A few months after getting the Iron my long suffering better half is getting that "I live alone" look. Now I've had a couple of outings with other riders and am getting a lot of invitations for rides and reporting how great you guys are socially, she has said "Time for a pillion". Trouble is she has a bad back (alas, I can't take the credit for that) and has had surgery and its very touchy.

Not looking at long rides, just half days probably, and most of my normal riding is just weekend hooning around the beaches, but even so I think I have to think big if she is going to survive any time on the bike. Ignoring all other considerations including price (I can plan long term for it because it won't be happening straight away) what bike do you think will be best?

I'm not keen on the bat wing fairing look but what about a normal Road King or Road King Classic with an upgraded rear seat like they have on the Electra Glide Classic or Ultra (assuming they can be fitted). Any advice appreciated. The dealer suggested a Softail Heritage but since they are not catergorised as "touring" I'm assuming the Road King is more comfortable.

Understand you don't care for the batwing, but for ultimate seated passenger comfort, you can't beat the Ultra. to add more comfort put on a "Road Zeppelin" air adjustable seat-- big $$$ for that add on....

However, when you hit a hard bump the compression and rebound of the Ultra rear shocks can give you a thump. I run my suspension at about 32 psi solo light load, so maybe I need to experiment a bit more with the pressure but it handles well and other than a bad bump it's fine.

I don't know what the RK is like in that regard, maybe an owner can assist here.

for ultimate comfort , im thinking a car .. seriously , if the handbrake has a bad back then chances are that no bike will suit her for even a half day ride. Bumps can be pretty hard on a pillions back . Hire one , when you closer to making a decision and perhaps it wil help .

me i think the street glide is the best compromise and best value for money ...... but has the batwing fairing me i like the batwing much better for long rides as with arm strain due to no wind buffeting you ...... and all the baggers have air suspension street glide, ultra standard ultra classic .... all the ones with the glass saddle bags

MJ

Leave her at home

 Really, really great advice fellas. Thanks for taking the trouble.

Dave I find my bike goes fine for 2-up.
I have the solo set-up pictured below and then in 10 seconds I have a big sissy bar (pad is like 17cm high and 30cm wide) and a whole different 2 person Sundowner seat. I also have (not installed) passenger grab rails - but she is happy holding onto the sissy bar uprights/supports.

Honestly mate this is really really good for 2 up and it moves me a bit forward (that seat) so she has quite a bit of room, we never knock heads etc. Things is you need a full size bike to do it - this is what pushed me away from sportster and onto a Dyna. So maybe if you really want to be able to do 2 up you need consider sell the Sporty and get a Sofltail Custom or a Dyna.

Find someone with a sundowner seat on a sporty you can borrow on a ride and see if the other half likes that.

Find someone with an Ultra, RK, SG, etc with a decent seat and back rest that is willing to take her as a pillion on a decent ride.

Two easy and free ways to see what she can handle before committing to another bike.

cheers
Surly

I will offer to take her for both the pillion ride and the drugging free of charge.

 Love it Flan but I'd never get her out of her beemer. She blames her bad back for the need of that one too! 

I knew a bloke whose caddy had an altimeter in it. I know these babies fly, but...

 Flan the BM we have is even worse because of run-flat tyres, but it has the Comfort Seats which are unbelievably good. An expensive option but they do the trick. Good luck with the caddy - a classic for some wise buyer.

Hey Taffy,

Like you have said some great advice from the guyz.

Hire and try before you buy is the best or borrow and try.    (and you need to do that a few times to make sure of everything).

Steamer might be close to the mark, and not so expensive in the first place - he has the back issue so his considerations would have good merit.

This thread shows why this forum is the beez kneez. 

Taffey old m8.... get ya arse up to my place with SWMBO in tow & ya can take the Fatbob for a run.... we have a better seat on it that my SWMBO wanted & it made a huge differance ....

 OK Toxic...don't tell me. I'm working on it. "SWMBO"? Hmmm. Thinkin' thinkin'

Told steamer that the SWMBO (whatever that means) is away at the moment, but it's very generous of you blokes to offer. 

Not that this should stop you having a hoon to Manly. As well as coffee in Manly I believe we have a pub somewhere. I naturally have never seen it but I know someone who said he had a mate that went there once...