I opted not to take their big bagger out: felt that was too much not my speed but I might take a big HD out for giggles as there's a dealership nearby.
I try, my mother and father both got on bikes because of me. Mom hadn't ridden before; a big first at 66! Dad had ridden before but put it down for about forty years.
My FXS Low Rider is my first (owned) cruiser as well, and I'll be honest I likewise have started to "get it." The pulled back bars and low seat height that seems so goofy at first is actually pretty ergonomic (well, ask me what I think after a 200 mile day if I ever dare ride that far on mine), and even for cornering and such, within the context of limited ground clearance, was immediately comfortable and intuitive.
I'll be honest I have *zero* interest in these newer cruisers, I have aesthetic objections first and foremost. But it's hard to argue with those numbers/performance of the newer liquid cooled motors. if I do stay in the cruiser/harley fold, I think I will upgrade myself to a early (carb'd) twin cam dyna to have something truly trustworthy and some more pep. For local riding, my Shovelhead is pretty awesome, the sound/vibration/etc is exactly what I was looking for. Last week I got to try out my neighbor's '09 Road King, and it just felt like this super heavy lifeless barcalounger of a bike. The 96ci twin cam was astoundingly smooth in terms of vibration once on the move, especially relative to its shake at idle. But I was happy to get back on my 150lb+ lighter FXS.
I agree on the ergos seeming goofy as all get out but making sense once one is rolling. The Sport Chief's mid (?) mount controls, on the other hand, put my inner thighs/groin/something in a genuinely uncomfortable position with my knees splayed out and pushed high. Would I get used to it? Probably. Would I buy one and put in the time to get over it? No. I'm sure for some people the position is fine. I think it also weighed a good hundred pounds over the Scout but I didn't find that I noticed it. I assume the hop to an 800lb bike is noticeable
I like the Indian cruiser aesthetics and find them quite tame. The Sportster by HD is a bit more offputting - especially that front headlight. Odds are the only thing carbureted outside of lawn equipment that I'll ever own will be trail bikes, though I know you have fondness (and patience) for carb bikes.
The early twin cams, up til ‘08 I believe, had problems with the cam chain tensioners. Make sure they’ve been upgraded or plan on doing it yourself if you get one. It’s not a terrible job.
I have an’08 Dyna that I really enjoy. I sneered at Harleys in my youth, but it’s a really relaxing bike to ride. I got a tuner from Dynajet, and it’s effortless to get the fuel injection dialed in.
I almost bought a carb'd twin cam 88ci Dyna this spring and part of me regrets not doing so, but at the same time I'm glad I got to experience a "real" old school harley as the baseline and now I think I'll appreciate the newer bikes that much more.
I was a sport bike guy until I picked up a 1952 HD. Was riding a Triumph Daytona 900 in those days. The cruiser thing was very different at first but I liked it. Bought a Road Glide in 2001 and it’s still my main bike. Didn’t think a bagger was my bag but guess it is.
They're different for certain. I think given my penchant for engaging in risk on public roads with debris, trees, cars, & etc the smart thing would be to only ride track days. There's a supermoto track a small CC bike would be appropriate at not too far from me at IMI motorsports complex.
The Scout was relaxing and did not goad one into going faster and pushing harder.
After I started racing on a track, I never acted like an idiot on public roads again. The sight lines, runoff areas, and lack of opposing traffic were an eye-opener.
More and more I've caught myself on the thought of a full blown touring bike to cover real distance on confidently and in comfort. Namely I've been eyeballing Kawasaki Voyager XIIs (the one that was stuck in time from the mid 80s til the early 00s). On the light(er) side for a touring bike at around 750lbs, straightforward I4 design makes it less intimidating as far as potential carb removal goes (versus a V4 Yamaha or Suzuki or flat 4/6 Honda).
Please go out and try other Indians .
I've never ridden one and these days prolly won't because I fear too heavy bikes .
-Nate
I opted not to take their big bagger out: felt that was too much not my speed but I might take a big HD out for giggles as there's a dealership nearby.
