Afternoon of test rides

[wadham]

Spent this afternoon test riding at Oxford HD. They were very helpful and let me ride several bikes and even swapped saddles out so I could compare and fine tune.

As a Harley newcomer they tried to find the right bike for me.

First off the Dyna super glide custom followed by the Heritage softail classic and then the switchback dyna. I rode the Dyna super glide custom again with the tallboy saddle at the end.

Heritage was too heavy for me and a bit too much bling but was a nice solid ride with decent handling and was comfortable. Aftermarket Exhaust was way too loud. Screen buffeting was extreme.

Superglide Custom was the one I liked the look of but handled a bit slow and Right side ground clearance was worrying as it was straight onto the exhaust with no warning through footpeg blobs. Was my favourite though until -

Switchback has plusher suspension allround. Smaller 18 inch front wheel sharpened up handling, made it easier to change direction. Was comfortable at first until forward feet position made me remember I have a lower back problem.
But its the one I want.

I need to find a more supportive rider seat and then I think the Switchback will do for me.

 

[Melch]

Welcome to the Blue Oyster Bar! We're all really friendly in here you know.

 

[Mutley]

There is no end to the seating solutions for Harleys. Have a look at Corbin for rider's seats with backrests

 

[ZED 1000]

Copied across from a previous thread

See if you can blag a test ride on a Fat Bob

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I have had Shovel heads Evo's, 1450 twin cam Road King R1200GS now A 2009 Fat Bob in that order, test rode a couple of soft tails (no thanks no brakes don't handle) the sales man convinced me to try the Fat Bob best Harley available twin front stoppers proper rear shocks and enough ground clearence (must have stage 1 tune) apart from the bars and twin head lamp, so i bought a 1200 mile 10 month old one , this bike handles well enough two up with luggage, I fitted Fat Boy bars and a 7inch chrome h light to sort out the front end look.
Took the Fat Bob to the Alps last summer france this summer, great fun, ok the GS boys passed me with ease but i would'nt have swaped bikes with them, the Fat Bob is well up to the job and suites us well.

Buy one you will love i if you don't sell it you won't loose much money on a nice Harley.




Fat Bob In France

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Taken during this summers trip to the Dordogne I will find some better pics showing the front end mods.

 

[wadham]

Many thanks for the advice folks.

 

[wadham]

Welcome to the Blue Oyster Bar! We're all really friendly in here you know.

I have noticed.

 

[longdog]

Bought my Buell from Oxford HD in 2007/08 and they are a great bunch there, no pressure but very helpful and fantastic after sales service too.

They gave me my first taste of HD with a 1780cc FatBoy and a Dyna Heritage and now I have an itch that needs to be scratched.

 

[ebbo]

Welcome to the Blue Oyster Bar! We're all really friendly in here you know.

You must have an electric fence up keeping the pub brigade out

I really do fancy a Harley, dibdob69's single seat Road King looked about right to me

 

[dibdob69]

You must have an electric fence up keeping the pub brigade out

I really do fancy a Harley, dibdob69's single seat Road King looked about right to me

Cheers

 

[Melch]

You must have an electric fence up keeping the pub brigade out

I really do fancy a Harley, dibdob69's single seat Road King looked about right to me

Just the name 'Harley Davidson' is usually enough. If that doesn't seem to be working just throw in a little gay innuendo or double entendres – works a treat.