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[flibb]

I know I've seen it hundreds of times but i always liked my bat wings but wholly sh.. it rides so much better and the wind really doesn't affect it nearly as much .. so i say I'm going to the dark side .. lol   

my ride today .



really just nice

[GregKhougaz]

Some acquire wisdom faster than others, grasshopper.  Congratulations!   

[Jbbrown73]

Want a nice ride on the highway at high speed, stable..... shark!  Want to look good, ease of operating radio and reading guagues..... bat!

[flibb]

Want a nice ride on the highway at high speed, stable..... shark!  Want to look good, ease of operating radio and reading guagues..... bat!

lol agree after 150 miles lol

[FLH91]

Welcome to the "Shark" side.

[Ozoneman]

Welcome to the Shark Tank.

[DesertHOG]

You have great taste in Motorcycles my friend!

[flibb]

ty why they sell the bat i don't know
lol
im not kidding though they need to ride one so nice.  I never thought it

[doublerunner]

I did the same thing earlier this year. Nice bike

[DesertHOG]

Those Burgundy Blaze are starting to multiple x3 .. way to go guys!

Simon

[YELLOWBIRD]

There's a reason why the SHARK is at the top of the food chain!

Welcome to the Tank!



YB

[cyril]

I've owned 5 bats to date 1 shark both rode well , but IMO the bat keeps off the rain better it did fir me anyway if you are lucky enough to have wall to wall sunshine I guess either way is fine.

[flibb]

I've owned 5 bats to date 1 shark both rode well , but IMO the bat keeps off the rain better it did fir me anyway if you are lucky enough to have wall to wall sunshine I guess either way is fine.

lol yep haven't been in the rain yet but I don't live in England where it rains every day.  I live in Texas yes wall to wall sunshine most of the year.  Ive had 4 bats  1 rocker and 1 fatboy.  None of which block to much rain.  So Ill just close the vents if it rains and hope for the best..  I just like I can see when I ride my head is not buffeting so bad i need a 20 inch windscreen  to let me see.  Lol not that bad but all my bats I've had to replace the screen.  This one I don't.  PS just messing with you

[flibb]

oh id have a bat 14 cvo limited if it  didn't need so many parts after 1000 miles and 2 months.
  Including engine you can see that story in limited section.

sorry I'm not bitter lol   

[flibb]

this is so nice though not sure you had a 15 rg but nice.  LOL and I think its y'alls huge license plates that causes a lot of the problem with the  rain not aero dynamic. 

[FLSTFI Dave]

Want a nice ride on the highway at high speed, stable..... shark!  Want to look good, ease of operating radio and reading guagues..... bat!

Which is why I did not see a single road glide going to or from Biketoberfest on a Trailer.  Saw hundreds of bats on a trailer.  Matter of fact, I guess most just want to look good, so they trailer.  Way more bikes trailered to Daytona and back than road.  It was perfect weather for the ride!

[ultrarider123]

I'm a bat person.  Had 'em for years and feel comfortable down that road.  Nothing wrong with the shark, just not my cup'a tea.

Dave, as for the bikes on trailers, I passed MANY headed South as I was heading North a couple weekends ago.  I did see a few traveling the way God meant for bikes to travel but mostly trailers.  I've got a t-shirt from Sturgis '96 "If you see my bike on a trailer, call 911.  It's stolen".  I also like the one "I rode my bike to trailer week".
All in good fun but IMO, the entire purpose of attending a rally/event is the journey to and from said event.  The sun, rain, storms, warm and cold weather.  While saying this, I also understand some can't ride or don't have the time to ride down and a trailer may be the only option.  Whatever works I guess.....

[cyril]

 lol yep haven't been in the rain yet but I don't live in England where it rains every day.

Oh really Flibb, it only rained 4 days last week !!!! 

[flibb]

lol yep haven't been in the rain yet but I don't live in England where it rains every day.

Oh really Flibb, it only rained 4 days last week !!!! 
[/quote

lmao i go to europe all the time i know .     just messing with you anyway

[FLSTFI Dave]

I'm a bat person.  Had 'em for years and feel comfortable down that road.  Nothing wrong with the shark, just not my cup'a tea.

Dave, as for the bikes on trailers, I passed MANY headed South as I was heading North a couple weekends ago.  I did see a few traveling the way God meant for bikes to travel but mostly trailers.  I've got a t-shirt from Sturgis '96 "If you see my bike on a trailer, call 911.  It's stolen".  I also like the one "I rode my bike to trailer week".
All in good fun but IMO, the entire purpose of attending a rally/event is the journey to and from said event.  The sun, rain, storms, warm and cold weather.  While saying this, I also understand some can't ride or don't have the time to ride down and a trailer may be the only option.  Whatever works I guess.....

