Hey folks.

Here's my situation...My old man and I are gonna be riding from Perth, to Cairns, for the National HOG rally in May 2014.

My old man has just bought a CVO Ultra Limited for the upcoming ride - He has previously done the ride in the opposite direction, on a Rocker C, and he complained every time I spoke to him via sat phone, about how uncomfortable the ride is, and how his arse hurts and bla bla bla.

So now, here's my situation and dilemma.

I'm currently - as of typing this post, a '12 XL1200C. It's been a great city bike, and I've also done several 300k rides on it.

On city roads, it's great, but on country roads, when the asphalt is uneven, rutted, and riddled with potholes, it is quite literally, a pain in the arse.

So just after new years, the sporty is gonna be traded in to a stealer, for a big twin...My first proper (I only use the word 'proper' because that's just how I view things) bike...The absolute limit for the BIKE price, is 30,000.

 

Which brings me to my dilemma...

I'm looking at only 3 bikes in that price range, all 2014 models (not buying used or previous year models...I'm pedantic that way!): FXDWG (Dyna Wide), FXSTS (Softail Standard), and FXSB (Softail Breakout). The problem is, I have 2 main issues, with all 3 models...

At the moment, I'm heavily leaning towards the Breakout...I have always loved the look of a kicked out, simplistic, traditional bike...This whole black thing, that HD have going on, just doesn't appeal to me what-so-ever. My problem with the Breakout is:

A) The speedo is, like the 2012 XL1200C I currently ride, mounted to the riser, which makes it incredibly annoying, difficult and costly, to change the bars.
B) The wheels that come standard on the Breakout, are vomitous, in my eyes. The way I see it, it's either black, OR chrome...Not both, and CERTAINLY NOT in the config that they've decided upon.

As far as the Dyna Wide is concerned, my issues are:

A) Traditional HD spoke wheels...I despise them, only because they are an absolute bitch to keep clean and calicification free...This is gonna be my only mode of transport for a long time, and I want it to look as good as I can keep it, for as long as possible, and white crap on the wheels, after one winter is only going to sour things badly for me.

B) The black CRAP all over the key parts - It's not even metal...It's this nasty black, wrinkled plastic nonsense....Meanwhile, the engine has been chromed, the pipes are chrome stock, and the upper belt guard is chrome...The whole bike just looks like they've been blindfolded and played 'pin the chrome on the bike part'!

And finally, we get to the Softail Standard...An all round great looking bike...BUT:

A) Rake is way too narrow. I looked at one today, with my own eyes, and couldn't help but think "It's a marginally longer Super Glide, which is a marginally longer Sportster." - A DEFINITE downpoint, for me. By comparison, the DWG looked like a chopper, and by comparison to that, the Breakout looked illegal!

B) The rear wheel....Who in the blue-hell, decided that Softails needed a solid rear wheel. Yes, I know, it's got the decorative equivalent of 50 cal holes in it, but it's STILL A SOLID REAR WHEEL! KEEP THAT SHITE TO FAT BOYS ON FAT BOY!

So you can see....I have quite the dilemma.

The main thing I'm after, is long-haul comfort. Second and about 10% LESS important, is the look. I don't want to ride around for the next 10+ years, on a 'poser' bike. Now I get that each model fan will view other models as 'poser'.

What I am looking for, HERE, on HDFORUMS AUS, is a consensus or large array of opinions, on the MOST COMFORTABLE (STOCK) Sub $30,000 bike, excluding tourers and sportsters.

 

Cheers.

Perhaps what you are looking for does not exist, I live in Rockhampton, QLD, and I have ridden to Melbourne twice now, and to Cairns once and Mt Isa once, thinking of going to Alice Springs next year. I have just bought a FLSTC. The big point about long distances, is you really can't move around much to get comfortable, or at least that is what I have found. For the money you want to spend, and still stay new, that is a pretty big ask, perhaps you could wait until 2014 is here and try to get a deal with a 2013 model bike that have not yet been sold, and get them to put an aftermarket seat or wheels if need be, some dealers will do a lot to get rid of old stock when new models come out. I don't believe there is a bike made that is 100% what we want, so we either change the things we don't like or learn to live with it.

