From a softail Deuce CVO to a Road King CVO I've never looked back. Fairings scare me, lol. Windshield works fine and saddle bags and a king tour pack I have the same storage capacity as a Street Glide or Road Glide. Windshield and tour pack come right off for the low stripped down look. Thanks for another cool video.
I'm 69 and I traded in my 2017 Street Glide sp. for a 2022 Heritage Classic and have no regrets. The weight was one of the reason why I traded. The faring on the front end was just too heavy. I've own 2 Glides and loved them for touring but I'm almost done with long distance touring. The Heritage is perfect for me at my age, weight and inseam. This is the last Harley that I will own hopefully.
My 1st harley was a 2007 heritage and I love it. Has 18" apes and a cam, tuner and a stage 2 breather. And I love it. Coming from a crotch rocket I will never love another like mine now
I’m sticking with my carbureted evo sportster, it was cheap, it’s under 500 pounds, can fit in a van, a one car garage,apartment or shed with room to spare. Goes as fast and corners as much, if not more than I do and ,although might not be as comfortable to go long distances,it’s perfectly capable
Sporsters are good touring bikes as long as you don't have to 'keep up with traffic , other riders etc. I find back road touring on a Sporteter very cool. Find the bike's 'sweet spot' and kick back
My 1999 883 Sportster has almost 400,000 miles on it. The only thing I have replaced in the bike in the engine is the stator which wore out at 250,000 miles when it was 20 years old. I have gone through 3 Drive belts. I change the oil twice a year and I change the oil filter every other shot. The bike has been phenomenally reliable and dependable. The carbureted versions run cooler than the one with fuel injection. When Norton rubber-mounted the atlas motor to make the Commando it lost 30 lb in weight. When Harley rubber mounted the Sportster it gain 80 lb in weight. I like my carbureted Evo Sportster why would I have it for almost 25 years? Take good care of her and she will take good care of you.
Bought my 11 Ultra for a song, and since have updated the cam chest, and I have new bars, a new windscreen, some new lighting, new heated grips, switch housings and a heated seat!
i also have a 2012 flhp i bought in 2013 with 2050 miles on it. i have a king tour pack i can throw on if need be. stage 1 kit with rinehart true duals and thundermax tuner. this is my third road king since 1998 and probably my last
I wish I had just waited for the 2022 Electra Glide standard to come in, I love my SG but I’ve already changed more than I would have added to the standard and would have probably saved money! But I agree I own other Harley’s but for as far as comfort nothing compares to my Touring bike.
I rode a Road King EVO in the past and recently a Road King 103 Rusmore and if I have long dreamed of having a Touring which represented for me the quintescence of the American motorcycle, today I rides a Low Rider S 114 which I find much more fun and easier to ride on our smaller french roads and which requires more dynamic riding, as I ride solo exclusively I find that it is a good compromise with which with some equipment I can when even consider long journeys. At my age of 64 I don't think I'll go back to a Touring which becomes too heavy for me to maneuver and I prefer to enjoy riding again as long as I can with a simple and easy to live with motorcycle and maybe in a while I will get back on a Dyna, or an FXR to taste the essential pleasures of a traditional motorcycle Best regards from France...
I've already "owned the last Harley that I'll ever buy!" I bought it back in 1969, and worked on it, and Worked On It, AND WORKED ON IT! I got tired of having to WORK ON IT, because personally, I'd rather RIDE my bike than WORK ON my bike, so I sold it 6 months later and bought a Yamaha! 😊 I've owned other bikes over the last 50 + years to, Honda's, Kawasaki's, Triumph's, and Yamaha's which were all good bikes. But now, I'm back to riding a Yamaha! All I need to "WORK ON" is take care of "General Required Maintenance," and put gas in it when it needs it, maybe add a little air to the tires once in a while, and RIDE! And RIDE! AND RIDE! I reckon it's really just a matter of "personal preference!" We have to ask ourselves a couple questions: "Do I want to WORK ON IT! OR, do I want to RIDE IT?" "What is more important to me, the 'Prestige' of owning a Harley? OR, the multitude of mental and emotional benefits of 'Wind Therapy'?"
Idk man, I started on a sporty, then went to an Electra Glide. It was convenient but a ton of fun. I still have both but in the meantime I bought a Dyna with a 103 and I absolutely love it. Plenty of power with all the agility and fun.
I just bought a 2006 bagger with 19,000 miles on it for $7,000. It's like new, my wife and I love it. We've been riding a R1200C BMW for several years now, it's amazing how well the bagger handles and the comfort is off the chain nice.
No truer words have ever been spoken.had mine for about three months and it's the first, the last, Harley I will ever own period.I RAN back to the fjr!!
Until I bought my 1998 Road King standard I had no idea how comfortable, practical, and fun to ride these bikes are. I commute to work on mine, take day trips, or just explore the back roads. It is the one Harley touring bike that I can simply remove the windshield for that wind in the face experience that the fairing equipped models cannot do. And without the fairing it is the lightest of the baggers. I was hoping to one day upgrade to a new M8 powered Road King but I see the RK standard is now missing from the lineup. I hope they bring it back in the future. The RK special is not to my likings. I did compare it a couple years ago. But it cost more than the standard while not coming with passenger footboards, no rear crash bars, no windshield, no passing lamps, and the handlebars were not as comfortable for me as the ones on the standard. Sure it had the larger engine but the 107 had plenty of power. Heck, my EVO still gets me everywhere I need to go. I also had a 2003 Sportster 1200S. That bike was just plain fun to ride but not at all comfortable for longer rides. I ended up giving it to my younger son. Both my sons have ridden my RK and are amazed at how comfortable and easy to ride it is. Maybe for a cross county tour the full dresser would be ideal but for me and my riding needs, the Road King is my favorite. I can't imagine owning any other bike. Thanks for the video.
Last year I bought a 2005 Screaming Eagle 103 Electra Glide. I LOVE IR!!! I never thought I would own such a beast. Get out on a four lane Hwy and just let it run. 5062 miles on it and I paid $8500 dollars for it! Great shape everything on it works. Buy used folks! Some great deals are out there. This bike is now a family heirloom to be given from one generation to the next for as long as possible. Stage one upgrade, Ultimate Oil Cooler with fan assistance, chrome double bar saddle bag guards, this October some chrome Love Jugs are going on it. Oh, GET A PROFESSIONAL DETAIL WITH A BUFFED COAT OF CREAMIC CLEAR GLOSS!!!!!! OMG that product is INCREDIBLE!!! Worth every penny, the bike will look BETTER than brand new.
when i retired i bought a new 2018 Heritage. i was in heaven. then about 3 years later i test rode a 2021 rode glide special. i could not believe the difference on the highway. so i kept my heritage and bought the road glide. so i have the best of both worlds.
Ive owned and ridden so many bikes over the past 47 years, i'm now in my middle 60's and run a 16 UL its my keeper bike, I prefer its weight as I enjoy long haul rides alone or two up, finished a 4500 k ride in 9 days not long ago all back roads kept of the freeways was comfy fast and rock solid she's staged up and runs hard when needed. I do consider it the best iv'e owned except for my duke ss 900 or TLR i'm to old to ride long on them now with arthritis.. love ya chanel ⭐
After working my way up to an Ultra (two previous HD’s). With all the extras, big stereo (heavy). After about a year I traded it off on a new softail (with cruse control) and turned it into a bagger. Much lighter bike, easier to handle and fun to ride. The only negative is above 80 mph, the heavier touring bike is smoother at that point.
I own a FLHTCU, FLSTCI & a 124 inch Evo chopper. Couldn't make up my mind so I have them all! My 124 is a bit much as I'm 68 years old now (feeling every one of those years) but can't bring myself to part with it. My FLHTCU also is pulling a side car (with some motor work) with no problem. Just get what you want & keep adding to them...
About 7 years ago i sold my road king. I dont regret that. That bike was destroying my sciatic. 2½ years a go i wanted a cool hot rod style 48 so i bought me one. Then i needed to be able to carry a pillion and i wanted a vicla. So i bought a deluxe to park next to the 48. 4 weeks ago, i was looking for a bike for my son and walked out of there with a brand new street glide special. So now i have 3 completely different styles of bike. For three very different moods. The foot clutch jockey shift converted 48, the blinged up chrome everywhere vicla, and the bagger for when i just want to ride, but dont want much attention.