I have a 2010 Sturigs, I rode mine, a 2005 Sturgis trailers are for Pussy's and I want one made due to my wife's reply to a guy at Sturgis this year.  He saw her TN Tags and asked if she trailer our, my wife's reply "Trailers are for Boats" 

For me the even is as much about the ride there and back as the event.

[Jswerve]

The ol if you trailer your bike you're a pussy debate again. 

I rode 3800 miles round trip this summer to the Smokies and back. I had to fly my wife in or we'd have had to ride 2 600 mile days down and been limited to 3 days of riding there then 2 hard days home. She flew home after that I drove the bike home.

My wife has 4 weeks of vacation but is only allowed to take 1 at a time. Flying her in every time is not practical. We will be purchasing a trailer and driving pulling the bike straight through. This will allow us to avoid her having to fly and me taking off 2 weeks to her one.

Guess we won't be true bikers any more. I'm over it.

[ultrarider123]

The ol if you trailer your bike you're a pussy debate again. 
I rode 3800 miles round trip this summer to the Smokies and back. I had to fly my wife in or we'd have had to ride 2 600 mile days down and been limited to 3 days of riding there then 2 hard days home. She flew home after that I drove the bike home.
My wife has 4 weeks of vacation but is only allowed to take 1 at a time. Flying her in every time is not practical. We will be purchasing a trailer and driving pulling the bike straight through. This will allow us to avoid her having to fly and me taking off 2 weeks to her one.
Guess we won't be true bikers any more. I'm over it.

Come on Jesse....nothing was meant to upset the folks that choose or have to trailer.  Most of us (me included) don't have all kinds of vacation.  When we head to Sturgis (or parts greater than 1,000 miles away) we have to blast out and back so we have time for the event.  Some don't want to do that again (or have blasted so many times, the corn in Iowa or the hog farms in Minnesota all look the same after a while) so trailering get's you there faster to enjoy the event longer.
My personal opinion and I've stated it numerous times is whatever you have to do is your choice.  Is there a trailer in my future?  Don't know.  However, if I do make that choice at some point, I'll do it with pride and enjoy.  Be concerned with the sticks and stones part of the rhyme, Jesse.  Dem words don't mean diddly.....

Another thought:  In these days of massive overcharging for rooms/accommodations for an event and you have a camper and/or trailer, it makes sense to take your room with you and save some coin.  $400/night for a room at the 20 year old Super 8 is robbery.

[FLSTFI Dave]

The ol if you trailer your bike you're a pussy debate again. 

I rode 3800 miles round trip this summer to the Smokies and back. I had to fly my wife in or we'd have had to ride 2 600 mile days down and been limited to 3 days of riding there then 2 hard days home. She flew home after that I drove the bike home.

My wife has 4 weeks of vacation but is only allowed to take 1 at a time. Flying her in every time is not practical. We will be purchasing a trailer and driving pulling the bike straight through. This will allow us to avoid her having to fly and me taking off 2 weeks to her one.

Guess we won't be true bikers any more. I'm over it.

I was not insulting any one.  I was commenting I have that shirt.  Most folks will not ride two 750 plus mile days back to back.  The ones I do laugh at are the ones that trailer 300 miles or less to a event.  Two years ago, two guys trailer ultra classics from Jackosnivlle FL to Daytona,  90 miles is not even a good afternoon ride. 

[Jswerve]

Howard it was aimed at a general assumption by some people that if you trailer you just don't belong on a bike.

You don't know everyone's circumstances. I've done plenty of saddle time. I agree the trip there and back can be great but when I was stuck in a severe thunderstorm in Tennessee there was nothing great about that. When my bike broke down in Indiana 600 miles from home, nothing great about it. And riding without my life partner sucked as well.

For the western g2g we have to travel 1000 miles. We have 7 days. I'd like to drive straight through. I think a trailer is more practical in our situation which won't change any time soon. Wife is management and that's policy unfortunately.

Jesse

[ultrarider123]

Wife is management and that's policy unfortunately.
Jesse

That's funny, my wife is management, too.........

Sorry, couldn't resist that one, brother

[Jswerve]

I was not insulting any one.  I was commenting I have that shirt.  Most folks will not ride two 750 plus mile days back to back.  The ones I do laugh at are the ones that trailer 300 miles or less to a event.  Two years ago, two guys trailer ultra classics from Jackosnivlle FL to Daytona,  90 miles is not even a good afternoon ride.

