Hi there...first off, I am not and would never (other than unforeseen circumstances) get rid of my S4R...Having said that, here is my dilemma...
My wife will not ride on the back of the Duc...and that is quite fine with me due to the...ummm...pressure of the tank. However, she and I would like to ride 2 up...so I am in the market for a new ride. I know this is going to sound funny, but, I think it has to be an HD...based much on the same inner feelings I had when I knew it had to be a Duc. Sooooo, I am looking for anyone who knows a little or a lot about what I have found...Need to be sure that it is a wise choice. Here is what I am looking at:
2004 HD Softail, deuce - 7800 miles, all service records, new Vance and Hines exhaust, and about $1,500 in upgraded/added chrome. I will have to replace the seat, the back is still to narrow. Price: $12,500...
Is this a solid choice or will I be disappointed...
One other concern...my wife is very athletic and tall...will we look to big on this bike? I am 5'11 210...she is 5'10 150...
If you have any other bikes that fit in that price range...let me know what those are too...please!
Thank you in advance!
The softail is not the bike for you. They ride and handle like crap compared o the rest of the Harley lineup. They are only about looks. Any of the FL or FX series bikes would be better. They have better chassis, suspension, rubber mounted engines, etc. The price is also way too high for this market. That bike would likely sell for $8000. Having owned a turbo charged Harley FLHR, a Yamaha Road Star Warrior, a Ducati ST4, and spent a few weeks on a Multistrada, I would recommend the ST followed by the Multi, followed by the Harley or the Warrior depending on you comfort/performance preference.
wouldn't recommend the Warrior for 2 up.
the seat is too small, foot pegs are high, so your knees are touching your elbows.
warrior has plenty of power, nimble, great looking, but would require mods for 2 people comfortably.
Quote from: lauramonster on February 12, 2009, 07:48:58 AM
wouldn't recommend the Warrior for 2 up.
the seat is too small, foot pegs are high, so your knees are touching your elbows.
warrior has plenty of power, nimble, great looking, but would require mods for 2 people comfortably.
Yeah I should have added that mine had the Corbin dual touring seat which not only added a much larger passenger seat, it also raised them up another half a foot.
The best bike is, the bike your wife like ,and get her to drive it.
Hey, if you have the need to dress up like pirates and go-a-pose'n by all means buy a Harley
I see no other reason to buy a cruiser bike... There are plenty of better performing, more comfortable, more reliable, and less expensive bikes on the market.
(but you don't get to play dress-up with them now do you?) [moto]
Why not a used Bandit/standard or a metric cruiser? Equal or better quality at a fraction of the price.
I went through the same thing, trying to figure out which bike to get for 2 up riding. Check out the Buell,
http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/BuellUlysses.htm (http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/BuellUlysses.htm)
This model has a backrest for the laides that folds down when not in use, and all that luggage you can take it off as well. Its very comfortable for the laides, yet at the same time when your not riding 2 up just fold rear seat down, take off the luggage and you got yourself basically another sport bike!
Ducpenguin, speaking from experience, the softail is NOT a bad riding bike for riding/touring 2 up.
I would recommend one of the FL model softails, a Heritage or Fatboy as I feel they handle better due to the same size tire front/rear instead of the fat rear/skinny front.They are very comfortable to ride 2 up, although I would recommend either the Corbin "touring" or "gunfighter & lady" seats as the have better seating for the passenger area. You should both be comfortable as my wife & I are about the same size as You & your Mrs.
I have over 100 k miles on my '90 Heritage & have never been left stranded, so there goes the "unreliable" issue.
And it is not meant to handle or perform like our Ducs, but for 2 up all day riding there is nothing better.Also the newer softails with the counterbalanced motor run with almost no vibration- very smooth.Keep in mind the FX/FL designation only refers to the front end on the bike as the model you mentioned is a fxstd. FX=skinny forks/tire FL=fat front end tire.
I would say that the price for the bike you are looking at seems a bit high.If truly interested keep looking or see if he would take @ $2000 less.
If you have any other ?'s feel free to PM me & I will offer you any advice I have instead of just bashing.
This is the perfect two-up bike.
more comfort, handles better, has more power, cheaper, and more reliable.
but it's piss-poor at pose'n [bang] this is a motorcycle not a fashion or lifestyle statement.
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/020503fjr1300silver.jpg)
I highly recomend the suzuki blvd M109r.
Im 6'2" and the forward controls were very comfy, at 5'11" you will not have problems with the reach
I had one, i paid 13,000 out the door on a brand new 06.