@@GixxerFoo My bike was 20 years old when I got her and had only 6,000 miles on her. Now I have 50,000 miles on her. Great bike lots of fun 😊. People at HD party 🥳 always tell me l have the coolest bike there, don't l know it. All the Russian parts are still working. Hit a big wild pig 🐷🐖. Chipped the paint on the fender.
I'm 65 and thought about getting a Street Glide or a Road Glide, but after moving them around to park with the engine off on various surfaces like gravel or a little dirt, decided that 900# wet was more than I wanted to have to use my aging knees to roll over, without power. So, a baby bagger was procured that was almost box stock in the form of a 2018 Softail Sport Glide. Call it a baby bagger as you would a Low Rider ST with the fairing and bags as standard. I hear about it happening often enough, older riders want to have a bike lighter to wrestle with when parking.
Great video Gixxerfoo! I never thought I would like a bagger with a fairing, but after test riding both a Road Glide and an Ultra Classic I fell in love with them. That's when I bought my '95 Evo Electra Glide Classic. It is lighter than the newer touring models, but it is so comfortable to ride. I absolutely love it! Oh, and I only paid $5500 for it too! Ride on my friend!
I’m 71 and own a 19 road glide. Like the rg, has all the bells and whistles, stereo, nav, cruise etc. But I also have an 06 fxstsi. The softail is lighter, more nimble, fun to ride, and has no bells and whistles….love em both!
I've got a real dilemma, I've had to except the fact that I'm disabled and will probably never ride again. I don't have the strength to move around my Street Glide. When cleaning it the other day I almost dropped the thing because it's one heavy brick and I simply can't handle a heavy bike at slow parking lot speed. I'm going to sell it and may take a little sporty in on the trade because I can't stand the fact that I'll never ride again. Just a few miles to church or to the river or the lake, something somewhere just a short hop on something lite. As much as I love a big fat tired motorcycle I'm sadly not able to menuver the beast.
It all really depends on what kind of riding you do, if you're bar hoppin then I loved my 06 Nightrain, she was slammed, cammed, and was fast and loud. Now I like to do trips, I love my 18 Street Glide special, but I'm considering a Road Glide, now that I've road a couple. Truly I love all bikes though, I always have since childhood...Rubber Down Ya'll.✌
Hey GIXXERFOO it's been a while.. my 103 2014 fatbob got to be the toughest bike ever. My bike was hit by a car tore fender of broke headlight bent risers and handlebars broke 3 bolts on header. Still runs true as new. Still runs down the road at 200km perfect. Love my Harley..
I'm 72 with a '83 FLHS. I added a windshield and a 93" s/s kit. This my last bike. Started with a '64 XLCH in '69. That's when you learn to kick. Riding Harleys ever since. But I do like my electric starter.
If you think Harley weight is put down low, sit on a new Wing. My last Harley was a Street Glide and now I'm on a DCT Tour Wing and it's absolutely incredible. If I buy another Harley, it'll be because I can't get another Wing, a K1600GA, or a Pursuit.
It's funny to see that you liked my comment today, because despite everything I have written about the qualities of the Low Rider S and the modifications I made to it to make it to my taste I haven't managed to get used to it as well as to all the other Softails M8 that I have had in the meantime and 1 month ago I acquired a 2024 Road King special and I am rediscovering the pleasure of this very special ride that only a Touring can offer. You are ultimately right, besides, don't we say Road King one day, Road King always... Greetings from France
I have a 97 Road King 1340 cc, with a Voyageur trike kit on it , as I am 71 years old now, the speed limit where I am in Canada is 110 KM's , I can cruise at that speed and higher all day long, and it is extremely comfortable.
04 sportster 1200 xl, very very fast! with some mods of course.... 07 street glide very very comfortable and plenty of power stage 1 with high flow air cleaner and VH twin slash pipes and tuner.... i ride this bike 100s of miles at the time and love it! my sportster.... breaks my back but i love it as well just not for long distances...
i've owned 2 road kings and love them, and screw Harley-Davidson and their prices, buy used for 1/2 to a 1/3rd the price. My RKs 6 gallons. stereo's are for cars, love my old school windshield........Road King Nation !!
After 30 years of riding gold wings I bought a road glide in 2007. My 01 road glide is absolutely the Apex it weighs 735 and was the cycle world sport tourer of the year. Since then they have gained 150 lbs. In 01 my bike came with fuel injection front and rear air ride, cruise control and a stereo.
I bought a Road Glide because of the looks of the model. BUT, it was a little top heavy for me, so it was a little uneasy with it in slow maneuvers. One day at the dealership, I saw an all blacked Road King Special. Took it for a ride....was very impressed with the whole riding experience...a few hours later it was mine and never missed the Road Glide. A year later, traded the RKS on a 21 Crimson and White Road King. Black is tough to keep clean....got sick and tired of cleaning. But the C&W Road King with chrome stopped me in my place and a few hours later it was mine. Two years later, I love it more than any other Harley I've ever owned.
🛑🛑 I had Super Glides and Soft Tails, and always said “no fairing and stereo for me; just the open road”. 😂🙄 Then you ride a Bagger, and it’s Eye Opening!!💯 Now I have a CVO Ultra Limited, and agree with everything said in this video…Baggers offer everything you ever wanted in a motorcycle. 🏍️. GG Gix…Spot On Video!! 😀👍💯
I got an Evo Electra Glide for the price of a newer sporty. Couldnt be happier with it. It did need a little work, but ive already put more miles on this year than i did previously with my metric cruiser. My only complaint is that the previous owner put in a great upgraded stereo, but didnt upgrade the old single phase charging system.
I still love my old sportster 1200. I am an old man now so I dont think I will ever buy a new bike, however, I love your message. I really like that electra-glide. If I was going to buy one that is the one I would get. It has been fashionable recently to 'bag' on HD, so I really appreciate your upbeat message of truth. HD is still the king IMO,...just say'in,...
My Dream Bike would be a Road Glide . The first and only Harley I had was a 1975 FXE Super Glide . And I loved it . I road it for about 7 years before I had to sell it when i got Married ,and our son came along . lol
When you get into your late sixties you will go for a lighter bike ! I went from a ultra classic weighting 980 to a heritage weighing 720 it makes riding fun again ! On the highway the dresser was great but around town. It got heavy quick.
Buy the type of bike that fits your needs. Kinda like a Farmer buying a Thoroughbred horse as a plow horse. It might work, but the results are not as good as can be had if that same Farmer buys a Clydesdale to pull that plow. No jockey is going to ride that Clydesdale in the Triple Crown events...
Great video, GixxerFoo! Here is my timeline.....1981 Suzuki GS850L, '72 massively chopped Sportster, '81 FLT that was "converted" into a Road King, '01 Ultra, '15 Ultra Limited, and now....'09 Ultra. The '09 is the best for me, especially after making a few engine cooling modifications, comfort mods, removing the lowers, radio, and a bunch of unnecessary weight that comes in the Ultra package. I am getting older, and prefer the no "BS" style of riding, just me, the bike, and the road. No big engine mods, nothing....keeping it simple to ride, work on, and running. I would suggest that starting at the '09 model is better for the larger/taller person, as the frame was lengthened at that point; making comfort more achievable without serious modifications......not to mention the slightly better handling I get from the longer frame. (may be all in my head, but it works for me)
If you think a bagger is too heavy, you’re technique is poor. Turn the bars to the right and it comes right off the kickstand, learn to lean the bike without fear and use the back brake as needed for slow speed maneuvering and it will turn within two parking spaces with a little practice. The key is to practice slow speed maneuvering until you’re proficient not just throwing a leg over it and hoping for the best. When everyone else is duck walking their bikes around or dragging their feet on the ground you’ll ride with confidence and less struggle. Just practice! The weight isn’t even an issue if you know how to ride it properly, it works to your advantage.
I think you get the best deal with a cruiser. I ride a '99 Heritage Springer it's got leather saddlebags and a comfortable passenger seat. Best of both worlds.
Stupidly sold my 02 Springer for an 06 RK. With age, the RK is great on the road but too much for in-town cruising. Still have my RK but picked up a 96 Springer. Can't beat a Springer and the lighter weight even with 2 up riding.
Those springers are classics these days! I'd imagine there's few and far between in Harley dealers that know how to dial that springer front end in anymore!
