Thinking about Harleys

[tbob]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum. Seems like a great place. I have a question. This will be third season riding, so I've only put in a total of 5000 miles. I've taken the basic MSF course twice, at the start of my first and second year, and found it great. I'm planning on the experienced course this year, even though the title of the course overstates my level of confidence. My first year, I rode a 600cc Honda. Last year I rode a BMW F800ST, thinking it would be my "last bike". I picked it because it was under 1000cc and for the ABS. BUT, I'm over 6 feet, and it's pretty uncomfortable. I have to stop every 25 miles, because I'm hunched over on it, and my forearms and back/neck really get to ache. I also have acquired an interest in Harleys. I think that they're beautiful. I'll have to sacrifice the ABS, because I don't want a monstrous touring model. I'm too tall for a Sportster. So I've finally come to my question: Do you guys think that a Softail or Dyna would be too much bike for someone at my level? Which do you you think would be more appropriate for a conservative rider, who wants a comfortable Harley for commuting and occasional pleasure rides of up to 200 to 300 miles max.? Thanks!

[jonnythan]

A Harley will suit you just fine.

[Wrider]

Ummm, what do you think Harleys are made for??? But seriously, that kind of riding should suit a Harley just fine. Just make sure to not be the average bar-hopper type and make sure to warm it up, keep the revs appropriate, you will be fine!
Wrider

[NWTrtle]

The question that came to mind for me right off is have you done any thing to alter your riding position on your BMW to make things fit better? I have nothing against Harleys or any other type of bike, and if what you have discovered is your really want a cruiser style instead, then fine. But have you looked into bar risers, different seat, relocated foot pegs/controls, and the like? You may fork out some cash for the modifications, but it won't be as much as what you could potentially loose in selling/trading in you BMW and purchasing a Harley. If you do decide to go the Harley route, make sure you sit on the bike in the gear you plan to have on when riding and stay there for awhile in the position you are likely to be riding in. Luckily, with Harley, you may even be able to rent one for a day and see if you even like the position in actually riding.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

[tbob]

Thanks for the input. Regarding the F800ST; the dealer strongly discouraged modifications, because it would alter the geometry of the bike, and effect it's engineered handling. BMWs are tightly engineered, so I believe that. But more than that, I find the bike more "S" than "T". It's heart is a sport bike. It's built for speed and and the throttle is twitchy. It's not a relaxed ride. If I hadn't been so stubborn about ABS, I probably wouldn't have got it in the first place. I sat on a friend's HD Softail custom, and it was cushy and nice. Haven't taken it for a ride yet though. I've learned something here that's going to cost me. I'll NEVER buy a bike again, new or used, without taking for a good long ride. No ride, then no deal. Live and learn.

[ofblong]

honestly other than riding in the rain whats the point for abs? if you properly brake you should never need abs. hell I never use the abs breaks on my mini van during the winter because I properly brake and keep a good distance so I dont have to slam on the brakes. I do, however, slam on them once in a while just to make sure they work lol.

[Fast Eddy B]

The ABS on the rear brake of my test bike helped a TON for the bike-test.

No lock-up = no fail. Yay!

[ofblong]

The ABS on the rear brake of my test bike helped a TON for the bike-test.

No lock-up = no fail. Yay!

use your brakes right and you should never have lock up especially on that test. I know thats not ALWAYS feasible to do but either way. The only time I have locked my brakes up was on my mini van and believe it or not it was on dry pavement because , believe it or not, some jackarse decided they wanted to be in my lane on the highway. I was doing 80mph. they didnt look just went over. luckily I had just replaced the brakes and they were brand new :d. Ok I didnt lock the brakes up but the abs was working. First time in 13 years that has happened to me.

[Fast Eddy B]

use your brakes right...

The Pope's Catholic?

[celt]

Do you guys think that a Softail or Dyna would be too much bike for someone at my level? Which do you you think would be more appropriate for a conservative rider, who wants a comfortable Harley for commuting and occasional pleasure rides of up to 200 to 300 miles max.? Thanks!

i think that you have enough experience for either, just be careful at first because they will most likely weigh a bit more than what you're used to. your prior experience will help immensely, though, so you should do very well.

either would be fine for what you're considering.