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flashbabe · 08-20-2009, 10:16 AM

I started riding 6 yrs ago on my first & only bike--a Honda Shadow 750 which my husband bought new for me because it was such an easy handling bike & the right size for me--I'm 5'3" & 125 lbs. I love the bike (great handling, fits me well & is comfortable, etc.). However, I always wanted a Harley (or Harley custom) bike. I'd like one fast enough to keep up with my husband who rides a Honda VTX 1800cc (too big for me), such as a 96cu in or 103 screamin eagle, but one I can ride comfortably. Any suggestions???

SmokeU · 08-20-2009, 10:24 AM

If you want a Harley that keeps up with a VTX1800 get a V-Rod or Buell. Otherwise they aren't exactly fast.

Buzglyd · 08-20-2009, 11:06 AM

A Vrod would be sweet and H-D even makes a peg-shortening kit to help you reach the forward controls.

Other than that, a nice Dyna with the 96" engine should have no problems keeping up unless he rides like a total maniac.

seruzawa · 08-20-2009, 11:06 AM

A Sportster 1200 will easily "keep up" with a VTX1800. The 1800 might had a slight staight line acceleration advantage but as soon as the road curves in any direction the Sporty will be laughing.

flashbabe · 08-22-2009, 05:48 PM

Thanks to all who answered me...I appreciate the input. I have another question: anyone out there that has actually ridden various Harleys/customs that could vouch for their performance/handling? Among some of the bikes I am considering (I have some time to think about it) are the Thunder Mountain Choppers (i.e., the "Firestone") or, as I mentioned before a used screamin' eagle fatboy. Now my husband wants me to consider the new Honda Fury...? Anyone out there with real experience riding any of these bikes?

newagetwotone · 08-22-2009, 06:16 PM

Don't listen to your husband.

Honestly, the first thing you should remember is don't listen to friends, family ect.

Your set on a cruiser right? How about the Triumph Speedmaster?

Triumph Motorcycles - Speedmaster

family member bought one last year and loves his and it doesnt look like every other harley-clone cruiser on the road.

As for the Honda Fury, this site did a review of it rather recently, check it out.

2010 Honda Fury Review - Motorcycle.com

Idk i looks like a big bike....too big(long) for my taste

seruzawa · 08-22-2009, 06:20 PM

Handling. Big Twins and Choppers by their very nature are not great handling bikes because of the weight and long wheelbases. From the viewpoint of sport riding, that is. On the other hand it's hard to find a factory bike any more that has treacherous handling characteristics. So it depends on what you want. If you want a more handy bike that has the chopper look you might be better off looking at the Triumph America over any of the V-twins.

sarnali2 · 08-23-2009, 06:53 AM

1200 Sporty or Speedmaster both should fit the bill, specially if you can find a 1200 Roadster version of the Sporty. Your hubby will be sticking you with that pig of a Honda and taking your bike

flashbabe · 08-24-2009, 05:53 PM

Thanks guys! Hey, is it true that the Dyna Low Rider is no longer being produced????

pplassm · 08-25-2009, 03:40 AM

How about that XR1200?

08-20-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
flashbabe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Which Harley is right for me? I started riding 6 yrs ago on my first & only bike--a Honda Shadow 750 which my husband bought new for me because it was such an easy handling bike & the right size for me--I'm 5'3" & 125 lbs. I love the bike (great handling, fits me well & is comfortable, etc.). However, I always wanted a Harley (or Harley custom) bike. I'd like one fast enough to keep up with my husband who rides a Honda VTX 1800cc (too big for me), such as a 96cu in or 103 screamin eagle, but one I can ride comfortably. Any suggestions???

08-20-2009, 11:06 AM	#3
Buzglyd Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 10,138	A Vrod would be sweet and H-D even makes a peg-shortening kit to help you reach the forward controls. Other than that, a nice Dyna with the 96" engine should have no problems keeping up unless he rides like a total maniac. __________________ Jay Leno: "President Obama released his tax returns. It turns out he made $900,000 less in 2011 than he did in 2010. You know what that means? Even Obama is doing worse under President Obama."

08-20-2009, 11:06 AM	#4
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	A Sportster 1200 will easily "keep up" with a VTX1800. The 1800 might had a slight staight line acceleration advantage but as soon as the road curves in any direction the Sporty will be laughing. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

08-22-2009, 05:48 PM	#5
flashbabe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Which Harley? Thanks to all who answered me...I appreciate the input. I have another question: anyone out there that has actually ridden various Harleys/customs that could vouch for their performance/handling? Among some of the bikes I am considering (I have some time to think about it) are the Thunder Mountain Choppers (i.e., the "Firestone") or, as I mentioned before a used screamin' eagle fatboy. Now my husband wants me to consider the new Honda Fury...? Anyone out there with real experience riding any of these bikes?

08-22-2009, 06:20 PM	#7
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Handling. Big Twins and Choppers by their very nature are not great handling bikes because of the weight and long wheelbases. From the viewpoint of sport riding, that is. On the other hand it's hard to find a factory bike any more that has treacherous handling characteristics. So it depends on what you want. If you want a more handy bike that has the chopper look you might be better off looking at the Triumph America over any of the V-twins. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

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08-20-2009, 10:24 AM	#2
SmokeU Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: pet**...pet...pet** Posts: 1,865	If you want a Harley that keeps up with a VTX1800 get a V-Rod or Buell. Otherwise they aren't exactly fast.

08-22-2009, 06:16 PM	#6
newagetwotone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,302	Don't listen to your husband. Honestly, the first thing you should remember is don't listen to friends, family ect. Your set on a cruiser right? How about the Triumph Speedmaster? Triumph Motorcycles - Speedmaster family member bought one last year and loves his and it doesnt look like every other harley-clone cruiser on the road. As for the Honda Fury, this site did a review of it rather recently, check it out. 2010 Honda Fury Review - Motorcycle.com Idk i looks like a big bike....too big(long) for my taste

08-23-2009, 06:53 AM	#8
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	1200 Sporty or Speedmaster both should fit the bill, specially if you can find a 1200 Roadster version of the Sporty. Your hubby will be sticking you with that pig of a Honda and taking your bike __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "

08-24-2009, 05:53 PM	#9
flashbabe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks guys! Hey, is it true that the Dyna Low Rider is no longer being produced????

08-25-2009, 03:40 AM	#10
pplassm Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,875	How about that XR1200? __________________ Mongo just pawn in game of life.