Yesterday a friend and I (he's currently riding a rather lovely CCM) took out a couple of Harleys, courtesy of the lovely guys over at Watford Harley-Davidson. It's immediately adjacent to North London Triumph and both dealerships are actually fantastic. Well done, Lind. Anyway, the bikes were a Sports Glide with a Stage 1 upgrade to its 1750cc 107 Milwaukee-Eight engine; and a Fat Bob, with an 1870cc 114 Milwaukee-Eight. Both were absolute beasts, though, with the kind of torque that literally has you hanging on for dear life when you give them a little more throttle than "normal". In fact, the upgraded 107 engine would have been boosted by about 10% and - if anything - delivered its power more smoothly than the standard 114. This was the first time I'd ever ridden a Harley, and whilst the Fat Bob did nothing really to enthuse me (nice bike, though) I was blown away by the Sports Glide... what a machine, albeit it's just been replaced by the Low Rider ST with it's 1920cc 117 engine. Getting back on the Tiger later in the day was a totally weird experience, and somewhat annoyingly I was struggling to find the rear brake lever for a few minutes (which genuinely felt like someone had actually moved it into a different position altogether). This morning, both my legs are really aching too
Glad you enjoyed the day, I'm sure the Sport Glide has a quick release fairing which is the first thing I'd do, it transforms the look of the the bike and imo it looks much better without it. the torque on the Harleys is one of the things i love about them too
learningtofly So we are all sorted now. You will have to remind me though as my memory is shot to pieces. Joe
Sport Glide is a great bike. I love mine. But, of course, HD discontinued it for 2022 and merged it with the Low Rider S. It may be a fine bike as well, but I'll be keeping my Sport Glide.
Actually, when they start their own threads they can be ignored very easily. however, there's a word for what they become when they pollute existing threads. Edit: I was talking about the scammers, but I'm pleased to see the [post I was specifically referring too has been removed!
Glad you enjoyed your maiden Harley voyage, @learningtofly! I haven't ridden a Sport Glide but have a riding buddy who had one for several years and loved it. But he just traded it in, along with a 2014 Street Glide, for a 2021 Street Glide Special. He also has a H-D Pan America which he's very happy with. He loved the Sport Glide but didn't want to have three bikes in the garage and an updated/upgraded Street Glide has been on his radar for some time as he likes to do some big touring miles in the summer. That Sport Glide fairing can easily be removed and reinstalled. And my friend put a bit taller windshield on his which he appreciated on windy days and/or at higher speeds. I've test ridden the Fat Bob and really enjoyed it. But not enough to own one, I guess. I'm not sure how long that model has to live--for 2022 they are only making it in two colors--the standard Vivid Black and a white color called White Sand Pearl.
Thanks Sandi. It's certainly opened my eyes to the whole Harley culture, and there's no question that the bikes are lovely. In fact, if I had a way to store another bike I'd definitely see one in my future.
I'm looking forward to seeing your new Harley one of these days (and which one you choose) once you figure out storage, @learningtofly!
Well, my friend picks up the Sports Glide later today, having paid for it earlier in the week and arranged for it to be de-chromed somewhat (with black engine cases and various other bits and bobs). Looks like we'll be having some interesting ride-outs once the weather picks up