1800 motor thats got GSXR heritage all over it. <fuel injection system and the brakes and shit i cant remember> The seats are very comfy and huge passenger seat unbolts with a cowl for solo riding It will smoke every stock harley out of the box. Seat height is 30 something inches.
If you want a cruiser she will be comfy on (my wife loved the bike) and something that will put a huge grin on your face when alone and able to romp on it, that is the only cruiser / bruiser to get.
Seriously, Seriously, Seriously make an effort to check out this bike.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109RK9 (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109RK9)
I have seen used ones under 10,000
check out this forum of m109r owners wealth of knowledge and a glimpse at the endless mods on these bikes
http://www.m109riders.com/forums/index.php (http://www.m109riders.com/forums/index.php)
multistrada....... vstrom....... or maybe Kawasaki concourse..... all sporty 2 up touring type rides. of course there are many others.
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 12, 2009, 10:16:25 AM
This is the perfect two-up bike.
more comfort, handles better, has more power, cheaper, and more reliable.
but it's piss-poor at pose'n [bang] this is a motorcycle not a fashion or lifestyle statement.
Look-it's obvious you hate Harleys, so why are you posting in this thread?
You could say the same thing about any Honda sportbike compared to our ducs, so I don't see what the issue is. We're considered "posers" by most every other rider out there, so let's just get over ourselves.
Ride your ride-if he wants a Harley for the wife (and god knows, bikes that accelerate *real* quick
suck when you're the passenger), then by all means, he should get one.
Quote from: Mulletbiker on February 12, 2009, 10:15:35 AM
Ducpenguin, speaking from experience, the softail is NOT a bad riding bike for riding/touring 2 up.
Keep in mind the FX/FL designation only refers to the front end on the bike as the model you mentioned is a fxstd. FX=skinny forks/tire FL=fat front end tire.
Not bad and good are two different things. The softail chassis is far from ideal for two up cruising or good handling.
The FL and FX I refer to are completely different chassis with real working rear suspensions and rubber mounted engines. These would be the super glide, wide glide, convertible, low rider, road king, electra glide, road glide, ultra glide, etc.
Yes a softail is a pretty bike and can be fun but it is probably not the best choice for his needs. I love my 1098 but I wouldn't recommend it for what he wants either.
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 12, 2009, 09:40:38 AM
Hey, if you have the need to dress up like pirates and go-a-pose'n by all means buy a Harley
I see no other reason to buy a cruiser bike... There are plenty of better performing, more comfortable, more reliable, and less expensive bikes on the market.
(but you don't get to play dress-up with them now do you?) [moto]
What a load of crap!!!
If YOU don't want a cruiser YOU don't have to buy one. Calling people names because they don't agree with your idea of what is the right bike to buy is childish. If the bike that is most popular should be the only bike made we would all be riding a Honda. As for reliability; I would guess HD has as good or better quality than Ducati. I've lost more oil out of my Ducati than out of my HD. As for comfort... to each his own. I just know if I have a hankering for a long ride (200+ miles) it will be on the fatboy.
The original topic was 2 up. My wife rode cupcake once, didn't like it and got herself a licence. The problem was she is a look around person and that creates some problems. Stock seats on most HD doesn't give a lot of extra height to the passenger so they have to look around you. I would recommend having your wife test ride a couple of different bikes with different seat configurations to see what she likes. I do know a couple of people that love riding on the back of a goldwing.
Quote from: silentbob on February 12, 2009, 10:52:43 AM
The softail chassis is far from ideal for two up cruising or good handling.
Yes a softail is a pretty bike and can be fun but it is probably not the best choice for his needs. I love my 1098 but I wouldn't recommend it for what he wants either.
This is where we disagree I have over 100,000 miles riding experience on this particular bike, most of which was 2 up. I have had fun & have been comfortable 2 up wether on twisty mountain roads in New England or riding long distance from here to Milwuakee/Memphis/Daytona. It is a solid handling Moto that serves exactly the purpose he was enquiring about extremely well.
Thank you all for your help! I know some may think HD is for posers...but I think all bikes have some posers that ride them. My reason for looking more at HD (other than the wife wants one) is that, in my mind, it is the original...same reason for me buying a Monster. I could have bought a myriad of cheaper naked bikes, but in my opinion they are not the original. Don't get me wrong...given different circumstances...age, money, mentality, etc. I would have gone with one of the other bikes...there is nothing wrong with other naked/cruising bikes, just not what I wanted. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to ride, regardless of what it is on. It is a community of riders...not bikes. (In my opinion)
Causeofkaos: I will certainly check out the Blvd M109R...I have an open mind, and if there is something that she will be more comfortable on...She would have an open mind as well...Thank you
VW51: I appreciate your input, but I think we are staying away from the sporty type cruisers...she says I already have one for that type of riding.