My boss trailers to everything.  He gets less than 1000 miles a season on his bike. This is completely different than our situation and what I'd call poser material.  We often joke about it at work.

Jesse

[Jswerve]

That's funny, my wife is management, too.........

Sorry, couldn't resist that one, brother

Aren't they all Howard?

[ultrarider123]

Just thought of something (and back to the original topic of this thread).  If I wanted a fixed faring bike, I'd buy a Honda.  Wait, I did...bought at 2002 1800 first year the 1800 came out.  Really liked the bike but did NOT like the fixed faring.  Had a good, southerly "breeze" all across TN/OK/TX/NM and AZ.  I was comfortable but it felt like I fought that bike the entire way.  Yes it was a stiff wind but still.  I've had that kind of wind across MN/IA/SD numerous times on a bat and didn't feel as uncomfortable handling it as I did on the 'Wing.
It was a great bike, just not something I liked.  I know we are apples and oranges here with the 'wing and RG but the principle is the same.
Others will say the complete opposite....not a problem.  It's what we come to be comfortable with.  I'm comfortable being a dapper dan bat-man

[Jswerve]

I'm a bat guy too. Everything feels so far away on the rg.

[Robmay]

I've had plenty of both. My 2007 RG was the best riding bike I ever owned until my 15. My 2011 RG ultra rode way worse wind wise than any bike I ever owned and I have a half dozen windshields in the attic from trying to "fix" it.

The 2015 CVO RG Ultra is by far the best bike I have ever owned. I still may have to roll the bars forward some, but I am getting accustomed to the stock position. Jury still out on that and the heat. The radio is super easy to operate from the bars after an adjustment period. Wind whether vents are opened or closed is nice and smooth.

I think when the frame/tank/nose changes to the RG came about in 2009, it changed the dynamics of the wind on the bike. That was my experience anyway.

[ultrafxr]

I've had plenty of both. My 2007 RG was the best riding bike I ever owned until my 15. My 2011 RG ultra rode way worse wind wise than any bike I ever owned and I have a half dozen windshields in the attic from trying to "fix" it.

The 2015 CVO RG Ultra is by far the best bike I have ever owned. I still may have to roll the bars forward some, but I am getting accustomed to the stock position. Jury still out on that and the heat. The radio is super easy to operate from the bars after an adjustment period. Wind whether vents are opened or closed is nice and smooth.

I think when the frame/tank/nose changes to the RG came about in 2009, it changed the dynamics of the wind on the bike. That was my experience anyway.

Thank you Rob May.  That is precisely why I kept my '11 RUSE for only 13 months and 18k.  My co-rider hated it because of all the wind that got to her.  And on me it was way, way hotter than a bat.  I know I could remove the lowers but that just adds even more wind to contend with.  Wind is exhausting on long trips.  Glad to hear the '15 is much improve.  It needed to be imo.

[FlaHeatWave]

'Have both the Bat and the Shark ('05 SEEG / '09 SERG) I know the frames are different, but I've had both bikes to the 4 Corners and all points in between.   

The Bat is much more nimble at lower speeds, parking lots, Eastern Twisties. The low speed turn-in is effortless. You don't see too many Sharks at Motormen Competitions... Hi-Speed Stability is fine, never had any kind of "bagger wobble" at any speeds conditions, even in sweepers at 90 with no hands. The aero is fine, (10" standard type windshield) wind hits my forehead (6'4") the bike pulls past 120 without running into a wall of air ~stock 103, it did (run into a wall at 110) with a taller windshield that I had on the bike for awhile. The '05 came with the dog dish and vented lowers.

The Shark really shines on top. It can be turned aggressively at lower speeds (Eastern Twisties), just requires more effort, it is more ponderous in the parking lot. The Hi-Speed Stability / aero of the Shark is without equal in the Harley world (once we installed the 12" WindSplitter, Flaps, GADS Lower Triple Tree Deflector, Vented Lowers and '10 & later Brackets ~ it was a buffeting nightmare in stock trim). Nothing but clean air at any speed, no buffeting, with or without a helmet, the only bike I have ever ridden that I can smoke a cig comfortably on the Interstate. 'Have not run into a wall of air yet (at 4k+ rpm), maybe the 117 has something to do with that The Shark is easier in cross winds, to me, the faster you go, the more stable it is, cross winds at lower speeds they are about the same.

Both bikes have Chopped Tour Paks.

