeds over 70--i think a sport fairing would cure this?
you always need more storage.
only expect 40 mpg----you just cant ride this bike like granny!!!
epa has choked the #[email protected]% out of it, stage 1 or greater is a neccessity to appreciate this machine.
other things to consider, standard dresser or hritage is only a couple thousand more. probably better for two up. cant beat a bagger for touring.
before considering any of the softtails, research the suspension for total weight carrying and two-up riding.
shiny side up!!
i have always rode hot rod sportsters, but also wanted a smoother ride, so i decided on the 06 dyna fxdi.
this is a very forgiving bike. you can let the cluth out at idle and the bike takes off gently. it doesnt do anything strange, handlimg is great for a bike this heavy--better than great, it will absolutely rail a curve! front brake is awesome, rear is mediocre (who uses it anyway,lol) and the suspension in compliant.
my girlfriend has been on the back of lots of motorcycles and claims this is the smoothist she has ever been on.
during spirited two up riding, it will bottom the rear only on hard dips ( we weigh 345# together ).
cons: major wind and turbulance at speeds over 70--i think a sport fairing would cure this?
you always need more storage.
only expect 40 mpg----you just cant ride this bike like granny!!!
epa has choked the #[email protected]% out of it, stage 1 or greater is a neccessity to appreciate this machine.
other things to consider, standard dresser or hritage is only a couple thousand more. probably better for two up. cant beat a bagger for touring.
before considering any of the softtails, research the suspension for total weight carrying and two-up riding.
shiny side up!!
I went from a 1200C to a Road King and didn't look back. The first thing you should do is ask your self what type of riding do you plan on doing then go and sit on a couple different models. Once you have your choice narowed down to say three bikes either rent them for a day or wait until one of the dealerships has an open house that lets you test drive them.
Good luck on your choice!
Good luck on your choice!
I wouldn't trade my XL1200C for any bike, including the larger Harleys. But if it's a smooth ride and 2-up comfort you want I wouldn't recommend the Sportster. The '04 change to a rubber mount made a BIG difference but I think your Honda is probably smoother even so. No problem with performance 2-up (the bike is bad a*s with stage 1 and some tweaking), but it's top heavy anyway and as a stocker it's possibly the last choice in the HD line for passenger comfort. Just my opinion. RK05's got it right. Test ride the others.
I went from a 1200 sporty to a Road King too. I was nervous at first wondering if it would be too much to handle. The first time I sat on the road king the gas tank looked ridiculous (huge). Take it easy for the first few weeks and in no time it will feel very natural.
Do not look at how much the bike weights or how large it looks and I'm sure everyone will tell you, get the bike you really want.
Do not look at how much the bike weights or how large it looks and I'm sure everyone will tell you, get the bike you really want.
No disrepect and it's just my .02,
I know the Wide Glide looks really cool, but if you have never ridden one, your in for a surprise. I ride my Unks a lot and he and I have been riding for years. I ride all thru NYC and NJ on either a Low Rider or a FLHT. The skinny 21" front tire and forward controls on the Wideglide definitly make the bike more challenging to ride at times.
You might want to look at the Dyna Low Rider. It still looks very cool, but it has a lower seat hieght, mid controls to offer more control of the bike in emergency situations, still has highway pegs to stretch your legs out on and a 19" front tire that offers a lot more traction and stable feedback in turns and at speed.
It is a much easier bike to handle and "learn" on compared to the stylish Wideglide.
I know the Wide Glide looks really cool, but if you have never ridden one, your in for a surprise. I ride my Unks a lot and he and I have been riding for years. I ride all thru NYC and NJ on either a Low Rider or a FLHT. The skinny 21" front tire and forward controls on the Wideglide definitly make the bike more challenging to ride at times.
You might want to look at the Dyna Low Rider. It still looks very cool, but it has a lower seat hieght, mid controls to offer more control of the bike in emergency situations, still has highway pegs to stretch your legs out on and a 19" front tire that offers a lot more traction and stable feedback in turns and at speed.
It is a much easier bike to handle and "learn" on compared to the stylish Wideglide.