I started with a Sportster, had a Heritage 1 year, and bought a Street Glide. There is a reason most riders end up with a touring bike. It’s the comfort, stability under speed, wind protection, radio, bags, the handling… in my opinion, the cheapest option is to get a motorcycle you really like and keep it. Mine is customized the way I want it. Even if the engine blew up (it won’t) I could change that out and keep riding. The best part is, a 2008 looks pretty similar to a 2022. Only enthusiasts can tell and even they don’t really care if you’re riding an older steed.
@@PeterAngles-ks9fp It hasn’t been that way for 20 years. The Evolution and newer are stone reliable. Well, except a couple known issues easily solved by the aftermarket.
I’ve had a softail, standard, a springer classic, and now a 2006 road king. For trips, I much prefer the road king. And I got it for $7000 with 7000 original miles.
Thanks for another great video. I find this the single best biker channel, in that it always provides great information without trying to hype you, or put someone or something else down, or Sell you on the Next Big Thing. And I always learn something. In my case, a couple years ago, after riding the previous 16 years with the speedo on the tank, I promised myself that the next bike would have the instruments up on, or above, the handlebar where I could see them at a glance without turning into a bobblehead doll. My first bike, bought new back in 1992, was an FXR Sport Convertible, and, in addition to regretting selling it years later, I always appreciated having the speedo & tach up off the tank and on the bar, especially in bad weather, high speeds and heavy traffic. Fast forward to 2020 and when I saw the re-introduced Electra Glide Standard I immediately signed up. I’m not a Harley or nothing rider, and scanning the new touring market in 2020, I saw nothing but the HD Electra Glide Standard that had hard bags, pipes on either side (never had ‘em), and, most important to me, instruments up where I could actually see them - PLUS no screens, no nav, no radio, etc. I wanted to NOT see more radios, entertainment, iPhones, Bluetooth this and that, talking maps, etc. I have had enough screens in my life. End editorial. The HD Standard was the only modern bare-bones tourer out there, American, Japanese, German, English, w/o all the excess electronic baggage but with true touring ability. I’ve been cross country many times, AK too, and usually on a dressed-up cruiser, and loved it; but, touring with the M8 engine, on the revamped Electra Glide with the touring chassis - Giixerfoo, you didn’t go into that, the touring chassis - well, especially for riders with 30+ years on the road, it feels like the way to go. A sad footnote re barebones tourers is that I think HD is discontinuing the Standard in 2023.
I had an Electra Glide classic after my sportser; but realized i didn't need a bagger. I didn't ride 2 up, i never used the bags, and I didnt tour i just ride around town. I bought an 08 dyna lowrider and never beenn happier.
At 40 I moved to a Softail to a road king bc of all the hwy riding I was doing 2019 FLHR OH MY GOD… it handles amazing. Dips into turns The missus can ride with without me feeling guilty she’s sitting in a pad the size of a paperback book and foot PEGS. Who getting 200+ on the 6g tank? Man.. I get just shy of that when I need to splash and dash. But 3hrs and needing nothing but 5 mins to stretch and GOOD TO GO. I’ll be riding post 2014 touring bikes until I can’t anymore
I bought a new "bagger" in 2019, put 1400 kms on it a promptly sold it. Some of us prefer a naked bike over and over-weight bike. BTW- riding for 58 years. My Pro Street Soft Tail or Dyna Superglide suit me just fine.
@@GixxerFoo the city of New York wanted them to use a unit patrol car in the winter. My uncle's appealed to the union and the union said if they want to freeze your ass off in the winter on their Motors that is their right. One of my uncles had a set of Firestone snow tires mounted on a set of rims in the basement of the house in Astoria New York City. When the snow got bad he would simply swap out the wheels. He was the kind of cop that if someone mouths off to him about his badge he would take his badge off they would go in the alley and he would beat them silly. Then he would put his badge back on. You did not mouth-off or God forbid curse at a police officer in the old days except at your own risk. Both of them were ex-army who saw combat in Korea. My two uncles were a couple of tough old son of a bitches. They don't make men like them anymore.
I'm about buying a bike that has been customized with the aftermarket parts bc it keeps me from spending unnecessary money to do the same thing. You can go out and buy reasonable streetglides for und 20k and they most likely be fairly stocked with aftermarket products. I bought mine with 40k miles on it (yes 40) and it had tons of extras. I have done a few modifications but for the most part I am happy with it. I have it regularly serviced to make sure that it's road worthy and safe. I've thought several times about selling it but just can't seem to part with it.
Thanks for the video. I concur with your commentary. My first bike (still have it) is a 94 FXR I bought in 2004 when I started riding. I toured with it for 5 years all over the country and Canada. I intended to turn the FXR into a FXRT purchasing the front fairing, hard bags, and trunk (I still have the trunk on my FXR). In 2009 on a trip from Arizona to STL I was blown all over the road in NM (north of Roswell). When I got home I immediately went on eBay and bought my 07 FLTR which the previous owner decked out (17K on the clock). I've been touring on this bike ever since (now 190K on the original engine/transmission). I have since sold the FXRT front fairing and hard bags. As a side note, I won a brand new 14 Heritage (now with 25K on the clock) and did one cross country trip on it. The 07 Road Glide is still my touring go to... 🇺🇸
I started off on a sportster, and then went to a Dyna, and then I had to buy a street glide… realized I hated it because it feels like you’re in a compact car. No wind and everybody else has one. That’s all you see is road glides and street glides ( yawn) ….Got rid of the dresser and got a softail. So much happier. Baggers suck.
I have been riding Harleys for 3 years now I got a fatboy years ago put 1k on it in less than a month my uncle said to get one with a fairing got a Electra glide rest is history.
It would be the last Harley I would ever run they're so expensive now it would take me the rest of my life to pay for it! I'll just keep my 06 Street Glide that is paid for, runs like a top with 107,000 MI
My first Harley was an 883 Sportster. I'm now on a Road King. I agree with much of this video. There's little to complain about in maneuverability, power or available torque no matter how I've loaded it. As said, very comfortable and with the windshield off, everything that hooked me on bikes in the first place is there. I like the options the bags and tour pack give me, but still love stripping it clean and riding out. I do miss the Sportster just for the feel of it. It seemed quicker and I never felt I couldn't turn or twist my way out of any trouble I ran into with it. Stilll..... Love my Road King. In honesty, the differences may be perception more than reality. Maybe I should just buy a Sportster for when I feel like riding a Sportster. Standing a Sporty up on the throttle just feels better than doing the same on a Road King.
I road Harleys most of my life..today the cost is simply out of control.then what's needed to be done to them to make them run right.i switched to a goldwing with no regrets.considering I ride 30,000 miles a year the wing was definitely the better option
They're gorgeous bikes, but I'm a smaller guy and I ride solo 99% of the time. My Fatboy is the ultimate bike for me. If my wife decides to ride with me and we end up going on a long trip, I would buy a bagger in a heartbeat.
Good video as always. I love my 2000 Road King. V&H Dresser Duals with Thunderheader Thundercone slip-ons, 12-inch mini apes, added a quick connect TourPak and windshield. I can remove the trunk and windshield in seconds and add a solo seat and have a totally different ride
Last Harley? No way. I’m 64. Friends in their 70’s are dumping their Ultras in droves, after dropping them way to many times. I’ll be ditching the bagger in the future, and it will be replaced by a Lowrider ST - a bike that I can handle well into my 80’s.
My first Harley was a Dyna Wide Glide. I love the bike and still have it, but then I bought a Street Glide. That bike is great, and truly is everything you need in a motorcycle. Gotta love the baggers.
I like my Street Bob but I don’t like the 3 gallon gas tank. I can go over 100MPH on it so there’s no problem keeping up with whatever I need to keep up with but filling the gas tank every 100 miles or less really limits you.
Harley Davidson says we’re looking forward and hell with the past they’re not covering old parts I know aftermarket picks up most stuff but if you run a CVO’s mine should still be good it’s not 10 years old however past two years worth of warranty on it!!! my paint is in excellent shape. I’m thinking about buying an extra fairing for it while I can still get the painted tins the older see if he has had a lot nicer paint jobs well more intricate more custom. And I also like chrome.
I purchased my 2013 Ultra Limited new, and it will be my last bike. The Ohlins suspension and S&S 551 cams make it a dream to ride two up. Torque from idle to 4,000 and never need to downshift.
