Best handling bagger....Period!

[Classic$98]

I want an answer to this question once and for all. Regardless of wheel size front and rear, neck rake, frame strech, triple tree degrees, shocks or fork internals how would the best handling bagger be setup without looks being a consideration? It's always a talk of handling vs looks (wheel size). Let's talk touring frame vs suspension. I'd like to hear what the big builders think also.

 

[CHAINSAW]

In my opinion you would definatly have to start with an 09' and up frame,.. that design upgrade was long overdue from HD. As for highway handling and riding both styles, I would also think the sharknose (frame mounted fairing) is far superior over the batwing (fork mounted fairing).
As for suspension, again in my opinion the old fashioned air shocks HD is still installing on their bikes are total junk.

 

[Classic$98]

I agree with you completely chainsaw.

 

[dbell66253]

Another one for the frame mounted fairing, I've had both and not only on Harleys, also I've heard a lot of good things about Ohlins for the rear suspension, I'm going to give them a try myself.

 

[lowdog]

Had many road kings's and bat wing bikes. The best bike I have ever ridden is my road glide by far. My friends that have never riden one just dont understand when I try to explain it to them. The one friend that did take me up on a test ride sold his ultra and bought a RGU the next spring, smart man. lol

 

[CHAINSAW]

Had many road kings's and bat wing bikes. The best bike I have ever ridden is my road glide by far. My friends that have never riden one just dont understand when I try to explain it to them. The one friend that did take me up on a test ride sold his ultra and bought a RGU the next spring, smart man. lol

Thats what happened to me. I had an Electra Glide Ultra and was happy, till a friend let me ride his 07' Road Glide. 2 weeks later my Ultra was sold, and I was at the dealer ordering my Road Glide I have now. I never plan on going back to a batwing either, but thats my preference as some people disagree.

 

[BatCity]

+1 on the RG and 09 and up frame change. I road an 08 RK Classic and traded it on 2010 RG after I took a test ride. No comparison...the RG handles like a sports car compared to the RK. The frame changes were evident the very first time you ride an 09 or later. Also have to agree on the suspension...upgrade definitely needed.

 

[Classic$98]

Ok, so we can all agree on an 09 and up Rg to start with.......come on let's get technical here!

 

[lowdog]

SHHHHHHHHHHHH keep it down about the RG, they are still pretty rare around here. The last thing I want is for everyone to run out and buy one. lol

 

[Nova606]

SHHHHHHHHHHHH keep it down about the RG, they are still pretty rare around here. The last thing I want is for everyone to run out and buy one. lol

Yeah - They were rare around here... Were is the key...

 

[ThatDarkSkinGuy]

Yall STOP before I start contemplating changing the SG to a RG again ( - : Road Glides just look mean with that front end!!!

 

[Oh Snap]

My 07 Eglide classic is the best handling bagger for my needs...Period

 

[Classic$98]

I like the idea of a great handling bagger but if I really wanted something that handled good i'd have a crotch rocket. Just not my thing. Still want to hear more from you people!!!

 

[780Canadianbagger]

i love my 2000 road king, 95ci, carb, 99,996 kms or 59,998 miles, neck cut and raked, 26 inch front wheel, 18 inch physco chubby apes from wild ones, 4 inch stretched sattlebags and streched rear fender.

 

[Peterod45]

Let's just say I love swapping bikes with my buddies (SG and RK) to just remind me how damn good a Road Glide really rides.

Granted, this is my 2nd RG. But I had my 2000 for 10 years before I upgraded to my 2010.

 

[thecort]

Another one for the frame mounted fairing, I've had both and not only on Harleys, also I've heard a lot of good things about Ohlins for the rear suspension, I'm going to give them a try myself.

Went from stock shocks (garbage) to Progressive 440's (total crap) to Ohlins (OMG!). Put it this way...I aint interested in looking for anything else as far as comfort & handling. Now because I like the slammed look, i've been asking about air ride. I doubt i'll end up doing it because I DO NOT want to give up my Ohlins.
If you're interested give Howard at Motorcyclemetal.com a call. He's rough around the edges but he's a great guy & he'll get you want & what you need.
Oh, if you're looking to set 'em & forget 'em...forget it. You'll need to setup your sag, break 'em in (500 miles) set the sag again, ride another 350-500 miles then reset the sag & you should be good to go. Seeing how most guys on this site like to work on their own bikes, you'll love it.
IMO, these shocks are the real deal.

Also, so as to not hijack this thread i'll start another one, in the wheels, tires, brakes & suspension section.