I don't like baggers but I believe they have a standard with the skirted fenders .
-Nate
Enjoy your word pictures.
You are a baaaaaaad influence 😎
I try, my mother and father both got on bikes because of me. Mom hadn't ridden before; a big first at 66! Dad had ridden before but put it down for about forty years.
Very cool. Not sure if I'll ever pick it up again, but I still like hearing about them. Please keep up the reviews if you can.
My FXS Low Rider is my first (owned) cruiser as well, and I'll be honest I likewise have started to "get it." The pulled back bars and low seat height that seems so goofy at first is actually pretty ergonomic (well, ask me what I think after a 200 mile day if I ever dare ride that far on mine), and even for cornering and such, within the context of limited ground clearance, was immediately comfortable and intuitive.
I'll be honest I have *zero* interest in these newer cruisers, I have aesthetic objections first and foremost. But it's hard to argue with those numbers/performance of the newer liquid cooled motors. if I do stay in the cruiser/harley fold, I think I will upgrade myself to a early (carb'd) twin cam dyna to have something truly trustworthy and some more pep. For local riding, my Shovelhead is pretty awesome, the sound/vibration/etc is exactly what I was looking for. Last week I got to try out my neighbor's '09 Road King, and it just felt like this super heavy lifeless barcalounger of a bike. The 96ci twin cam was astoundingly smooth in terms of vibration once on the move, especially relative to its shake at idle. But I was happy to get back on my 150lb+ lighter FXS.
I agree on the ergos seeming goofy as all get out but making sense once one is rolling. The Sport Chief's mid (?) mount controls, on the other hand, put my inner thighs/groin/something in a genuinely uncomfortable position with my knees splayed out and pushed high. Would I get used to it? Probably. Would I buy one and put in the time to get over it? No. I'm sure for some people the position is fine. I think it also weighed a good hundred pounds over the Scout but I didn't find that I noticed it. I assume the hop to an 800lb bike is noticeable
I like the Indian cruiser aesthetics and find them quite tame. The Sportster by HD is a bit more offputting - especially that front headlight. Odds are the only thing carbureted outside of lawn equipment that I'll ever own will be trail bikes, though I know you have fondness (and patience) for carb bikes.
The early twin cams, up til ‘08 I believe, had problems with the cam chain tensioners. Make sure they’ve been upgraded or plan on doing it yourself if you get one. It’s not a terrible job.
I have an’08 Dyna that I really enjoy. I sneered at Harleys in my youth, but it’s a really relaxing bike to ride. I got a tuner from Dynajet, and it’s effortless to get the fuel injection dialed in.
I almost bought a carb'd twin cam 88ci Dyna this spring and part of me regrets not doing so, but at the same time I'm glad I got to experience a "real" old school harley as the baseline and now I think I'll appreciate the newer bikes that much more.
I was a sport bike guy until I picked up a 1952 HD. Was riding a Triumph Daytona 900 in those days. The cruiser thing was very different at first but I liked it. Bought a Road Glide in 2001 and it’s still my main bike. Didn’t think a bagger was my bag but guess it is.
They're different for certain. I think given my penchant for engaging in risk on public roads with debris, trees, cars, & etc the smart thing would be to only ride track days. There's a supermoto track a small CC bike would be appropriate at not too far from me at IMI motorsports complex.
The Scout was relaxing and did not goad one into going faster and pushing harder.
After I started racing on a track, I never acted like an idiot on public roads again. The sight lines, runoff areas, and lack of opposing traffic were an eye-opener.
More and more I've caught myself on the thought of a full blown touring bike to cover real distance on confidently and in comfort. Namely I've been eyeballing Kawasaki Voyager XIIs (the one that was stuck in time from the mid 80s til the early 00s). On the light(er) side for a touring bike at around 750lbs, straightforward I4 design makes it less intimidating as far as potential carb removal goes (versus a V4 Yamaha or Suzuki or flat 4/6 Honda).