meh, rode a dyna for a couple of years, rather have a sporty. Have a sporty and An E-Glide now as far as harleys go. If I had to get rid of on it wouldnt be the sporty.

 

If I was going dyna, I'd opt for the Street Bob myself

 

I went from a sportster with 1200 conversion to a softail custom and the difference is night and day. The softail is way more comfortable and a lot more torque.

I say go for it you won't regret it.

 

I had an 883, a 1200 Custom, and now an 07 Wide Glide. If I would have bought the WG first it would be the only bike I'd have owned. But ten years ago I couldn't afford it, so what the heck.

I am a massive 5-11 and 170 pounds and what tore it for me was the narrowness of the 1200 seats and believe me I tried everything: sundowner, gel/foam, that sheepskin biz, everything! On a 300+ mile day my posterior was screaming for mercy. I loved the torque of the 1200 but the WG feels like it has just as much and just seems more rooted to the road. I can do 500 in a day no problem at all.

Now that HD is making test rides so accessible I would try every darn one and see what you like. I have a feeling that it won't take long for one to just sort of jump out at you and feel right. When it's right, you'll know it! Enjoy the process.

 

Dont even think about it . New Wide Glide.

 

Short version: WG!!

 

Fat Bob....

 

anything but a Sporty..

 

Sounds like you're ready for a change. Sporties offer their own set of riding rewards that select types of riders enjoy. You may not be one of those types of riders. Doesn't make you better, or less, than those that do. It simply means you're learning what you want in biking.

When I was looking to try road riding via a cruiser-type bike... upon arriving at the local HD dealer for the first time, of course, I too, migrated toward the Sportsters. They were very appealing to the eye and looked like fun bikes. The price was nice, too.

Being a complete HD idiot, and still undecided as to what brand to purchase, I informed the sales rep that I was NOT there to buy a bike that day, but was there to begin learning about things Harley. I was fortunate in that the sales rep was very helpful and patient. He was also upfront and candid about the various strengths and weaknesses of each of the HD models.

He indicated that if I decided to go Harley and with a Sportster he would gladly put me on it... however, he said that with the majority of their Sportster sales, the customer came back within a year and wanted to trade for something that was more in line with what they were learning they liked about riding.

I thanked him for his time, and very soon afterward entered the HD segment of riding aboard a Softail Deuce. It has served me well. However, now that I've owned it for 3 1/2 years, my riding desires have evolved. Just today, I signed the deal to replace it with an Ultra Classic.

You simply have to ride enough to discover what you want your biking to give you. And even that may evolve or change over time. You seem to be learning quickly that a Sportster may not be the bike for you.

Take your time this time, and try to demo ride a few. Buy the bike that fits you, that you like, and that will comfortably do the type of riding you intend to mainly do.

Good luck!!

 

I would go with the wide glide, but I'm a little bias.