Roseguy: She did sit on a Vulcan...similar to a gold wing...and asked where the remote was! ;D
Mulletbiker: Thank you for the insight...she hates that the front wheel is so small...so it looks like we will probably pay more attention to the Heritage.
Again, thank you all for your words of wisdom and advice...Please feel free to post more if it comes to mind...
Quote from: silentbob on February 12, 2009, 10:52:43 AM
Not bad and good are two different things. The softail chassis is far from ideal for two up cruising or good handling.
The FL and FX I refer to are completely different chassis with real working rear suspensions and rubber mounted engines. These would be the super glide, wide glide, convertible, low rider, road king, electra glide, road glide, ultra glide, etc.
Thank you as well silentbob! I was able to give her your list for her to peruse...
Saltlick: That is a sweet bike...just too sporty for what she wants...Thanks!
I've spent some time on a Road King and loved that bike, If I were to add another bike to my scoots thats what it would be. the FL series touring bikes (road kings and glides) are the best way to go for two up. I can ride all day and night on one [thumbsup]
Since you are leaning toward a Harley - you might consider the V-rod.
Great "motor" and a so-so chassis that can be easily improved with aftermarket shocks and a spring kit for the front end.
The Porsche designed engine is smooth and powerful.
Lots of good 2-up seats on the market too.
If you get one you'll want an '07 or newer with the larger fuel tank or an older model with a aftermarket tank OE capacity on the pre- 07's is 3.7 gallons with about 3 useable [roll]
If you should look for extreme economy, you might want to consider a Kawasaki Concours. Now that the 1400 is out, the previous litre bike model can be had for a song (1986 - 2007). Plenty of power, lots of comfort, hard luggage. Lots of spare parts (new and off scrap yards) and easy to work on. Obviously, it's nothing to brag about or to pose with, but when you arrive at your destination, you'd have enough money left for one (or many!) of these [drink] or [wine].
Just a suggestion for a solution that doesn't require a stimulus package...
I have ridden about 30,000 miles on a Dyna and have ridden most of Harley's models since 2001. If you want to ride a Harley two up I would go with a Road King or Electraglide touring model. I like the Harley Softail Classic that was recommended by another, but it does grind its floorboards a faster than the RoadKing or Electra. The Softail chasis does a good job of soaking up the bumps, but the Touring models are more comfortable. Also, since 2000 the Softails have the counter balanced Twin Cam 88B engine. It is smooth, but boring. You don't feel any speed. I dislike an antiseptic engine. It also doesn't rev as freely as the rubbermounted engines. By contrast the rubbermounted engines bounce around a little at idle and smooth out as soon as you go. This year Harley's touring bikes are "all new"; new chassis, new exhaust routing, new wheel sizes, and a few other updates, but they look pretty much the same as before. I haven't ridden the updated touring bikes yet, but they are getting great review (but then again it seems all new bikes get great reviews).
If you buy a new Harley you will need to spend the money to open it up. Pipes, aircleaner, and EFI tuner are a must in my opinion. They come very lean and choked up from the factory due to EPA regs. This causes a lot of excess heat and is not good for the longevity of the engine.
Very good input...thank you all again...seems in my opinion, as far as Harley goes, that the Road King might be the best fit...More time looking! How fun!
Thank you!!!
Quote from: pompetta on February 12, 2009, 09:55:40 AM
Why not a used Bandit/standard or a metric cruiser? Equal or better quality at a fraction of the price.
A Bandit would be worth a sit. I had a 600 and WISH I still had it for 2-up duties. Handled good, plenty of power (mine was a 600) and available new or used. A low mileage Bandit 1200 wouldn't be expensive. They also go forever and need just very basic maintenance ~
JM
This is the new Bandti 1250: liquid cooled, fuel-injected. I'm pretty sure you could buy two of these new for what you stated the Harley cost. Never has a choice been more clear.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/New1250pics004.jpg)
Older used models are powered by a bullet proof powerful 1200 motor (>100 bhp and >70 ft•lbs @ 3200rpm). Aftermarket and used parts are plentiful.