Test ride each of them and go with the one that is more than likely to suit you , also do yourself a big favour and test ride a RoadKing while your at it , trust me , one great motorcycle , they're definitely more motorcycle for your dollar , much better than my FLSTC was in my own honest opinion !

Why not look around for a used tourer ?

You want too much in 1 bike . Something has to give in your parameters . A chrome CVO wheel option is a good one for a Breakout , a Vic dealer was doing that to a few . Really hard when you say it has to be new , 30k max , and able to tour . People ride long distances on all sorts of bikes , but whether it,s comfortable is another thing . My 2c worth is a Street Glide , but that,s over $30k , misses out on one point ( probably the main one ! ) . Take on board what FLSTC said , maybe 2nd hand , lot of good low mileage bikes out there .

What about a dyna switchback. Plenty of change from $30k (esp if you can find a new 2013) to modify to your taste. Or a roadking. None of the other bikes you mention are ideal for long trips like Perth to North qld

Fat bbob 

get a 2013 add the usual bits pipes a/c and tuner then a windscreen and deep seat laughing 

and probably for way less than $30 K

just my 2c worth

 

Buy the one that feels right after riding it. Then change to shit you don't like. Your going to customise it anyway, I don't know anyone with a completely stock HD. I love my 2013 fatbob but I have spent nearly as much on it as it cost me new. I recon I could spend that much again if I had it. Have wasted shit loads of $$$$ and enjoyed every cent.

Fat Boy It's got everything you need, personaly I reckon your over thinking every thing, your gonna get a sore arse no matter what your on unless your only planning on little rides every day and giving yourself a year to get there, you should be able to ride 800ks a day and feel good except for your arse, my ultimate advice is get on your bike and ride hard. 

As you know already, what YOU want doesn't exist. In the 3 models you listed.
Long haul comfort. None of you three will give you that even with a new seat. A plusher more touring orientated seat will help a little.
Under $30k. You will have to spend money on each of those 3 choices to change you 2 main concerns with each. Adding up the $$$.
No second hand or previous year models. You are making it harder for yourself.
10% less the look, cause you don't want a 'poser bike" for the next 10+ years. All Harleys are poser bikes, lets face it!
They all look great IMO but what do you like the most, you have answered that with the Breakout. @ $28,995 RRP. Your $30k will not get you far with new seat for touring, and changing bars/speedo setup you don't like, and changing the wheels you say are vomitous. So this bike is out.
Wide glide @ $24.995 RRP. Again new seat. $300-$400., Respoke wheels in stainless or new whees again $400-$2500. Dunno what is white crap? Nasty black wrinkled plastic on key parts? Change them to nice shiny chrome ones to match the rest.$$$. This one you may get for your $30k budget after changing what you don't like.
And Softy Standard @$27.250 RRP, New trees and 2"overs to give you the rake you crave $1500-$2000. And new rear wheel $1000. So this one is out,
What you are left with is the Dyna.
What i didn't say is that on all three regardless, you may need new shocks to make the comfort and load bearing even greater, racks, and sissy bar and even saddle bags to keep/hold/strap your stuff in/on.
So after all that is added up, none of these will make your budget unless you spend more.
Now, if you just lessen your quest for a new one and go a 2013 model, you might scrape in with a dyna or even the softy.
If you can push yourself to go a tad less again and go previously loved, then you will get more bang for your buck and opens up a wider variety.
If you consider a lowly old 2nd hand tourer, then you will have everything you neeeeeed for your trip, with money to spare, but not what you want for when you get back.
Hope this helps.

Buy the bike that grabs you at first sight and test ride , then forgive its shortcomings as No 1 bike will do everything perfectly.  One question though. as your user name is BRADTHEMAN and you mention your partner being a bloke . Are you a PITCHER OR A CATCHER ?

Mate, just buy a Hardtail Pan, "Sprung seat of course", hire a Good mech and a Chiro/Masseur in a FWD and off you go. When you get back, you would of had a real adventure.

