Test Rode a Couple of Touring Bikes -- Glad I Have A Heritage!
#1
05-15-2012 | 07:38 PM
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: New Jersey
Test Rode a Couple of Touring Bikes -- Glad I Have A Heritage!
Inspired by the recent article in HOG ("Glide vs. Glide"), I test rode both a new Street Glide and Road Glide Custom to see what I've been missing. Here's my short take for those of you who may wonder if the grass is greener on the other side from a Softail rider's perspective. . .
I will start by saying that now I truly understand what people mean about sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" it. I felt as if I was riding a horse on the Glides, and the mid controls felt awkward and cramped compared to the Heritage, which is odd since most tall guys (which I am not) gravitate toward the touring line. The higher center of gravity is a significant difference. Speaking of ergos, I also didn't like the stock handlebars -- I needed to lean forward too much -- and I didn't feel "planted" in the saddle. Also, the rubber-mounted A engine on the Glides shake like a Dyna at idle. Of course, at higher speeds, the touring bikes smooth out nicely, but where I live, I am stuck in traffic often (even on the Interstate), and the shake, rattle and roll gets old fast.
In fairness, both tourers handle surprisingly well for their weight, and the braking performance is far superior. I was expecting the fixed-fairing RG's steering to feel lighter, but I really didn't notice much of a difference with the SG's batwing. In addition, although the displacement is the same, the touring bikes' 103s were brisker than my Heritage with basic upgrades (exhaust, a/c, tuner). I suppose the B's counterbalancing saps performance, but to me, the tradeoff is worth it. I also think the Heritage's ride is smoother -- a bit of a surprise.
As for looks . . . well, that's subjective. I like the uniqueness of the RG, but think the SG is the looker -- although the Heritage is a classic.
To me, the FLSTC just fits me better and is more maneuverable and comfortable to ride solo and 2 up. So for me, it's a keeper!
I will start by saying that now I truly understand what people mean about sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" it. I felt as if I was riding a horse on the Glides, and the mid controls felt awkward and cramped compared to the Heritage, which is odd since most tall guys (which I am not) gravitate toward the touring line. The higher center of gravity is a significant difference. Speaking of ergos, I also didn't like the stock handlebars -- I needed to lean forward too much -- and I didn't feel "planted" in the saddle. Also, the rubber-mounted A engine on the Glides shake like a Dyna at idle. Of course, at higher speeds, the touring bikes smooth out nicely, but where I live, I am stuck in traffic often (even on the Interstate), and the shake, rattle and roll gets old fast.
In fairness, both tourers handle surprisingly well for their weight, and the braking performance is far superior. I was expecting the fixed-fairing RG's steering to feel lighter, but I really didn't notice much of a difference with the SG's batwing. In addition, although the displacement is the same, the touring bikes' 103s were brisker than my Heritage with basic upgrades (exhaust, a/c, tuner). I suppose the B's counterbalancing saps performance, but to me, the tradeoff is worth it. I also think the Heritage's ride is smoother -- a bit of a surprise.
As for looks . . . well, that's subjective. I like the uniqueness of the RG, but think the SG is the looker -- although the Heritage is a classic.
To me, the FLSTC just fits me better and is more maneuverable and comfortable to ride solo and 2 up. So for me, it's a keeper!
#4
05-15-2012 | 08:30 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
have to agree with the OP. I thought about a SG,,but after riding it stuck with heritage,, this is my 2nd FLSTC and I like the looks and the ride for type of riding I do..A road King classic would be my 2nd choice...
But if you want to talk about sitting up high,, jump off the Heritage and on to a Sportser 1200C ,,,I have both and what a difference...wanna buy a Sportser !:-)
But if you want to talk about sitting up high,, jump off the Heritage and on to a Sportser 1200C ,,,I have both and what a difference...wanna buy a Sportser !:-)
#5
05-15-2012 | 08:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Eastern NE
#7
05-15-2012 | 08:51 PM
Road Master
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From: Sedro Woolley, Washington
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#10
05-15-2012 | 09:23 PM
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Virgirnia
Inspired by the recent article in HOG ("Glide vs. Glide"), I test rode both a new Street Glide and Road Glide Custom to see what I've been missing. Here's my short take for those of you who may wonder if the grass is greener on the other side from a Softail rider's perspective. . .
I will start by saying that now I truly understand what people mean about sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" it. I felt as if I was riding a horse on the Glides, and the mid controls felt awkward and cramped compared to the Heritage, which is odd since most tall guys (which I am not) gravitate toward the touring line. The higher center of gravity is a significant difference. Speaking of ergos, I also didn't like the stock handlebars -- I needed to lean forward too much -- and I didn't feel "planted" in the saddle. Also, the rubber-mounted A engine on the Glides shake like a Dyna at idle. Of course, at higher speeds, the touring bikes smooth out nicely, but where I live, I am stuck in traffic often (even on the Interstate), and the shake, rattle and roll gets old fast.
In fairness, both tourers handle surprisingly well for their weight, and the braking performance is far superior. I was expecting the fixed-fairing RG's steering to feel lighter, but I really didn't notice much of a difference with the SG's batwing. In addition, although the displacement is the same, the touring bikes' 103s were brisker than my Heritage with basic upgrades (exhaust, a/c, tuner). I suppose the B's counterbalancing saps performance, but to me, the tradeoff is worth it. I also think the Heritage's ride is smoother -- a bit of a surprise.
As for looks . . . well, that's subjective. I like the uniqueness of the RG, but think the SG is the looker -- although the Heritage is a classic.
To me, the FLSTC just fits me better and is more maneuverable and comfortable to ride solo and 2 up. So for me, it's a keeper!
I will start by saying that now I truly understand what people mean about sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" it. I felt as if I was riding a horse on the Glides, and the mid controls felt awkward and cramped compared to the Heritage, which is odd since most tall guys (which I am not) gravitate toward the touring line. The higher center of gravity is a significant difference. Speaking of ergos, I also didn't like the stock handlebars -- I needed to lean forward too much -- and I didn't feel "planted" in the saddle. Also, the rubber-mounted A engine on the Glides shake like a Dyna at idle. Of course, at higher speeds, the touring bikes smooth out nicely, but where I live, I am stuck in traffic often (even on the Interstate), and the shake, rattle and roll gets old fast.
In fairness, both tourers handle surprisingly well for their weight, and the braking performance is far superior. I was expecting the fixed-fairing RG's steering to feel lighter, but I really didn't notice much of a difference with the SG's batwing. In addition, although the displacement is the same, the touring bikes' 103s were brisker than my Heritage with basic upgrades (exhaust, a/c, tuner). I suppose the B's counterbalancing saps performance, but to me, the tradeoff is worth it. I also think the Heritage's ride is smoother -- a bit of a surprise.
As for looks . . . well, that's subjective. I like the uniqueness of the RG, but think the SG is the looker -- although the Heritage is a classic.
To me, the FLSTC just fits me better and is more maneuverable and comfortable to ride solo and 2 up. So for me, it's a keeper!
SAME HERE WENT LAST SUNDAY TEST A ROADKING AND A DELUXE, I'M IN LOVE WITH THE DELUXE, BUT THE KING OFER ME MORE FOR THE MONEY, COMING WITH BAGS, ABS, CRUISE CONTROL AND WIND SHIELD! ...FOR THE SAME MONNEY, I HAVE TO BUY SMART!!