The aero on either bike doesn't change with "The Ball & Chain" aboard, and she is fine with either (once we got the Shark figured out).

Rain protection is about the same for me on both, my knees / upper shins are the first to get wet (34" inseam).

JMHO, your results may vary...

It's good to have choices...

On the trailer thing, if logistics / time doesn't make sense, than trailer (or fly and ride for that matter) is the way to go... Last year we ran across 3 couples on the West Coast, from Oregon down to NorCal, we were leapfrogging and finally got to meet them at a scenic pull over, they were from PA, (2 owned Harley Dealerships) and have been taking motorcycle vacations together for years, and fly & ride is the way they go, because of limited vacation time ~ it made perfect sense to us!

Sometimes life just gets in the way...

The thing about trailering 2 baggers from Jax to Daytona is still got me scratching my head  especially when the ride from Ponte Vedra to Daytona on A1A is one of my top 5 rides in Florida.       

[Jswerve]

A lot of people are doing what's called chaptering now. Rider mag did an article on it. If you have 2 bikes it really makes sense. Here is a link... http://www.ridermagazine.com/travel-features/motorcycle-travel-by-chaptering.htm/


Also, for me anyway, it just makes sense to trailer anything over 650 or so miles. The wife and I will burn up to 650 in a day without issue but if the trip is longer then that we feel we are missing out on valuable time we could be riding in the destination. This is due to the 7 day limit. It's nice to have a down day when you get home so really you only have 6 days. In order to squeeze the most premium riding in, we feel that trailering anything over this 650ish limit is the best way to go.

I do find it comical as well when ppl trailer to an event a cpl hours away but that's just me. Maybe, like us, they have a valid reason.

[jpswino]

Not two weeks after getting mine this year I trailered the bike. People laughed. But it was 1050 miles in one direction to get down to Locust Grove, OK where I met friends and later rode over to Bikes, Blues and Barbecue in Fayetteville, AK. Rode all kinds of twisties while down there and loaded back up for the run home. I would never had been able to enjoy the amount of time down there had I ridden both ways. FAR BETTER choice.

I'm uncertain of my limit for using the trailer with this bike. Probably as mentioned, maybe around 600 miles makes sense to me. Most of my friends are under 500 miles away and is one of the main reasons for buying this bike, so I can ride to meet them instead of trailering! 

[Jswerve]

Not two weeks after getting mine this year I trailered the bike. People laughed. But it was 1050 miles in one direction to get down to Locust Grove, OK where I met friends and later rode over to Bikes, Blues and Barbecue in Fayetteville, AK. Rode all kinds of twisties while down there and loaded back up for the run home. I would never had been able to enjoy the amount of time down there had I ridden both ways. FAR BETTER choice.

I'm uncertain of my limit for using the trailer with this bike. Probably as mentioned, maybe around 600 miles makes sense to me. Most of my friends are under 500 miles away and is one of the main reasons for buying this bike, so I can ride to meet them instead of trailering! 

See! Short on time. Makes sense right?

[FLSTFI Dave]

My boss trailers to everything.  He gets less than 1000 miles a season on his bike. This is completely different than our situation and what I'd call poser material.  We often joke about it at work.

Jesse

I will agree full on this.  I also understand due long distance and short vacation the need to trailer.  Now this year the 100% perfect weather ride to and from Daytona will not be remembered in near the detail as the ride that was 520 miles in the rain on the way down to daytona, with the rain stopping in FL for the last 100 miles, and then the ride home the rain started in Tifton for the remaining 380 miles home, down pours that traffic was moving 35 mph.  That ride I will remember forever.

[FLSTFI Dave]

The Bat is much more nimble at lower speeds, parking lots, Eastern Twisties. The low speed turn-in is effortless. You don't see too many Sharks at Motormen Competitions... Hi-Speed Stability is fine, never had any kind of "bagger wobble" at any speeds conditions, even in sweepers at 90 with no hands. The aero is fine, (10" standard type windshield) wind hits my forehead (6'4") the bike pulls past 120 without running into a wall of air ~stock 103, it did (run into a wall at 110) with a taller windshield that I had on the bike for awhile. The '05 came with the dog dish and vented lowers.

