Wednesday I got out and took a long ride South for a few hours. I stopped in at a HD dealer and found myself looking at the Super Glides while stretching my legs. The next thing I know I am out on a demo ride of one. The ride was about a 6 mile course they offered me. I couldn't believe how much nicer it is over a 1200 custom sportster. The SG just handled good enough I was ready to take it home with me. The last part of the ride back to the dealer was on a 55 mph stretch of lightly used highway. The bike got up to speed really fast and shifting was a breeze. The problem I found was in slowing down. I wasn't use to mid controls and at first thought that was the problem. Pressing down hard on both brakes did what I thought was minimal braking compared to the sporty.
I read on these forums that brakes are a known concern of riders on the Super Glide. I was going to put on forward controls but I hesitate to think I would have to do a brake upgrade just to be safe on the road.
So I get to my question is there another model next in line after the Super Glide that handles as well but has better brakes?

 

Nothing rides better than a Super Glide in my unbiased opinion. I installed some Lyndall Z+ brake pads and they were an improvement. The brakes were a concern after riding a VTX for 3 years, but I have gotten used to the feel, even with forward controls. When you REALLY have to stop, they won't let you down.

 

I had about 200 miles on mine and had to make a 'panic stop' at one point.

I have no issues with the brakes. It's just a heavier motorcycle. They put too much brake on the bike and you risk locking the front wheel. Never a good thing.

Maybe you just have to get a little used to it.

 

any Touring model...

 

I sure ain't gonna bad mouth any touring bike. I've rented Road Kings and Street Glides and they are sweet, but I could never give up my FXDC. I'd have to have one of each!

 

Not sure if they still make the FXDX? An alternative would be an FXDXT. They both had twin discs, plus superior suspension, but may only be available secondhand.

 

So it could have just been a combination of mid controls that I am not use to and the bike being heavier by 70 or so pounds?

 

Yes sir! I experienced the same thing when test riding my FXDX for the first time. I was used to my XL883 (with forwards too) and felt the panic when I hopped on the "bigger" bike. The mid-controls make it feel heavier than it really is IMHO. I brought the FXDX home the next day and couldn't be happier. I put forward controls on it and that made a world of difference for me.

 

The duel front brakes makes no difference. I hate my brakes. I've been looking into some better brake components since I got my bike. The ones I looked at are way to much $$$$. Not saying the bike does not stop but it could be better. They seem to fade faster then they should.

I've rode a couple of Victory's and their brakes are a dream. They bring you down to a stop much faster then Harley's with out any lock up.

That said, I would never trade my Harley/FXDX for one. Maybe trade for a new Rocker.

 

+1 on the Lyndall Z pads. I've got them on my 01 DX and I can stop on a dime if I have to. The dual disc up front bikes do have an edge IMHO.

DaFish