Street Glide was my first HD I owned and I had it for 5 years. However, it was not the bike for me even though it was a good bike per se. I am much happier with the Dyna I have now. Much more agile, better lean angle, better power / weight ratio, less things to worry about, no more irritating helmet shake due to fairing, no more temptation to distract myself from riding with stereo system and no more subtle rattle from plastic pieces. With my current bike it is much easier to swap handlebars, turn signals, headlight, shocks, whatever you like to and if I want a custom paint job, there's only three pieces to work with. Tyres and wheel bearings have longer life due to less weight, gas mileage is better and any horsepower gain with tuning feels much more. If I go for touring, I can simply strap a roll bag on the sissy having much more cargo space than those plastic saddle bags had. I am not seeing myself going back to touring bikes any time soon. I think I just wasted many years with a bike that had plenty of features I didn't really need.
In 2014 i bought my last bagger, ultra limited, its the first year of the Rushmore project and i have 52000 miles on it and let me tell you the Daytona blue color is what really sold me on it, all the other extras from the Rushmore project is just a benefit. Keep up the great video's thankyou. And did i mention i was 67yrs old, and thought about going to a trike, what would you do?
@James Barrett thanks for the comment, being retired will probably keep me out of the trike anyway I guess. I paid 7 yrs on my ultra don't think I want to do that again lol
I have a 06 FLXHTI Electraglide Standard. I have added cruise control, a custom paint job, headwork, cams, headers/slipons/tune, radio, Air Zeppelin seat/backrest, tourpack, screeched bags to make it some what similar to a CVO. I am running 91 HP and 103 tq with a TC 88 CI. It is an 18 year old bike that still holds it's own.
I own a 2020 Road Glide Limited for just over 2 Years now. I am considering in traiding it in into a Softail Low Rider ST because it can do both - touring and sportive riding. I guess i need a few years of riding faster until i go back to a touring model haha.
Once I got to my Dyna at over 600 lb I realized that I don't want to go any bigger or heavier. It's set up for touring with bags in a fairing but what I really want to do is reserve this bike for long trips and get back to a Sportster for daily riding. The baggers look nice but I have no desire to ride something close to 1,000 lb not to mention spend all that money.
Great video, I traded in my 06 Street Bob last year that I bought new for a used 18 Ultra Classic. I bought a 2 up seat and detachable back rest for the times my wife wanted to ride and removed them when I was the only one riding. The past couple of years, my wife had been complaining about being uncomfortable riding. That was the reason for upgrading to the Ultra Classic. I really can't afford to have 2 bikes. But now I have experienced the ride of a bagger. You're probably right it may be the last type of bike I will ever buy. I happen to be in my 60s, and I don't think I would be saying that if I was younger. I was one of those who thought that the baggers were for old people. But that 2023 Breakout really would look good in my garage. Well, anyway, comfort at my age is why I will be on a bagger.
I got an 04 road king for 6 grand....already had the 95" kit with 525 cams. I put bassani power curve headers and dnt mufflers on it. One day I'd love to own a 23 rk billiard blue with the 114 m8
Max lean angle on one of these baggers is about 32 degrees. My BMW boxer will go to 46, and many sport bikes will easily handle over 50. Just because some cops have practiced to be as nimble as possible on them, it will aways be with a caveat of the bike they're on.
IMHO (for whatever that's worth) baggers are the motorcycle of choice for posers and wannabes. Middle aged guys going through mid-life crisis planking down $30k+ on a two wheeled car. They ride it until they have their first crash and then go buy a Miata. I do have a Road King and it has it's place. But my FXSTC and FXR are my go-to bikes. My first was a 51 hydraglide purchased when I was in high school. I also rode off-road when I was in my teens. I appreciate a windshield but prefer to ride without one most of the time. A stereo?!?! Not a chance. Most of these guys (and girls) don't wrench their own and have no idea what makes them go. There are exceptions, of course, and i do have a small number of old school brothers who ride baggers and more power to them. But for me, being in the wind means being in the wind. If I want to be comfortable I take the hemi Challenger. Yeah, I'm older than dirt and have zip in common with HOG types. If you ever see me in a Harley mobility tricycle, just shoot me.
Great video. I went from metric standard bikes to a use 2015 Road King. I ride 2 Up often so will eventually look at a used Ultra Classic but honestly the Road King is enough comfort so far for 2 up, 1 up, slow speed, around town or day trips. So we will see. Mine has the 103 with Stage 1. I do pay attention to your videos about minor upgrades for the 103s. Ride Safe.
I have a 08 softail deluxe and would only trade up to a newer Milwaukee 8 heritage classic. These are forever bikes and the perfect balance in weight and comfort and to keep riding until I’m not longer here.
I have a 21 lowrider s 114ci and just picked up a 2010 96 ci road glide custom....i have to say im having a blast on the road glide i love the fixed faring and how it handles i will be upgrading suspension before sturges
I went from a night rod special to a CVO street glide. I’ll have this street glide until the day I die! Mine came with the 110. My only regret is that I can’t drop the new 135 crate motor in it.
@@davidcarroll7193 my 110 is now a 124, and I put that power to the road just fine. Going over 150hp and 160tq after tuning makes for the sweetest ride you’ve ever had. I push her hard, and she just begs for more! You just have to upgrade your primary drive system, which I did myself, and I haven’t even needed to switch to chain as of yet.
I too upgraded from the Road King to the CVO Street Glide in 2016. Love it, absolutely no regret. Will never sell this bike. It’s a dream to ride on long trips as it is to ride locally in the back roads of SoCal. Cheers to the CVO!
My 17 Roadglide was the last Harley I’ll ever buy. Oil sucking sumping lemon. So Happy I traded for the Challenger. Never again, after 13it was time for a change
Hey Brother I've been riding all my life and never thought id by a Bagger but since I got my 2015 RG it's a awesome bike and the handling is amazing. Doing some upgrades to the motor now due to a blown piston so what the hell I'm going all out lmao. All the best brother
Bought a 2009 road king classic last year all blacked out with a twin cam 96. Find the bike actually decently maneuverable for a bagger. I’m coming off a Yamaha bolt to that road king. The cruise control and the touring frame are great for hammering miles down.
Do you go straight for the touring bike or build out a Sportster, Dyna or Softail to bagger specs?
ROAG KING!! GF.
From a softail Deuce CVO to a Road King CVO I've never looked back. Fairings scare me, lol. Windshield works fine and saddle bags and a king tour pack I have the same storage capacity as a Street Glide or Road Glide. Windshield and tour pack come right off for the low stripped down look. Thanks for another cool video.
My first tour bike was a Road King
I would rather have the factory build it out from the base bagger model.
Road King for the win
I'm 69 and I traded in my 2017 Street Glide sp. for a 2022 Heritage Classic and have no regrets. The weight was one of the reason why I traded. The faring on the front end was just too heavy. I've own 2 Glides and loved them for touring but I'm almost done with long distance touring. The Heritage is perfect for me at my age, weight and inseam. This is the last Harley that I will own hopefully.
My 1st harley was a 2007 heritage and I love it. Has 18" apes and a cam, tuner and a stage 2 breather. And I love it. Coming from a crotch rocket I will never love another like mine now
I sold my road King and good a switchback like it better about 100 lbs less
Good deal!
I went from a 2018 Street Glide Special to a 2022 Low Rider ST. 100 lbs. lighter and 10 more cubic inches. Love it. 😀
I feel you! Once I got off the crotch rockets I couldn't go back after Harleys.
I’m sticking with my carbureted evo sportster, it was cheap, it’s under 500 pounds, can fit in a van, a one car garage,apartment or shed with room to spare.
Goes as fast and corners as much, if not more than I do and ,although might not be as comfortable to go long distances,it’s perfectly capable
Sporsters are good touring bikes as long as you don't have to 'keep up with traffic , other riders etc. I find back road touring on a Sporteter very cool. Find the bike's 'sweet spot' and kick back
sportster is a girls bike :(
Why not have both. I do
@@northerniltree it's bc your fat rump is to big for one.
