which harley do you recommend?

Question

just looking for general info from the harley riders out there i have a 71 sportster that i have been riding since 79 and its time to retire the ole girl i have been to the dealerships read the brouchers and talked to the few harley riders around here most around here are into rice burners and pocket rockets im a bigger guy and advancing in age a young 43 so which harley do you bigger riders recommend and why wanting informed info thanks

sorry my 71 not for sale my oldest boy is going to fix it up as an old school chopper

well went and looked real hard at the type of riding i like then went and test rode a fat bob going back tomarrow to pick it up thanks to all that helped with this your experiances and suggestions helped alot

Answer 1

Fat Boy, big comfortable ride, looks great, lots of body upgrades, lots of power. Nice upgrade from the Sportster.

Answer 2

The basic question is much like asking, " Which Chevy do you recommend?"

What kind of riding do you plan on doing? You don't need an Electra Glide if you're just going bar hopping.

Touring - An Electra Glide or Road Glide will give you uber-comfort, lots of luggage space and a radio.

Bar Hopping - A Softail will generally give you the top of the style curve. The balanced TC engines take a lot of the vibration out but many feel the suspension is lacking on longer trips.

Traffic / Winding Roads - The Sportster is still the best handling of the HD bikes. The new rubber mounted ones are light years away from your Ironhead.

All Purpose Riding - The Dynas are the jack of all trades Harleys. I ride an FXDX (and I'm a young(er than you) 42). It handles nearly as good as a Sporty but with bags and a windshield, it's good for 500+ mile days.

For a while, I was thinking about a Road Glide but when I look at the riding I do, that's really just more bike than I need right now. The Dyna is very competent for pretty much everything I need.

Answer 3

After riding an Iron Head Sporty anything you get will feel like heaven.
For local stuff and shorter rides I'd look at the Dyna wide Or The Bob.
If you like touring or taking the bike on vacation The Road King or Ultra if you've got the $.
I ride a FXR and have for17 years, but I have to admit when I'm on a long trip ,I get a bit jealous when I see those guys on their baggers that look so comfortable. Windsheild, cushy seat ,stereo, coffee maker, refridgerator,widescreen and all that other luxury stuff. I may have to get myself a bagger before too long.

Answer 4

I say follow Mark B's advice and ask yourself what sort of riding you really want to do.
I personally own a 98 custom built Softail and an 04 Electraglide. I love the Softail but I was tired of not being able to use it for more than a day trip.(I don't believe in trailering the bike)
I'm up there with you agewise (49) and decided it is time to see more of the country.

Answer 5

I also agree with Mark B, and like Walter F's suggestion too.
What kind of riding you do has a big impact on what you decide to ride.
For me, it's a Dyna. Pretty much a general workhorse.
Lot's of options and accessories if you want to convert it for anything.
And that 6-speed is nice.

Answer 6

I just wanna know what you want for that iron head sounds like a great chopper project Id love to breath new life into it. Let me know cause I will take it off your hands lets talk about money!!!!

Answer 7

im only 14... :) but mi dad has been riding for ever and hes bigish and he has a harley '04 sportster 1200 r and he really likes it....and so do i ^^ so yah i would recomend maybee a newer version of that !

Answer 8

The dynas and the touring bikes have rubber mounted engines. They might be more comfortable for a person of your 'advanced' age. The 'Fat Bob' has recently caught my eye.

Answer 9

One that won't wake your neighbors at night or sound like an F18 coming in for a landing.

Ultra Glide Classic !

Answer 10

I have the electra-glide and love it,I do a lot of long distance riding and enjoy the comfort of it,love the road king also.