The Shark really shines on top. It can be turned aggressively at lower speeds (Eastern Twisties), just requires more effort, it is more ponderous in the parking lot. The Hi-Speed Stability / aero of the Shark is without equal in the Harley world (once we installed the 12" WindSplitter, Flaps, GADS Lower Triple Tree Deflector, Vented Lowers and '10 & later Brackets ~ it was a buffeting nightmare in stock trim). Nothing but clean air at any speed, no buffeting, with or without a helmet, the only bike I have ever ridden that I can smoke a cig comfortably on the Interstate. 'Have not run into a wall of air yet (at 4k+ rpm), maybe the 117 has something to do with that The Shark is easier in cross winds, to me, the faster you go, the more stable it is, cross winds at lower speeds they are about the same.

The thing about trailering 2 baggers from Jax to Daytona is still got me scratching my head  especially when the ride from Ponte Vedra to Daytona on A1A is one of my top 5 rides in Florida.       

Interesting on two different views about the bikes in parking lots.  I have always felt the shark was easier at slow speed in a parking lot, no weight shift and less effort to push the bars.  The easter tight twists in TN where I live I feel that is one place the shark really shines, so much easier to run the curves hard.

My wife hated riding the 09 Road Glide CVO I had, she also hated riding the 12 CVO Road glide.  She said they were just uncomfortable for her to reach the ground, to reach the bars and so on.  She has had an 11 and a 13 Street Glides, she put over 44K on each of those bikes.   See demoed the 15 Road glide in Sturgis, and said it was comfortable.  So she demoed it again at home for a lot more miles.  She is now on a 15 Road Glide Special.

She does not like the looks of any road glide.  Her reason for the switch was it was less work on her neck and shoulders in the tight curves, and in parking lots.  I can after a 500 or 600 mile day see she is riding this bike much better in the curves than she was her street glide.  At the start of the day she rides them both the same.


I sure agree with on on the A1A ride.  We on the way to Daytona usually take two days, back roads to Waycross, spend the night then back roads to Jacksonville and A1A in to Ormond Beach just for that ride.  Love US 1 through the Keys also.

[FlaHeatWave]

Interesting on two different views about the bikes in parking lots.  I have always felt the shark was easier at slow speed in a parking lot, no weight shift and less effort to push the bars.  The easter tight twists in TN where I live I feel that is one place the shark really shines, so much easier to run the curves hard

My wife hated riding the 09 Road Glide CVO I had, she also hated riding the 12 CVO Road glide.  She said they were just uncomfortable for her to reach the ground, to reach the bars and so on.  She has had an 11 and a 13 Street Glides, she put over 44K on each of those bikes.   See demoed the 15 Road glide in Sturgis, and said it was comfortable.  So she demoed it again at home for a lot more miles.  She is now on a 15 Road Glide Special.

She does not like the looks of any road glide.  Her reason for the switch was it was less work on her neck and shoulders in the tight curves, and in parking lots.  I can after a 500 or 600 mile day see she is riding this bike much better in the curves than she was her street glide.  At the start of the day she rides them both the same.


I sure agree with on on the A1A ride.  We on the way to Daytona usually take two days, back roads to Waycross, spend the night then back roads to Jacksonville and A1A in to Ormond Beach just for that ride.  Love US 1 through the Keys also.

Maybe it's old vs new frame? 16 vs 18 tires? The '05 lowered F&R from the factory vs the '09 just the rear? Maybe it's just me my size (center of gravity) on either of these particular bikes? The steering feel of the '05 Bat has always had a much lighter feel for me than the '09 Shark.

We all know how every HD has its "own little personality", even same year, same model...

US 1 in the Keys is probably my favorite! Even though 41 Tamiami Trail is pretty much straight as an arrow, we really enjoy the wildlife (gators).

Your Wife got miles

[BigLew55]

...
Also, for me anyway, it just makes sense to trailer anything over 650 or so miles. The wife and I will burn up to 650 in a day without issue but if the trip is longer then that we feel we are missing out on valuable time we could be riding in the destination. This is due to the 7 day limit. It's nice to have a down day when you get home so really you only have 6 days. In order to squeeze the most premium riding in, we feel that trailering anything over this 650ish limit is the best way to go.
...

I never understood this mentality?  If I can drive, I can ride. 

Only times I trailer:
1. Taking family to a destination (In-Laws in Florida), and do separate things.  (they like to sit around  pool, I don't)  It's hard to get 5 people on a bike.  So we trailer and I get in a few days of riding during the off-season.
2. Weather.  Living in Iowa, I would like to go to Daytona Bike week and March weather is too unpredictable sometimes.
3. Bike won't run.

[FlaHeatWave]

I never understood this mentality?  If I can drive, I can ride. 

