Hey folks,
Last year I got my first bike, a Sportster 1200custom. Put 750 miles on it. After the summer I wish I had bags and wanted to do longer rides.

I am thinking of trading it in for a Street Glide. My friend says that bike is too big for me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

750 miles? When did you have time to do anything else?

They make bags for Sportsters.

Take an MSF class if you haven't already. Get some more seat time in. Try some different bikes at demo days or rallies, then decide your next step. Your friend may be right. I don't have enough info to decide wether your too small for a touring bike or not.

 

I took that class before I got the bike.

 

Are there any dealerships in your area that do demo rides, maybe at their open house?
It's hard to say what is too much bike for someone. It depends on too many factors for someone to decide blindly on the Internet. That being said, I am as comfortable on my SG as any bike I've been on, that includes around town or tight spaces that require maneuverability.
Also have you looked at a Dyna Switchback?

 

You can- it's just a matter of whether it is smart ( or "smaaat" )

The touring bike is twice the weight, not as fast but is comfier for longer days in the saddle.
the FLHX is a variant of the touring series and striped down and "Factory Custom" which is what the X means...really it is the same as the other versions but for 12" rear shocks ( vs 13"). lower stance harsher ride.

some riders start off on a touring bike...some go from bigger to smaller.

you need to figure out what you want to do- typical use.

I'd suggest renting a touring series bike for a day and see if that answers your questions.

mike

 

I'm gonna see if they will let me demo one at my dealership.
a actually switchback isn't a bad option. Limited colors though

Are you sure it's twice the weight? When I checked it was about 300 lbs more.

Typical use? I want the option to do long rides, highway rides, etc.

 

you are right, weighs about 300 more.

there is no reason why the Sporty ( or any other bike) can;t do long runs.

even the SG isnt built ( really) for long runs...the 1.75" rear suspension, the low little padded seat, the 'wind deflector' set it apart from the other versions with padded seats, windshield and 2.75" rear suspension travel.

but those types of changes will make any bike go distance ...Pirsig used a 305 Honda when he wrote "zen and the art..."

Mike

 

Sportsters are light, nimble cheap and fun around town.

Street glide are heavy, expensive and great for touring.

Both have their pro's and cons.

but never ride in Boston with a " hat-on "

 

You can do long rides on a Sportster. You just have to outfit it for such. I also ride an XB9S Buell, and a Softail. Been on long rides and week-long vacations on both. I have saddlebags and a tour pak for the Buell (soft sided). Pack it with seven days worth of clothes and rain gear, then ride out. My old buddy used to ride all over the country with his 6 foot bride on the back of his Sportster. (He was about 5'4")

Give us some details about yourself, age, height, weight, riding experience (beyond the 750 miles on the Sportster).

more proof you can ride a Sportster on long hauls

 

If you want a SG, go ride one and make your decision then.