Howdy Gents! After riding dirt bikes for over 30 years I thought I might get onto a HD in lieu of a crotch rocket so I don't lose my licence or wrap my self around a tree.

The guys at M&W in Brisbane let me take out a bunch of bikes on the weekend which was very enlighting.  I tried a fat bob, fat boy, street bob, breakout and softtail standard, deluxe and slim.

I can say not a fan of the 240mm rear tyres; though they look totally awesome.  Just to much effort to through the bike around compared to the other.  The Dynas were nice but the soft tails were a certainly more relaxing ride, smoother and better damped.

So onto my question.  I thought the pick of the bikes was the soft tail slim.  Can anyone offer advise, good, bad ot otherwise if I buy one and from looking at bike sales I should be able to pick one up for low $20's.  Thoughts..............

Craig, now that you've riden them once, go back and ride them again. Sit on them for some time to get a feel.

You'll get a lot opinions, but only you can decide what bike suits you, your riding style and what you want to do, local, weekend or distance riding.

Happy hunting and decision making.

You liked the softail slim. Reckon that about sums it up.

I agree that the fat backwheels may look cool but for ride-ability they leave a bit to be desired.

At least you have tried a few different ones.

A mate gave me a ride on his 07 night train, I thought it was great and went out and bought a new 08 Softail standard not knowing much(if anything) about the other models.

Sometimes I wish I had bought a fatbob cause I like the 130mm front wheel and most of all the TWIN DISC front end. However after riding one I realise they are harder on the potholes than the larger wheeled standards. And there are lots of potholes round here.

Guess you gotta get what suits you best. If there was a perfect one everybody would have it.

 

 

Thanks for the comments. If I would buy on looks alone it would be the breakout or rocker. The tourers are very cool but not my cup of tea. I must say some of the sound systems on the tourers were very cool. I remember growing and always hearing about fatboys. The one I rode was a bit rough and rode rough. Very disappointing.

I want something with old school cool and just something I can jump on and relax to distress after work or go for a run around the mountains with some lean angle to enjoy some casual corners. Even riding some of the bike son the weekend I was scaping the pegs through the ICB. Not good.

The slim and the fat bob seemed to be the pick of what I rode but slim was smoother having the counter balanced engine and a smoother ride. Does it have a longer wheelbase and more rake to make it less nervous?

Are there any issues with HD engine or km's I should be concerned about with major servicing?

Get an older FXR Evo mate. ( If you can find one.) You can travel with them, they handle most probably the best and dont look like a big tourer.

Money you save over a new bike?,you can spend on high quality maintenance.