Only times I trailer:
1. Taking family to a destination (In-Laws in Florida), and do separate things.  (they like to sit around  pool, I don't)  It's hard to get 5 people on a bike.  So we trailer and I get in a few days of riding during the off-season.
2. Weather.  Living in Iowa, I would like to go to Daytona Bike week and March weather is too unpredictable sometimes.
3. Bike won't run.

I understand Jswerve's (and the 3 couples that I posted about earlier) "mentality" completely.

Especially when the riding circle / radius from home (weekend or long weekend) has been played out and one (or a couple) wants to experience riding destinations that are half way+ across the Continent, and time is not available to ride too and from. Not everybody can take 3 months out of their lives to tour the West like "The Ball & Chain" and I did last year, or take a month to go to Laconia or Sturgis...  We usually take a month or so Dive Trip to the Keys each year and ride the '05 SEEG down and rent gear, now that we have all our own gear, including Tanks, we will probably throw a bike in the back of the pickup so that we can enjoy all our own stuff. Some of our crew (believe me, they are about as hard core riders as there is ~ they have nothing to prove) from this area will trailer to Sturgis and swap off driving so that they can get there in 24-30 hours as opposed to 3 days up, 3 days back, since they have limited time to get away, and want to enjoy the time riding at their destination.

Like I posted earlier "Sometimes the life thing just gets in the way"...

BigLew55, I understand why you trailer on some occasions, you stated your reasons, others have theirs...

Now let's get back to The Shark vs The Bat... LOL!

 

[BigLew55]

Now let's get back to The Shark vs The Bat... LOL!

Sorry!  Both of these dead horses have been beaten beyond recognition!

Had a 2003 Shark.  Best mod I ever did was to convert it to a bat.  BSR won't hardly let me say "Road Glide" anymore. 

[flibb]

lol I've seen these posts forever   i agree beating a dead horse. being my first shark  just saying the 15  is nice thats all.  Lol wasn't a shark vs bat thread like i posted in the subject.    well didn't mean it to be

[FlaHeatWave]

being my first shark  just saying the 15  is nice thats all.  Lol wasn't a shark vs bat thread like i posted in the subject.    well didn't mean it to be

I for one, didn't take it (the vs part) with any animosity. 'Just posted (reply 31) my take on the bikes that I own, the similarities / differences.

'Love 'em both, if I had to give up one or the other, it would be a tough choice for me...

'Having not ridden one (yet), the '15 CVO RGU looks to be badass to me!

Congrats on your (y'alls) new scoots 

 

[flibb]

thanks and you know the truth i would have never ridden a shark except for the problems i had with my limited.  thought it was time to try something else.  I was just saying I have seen all these posts but I like the shark.   Yep big front end .  But I'm happy .   

[gstrickland]

it's "Shark Week" every week at my house, had em all, fatboys, dyna's, RK's, Ultra's, it all comes down to what you feel is best for your riding style. Not everyone goes into Starbucks and orders a "no mocha, 180 degree, big fluff, extra cinnamon" latte...

[Jswerve]

I never understood this mentality?  If I can drive, I can ride. 

Perhaps you missed some important text in my original post? We have 7 days max for any vacation we take no matter what due to my wife's job. So, being that you are from Iowa I am a bit shocked that you wouldn't understand why we would want to spend 2 days riding 500 miles in unpredictable conditions only to spend 2 or 3 days in the destination area doing what I consider the real riding and then turning right back around and running 2 500+ mile days to get home. You know as well as any of us that when you drive through Iowa to Colorado there is absolutely NOTHING to look at until you are a solid 2-3 hours into western CO. Nebraska? Kansas? NO THANKS...

I have never owned a trailer or trailered to any event. With all of these G2G's coming up and most being at least 1K from Iowa I think it's a no brainer. I am letting it die now, as you said beating a dead horse.

Jesse

[porthole]

I have never owned a trailer or trailered to any event. With all of these G2G's coming up and most being at least 1K from Iowa I think it's a no brainer. I am letting it die now, as you said beating a dead horse.

Trailered to our first CVO GTG, the 06 MV GTG.
Trailered to the 1st New River Gorge GTG
And there are several other non CVO events that were trailered.

And that doesn't include any of the toy hauler camp trips.

When my wife wants to go - the trailer goes. She is only good for a hundred miles or so. And the high speed non stop highway riding just doesn't cut it with her.

When you have had multiple back and spine surgeries, your life changes.

BTW Jessee, I haven't been to a CVO event yet that didn't have a nice selection of trailers to ogle over. And not all of them were pulled behind the bikes.

[Jswerve]

Trailered to our first CVO GTG, the 06 MV GTG.
Trailered to the 1st New River Gorge GTG
And there are several other non CVO events that were trailered.