My 1999 883 Sportster has almost 400,000 miles on it. The only thing I have replaced in the bike in the engine is the stator which wore out at 250,000 miles when it was 20 years old. I have gone through 3 Drive belts. I change the oil twice a year and I change the oil filter every other shot. The bike has been phenomenally reliable and dependable. The carbureted versions run cooler than the one with fuel injection. When Norton rubber-mounted the atlas motor to make the Commando it lost 30 lb in weight. When Harley rubber mounted the Sportster it gain 80 lb in weight. I like my carbureted Evo Sportster why would I have it for almost 25 years? Take good care of her and she will take good care of you.
Bought my 11 Ultra for a song, and since have updated the cam chest, and I have new bars, a new windscreen, some new lighting, new heated grips, switch housings and a heated seat!
My first Harley is my 2012 Road King. Awesome 103 with a few upgrades.
So comfortable, plenty fast enough.
Still looks great too in my opinion.
i also have a 2012 flhp i bought in 2013 with 2050 miles on it. i have a king tour pack i can throw on if need be. stage 1 kit with rinehart true duals and thundermax tuner. this is my third road king since 1998 and probably my last
Same this is also my first bike , love it
The 2022 Electra Standard was a great value. No radio, no extras. Just a great riding motorcycle.
It really was! For less than 20K when it came out that was hard to beat!
I was surprised the Electra Glide, Standard is not offered for 2023 - i was at least going to consider it as a next bike...( but not now).
Like my 05 road king..80k miles still love it!
@@russmode I have over 150K on my 2013 and like it more now than when it was new. Best of all, its paid in full.
I wish I had just waited for the 2022 Electra Glide standard to come in, I love my SG but I’ve already changed more than I would have added to the standard and would have probably saved money! But I agree I own other Harley’s but for as far as comfort nothing compares to my Touring bike.
It's all about skill and practice.
I rode a Road King EVO in the past and recently a Road King 103 Rusmore and if I have long dreamed of having a Touring which represented for me the quintescence of the American motorcycle, today I rides a Low Rider S 114 which I find much more fun and easier to ride on our smaller french roads and which requires more dynamic riding, as I ride solo exclusively I find that it is a good compromise with which with some equipment I can when even consider long journeys. At my age of 64 I don't think I'll go back to a Touring which becomes too heavy for me to maneuver and I prefer to enjoy riding again as long as I can with a simple and easy to live with motorcycle and maybe in a while I will get back on a Dyna, or an FXR to taste the essential pleasures of a traditional motorcycle
Best regards from France...
I've already "owned the last Harley that I'll ever buy!"
I bought it back in 1969, and worked on it, and Worked On It, AND WORKED ON IT!
I got tired of having to WORK ON IT, because personally, I'd rather RIDE my bike than WORK ON my bike, so I sold it 6 months later and bought a Yamaha! 😊 I've owned other bikes over the last 50 + years to, Honda's, Kawasaki's, Triumph's, and Yamaha's which were all good bikes. But now, I'm back to riding a Yamaha! All I need to "WORK ON" is take care of "General Required Maintenance," and put gas in it when it needs it, maybe add a little air to the tires once in a while, and RIDE! And RIDE! AND RIDE!
I reckon it's really just a matter of "personal preference!"
We have to ask ourselves a couple questions:
"Do I want to WORK ON IT! OR, do I want to RIDE IT?"
"What is more important to me, the 'Prestige' of owning a Harley? OR, the multitude of mental and emotional benefits of 'Wind Therapy'?"
Idk man, I started on a sporty, then went to an Electra Glide. It was convenient but a ton of fun. I still have both but in the meantime I bought a Dyna with a 103 and I absolutely love it. Plenty of power with all the agility and fun.
I put canvas bags and a fairing on my 1986 FXR. I've taken many cross-country trips. Done!
I just bought a 2006 bagger with 19,000 miles on it for $7,000. It's like new, my wife and I love it. We've been riding a R1200C BMW for several years now, it's amazing how well the bagger handles and the comfort is off the chain nice.
No truer words have ever been spoken.had mine for about three months and it's the first, the last, Harley I will ever own period.I RAN back to the fjr!!
Until I bought my 1998 Road King standard I had no idea how comfortable, practical, and fun to ride these bikes are. I commute to work on mine, take day trips, or just explore the back roads. It is the one Harley touring bike that I can simply remove the windshield for that wind in the face experience that the fairing equipped models cannot do. And without the fairing it is the lightest of the baggers. I was hoping to one day upgrade to a new M8 powered Road King but I see the RK standard is now missing from the lineup. I hope they bring it back in the future. The RK special is not to my likings. I did compare it a couple years ago. But it cost more than the standard while not coming with passenger footboards, no rear crash bars, no windshield, no passing lamps, and the handlebars were not as comfortable for me as the ones on the standard. Sure it had the larger engine but the 107 had plenty of power. Heck, my EVO still gets me everywhere I need to go. I also had a 2003 Sportster 1200S. That bike was just plain fun to ride but not at all comfortable for longer rides. I ended up giving it to my younger son. Both my sons have ridden my RK and are amazed at how comfortable and easy to ride it is. Maybe for a cross county tour the full dresser would be ideal but for me and my riding needs, the Road King is my favorite. I can't imagine owning any other bike. Thanks for the video.
My 1959 BSA C15 250 single is spacious enough to accommodate two adults and it cruises down back roads at 60 miles an hour all day long.
Last year I bought a 2005 Screaming Eagle 103 Electra Glide. I LOVE IR!!! I never thought I would own such a beast. Get out on a four lane Hwy and just let it run. 5062 miles on it and I paid $8500 dollars for it! Great shape everything on it works. Buy used folks! Some great deals are out there. This bike is now a family heirloom to be given from one generation to the next for as long as possible. Stage one upgrade, Ultimate Oil Cooler with fan assistance, chrome double bar saddle bag guards, this October some chrome Love Jugs are going on it. Oh, GET A PROFESSIONAL DETAIL WITH A BUFFED COAT OF CREAMIC CLEAR GLOSS!!!!!! OMG that product is INCREDIBLE!!! Worth every penny, the bike will look BETTER than brand new.
when i retired i bought a new 2018 Heritage. i was in heaven. then about 3 years later i test rode a 2021 rode glide special. i could not believe the difference on the highway. so i kept my heritage and bought the road glide. so i have the best of both worlds.
Ive owned and ridden so many bikes over the past 47 years, i'm now in my middle 60's and run a 16 UL its my keeper bike, I prefer its weight as I enjoy long haul rides alone or two up, finished a 4500 k ride in 9 days not long ago all back roads kept of the freeways was comfy fast and rock solid she's staged up and runs hard when needed. I do consider it the best iv'e owned except for my duke ss 900 or TLR i'm to old to ride long on them now with arthritis.. love ya chanel ⭐
After working my way up to an Ultra (two previous HD’s). With all the extras, big stereo (heavy). After about a year I traded it off on a new softail (with cruse control) and turned it into a bagger. Much lighter bike, easier to handle and fun to ride. The only negative is above 80 mph, the heavier touring bike is smoother at that point.
Loving my new to me 03 100th anniversary Electra Glide Standard. Runs down the road like a dream and handles very well in the mountains.
I own a FLHTCU, FLSTCI & a 124 inch Evo chopper. Couldn't make up my mind so I have them all! My 124 is a bit much as I'm 68 years old now (feeling every one of those years) but can't bring myself to part with it. My FLHTCU also is pulling a side car (with some motor work) with no problem. Just get what you want & keep adding to them...
'98 Evo Roadking. New is nice but it's all I need .
About 7 years ago i sold my road king. I dont regret that. That bike was destroying my sciatic.
2½ years a go i wanted a cool hot rod style 48 so i bought me one. Then i needed to be able to carry a pillion and i wanted a vicla. So i bought a deluxe to park next to the 48.
4 weeks ago, i was looking for a bike for my son and walked out of there with a brand new street glide special. So now i have 3 completely different styles of bike. For three very different moods. The foot clutch jockey shift converted 48, the blinged up chrome everywhere vicla, and the bagger for when i just want to ride, but dont want much attention.
A full dress HD weighs more than my URAL side car outfit. Which is built like a tank.
Those Urals are like literally some good old bullet proof Soviet design from World War II, there ain't nothing wrong wtith those at all.
@@GixxerFoo My bike was 20 years old when I got her and had only 6,000 miles on her. Now I have 50,000 miles on her. Great bike lots of fun 😊. People at HD party 🥳 always tell me l have the coolest bike there, don't l know it. All the Russian parts are still working. Hit a big wild pig 🐷🐖. Chipped the paint on the fender.