My '04 in touring mode:
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/DSCN2038.jpg)
Did I just miss it or has no one mentioned an St4S. Damn fine bike - especially as compared to a Harley.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq353/1ajess/sweetwheels.gif)
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq353/1ajess/st4s_2.jpg)
LA
I think some of these posts were made from a biased opinion. I have owned three bikes. A Kawosaki, a Harley, and The Monster. The Harley Softale Fatboy was far and away the most relaible, easiest to maintain and it was the most comfortable to ride. Also if you ever need anything the company was amazing to me.
I have several cousins who don't own cars, just Harleys. They drive all over america on them. THe only problem they have had is their dads old dyna shakes the battery cable off every now and then.
I prefer the Softale out of all of their bikes, but that's personal opinon, as there isn't a whole lot of difference in the ride between there bikes. Go ride them, throw your lady on the back and see what you both like. Also, teach her to ride. You will both be happier. And yes you will pay for everything with the HD name or logo on it... but it's all way cheaper than Ducati and as far as bike parts, it's all quality made.
Quote from: bozcoRob on February 12, 2009, 04:16:16 PM
Since you are leaning toward a Harley - you might consider the V-rod.
Great "motor" and a so-so chassis that can be easily improved with aftermarket shocks and a spring kit for the front end.
The Porsche designed engine is smooth and powerful.
Lots of good 2-up seats on the market too.
If you get one you'll want an '07 or newer with the larger fuel tank or an older model with a aftermarket tank OE capacity on the pre- 07's is 3.7 gallons with about 3 useable [roll]
+1
Find an '06-'07 Street Rod, put on an aftermarket seat, and you have the best of all worlds (5 gallon tank due to the 'R's unique frame!). As I've stated elsewhere, my VRSCR is the best bike I've owned. And I've been on a lot of Harleys.
Quote from: Travman on February 12, 2009, 05:28:33 PM
If you buy a new Harley you will need to spend the money to open it up. Pipes, aircleaner, and EFI tuner are a must in my opinion. They come very lean and choked up from the factory due to EPA regs. This causes a lot of excess heat and is not good for the longevity of the engine.
+1 again.
My Street Rod was nearly sputtering/missing lean from the factory. A PC3 solved it and added extra 'enjoyment' as well. :) It has put down a best of 120.2 HP at the wheel, the only other mods being punched out factory exhaust and a high-flow air filter.
Quote from: Speedbag on February 14, 2009, 05:28:01 AM
+1
Find an '06-'07 Street Rod, put on an aftermarket seat, and you have the best of all worlds (5 gallon tank due to the 'R's unique frame!). As I've stated elsewhere, my VRSCR is the best bike I've owned. And I've been on a lot of Harleys.
Harley really got it right with that one. It is a shame they discontinued it. It fixed everything wrong with the standard v-rod. De-raked triples, 17 spoked wheels, brembo brakes, inverted forks, mid mounted controls, bigger tank, etc.
Quote from: silentbob on February 14, 2009, 08:13:00 AM
Harley really got it right with that one. It is a shame they discontinued it. It fixed everything wrong with the standard v-rod. De-raked triples, 17 spoked wheels, brembo brakes, inverted forks, mid mounted controls, bigger tank, etc.
+11tb 8)
The chassis for the VRSCR was developed/spec'd by a German road race dude, whose name I do not recall.
In early '07 I began my quest for an '07 model, but found out that they were very hard to come by. Reason? There were too many '06s languishing on dealer floors (and still are, believe it or not). Thus, most of the '07 'R production went to Europe. I then found my '06 sitting on a dealer showroom with a 'make offer' tag. I got it for less than $4500 under list in March of '07. More or less the reason I parted with my venerable M900. Did I mention I love this bike? ;)
If a person is much under 6', flat footing it could be a stretch. Beyond that, no worries at all. The 'typical' newbie douchebag H-D crowd shuns it, but if I want to ride an underpowered antique I'll ride my Panhead.
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/newpaint.jpg)
Quote from: Clickjack on February 13, 2009, 08:58:37 PM
I have several cousins who don't own cars, just Harleys. They drive all over america on them. THe only problem they have had is their dads old dyna shakes the battery cable off every now and then.
My M750 does that too.
JM
Quote from: silentbob on February 12, 2009, 10:52:43 AM
The FL and FX I refer to are completely different chassis with real working rear suspensions and rubber mounted engines. These would be the super glide, wide glide, convertible, low rider, road king, electra glide, road glide, ultra glide, etc.
FL and FX have nothing to do with chassis.
F = Big Twin motor
L = Wide front tire
X = Narrow front tire
I think you're talking about Touring platform and Dyna platform!