And that doesn't include any of the toy hauler camp trips.

When my wife wants to go - the trailer goes. She is only good for a hundred miles or so. And the high speed non stop highway riding just doesn't cut it with her.

When you have had multiple back and spine surgeries, your life changes.

BTW Jessee, I haven't been to a CVO event yet that didn't have a nice selection of trailers to ogle over. And not tall of them were pulled behind the bikes.

Well then, that settles that Duane lol. I'm a little sad about all the great riding I am missing the first 500 miles though 

[flibb]

lol I know i started it but how the h.. did this turn into a trailer or not trailer..   Im fine with it all I'm just laughing and thats why I'm here. i don't trailer anywhere but if i wanted to i could who cares.   I go to the ROT rally in Austin every year i don't even bring a bike lol.   just ride around in golf cart drinking cold ones.  very fun

[porthole]

I trailer my golf cart everywhere 

[DesertHOG]

lol I know i started it but how the h.. did this turn into a trailer or not trailer..   Im fine with it all I'm just laughing and thats why I'm here. i don't trailer anywhere but if i wanted to i could who cares.   I go to the ROT rally in Austin every year i don't even bring a bike lol.   just ride around in golf cart drinking cold ones.  very fun

I don't know, seems to be the hot topic these days. I was in another message thread and it got turned into a trailer debate too. Maybe we need a non-CVO section related to Motorcycle Trailers.
 

[Jswerve]

I trailer my golf cart everywhere 

Lmao

[fastfreddy]

for me...SHARK....and its been on a trailer twice...cause it was SNOWING 

[BigLew55]

My real point is: What's the difference between driving 1000 miles or riding 1000 miles?  Scenery is the same but my bike gets 40 mpg but a trailer rig gets 15.

[Jswerve]

My real point is: What's the difference between driving 1000 miles or riding 1000 miles?  Scenery is the same but my bike gets 40 mpg but a trailer rig gets 15.

I don't have to ride my bike 1000 miles straight through which requires night riding. We avoid riding at night unless we absolutely have to. Also my wife can drive and give me a break, that's the point. There in 1 day instead of 2. Home in 1 day instead of 2. That's 2 more days of riding the bike in the mountains vs Kansas or Nebraska.

Maybe you like riding in Kansas and Nebraska. I'd prefer the mountains myself.

At the end of the day I don't get why people care. I paid for the bike I'm going to do it my way just as I'd expect the rest of you to do.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Maybe it's old vs new frame? 16 vs 18 tires? The '05 lowered F&R from the factory vs the '09 just the rear? Maybe it's just me my size (center of gravity) on either of these particular bikes? The steering feel of the '05 Bat has always had a much lighter feel for me than the '09 Shark.

We all know how every HD has its "own little personality", even same year, same model...

US 1 in the Keys is probably my favorite! Even though 41 Tamiami Trail is pretty much straight as an arrow, we really enjoy the wildlife (gators).

Your Wife got miles

They do, as all three of my CVO Road glides have had a slightly different feel and the 15 is a lot different than the 12 was. 

Each year we ride to the Keys, we go across by the Tamiami trail.  My wife's very first long ride on a bike was to Key West.  She did it on a 07 883 low, 7 weeks after she got her Motorcycle enforcement and learned to ride.  We been down many times since.

She got her enforcement in April 2007.  She has over 210,000 miles under her now.  She has no issues ride 600~700 miles a day.  This year we road the 1500 plus miles home from Sturgis in two days.

[BigLew55]

In reading this through today, I may have gotten a little too serious.  Sorry for that.  I usually approach this with a "Bust your chops" approach because in the end, it's your money, time, and ride.

But I'm often misunderstood.

Hell, I rode 1500 miles in a day this summer because I didn't want to waste a whole weeks worth of vacation and not get any riding in.  Rationalize that!
 

[porthole]

Hell, I rode 1500 miles in a day this summer because I didn't want to waste a whole weeks worth of vacation and not get any riding in. 

With a passenger?

[Jswerve]

In reading this through today, I may have gotten a little too serious.  Sorry for that.  I usually approach this with a "Bust your chops" approach because in the end, it's your money, time, and ride.

But I'm often misunderstood.

Hell, I rode 1500 miles in a day this summer because I didn't want to waste a whole weeks worth of vacation and not get any riding in.  Rationalize that!
 

Understand.  Was your wife on the back seat though?

[BigLew55]

Understand.  Was your wife on the back seat though?

