I know you've been riding a long time, but have you ever taken the MSF Experienced Rider Course? If so, have you taken it with your current bike? If you haven't, you definitely should. One of the most important things you learn is low-speed maneuvering, which is the Achilles heel for many riders regardless of how long they've been riding. One of the guys I've ridden with had been riding well over 50 years and was still having trouble in parking lots, doing U-turns, etc. I suggested he take the ERC and he did, and what a difference. After some practice of the things he learned from MSF he now whips his Limited around like it's a bicycle. Like I've always said- anyone can hop on a motorcycle and drive it fast, because the thing naturally wants to stay upright. If you want to see someone's true skill level, take them to a parking lot. If they're gonna screw the pooch, that's where they'll do it.
My point is build your confidence with practice in areas that give you reason to worry- in this case parking & low speed stuff. IMO that's better than downgrading bikes.

If you do drop it, it's fairly easy to pick it up yourself. At 49 I have a blown lower back from a helicopter accident, arthritis, a blown shoulder, and a very bad knee. (Military service isn't kind to the body, LOL) and I can pick my bike up by myself without hurting myself. If you're not familiar with the technique to do this, there's a sticky at the top of the Touring Forum with a video on how to lift a Harley that's fallen over. I've seen a 54 year old 120 lb. lady pick up a Street Glide by herself- it works.

This is all basic stuff and is not meant to insult your riding skills or experience level in any way if you already know it. But sometimes the basics are overlooked, even by us old skoolers, and if it'll keep you riding the bike of your choice for another 48 years, a review of the basics might be helpful.
Best of luck!

 

I am 63 and have been riding for about 30 years. 5' 10" 180 pounds work out regularly no real health problems.
My wife has M/S a few years ago because of her M/S we could not ride. The next year I had all kinds of problems dropping the bike not comfortable in slow situations. Was ready to start looking at trikes.
Read in a book that if you don't ride 5,000 miles a year find another hobby.
Made a point of riding more, walking more, going to the gym more practicing slow maneuvers. Still think I should be better however have not dropped the bike in a couple years (after saying that sure it will happen soon) no problems with slow speed maneuvers. Even back to scraping floorboards this year. That is what worked for me so happy I did not trade to another bike. If you can take an ERC course it will help your confidence for sure.Good luck in what ever path you take.

 

This is an excellent suggestion. I took this course in Tampa over 10 years ago in mid-summer, 90's plus temps and 90's humidity and it damn near killed me but it was worth it. I was early 50's at the time so your mileage may vary. Another thought......I just finished watching, the "Ride Like A Pro" DVD and it was also outstanding for low speed maneuvering skills on big Harleys.

VR

 

My apologies to the OP for going off topic for a moment, but just out of curiosity is your missus able to ride now or has the MS grounded her permanently?

 

Agreed. Some good information in the Ride Like A Pro DVD's...

 

I am 59 and was riding a Super Glide. I wanted more comfort so I test rode bikes until I found my 2011 Road Glide Ultra. It just handled better and was more comfortable to me than the Super Glide. My point is that you need to try out several models. Rent them and just ride. I know that someday I will need to change rides, but I think it will be a trike by then. If not, I will return to a Dyna and just air shock it. I keep telling people who are looking at new rides to go ride what they think will work for them. The seat of your pants is hooked to your brain and the comfort factor is only something that you can figure out for yourself.

 

I'm 66 and have a 09 Ultra Classic. I think you have to assess your own situation and then make a decision. There are some that are old and worn out at 45 and some are young at 65. It just depends on the person. I don't think it is a age issue. If you are in reasonably good condition i.e. mentally and physically don't worry about the age. Keep on riding what you like.

 

I went from a Dyna Wideglide to an Electraglide Classic. With the tourpac and the extra height my wife sat at, I just couldn't control it coming to a stop. I finally took the tour pac off and put on a lower Road King seat. Made all the difference in the world.

You may want to go to your Harley dealer and have them install a detachable tour pac setup if yours isn't already detachable. Take the tour pac off and go for a ride. It may still not be enough but I promise you will see a big difference in the ability to control the bike. That thing makes your bike really top heavy.

 

I've read every post in this thread and haven't seen anything mentioned about how tall you are or do you ride two up? Can you get your feet planted firmly when you stop? Do you ride two up? If you've been riding all this time, you should know how to handle a bike in slow turns and stops. Get the ride like a pro video. It's almost as good as the advanced MSF course. I'm 69 and been riding since 1967. I rode sportster's and Dyna's until 3 years ago, I bought my first Touring bike. I'm lucky, I'm in good health and I'm 6 ft 210 lbs and in decent shape. I still have to watch myself with my RK in parking lot's and backing up. Biggest thing when you get old is remembering to put the jiffy stand down...lol. If you do decide to get rid of the Geezer Glide with the Pizza box, try a Road King, They are the king!!!

 

Get a Road King with cruise control. You don't need the fairing and the King will give you the same comfortable ride with a lower center of gravity. As others have said try to avoid stopping on inclines and putting yourself into places that force you into slow speed tight maneuvers.