If I were you I'd buy a BMW...your not gonna be happy with a Harley...

why not just put a few dollars into the sportster? Fix the suspension by fitting dyna fork sliders (for extra travel), progressive springs ricor intiminators and some decent rear shocks as well. Do the trip on a sportster and hang shit on the old fellas for the rest of their lives.

T1

A Softail with a low seat and forward pegs will put most of your weight on your tail bone, not so good for long trips, more of a day tripper. Before you arrive in Darwin you might be thinking of trading it in like your dad. After about 170 or max 180 mm wide rear tyre, the handling is disappearing fast, its more about fashion and looks after that. The previous post is good advice, for $1200, better rear shocks, Ricor intiminators, a screen and good touring seat you might have something that suits what you want to do, handle and tour better than a new bike. It might surprise you how good the one you have is with the right parts. The things you don't like about your bike are not difficult or expensive to cure. The transfer fees, stamp duty, licence fees, insurance, etc on the change over will cost you that much.

There are also a bucket load of happy Roadking and touring owners out there, who aren't trading their bikes in every few years trying to find something better, some of them keep the same bike for a lot of years and don't want to part with it.

Try looking on the XL owners site.

Not sure why you would want to exclude Sportsters and tourers.

Its your money.

Double post

Spend some money on the sportster, better suspension, nice comfy seat maybe even a windscreen? 

I've got the same bike as you and if I had the time and money to do a ride like that, I would just jump on and go. 

I think you're f*ckin yer self up with too much science. If you have to do big miles, get a tourer, that's what they are made for and thousands of riders can't be wrong. Otherwise spend a few bucks on the sporty or just fly over and hire a bike. The softail std is a good base and anything with a longer rake will soak up the bumps, but usually at the expense of the narrow front wheel buckling. I'd go for something with mag wheels / tubeless tyres so you can plug on the roadside if you score a flat. If the FLH is too big, go for a Switchback.

Think about what you want your bike for. Difficult to change your mind and try to make something with a 240 rear tyre handle like your sportster used to, they don't look good with a 4.5 or 5 inch rim to get a 170 rear tyre under the back muguard, and another front wheel with different axle spacers, spacers behind the discs or calipers to get  the wheel back into the middle of the forks. To fit a wide rear tyre, Harley left the belt in the same place and just moved the tyre out to the right hand side. The front wheel on the Rocker is noticably closer to the right fork leg because they moved the front tyre one over a bit as well to try to keep the bike straight. Did you notice that on your dad's Rocker? Once you know what I'm talking about you can spot it from the other side of the street. The new Harley with a 240 rear looks like they have the same thing, from a quick glance it looks like the front wheel is about 10 mm to the right of centre, the wide front end with 49 mm forks hide it a bit, but its still there. Even the Softails with a 200 mm rear tyre have the front wheel right of centre, unless the newest models have a different front sprocket offset further out to the left. Harley hide it well but the wheel spacers or vernier calipers from the rim to the fork tubes will show the difference. Don't measure to the fender bracket as they are different each side to hide the wheel shift to the right. Going through the outback with a skinny front wheel, off centre, single disc trying to stop over 300 kg of bike when something jumps out in front is not where i'd want to be. Wether the wheels are spoked or solid with holes in them is not going to matter much then.

I make sure nobody is behind me every now and then on a quiet road and slam on the anchors so I know what is going to happen and how the bike is going to behave if I need a panic stop, you might not have time to think when it happens. The feral feckers aren't wearing safety vests to let you know they are about to play chicken and they don't back off. Every now and then one will cross the road, change its mind and have another go just to keep you on your toes. I found dawn and dusk the worst time and if there are any dead ones on the side of the road be even more aware than usual. Don't ask me how i know that. If your going in summer they mostly sleep all day out of sight and start moving around when the sun is going down and its cooling off, then graze most of the night, before heading back for shade at dawn. Put good lights on your bike, a bit of sheep skin will make your seat much more comfy on long trips. Have another talk to your dad and don't take it as bla bla, he might be right, would be a shame to make the same expensive mistake. Anyway have a good trip. I'm done, wasted a few minutes of your time and my time for my 2c worth.

It's your money.