My wife can attest to the fact that my old Softail Standard was horrible for 2-up riding. In fact she couldn't handle much more than 20-30 minutes on the back. There's just not enough travel in the rear suspension or adjustability. If you want a Harley for 2-up, go with the touring line--the Road King, Road Glide, or Electra Glide. They have air shocks in the back that make for quick and easy adjustments for the added weight of a passenger.
Quote from: ducpenguin on February 12, 2009, 07:27:24 AM
Hi there...first off, I am not and would never (other than unforeseen circumstances) get rid of my S4R...Having said that, here is my dilemma...
My wife will not ride on the back of the Duc...and that is quite fine with me due to the...ummm...pressure of the tank. However, she and I would like to ride 2 up...so I am in the market for a new ride. I know this is going to sound funny, but, I think it has to be an HD...based much on the same inner feelings I had when I knew it had to be a Duc. Sooooo, I am looking for anyone who knows a little or a lot about what I have found...Need to be sure that it is a wise choice. Here is what I am looking at:
2004 HD Softail, deuce - 7800 miles, all service records, new Vance and Hines exhaust, and about $1,500 in upgraded/added chrome. I will have to replace the seat, the back is still to narrow. Price: $12,500...
Is this a solid choice or will I be disappointed...
One other concern...my wife is very athletic and tall...will we look to big on this bike? I am 5'11 210...she is 5'10 150...
If you have any other bikes that fit in that price range...let me know what those are too...please!
Thank you in advance!
go try a Yamaha Roadstar. You have accessories galore and it drives and rides like a dream. Solid performer; I know, I have one and have over 43,000 miles on her. My fiancee never got a ride on the back on my Duc so I bought her a "slightly" used Duc and we are now both VERY happy. Also, for the $12,000 you can buy two used Roadstars with all the goodies. Think about it, long-stroke engine with high torque like the Ducs.
Quote from: muskrat on February 16, 2009, 02:00:44 PM
go try a Yamaha Roadstar. You have accessories galore and it drives and rides like a dream. Solid performer; I know, I have one and have over 43,000 miles on her. My fiancee never got a ride on the back on my Duc so I bought her a "slightly" used Duc and we are now both VERY happy. Also, for the $12,000 you can buy two used Roadstars with all the goodies. Think about it, long-stroke engine with high torque like the Ducs.
I haven't looked at all the ducatis but the monsters and 1198s are short strokes ( over square) Bore x Stroke 88 x 57.2 mm (696) and Bore x Stroke 106 x 67.9mm (1198s) as opposed to the Road Star at Bore x Stroke 97mm x 113mm (under square).
Quote from: rose_guy on February 16, 2009, 02:56:39 PM
I haven't looked at all the ducatis but the monsters and 1198s are short strokes ( over square) Bore x Stroke 88 x 57.2 mm (696) and Bore x Stroke 106 x 67.9mm (1198s) as opposed to the Road Star at Bore x Stroke 97mm x 113mm (under square).
the long stroke was in reference only to my Roadstar, I forgot the punctuation but the torque is comparable by weight. well, the Ducs cheat a little because they are so light.
I am with MulletBiker. I had a WideGlide (to my mind pretty much the Dyna version of what you're looking at) that I liked a lot but the 21 inch from wheel was too skittery for me on our chopped up roads. I got a FatBoy which I put a big bore kit in to bring it up to 1550, and torque was pretty good. Great for two up with the backrest. The fatter front tire made a huge difference, though I ditched the front wheel for spokes. It was a 2001 and I think it just went for $11 and a bit grand in Canadian pesos at the local Duc dealer where I traded it for an s4rs. I did hang onto an 08 VROD which you can fairly easily make into a semi bagger and it does put the passenger a bit higher. You might want to give one a spin, but go for the later, bigger gas tank models. I enjoy it a lot and they can be had for pretty reasonable prices. You'll take a bit of stick from the old school crowd, but throw a set of SuperTrapps on and they'll soon be saying nice things about the music and allowing a Porsche motor couldn't be all bad. The other half runs a Sportie which is another route you might want to look at. She LOVES it and had never ridden until a couple of years ago.
First off...Thank you all again! [bow_down]
The combined knowledge on the DMF in ridiculous...thus, I know I came to the right spot! We are still looking, and more confused than ever! (Only kidding, we have now been able to take your experience and apply it to what it is that we want.)
If any of you are ever in the DC area, the [beer] [wine] are on me!
Thanks again!