I'm 65 and thought about getting a Street Glide or a Road Glide, but after moving them around to park with the engine off on various surfaces like gravel or a little dirt, decided that 900# wet was more than I wanted to have to use my aging knees to roll over, without power. So, a baby bagger was procured that was almost box stock in the form of a 2018 Softail Sport Glide. Call it a baby bagger as you would a Low Rider ST with the fairing and bags as standard. I hear about it happening often enough, older riders want to have a bike lighter to wrestle with when parking.
Great video Gixxerfoo! I never thought I would like a bagger with a fairing, but after test riding both a Road Glide and an Ultra Classic I fell in love with them. That's when I bought my '95 Evo Electra Glide Classic. It is lighter than the newer touring models, but it is so comfortable to ride. I absolutely love it! Oh, and I only paid $5500 for it too! Ride on my friend!
Right on! Honestly those older models are very comfortable! I would have to agree they are better than the new ones!
I have owned many bikes the last 40+ years... my 2023 Street Glide is my all-time favorite ride :-)
I’m 71 and own a 19 road glide. Like the rg, has all the bells and whistles, stereo, nav, cruise etc.
But I also have an 06 fxstsi. The softail is lighter, more nimble, fun to ride, and has no bells and whistles….love em both!
I've got a real dilemma, I've had to except the fact that I'm disabled and will probably never ride again. I don't have the strength to move around my Street Glide. When cleaning it the other day I almost dropped the thing because it's one heavy brick and I simply can't handle a heavy bike at slow parking lot speed. I'm going to sell it and may take a little sporty in on the trade because I can't stand the fact that I'll never ride again. Just a few miles to church or to the river or the lake, something somewhere just a short hop on something lite. As much as I love a big fat tired motorcycle I'm sadly not able to menuver the beast.
It all really depends on what kind of riding you do, if you're bar hoppin then I loved my 06 Nightrain, she was slammed, cammed, and was fast and loud. Now I like to do trips, I love my 18 Street Glide special, but I'm considering a Road Glide, now that I've road a couple. Truly I love all bikes though, I always have since childhood...Rubber Down Ya'll.✌
Hey GIXXERFOO it's been a while.. my 103 2014 fatbob got to be the toughest bike ever. My bike was hit by a car tore fender of broke headlight bent risers and handlebars broke 3 bolts on header. Still runs true as new. Still runs down the road at 200km perfect. Love my Harley..
That Softail with the trunk was awesome
I'm 72 with a '83 FLHS. I added a windshield and a 93" s/s kit. This my last bike. Started with a '64 XLCH in '69. That's when you learn to kick. Riding Harleys ever since. But I do like my electric starter.
If you think Harley weight is put down low, sit on a new Wing. My last Harley was a Street Glide and now I'm on a DCT Tour Wing and it's absolutely incredible. If I buy another Harley, it'll be because I can't get another Wing, a K1600GA, or a Pursuit.
Them Motorcycle Officer are some of the best riders in the world! They got skills!
It's funny to see that you liked my comment today, because despite everything I have written about the qualities of the Low Rider S and the modifications I made to it to make it to my taste I haven't managed to get used to it as well as to all the other Softails M8 that I have had in the meantime and 1 month ago I acquired a 2024 Road King special and I am rediscovering the pleasure of this very special ride that only a Touring can offer. You are ultimately right, besides, don't we say Road King one day, Road King always...
Greetings from France
I have a 97 Road King 1340 cc, with a Voyageur trike kit on it , as I am 71 years old now, the speed limit where I am in Canada is 110 KM's , I can cruise at that speed and higher all day long, and it is extremely comfortable.
04 sportster 1200 xl, very very fast! with some mods of course.... 07 street glide very very comfortable and plenty of power stage 1 with high flow air cleaner and VH twin slash pipes and tuner.... i ride this bike 100s of miles at the time and love it! my sportster.... breaks my back but i love it as well just not for long distances...
i've owned 2 road kings and love them, and screw Harley-Davidson and their prices, buy used for 1/2 to a 1/3rd the price. My RKs 6 gallons. stereo's are for cars, love my old school windshield........Road King Nation !!
Couldn't do without a bagger don't need a radio. Saddle bags a must.
Gotta have the bags, there's no other way!
After 30 years of riding gold wings I bought a road glide in 2007. My 01 road glide is absolutely the Apex it weighs 735 and was the cycle world sport tourer of the year. Since then they have gained 150 lbs. In 01 my bike came with fuel injection front and rear air ride, cruise control and a stereo.
I bought a Road Glide because of the looks of the model. BUT, it was a little top heavy for me, so it was a little uneasy with it in slow maneuvers. One day at the dealership, I saw an all blacked Road King Special. Took it for a ride....was very impressed with the whole riding experience...a few hours later it was mine and never missed the Road Glide.
A year later, traded the RKS on a 21 Crimson and White Road King. Black is tough to keep clean....got sick and tired of cleaning. But the C&W Road King with chrome stopped me in my place and a few hours later it was mine. Two years later, I love it more than any other Harley I've ever owned.
🛑🛑 I had Super Glides and Soft Tails, and always said “no fairing and stereo for me; just the open road”. 😂🙄
Then you ride a Bagger, and it’s Eye Opening!!💯
Now I have a CVO Ultra Limited, and agree with everything said in this video…Baggers offer everything you ever wanted in a motorcycle. 🏍️.
GG Gix…Spot On Video!!
😀👍💯
Ditto !
I got an Evo Electra Glide for the price of a newer sporty. Couldnt be happier with it. It did need a little work, but ive already put more miles on this year than i did previously with my metric cruiser. My only complaint is that the previous owner put in a great upgraded stereo, but didnt upgrade the old single phase charging system.
I still love my old sportster 1200. I am an old man now so I dont think I will ever buy a new bike, however, I love your message. I really like that electra-glide. If I was going to buy one that is the one I would get. It has been fashionable recently to 'bag' on HD, so I really appreciate your upbeat message of truth. HD is still the king IMO,...just say'in,...
My Dream Bike would be a Road Glide . The first and only Harley I had was a 1975 FXE Super Glide . And I loved it . I road it for about 7 years before I had to sell it when i got Married ,and our son came along . lol
I have an 08 Fatboy put street glide bags on it. Done a few other things I’ve had it for 4 years and now ready for a bagger and I’m 6’2.
When you get into your late sixties you will go for a lighter bike ! I went from a ultra classic weighting 980 to a heritage weighing 720 it makes riding fun again ! On the highway the dresser was great but around town. It got heavy quick.
Buy the type of bike that fits your needs. Kinda like a Farmer buying a Thoroughbred horse as a plow horse. It might work, but the results are not as good as can be had if that same Farmer buys a Clydesdale to pull that plow. No jockey is going to ride that Clydesdale in the Triple Crown events...
I went from a 2012 fat boy to a 2022 roadkill special and you are so correct, can eat miles up way more comfortably
Great video, GixxerFoo! Here is my timeline.....1981 Suzuki GS850L, '72 massively chopped Sportster, '81 FLT that was "converted" into a Road King, '01 Ultra, '15 Ultra Limited, and now....'09 Ultra. The '09 is the best for me, especially after making a few engine cooling modifications, comfort mods, removing the lowers, radio, and a bunch of unnecessary weight that comes in the Ultra package. I am getting older, and prefer the no "BS" style of riding, just me, the bike, and the road. No big engine mods, nothing....keeping it simple to ride, work on, and running. I would suggest that starting at the '09 model is better for the larger/taller person, as the frame was lengthened at that point; making comfort more achievable without serious modifications......not to mention the slightly better handling I get from the longer frame. (may be all in my head, but it works for me)
If you think a bagger is too heavy, you’re technique is poor. Turn the bars to the right and it comes right off the kickstand, learn to lean the bike without fear and use the back brake as needed for slow speed maneuvering and it will turn within two parking spaces with a little practice. The key is to practice slow speed maneuvering until you’re proficient not just throwing a leg over it and hoping for the best. When everyone else is duck walking their bikes around or dragging their feet on the ground you’ll ride with confidence and less struggle. Just practice! The weight isn’t even an issue if you know how to ride it properly, it works to your advantage.
I think you get the best deal with a cruiser. I ride a '99 Heritage Springer it's got leather saddlebags and a comfortable passenger seat. Best of both worlds.
