Test Riding Harleys

Thank you for the Burgman ride offer, I'll gladly take you up on that!

As for the 883 and Fat Boy Lo, I'll first have to say I really don't understand Harley families. But, various bikes would have an air filter sticking into my right knee, or some sort of huge cover on the left that would hold my leg out a foot. As I recall, the Fat Boy has that cover.

I did sit on the Fat Boy Lo. Weird. So low and so wide it was quite difficult to stand up from. Not what I was looking for anyhow.

The Sportsters are what I was expecting to look at. While I've not ridden one, virtually everyone I know that knows Harleys has told me the same things. That I'm not going to like it due to vibration and poor ergonomics, that they don't handle nearly as nicely, that they are far harder to pick up when it falls over, and I'll spend my time with one wishing I'd gone to the full sized bike instead.

That said, I don't understand the dresser sportster models, as they do seem to exist. Should one come up locally, I'll try it. Sportster prices sure are a lot lower.

The 2004+ Sportsters have rubber-mounted engines, and the 2007+ have Fuel Injection. The fat-tire 1200 Customs from 2011+ ride much better than the older skinny tire variants...but in the older bikes, a "Low" (19" front tire) would be a better ride than a "Custom" (21" front tire). Lows typically have mid-controls and Customs typically have forward controls.

The other bike to consider would be a Dyna Low Rider or Super Glide. They have kits to add floorboards, much like the Road King...kits go about $400 for the parts. Dynas are nice handling and nice riding bikes. They did a frame update in 2006. Six speed came in 2006, 96" engine in 2007.

foxtrapper wrote: The Sportsters are what I was expecting to look at. While I've not ridden one, virtually everyone I know that knows Harleys has told me the same things. That I'm not going to like it due to vibration and poor ergonomics, that they don't handle nearly as nicely, that they are far harder to pick up when it falls over, and I'll spend my time with one wishing I'd gone to the full sized bike instead.

Ride a modern rubber isolated sportster at least once. I really like them compared to the older stuff for longer riding. Old real problem is that you get the peanut tank on a few models and its not enough gas for a proper commutable bike.

ST_ZX2 wrote: The other bike to consider would be a Dyna Low Rider or Super Glide. They have kits to add floorboards, much like the Road King...kits go about $400 for the parts. Dynas are nice handling and nice riding bikes. They did a frame update in 2006. Six speed came in 2006, 96" engine in 2007.

I had an '09 Super Glide. Thoroughly capable of multi-state road trips; even did an Iron Butt on it. Fun to throw around the curves, like the Tail of the Dragon (twice). Great for commuting, too.

With your short guy requirements and desire to have your hands up a little higher, try a Dyna Street Bob. From the factory, they come with lowered rear shocks and mini-apes.

As far as Sportsters go, my wife traded hers in for a Dyna Super Glide. She said she should have gotten the Dyna from the get-go; the ride, comfort and handling manners are so much better.

wearymicrobe wrote: Ride a modern rubber isolated sportster at least once. I really like them compared to the older stuff for longer riding. Old real problem is that you get the peanut tank on a few models and its not enough gas for a proper commutable bike.

I still have yet to heed this advice, but I toured the Harley plant here in Kansas City. I was blown away by the number of variants there are of each bike. I think I saw 5 or 6 completely different looking bikes that were Sportsters. They also make Dynas there, and there appeared to be some variety among those. The only thing they seemed to make as a one model line is the XR1200. I've always liked those, but felt a swell of pride when I learned they're made here in my home town.

In reply to BAMF:

The XR1200 is based on the Sportster.

RealMiniDriver wrote: In reply to BAMF: The XR1200 is based on the Sportster.

Yep--It only shares about 30% of its parts with the other Sportsters, and 2012 was the last year for this bike in the States. It's also not very friendly for those who are short of stature...the seat height is around 32" as I recall.

I found it!

Well, maybe not....

ST_ZX2 wrote:

RealMiniDriver wrote: In reply to BAMF: The XR1200 is based on the Sportster.

Yep--It only shares about 30% of its parts with the other Sportsters, and 2012 was the last year for this bike in the States. It's also not very friendly for those who are short of stature...the seat height is around 32" as I recall.

That explains why it's built in the same place. 32" is a pretty high seat.

BAMF wrote:

ST_ZX2 wrote:

RealMiniDriver wrote: In reply to BAMF: The XR1200 is based on the Sportster.

Yep--It only shares about 30% of its parts with the other Sportsters, and 2012 was the last year for this bike in the States. It's also not very friendly for those who are short of stature...the seat height is around 32" as I recall.

That explains why it's built in the same place. 32" is a pretty high seat.

Just checked--its 29 1/4"...still pretty high for a short dude. The 32" is my Buell STT...I was confuzzed.

FSP_ZX2 wrote: Just checked--its 29 1/4"...still pretty high for a short dude. The 32" is my Buell STT...I was confuzzed.

All the same, I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam I think I'd find either one of those bikes a little high.

BAMF wrote:

wearymicrobe wrote: Ride a modern rubber isolated sportster at least once. I really like them compared to the older stuff for longer riding. Old real problem is that you get the peanut tank on a few models and its not enough gas for a proper commutable bike.

I still have yet to heed this advice, but I toured the Harley plant here in Kansas City. I was blown away by the number of variants there are of each bike. I think I saw 5 or 6 completely different looking bikes that were Sportsters. They also make Dynas there, and there appeared to be some variety among those. The only thing they seemed to make as a one model line is the XR1200. I've always liked those, but felt a swell of pride when I learned they're made here in my home town.

I LOVE the 48 in the sportster line. The 883 Dark was also a very good, moderately inexpensive bike that liked. They hold there value very well though.

I keep wishing I would get transferred out of California and that I could get a crossbones for myself. .

Wondering if the Moto Guzzi California would be another option to consider.