Hello-paulbeebe said:Currently, I ride a Honda Shadow 600 and want to move upward to a H-D Dyna Wide Glide. What will be the biggest change I will experience? I know there will be about 200# difference, much more power/torque, but what else? Or, is this too large of a leap? Would a move upward to a Sportser 1200 be a better change, an intermediate one? One of the reasons for the change in the first place is to get a smoother ride w/ me alone and a bike with better performance w/ two-up riding w/ my wife? Thanks for your comments. BTW -- I'm 62 and have only ridden one year with 5600 (safe) miles to my experience.
I still remember my very first ride on my E-Glide. It definitely intimidated me, as I am a small guy, ( 6 foot, 155lbs ) and my other bike is a 630lb fatboy. My Glide easily weighs a solid 100 pounds more.
Initially, you will feel the weight difference, but that should not keep you from buying the bike that you want.
Today, I don't even think about it. I just get on, and go.
If I were you, I would go ahead and get the dyna. Don't look back!
Over time, you will grow into the motorcycle and it will actually begin to feel lighter. Now that's the fun part!
Back in the spring, I was talking to a fellow rider when we rode down to Orlando, and he was all smiles about his new Ultra that he had been riding cross country. He was 72 and smaller than me!
Good luck and God Bless
David
I also rode Jap bikes until my first Harley ride in 92..
I think most people look at the Sporty's due to cost, I know I did.. My dealer pushed me towards a big bike saying 95% of all sporty buyers upgrade within one year to a big bike.... I purchased a Softail Custom with NO regrets, and just a month ago bought an 06 Fatboy..
A few months after buying my SC, a customer purchased a 1200 sporty that was "hopped up". I do not keep up on the sporty models, so I cannot say which model.. I had always been interested in riding a sporty, heard they were fun in town, so when my customer offered to let me ride it, I jumped on it and went.. After about 3 miles I took it back and I will NEVER be interested in riding one again.. Not of offend anyone here, but it is NOT my idea of riding a Harley.. Thought I was on my kid brothers Suzuki 90...
Again this is my opinion but I wouldnt waste any money or time with a Sporty.....
I think most people look at the Sporty's due to cost, I know I did.. My dealer pushed me towards a big bike saying 95% of all sporty buyers upgrade within one year to a big bike.... I purchased a Softail Custom with NO regrets, and just a month ago bought an 06 Fatboy..
A few months after buying my SC, a customer purchased a 1200 sporty that was "hopped up". I do not keep up on the sporty models, so I cannot say which model.. I had always been interested in riding a sporty, heard they were fun in town, so when my customer offered to let me ride it, I jumped on it and went.. After about 3 miles I took it back and I will NEVER be interested in riding one again.. Not of offend anyone here, but it is NOT my idea of riding a Harley.. Thought I was on my kid brothers Suzuki 90...
Again this is my opinion but I wouldnt waste any money or time with a Sporty.....
Get the WG. You'll love it... especially when riding two up. You'll wonder what took you so long and you'll wonder how you ever managed to put 5600 miles on your old bike.
My only advice is don't buy the Sportster unless that is the bike you want. You've ridden enough on the honda to get the basics. If the wide glide makes your thing spring... get it. And if you haven't already, take the MSF course.
My only advie is to get the bike you want to ride for awhile. Don't settle cause you won't be happy - I got the FXDLI when I realyl wanted the RK. I have just upgraded, but at a cost that I could have avoided.
There is no such thing. Only in myth. I know people that have never rode and their first bike was an Electra Glide. They did take the MSF safety course. It's all in the confidence you have when riding. My wife's first bike was a Harley 883L. :thumbsup:paulbeebe said:Or, is this too large of a leap?
Sweet... I'm a 5%erminivan said:95% of all sporty buyers upgrade withing one year to a big bike....
Sportys are not a smooth ride, but they are fun. If you want to ride in a straight line, get a bigger bike. If you want to tear into the corners, get a Sportster... and than add larger shocks, better brakes, hopup the engine, better tires, etc. :harhar:
You're in Bloomfield Hills? Motorcity Harley will rent certain bikes, but they don't do test rides. I think ABC in Waterford does. Wolverine in Clinton Twp does for all models. Not sure about Detroit-HD, but I think they don't.