Stupidly sold my 02 Springer for an 06 RK. With age, the RK is great on the road but too much for in-town cruising. Still have my RK but picked up a 96 Springer. Can't beat a Springer and the lighter weight even with 2 up riding.
@@tellytruth8554 It's fine for my wife and myself.
Those springers are classics these days! I'd imagine there's few and far between in Harley dealers that know how to dial that springer front end in anymore!
@@tellytruth8554just get taller handlebars. I put 18s on my rk and its so nimple now
I started with a Sportster, had a Heritage 1 year, and bought a Street Glide. There is a reason most riders end up with a touring bike. It’s the comfort, stability under speed, wind protection, radio, bags, the handling… in my opinion, the cheapest option is to get a motorcycle you really like and keep it. Mine is customized the way I want it. Even if the engine blew up (it won’t) I could change that out and keep riding. The best part is, a 2008 looks pretty similar to a 2022. Only enthusiasts can tell and even they don’t really care if you’re riding an older steed.
@@PeterAngles-ks9fp It hasn’t been that way for 20 years. The Evolution and newer are stone reliable. Well, except a couple known issues easily solved by the aftermarket.
I’ve had a softail, standard, a springer classic, and now a 2006 road king. For trips, I much prefer the road king. And I got it for $7000 with 7000 original miles.
Thanks for another great video. I find this the single best biker channel, in that it always provides great information without trying to hype you, or put someone or something else down, or Sell you on the Next Big Thing. And I always learn something. In my case, a couple years ago, after riding the previous 16 years with the speedo on the tank, I promised myself that the next bike would have the instruments up on, or above, the handlebar where I could see them at a glance without turning into a bobblehead doll. My first bike, bought new back in 1992, was an FXR Sport Convertible, and, in addition to regretting selling it years later, I always appreciated having the speedo & tach up off the tank and on the bar, especially in bad weather, high speeds and heavy traffic. Fast forward to 2020 and when I saw the re-introduced Electra Glide Standard I immediately signed up. I’m not a Harley or nothing rider, and scanning the new touring market in 2020, I saw nothing but the HD Electra Glide Standard that had hard bags, pipes on either side (never had ‘em), and, most important to me, instruments up where I could actually see them - PLUS no screens, no nav, no radio, etc. I wanted to NOT see more radios, entertainment, iPhones, Bluetooth this and that, talking maps, etc. I have had enough screens in my life. End editorial. The HD Standard was the only modern bare-bones tourer out there, American, Japanese, German, English, w/o all the excess electronic baggage but with true touring ability. I’ve been cross country many times, AK too, and usually on a dressed-up cruiser, and loved it; but, touring with the M8 engine, on the revamped Electra Glide with the touring chassis - Giixerfoo, you didn’t go into that, the touring chassis - well, especially for riders with 30+ years on the road, it feels like the way to go. A sad footnote re barebones tourers is that I think HD is discontinuing the Standard in 2023.
Not for me. I had a street glide for two years. Now I ride a dyna wide glide. Won’t ever go back! The touring bikes are simply too heavy
I had an Electra Glide classic after my sportser; but realized i didn't need a bagger. I didn't ride 2 up, i never used the bags, and I didnt tour i just ride around town. I bought an 08 dyna lowrider and never beenn happier.
At 40 I moved to a Softail to a road king bc of all the hwy riding I was doing
2019 FLHR
OH MY GOD… it handles amazing. Dips into turns
The missus can ride with without me feeling guilty she’s sitting in a pad the size of a paperback book and foot PEGS.
Who getting 200+ on the 6g tank?
Man.. I get just shy of that when I need to splash and dash. But 3hrs and needing nothing but 5 mins to stretch and GOOD TO GO.
I’ll be riding post 2014 touring bikes until I can’t anymore
Love my 2006 CVO Ultra Classic
I bought a new "bagger" in 2019, put 1400 kms on it a promptly sold it. Some of us prefer a naked bike over and over-weight bike. BTW- riding for 58 years. My Pro Street Soft Tail or Dyna Superglide suit me just fine.
My two dead uncle's we're motor officers for the City of New York. They would ride all through the winter. Men were tough in those days.
That takes a serious pair to ride in the winter in New York!
@@GixxerFoo the city of New York wanted them to use a unit patrol car in the winter. My uncle's appealed to the union and the union said if they want to freeze your ass off in the winter on their Motors that is their right. One of my uncles had a set of Firestone snow tires mounted on a set of rims in the basement of the house in Astoria New York City. When the snow got bad he would simply swap out the wheels. He was the kind of cop that if someone mouths off to him about his badge he would take his badge off they would go in the alley and he would beat them silly. Then he would put his badge back on. You did not mouth-off or God forbid curse at a police officer in the old days except at your own risk. Both of them were ex-army who saw combat in Korea. My two uncles were a couple of tough old son of a bitches. They don't make men like them anymore.
I'm about buying a bike that has been customized with the aftermarket parts bc it keeps me from spending unnecessary money to do the same thing. You can go out and buy reasonable streetglides for und 20k and they most likely be fairly stocked with aftermarket products. I bought mine with 40k miles on it (yes 40) and it had tons of extras. I have done a few modifications but for the most part I am happy with it. I have it regularly serviced to make sure that it's road worthy and safe. I've thought several times about selling it but just can't seem to part with it.
Yeah some one else with deep pockets pay for all the extras and chrome. They add very little value to the bike, about 20 cents on the dollar.
@@bensatterwhite5694 you'll never get what you put in back out.
Thanks for the video. I concur with your commentary. My first bike (still have it) is a 94 FXR I bought in 2004 when I started riding. I toured with it for 5 years all over the country and Canada. I intended to turn the FXR into a FXRT purchasing the front fairing, hard bags, and trunk (I still have the trunk on my FXR). In 2009 on a trip from Arizona to STL I was blown all over the road in NM (north of Roswell). When I got home I immediately went on eBay and bought my 07 FLTR which the previous owner decked out (17K on the clock). I've been touring on this bike ever since (now 190K on the original engine/transmission). I have since sold the FXRT front fairing and hard bags. As a side note, I won a brand new 14 Heritage (now with 25K on the clock) and did one cross country trip on it. The 07 Road Glide is still my touring go to... 🇺🇸
I started off on a sportster, and then went to a Dyna, and then I had to buy a street glide… realized I hated it because it feels like you’re in a compact car. No wind and everybody else has one. That’s all you see is road glides and street glides ( yawn) ….Got rid of the dresser and got a softail. So much happier. Baggers suck.
Especially in florida, i wanted to get a streetglide but got a 2022 softail instead, i barely see em on the road
I have been riding Harleys for 3 years now I got a fatboy years ago put 1k on it in less than a month my uncle said to get one with a fairing got a Electra glide rest is history.
It would be the last Harley I would ever run they're so expensive now it would take me the rest of my life to pay for it! I'll just keep my 06 Street Glide that is paid for, runs like a top with 107,000 MI
Road king is so awesome. I'm upset that for 2023 they got rid of the Road King standard
My first Harley was an 883 Sportster. I'm now on a Road King. I agree with much of this video. There's little to complain about in maneuverability, power or available torque no matter how I've loaded it. As said, very comfortable and with the windshield off, everything that hooked me on bikes in the first place is there. I like the options the bags and tour pack give me, but still love stripping it clean and riding out. I do miss the Sportster just for the feel of it. It seemed quicker and I never felt I couldn't turn or twist my way out of any trouble I ran into with it. Stilll..... Love my Road King. In honesty, the differences may be perception more than reality. Maybe I should just buy a Sportster for when I feel like riding a Sportster. Standing a Sporty up on the throttle just feels better than doing the same on a Road King.
I road Harleys most of my life..today the cost is simply out of control.then what's needed to be done to them to make them run right.i switched to a goldwing with no regrets.considering I ride 30,000 miles a year the wing was definitely the better option
They're gorgeous bikes, but I'm a smaller guy and I ride solo 99% of the time. My Fatboy is the ultimate bike for me. If my wife decides to ride with me and we end up going on a long trip, I would buy a bagger in a heartbeat.
Rode a dresser for 30 years. Riding a Heritage Softail now love it.
