In 2003, I rented a Wide Glide and experienced much of what you're talking about. Above 70 or so, the front wheel felt like it 2was dancing and felt very light. I have a 34" inseam and the forward controls felt waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy out there. Uncomfortably so. It's a bike that I've always liked aesthetically, but after riding one....pass. If you don't dig the bike, I can understand why you have low miles on it. My previous bike (Suzuki SV1000S) was like that. Loved the motor, but didn't enjoy riding it. Very uncomfortable for me, even after numerous comfort related mods.


I'm on a Switchback. Decent balance of touring with the agility of a Dyna. Sorry to see HD drop the bike from the lineup but it just didn't catch on. Once you get the seat/bar/windshield sorted, it's actually a great bike.


Regarding the touring bikes, last Oct I test rode a new M8 Road King and yesterday, test rode an M8 RGS and an SGS. The SGS was a Stage III, the RGS was stock. I've never ridden any of the big faired HD's before and it was a more pleasant experience than I was expecting. Having said that, I like the "elementalness" of the Road King. Fantastic bike that feels close to the Dyna in agility. I like the faired bikes more than I thought I would, but am not sold on the idea of owing one. That Stage III was really nice.

 

Never rode a Harley or Honda or Suzuki I did not like. Harleys a bit more than others, but 2 wheels RULE with or without windshields or fairings!!!
Just saying.

 

If there was one model of bike that was better than any other, Harley would only have to build one bike. Everyone likes different things. I loved my Road King. It was a fantastic bike. But I also love music when I ride and the ritual of earbuds and iPod and getting on and off the bike got old. I now have a Street Glide and I love it too. It's easier for me, because I can hop off and on and the tunes stay with the bike.

Everyone is different and there are pros and cons to each model. No one can tell you what is best for you.

 

Best thing to do is rent a Street Glide for a day.
You'll be hooked.

Road King, OK but it isn't a Glide.

As the saying goes; "you haven't had a ride 'til you've owned a Glide"....

 

I own a WG set up w/bags and a windscreen, I also own a RGU. Ive never had an issue like that on my WG with or without the bags. My daughter has ridden with me for over 100 miles at 70mph and the bike is stable. As stated above, I agree 100%

[QUOTE=rauchman;16122721]In 2003, I rented a Wide Glide and experienced much of what you're talking about. Above 70 or so, the front wheel felt like it 2was dancing and felt very light.






The older WGs had a 21 inch skinny wheel and mine was 'lively' as they all were. The new ones are much more planted..

 

Just get a trike if you're going to go full garbage wagon

 

[QUOTE=uncle kebo;16123877]I don't understand where you came up with that idea the new ones are well planted.
I had a '10 FXDWG and the 'skinny' stock front tire was like riding on a 'razor edge'. I put an Avon 21" on it and it was a lot less squirrely.

An Avon RoadRider 90/90x21 was the widest tire I could find without going to a 170.

 

Just as a follow up. I finally made up my mind and yesterday (Sunday) traded my WG for a 2017 SG. Didn't get the bike yet since they didn't have one in stock with the features I wanted but the dealership will be bringing it Tomorrow (Tuesday). Thank you all for your good input. And for all those that will be wondering, if it does become a Garage Queen too, stay tuned in a few years and you could be a lucky one to get a low mileage, garage kept, bike... but as excited as I am now, I doubt it!.