Speaking from experience, 2 1/2 yrs and 20k miles.... 1 year is not a lot of experience. Do some mods on your shadow and keep it for another year or two. Shocks and fork oil can smooth out the suspension. A better seat will provide more cushion. Reworking the engine will give you more power for 2-up. -2$en#e-
Besides a big dent in the wallet, you'll probably be albe to hop on any of the Dynas and handle it with ease. I went from riding a suzuki 700 madura, which was a fairly heavy bike to a 05 FXDi. I had never ridden a harley before buying, only had sat on one in dealership...took me a matter of minutes to get used to the extra weight. Now I don't really notice it (except around my belly), unless I am just pushing it around.paulbeebe said:What will be the biggest change I will experience?
Skip the Sportster...go for something larger.
At age 55 I took the MSF course on a 125 cc Ricer, got my license, and bought a new 05 FXDWGI.paulbeebe said:Currently, I ride a Honda Shadow 600 and want to move upward to a H-D Dyna Wide Glide. What will be the biggest change I will experience? I know there will be about 200# difference, much more power/torque, but what else? Or, is this too large of a leap? Would a move upward to a Sportser 1200 be a better change, an intermediate one? One of the reasons for the change in the first place is to get a smoother ride w/ me alone and a bike with better performance w/ two-up riding w/ my wife? Thanks for your comments. BTW -- I'm 62 and have only ridden one year with 5600 (safe) miles to my experience.
Had bike delivered to my house, rode down the block to get the feel, around town for first 50 miles for breakin, and then ventured out on the roads.
I can fling my WG around sweeping turns almost as easy as that little ricer now.
I learned......Get the bike you want, use your head, don't ride beyond your ability, the bikes ability, and pay attention to the road conditions, etc.
I love my WG, I got used to it, and probably would feek funny on a bike with mid-controls.
Get the bike (WG) that "you just have to have"!! ~!Awesome!
bigger/bagger??
Even tho I ride a 05 FXD, I don't think you'd be happy with any of the Dynas for two-up. The FXD, IMO is a Sportster for fat guys (like me), and the rest of the Dyna line builds on that. I go with the others that say to go up to the glides and such. You get a better two-up ride and the handling can be mastered pretty quick.
Yes, you'll be dealing with more weight and bulk, and a different feel, but handling motorcycles follows the same basics you got at BRC, regardless of size or horsepower.
I chose the FXD because I don't do two-up, and because it has morphed into the bagger/bobber that I wanted to end up with.
From what I've seen and heard from friends, the Glides would be a good bet, and the best advice I ever got was "the best used is better than second best new".
Even tho I ride a 05 FXD, I don't think you'd be happy with any of the Dynas for two-up. The FXD, IMO is a Sportster for fat guys (like me), and the rest of the Dyna line builds on that. I go with the others that say to go up to the glides and such. You get a better two-up ride and the handling can be mastered pretty quick.
Yes, you'll be dealing with more weight and bulk, and a different feel, but handling motorcycles follows the same basics you got at BRC, regardless of size or horsepower.
I chose the FXD because I don't do two-up, and because it has morphed into the bagger/bobber that I wanted to end up with.
From what I've seen and heard from friends, the Glides would be a good bet, and the best advice I ever got was "the best used is better than second best new".
Yup, I fall into this 95%. One year later....I should have just started out with the Ultra. Atleast I didn't lose any money. :corn:minivan said:My dealer pushed me towards a big bike saying 95% of all sporty buyers upgrade withing one year to a big bike
You should get whichever model turns you on, but don't choose a Sportster because it is lighter and less of a transition. You will quickly learn to handle the heavier bike. I am 67, and I just got a new Heritage Softail Classic this summer. Before that the largest machine I had was about 500 pounds. In a few weeks the Harley felt normal to me and I was not intimidated by the weight.
Don't go halfway...get what you really want. You will flat love your big Harley!
Don't go halfway...get what you really want. You will flat love your big Harley!
LOL, that's pretty funny.fatdruid said:The FXD, IMO is a Sportster for fat guys (like me),
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