Good video as always. I love my 2000 Road King. V&H Dresser Duals with Thunderheader Thundercone slip-ons, 12-inch mini apes, added a quick connect TourPak and windshield. I can remove the trunk and windshield in seconds and add a solo seat and have a totally different ride
Last Harley? No way. I’m 64. Friends in their 70’s are dumping their Ultras in droves, after dropping them way to many times. I’ll be ditching the bagger in the future, and it will be replaced by a Lowrider ST - a bike that I can handle well into my 80’s.
My first Harley was a Dyna Wide Glide. I love the bike and still have it, but then I bought a Street Glide. That bike is great, and truly is everything you need in a motorcycle. Gotta love the baggers.
i still have my 96 fxdl along with a 2012 flhp. each has its purpose ..wont get rid of either one
I like my Street Bob but I don’t like the 3 gallon gas tank. I can go over 100MPH on it so there’s no problem keeping up with whatever I need to keep up with but filling the gas tank every 100 miles or less really limits you.
Harley Davidson says we’re looking forward and hell with the past they’re not covering old parts I know aftermarket picks up most stuff but if you run a CVO’s mine should still be good it’s not 10 years old however past two years worth of warranty on it!!! my paint is in excellent shape. I’m thinking about buying an extra fairing for it while I can still get the painted tins the older see if he has had a lot nicer paint jobs well more intricate more custom. And I also like chrome.
I purchased my 2013 Ultra Limited new, and it will be my last bike. The Ohlins suspension and S&S 551 cams make it a dream to ride two up. Torque from idle to 4,000 and never need to downshift.
That's awesome to hear! You can't beat a cam and good suspension!
Street Glide was my first HD I owned and I had it for 5 years. However, it was not the bike for me even though it was a good bike per se. I am much happier with the Dyna I have now. Much more agile, better lean angle, better power / weight ratio, less things to worry about, no more irritating helmet shake due to fairing, no more temptation to distract myself from riding with stereo system and no more subtle rattle from plastic pieces. With my current bike it is much easier to swap handlebars, turn signals, headlight, shocks, whatever you like to and if I want a custom paint job, there's only three pieces to work with. Tyres and wheel bearings have longer life due to less weight, gas mileage is better and any horsepower gain with tuning feels much more. If I go for touring, I can simply strap a roll bag on the sissy having much more cargo space than those plastic saddle bags had. I am not seeing myself going back to touring bikes any time soon. I think I just wasted many years with a bike that had plenty of features I didn't really need.
Got rid of my Street Glide, went back to a Breakout, I feel like an old school biker again, great channel, my first bike in 1973 was a harley 125cc
In 2014 i bought my last bagger, ultra limited, its the first year of the Rushmore project and i have 52000 miles on it and let me tell you the Daytona blue color is what really sold me on it, all the other extras from the Rushmore project is just a benefit. Keep up the great video's thankyou. And did i mention i was 67yrs old, and thought about going to a trike, what would you do?
@James Barrett thanks for the comment, being retired will probably keep me out of the trike anyway I guess. I paid 7 yrs on my ultra don't think I want to do that again lol
I have a 06 FLXHTI Electraglide Standard. I have added cruise control, a custom paint job, headwork, cams, headers/slipons/tune, radio, Air Zeppelin seat/backrest, tourpack, screeched bags to make it some what similar to a CVO. I am running 91 HP and 103 tq with a TC 88 CI. It is an 18 year old bike that still holds it's own.
I own a 2020 Road Glide Limited for just over 2 Years now.
I am considering in traiding it in into a Softail Low Rider ST because it can do both - touring and sportive riding. I guess i need a few years of riding faster until i go back to a touring model haha.
I'm sticking with my Super Gilde Custom. I'm thinking about a Road King in the future though
Once I got to my Dyna at over 600 lb I realized that I don't want to go any bigger or heavier.
It's set up for touring with bags in a fairing but what I really want to do is reserve this bike for long trips and get back to a Sportster for daily riding. The baggers look nice but I have no desire to ride something close to 1,000 lb not to mention spend all that money.
Absolutely I've had two of them now and the second one I've got 65,000 mi on it play Jenna cross-country 3 times
Great video, I traded in my 06 Street Bob last year that I bought new for a used 18 Ultra Classic. I bought a 2 up seat and detachable back rest for the times my wife wanted to ride and removed them when I was the only one riding. The past couple of years, my wife had been complaining about being uncomfortable riding. That was the reason for upgrading to the Ultra Classic. I really can't afford to have 2 bikes. But now I have experienced the ride of a bagger. You're probably right it may be the last type of bike I will ever buy.
I happen to be in my 60s, and I don't think I would be saying that if I was younger. I was one of those who thought that the baggers were for old people. But that 2023 Breakout really would look good in my garage. Well, anyway, comfort at my age is why I will be on a bagger.
I got an 04 road king for 6 grand....already had the 95" kit with 525 cams. I put bassani power curve headers and dnt mufflers on it. One day I'd love to own a 23 rk billiard blue with the 114 m8
Those short stroke 95's are screamers with a good cam like you have!
Max lean angle on one of these baggers is about 32 degrees. My BMW boxer will go to 46, and many sport bikes will easily handle over 50. Just because some cops have practiced to be as nimble as possible on them, it will aways be with a caveat of the bike they're on.
IMHO (for whatever that's worth) baggers are the motorcycle of choice for posers and wannabes. Middle aged guys going through mid-life crisis planking down $30k+ on a two wheeled car. They ride it until they have their first crash and then go buy a Miata. I do have a Road King and it has it's place. But my FXSTC and FXR are my go-to bikes. My first was a 51 hydraglide purchased when I was in high school. I also rode off-road when I was in my teens. I appreciate a windshield but prefer to ride without one most of the time. A stereo?!?! Not a chance. Most of these guys (and girls) don't wrench their own and have no idea what makes them go. There are exceptions, of course, and i do have a small number of old school brothers who ride baggers and more power to them. But for me, being in the wind means being in the wind. If I want to be comfortable I take the hemi Challenger. Yeah, I'm older than dirt and have zip in common with HOG types. If you ever see me in a Harley mobility tricycle, just shoot me.
Great video. I went from metric standard bikes to a use 2015 Road King. I ride 2 Up often so will eventually look at a used Ultra Classic but honestly the Road King is enough comfort so far for 2 up, 1 up, slow speed, around town or day trips. So we will see. Mine has the 103 with Stage 1. I do pay attention to your videos about minor upgrades for the 103s. Ride Safe.
I bought a new 17 ultra M8 and love it. But I’ll never get rid of my old ones. 6 of them
I have a 08 softail deluxe and would only trade up to a newer Milwaukee 8 heritage classic. These are forever bikes and the perfect balance in weight and comfort and to keep riding until I’m not longer here.
My 2003 dyna glide needs the Alternator replaced every 3 years.
I have a 21 lowrider s 114ci and just picked up a 2010 96 ci road glide custom....i have to say im having a blast on the road glide i love the fixed faring and how it handles i will be upgrading suspension before sturges
I went from a night rod special to a CVO street glide. I’ll have this street glide until the day I die! Mine came with the 110. My only regret is that I can’t drop the new 135 crate motor in it.
That 135 would be a blast to ride but how much would you really use all that power on the streets?
@@davidcarroll7193 my 110 is now a 124, and I put that power to the road just fine. Going over 150hp and 160tq after tuning makes for the sweetest ride you’ve ever had. I push her hard, and she just begs for more! You just have to upgrade your primary drive system, which I did myself, and I haven’t even needed to switch to chain as of yet.
I too upgraded from the Road King to the CVO Street Glide in 2016. Love it, absolutely no regret. Will never sell this bike. It’s a dream to ride on long trips as it is to ride locally in the back roads of SoCal. Cheers to the CVO!
@@Countryboybiker That’s awesome 😎
My 17 Roadglide was the last Harley I’ll ever buy. Oil sucking sumping lemon. So Happy I traded for the Challenger. Never again, after 13it was time for a change
Hey Brother I've been riding all my life and never thought id by a Bagger but since I got my 2015 RG it's a awesome bike and the handling is amazing.
Doing some upgrades to the motor now due to a blown piston so what the hell I'm going all out lmao.
All the best brother
Bought a 2009 road king classic last year all blacked out with a twin cam 96. Find the bike actually decently maneuverable for a bagger. I’m coming off a Yamaha bolt to that road king. The cruise control and the touring frame are great for hammering miles down.
I bought a flhtp . The wind over the faring is just horrible . Unbelievable how bad it is .