I Want a Rushmore, Help Me Decide... Please
#32
07-20-2016 | 07:29 AM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
So far this year, I have done several 800 mile weekend trips, with more on the horizon. As such, I want to get a proper touring bike. I currently own a 2013 Dyna Switchback FLD. In an ideal world, I would keep the Dyna, but my wife is making the situation less than ideal...
I am really torn on which should be my next step in bikes. I have ridden every variant of the touring line. I have narrowed it down to TWO choices, on which I have holds. Cost is a non-issue, as they are only about $500 apart. So I turn to the knowledge of the boards to help get an outside opinion, and some prospective.
I'm 5'-5" and ride ride a often as possible, year 'round, rain or shine. 99.9% solo. I love to tear through the countryside, commute in the city, and rocket down the super-slab.
First is an Ultra Classic Low, 2015 with 1,500 miles on it. I really like the way this moves. Far more agile than I ever would have guessed for a bike this size. Everything fits right; floor boards, handlebars, controls, etc. A little adjustment in the seat, and it's done. This is literally the first bike I have ever ridden the with heel/toe shift where the heel shift wasten't in my way. I really like all the extra protection it offers, as I ride year 'round and am not scared off by the rain. I love, love, LOVE the looks of the Amber/Charcoal I have on hold.
Second is a shiny new Road Glide Special. Another that fits really well. I like the frame mount fairing, which still keeps the "wind in my face" feeling more than the Ultra, but makes the controls harder to reach. Another agile bike for its size. Add a sissy bar for my suitcase and it's ready to hit the highway. But I can't shake the feeling of an RGS being a comprimise between the Dyna and the Ultra. I'm less in love with the looks. The faring I like, it's the drab color options and the rear lighting I don't like (perhaps a different fender from a Road King).
Before anyone suggests an RGU or a standard Ultra, I just do NOT fit on the standard size Ultras. They are too tall for me, to the point I'm not comfortable physically or mentally.
Thanks in advance for your opinions, input, and feedback.
I am really torn on which should be my next step in bikes. I have ridden every variant of the touring line. I have narrowed it down to TWO choices, on which I have holds. Cost is a non-issue, as they are only about $500 apart. So I turn to the knowledge of the boards to help get an outside opinion, and some prospective.
I'm 5'-5" and ride ride a often as possible, year 'round, rain or shine. 99.9% solo. I love to tear through the countryside, commute in the city, and rocket down the super-slab.
First is an Ultra Classic Low, 2015 with 1,500 miles on it. I really like the way this moves. Far more agile than I ever would have guessed for a bike this size. Everything fits right; floor boards, handlebars, controls, etc. A little adjustment in the seat, and it's done. This is literally the first bike I have ever ridden the with heel/toe shift where the heel shift wasten't in my way. I really like all the extra protection it offers, as I ride year 'round and am not scared off by the rain. I love, love, LOVE the looks of the Amber/Charcoal I have on hold.
Second is a shiny new Road Glide Special. Another that fits really well. I like the frame mount fairing, which still keeps the "wind in my face" feeling more than the Ultra, but makes the controls harder to reach. Another agile bike for its size. Add a sissy bar for my suitcase and it's ready to hit the highway. But I can't shake the feeling of an RGS being a comprimise between the Dyna and the Ultra. I'm less in love with the looks. The faring I like, it's the drab color options and the rear lighting I don't like (perhaps a different fender from a Road King).
Before anyone suggests an RGU or a standard Ultra, I just do NOT fit on the standard size Ultras. They are too tall for me, to the point I'm not comfortable physically or mentally.
Thanks in advance for your opinions, input, and feedback.
2- Keep your Dyna.
3- Get the bike that you really want that fits best (the UC Low would be my choice, but that's just me).
Good luck!
#33
07-20-2016 | 09:03 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 152
From: Utah
After riding across Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota I would choose the RG. The wind hitting the fairing does not affect the steering nearly as much as a fairing attached to the forks instead of the frame. After you are riding (or leave the bike sitting with the front wheel straight forward) I like the lines of the shark the best also.
#34
07-20-2016 | 01:49 PM
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,345
Likes: 7,589
From: Utah
#35
07-20-2016 | 06:41 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 81
The theory its only heavy when its not moving holds true. My 15 RGS can nearly balance by itself when upright. One day when i was adjusting my highway pegs i leveled the bike put both feet on the pegs and thought to myself are you kidding me. Thats just how good the 15+ Road Glides are balanced. I went from an 883 Sporty to a RGS and i can't stand to even sit on my Sportster anymore. Feels like a moped to be honest.
#38
08-01-2016 | 02:49 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Nashua, NH
I'm 5'7" and purchased a Ultra Limited Low, green and black, and love it, except for the seat. I just drove it from Florida to New Hampshire in June. I used an Airhawk seat pad and that worked pretty good. I looked for other seats, but I don't want to give up the low seat, so the pad will have to do. I got almost 5K off the MSRP in may, and I think you can probably do even better now that the 17's are almost here.
