Which of the big Harley's has the smoothest ride? Harley Twin Cam Discuss Which of the big Harley's has the smoothest ride? in the Motorcycles forums; Howdy, It's been over ten years since I last rode a scooter - a Sportster - and prior to that a heavy Kawasaki cruiser, and although I've been lucky in ...

[pkallus]

Howdy,

It's been over ten years since I last rode a scooter - a Sportster - and prior to that a heavy Kawasaki cruiser, and although I've been lucky in health compared to some my age, I am interested in learning about the big V twin bikes by Harley that may offer less vibrations and the smoothest ride.

I understand the Softail series features counter-balanced engines which seems to make sense, while some others offer rubber-mounted engines. Are the suspensions that different on the big bikes? Are there other criteria that determine the ride, besides the tires and road itself? Ideally, I will be moving to Colorado shortly and would love to ride through the Rockies. Towards that goal, is a windshield a must?"

Thanks.

Paul

[street bob]

First off Paul....
Welcome to A.I.M. forum.
Now, this is just my opinion... The Dyna family of Harley-Davidson will give you the best handling and smooth ride. Now you may want to get a touring bike that comes with all the touring ammenities such as a windshield and fairing....... and everything else.
The dynas ride great and are a cruiser type bike that you can add windshields and such.
Best thing is to go to a Harley dealership and see them for your self and possibly test ride a couple different bikes.

[Tbone]

Rent them one at a time. Ride them a couple of hundred miles. Compare them.

[Twinpeaks]

Originally Posted by Tbone

Rent them one at a time. Ride them a couple of hundred miles. Compare them.

I agree, a long test ride is a must. Not a whole lot can be decided properly in 30 minutes. (and include the V-Rod for ****'s-n-giggles) even if it ain't your cup of tea. If you want the smoothest Harley built, it's the V-Rod hands down. Smooth takes on a whole other meaning!!!

[sgtcowboyusmc]

Originally Posted by Twinpeaks

If you want the smoothest Harley built, it's the V-Rod hands down.

Twin he said Smoothest Harley! Just kidding all you V-Rod fans out there.

Smoothest would probably be the Electra Glide or Road King. (I have never been on a V Rod so I can not speak of them). But I like and ride a Superglide because I like the ride over the Soft tails and it is very versatile and it handles probably the best for my money. But it is important to ride a couple models to see what you like.

[Rocky]

I'm really prejudiced towards my 07 Electra Glide Classic, the ride and handling suit my riding style perfectly.

[Tbone]

Originally Posted by Twinpeaks

I agree, a long test ride is a must. Not a whole lot can be decided properly in 30 minutes. (and include the V-Rod for ****'s-n-giggles) even if it ain't your cup of tea. If you want the smoothest Harley built, it's the V-Rod hands down. Smooth takes on a whole other meaning!!!

Well, the real reason I suggested that is because most people have only ridden one kind and some have ridden two differnent models. Only people like Buzz or Chris at magazines have ridden a variety of models and might be able to answer the question.
I have only ridden a superglide model and an Electraglide Classic. A 1976 FXE and a 2006 Low Rider and then a rented Electraglide. Then you throw in personal preferences and I prefer the superglide. I found the Electra to be more top heavy and harder to balance at slow speeds than the Superglide bike.

[pkallus]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I visited a local Harley dealer and got to at least start-up a few models to see how they sound and felt at idle - I never thought to inquire about renting. I have to say I felt an affinity for the Cross Bones - not because it's a "bad ass" bike or anything like that, rather, simply because of the shortened length, solo seat, and it had a 1940's look about it - pure motorcycle/machine. My reservations were the small front fender and somewhat high, though not unsafe, high handlebars. I suppose those things could be replaced at more cost. As mentioned the real test would be out on the road.

In my elementary quest to understand some basic design principals of the big V-twins I am trying to figure if the rubber-mounted engines of the Dyna family make for less vibrations than the counter-balanced engines of the softails. The counter-balanced engines I tested, in neutral at least, were fairly mellow. A salesman said all models smooth out at road speed - yet there must be differences or I would think Harley would standardize one or the other? I suppose their are loyal HD fans of both familys and Harley markets to their desires/preferences.

The basic Super Glide is a real nice machine - and the price is right for me.

Paul

[Tbone]

I don't know where you are located but here in Louisiana a bike can be rented for about $100/day with unlimited mileage.
I would spend the coin to really test them out.
When you buy one, it won't be practical to decide you don't really like it and go buy another one.
Rent one of each. Dyna, Softtail, Touring. $300 well spent.

[tommyglide]

You are leaning toward the Super Glide, and I can't remember anyone ever complaining about them. And yes, the rubber mounted scooters smooth out quite nicely with just a few rpm.