She's made >800 miles days.  I think she could do as much on a bike as you can in a car with a trailer.

[SBB]

She's made >800 miles days.  I think she could do as much on a bike as you can in a car with a trailer.

Now that's funny!

SBB

[Jswerve]

She's made >800 miles days.  I think she could do as much on a bike as you can in a car with a trailer.

Well is she available? Tell her to pack her bags in June and she can ride behind me.

[BigLew55]

Well is she available? Tell her to pack her bags in June and she can ride behind me.

You'll have to keep up!

[Jswerve]

You'll have to keep up!

Why don't you and the wife jump on your bike and ride with us. Chip can make you guys a trophy for show casing your willingness to ride your bike a few hundred miles longer than others. You could spend the whole time in Colorado beating on your chest about it while we go out and enjoy the scenery 

[fastfreddy]

Sharks love the water by the way

[FlaHeatWave]

Sharks love the water by the way

FAST,

That old TourGlide in the background (with the Craig Vetter fairing)is awesome!!!
Do you know what year it is??

[fastfreddy]

Nope, I just noticed it, that was take at some leather shop in the hills this year, that was the first day of seven we got wet... Loved every minute of it too

[BigLew55]

Why don't you and the wife jump on your bike and ride with us. Chip can make you guys a trophy for show casing your willingness to ride your bike a few hundred miles longer than others. You could spend the whole time in Colorado beating on your chest about it while we go out and enjoy the scenery 

Or we could trailer out with you while we talk about how badass we are for owning motorcycles and matching trailers! 

[Jswerve]

Or we could trailer out with you while we talk about how badass we are for owning motorcycles and matching trailers! 

Lmao. OK this sounds like the best solution.

[porthole]

She's made >800 miles days.  I think she could do as much on a bike as you can in a car with a trailer.

Yeah - but your bragging about doing 1500 miles days - did you have a passenger?

Not that I would care to even try a 1500 mile day, I certainly would not try it with a passenger. That kind of mileage is not fair to a back seat rider. Heck, 500 miles probably isn't fair.

Most I have ever done in a day was solo, in a truck with big fuel tanks, and that was 1200 miles, and I wouldn't do it again. Just isn't safe.

It sure is good to hear though you wife can do better then 800 miles days, my wife can't do 800 miles days in a car or truck. Really good day for her is 600 or so, and that is only since we got the Ford. With the GMC she was limited to 4-5 hours at a clip

Now this comment isn't meant to be mean or nasty, more so an observation, but after any back seat or front seat rider for that matter completes their 5th spinal surgery, with a minimum of 2 separate fusions, couple of carpal tunnel surgeries thrown in for good measure, I'll put my wife up against them on any ride they care to try. Odds are it won't be much more the 1-200 miles a day.

I'm really curious to the 1500 miles a day. I'm no math wizard but.......

Using round numbers
1500 miles at 40 MPG = 37 stops for fuel, * 10 minutes a stop = 370 minutes or 6 hours total just for fuel.
That leaves only 18 hours in a 24 hour period to ride - which is an average speed of



83 mph, for 1500 miles 

[FlaHeatWave]

Yeah - but your bragging about doing 1500 miles days - did you have a passenger?

Not that I would care to even try a 1500 mile day, I certainly would not try it with a passenger. That kind of mileage is not fair to a back seat rider. Heck, 500 miles probably isn't fair.

Most I have ever done in a day was solo, in a truck with big fuel tanks, and that was 1200 miles, and I wouldn't do it again. Just isn't safe.

It sure is good to hear though you wife can do better then 800 miles days, my wife can't do 800 miles days in a car or truck. Really good day for her is 600 or so, and that is only since we got the Ford. With the GMC she was limited to 4-5 hours at a clip

Now this comment isn't meant to be mean or nasty, more so an observation, but after any back seat or front seat rider for that matter completes their 5th spinal surgery, with a minimum of 2 separate fusions, couple of carpal tunnel surgeries thrown in for good measure, I'll put my wife up against them on any ride they care to try. Odds are it won't be much more the 1-200 miles a day.

I'm really curious to the 1500 miles a day. I'm no math wizard but.......

Using round numbers
1500 miles at 40 MPG = 37 stops for fuel, * 10 minutes a stop = 370 minutes or 6 hours total just for fuel.
That leaves only 18 hours in a 24 hour period to ride - which is an average speed of



83 mph, for 1500 miles 

I think your math is a little off...
1,500 mi divided by 200 miles per tank = 7.5 stops?
Say 2 hrs stop time, = 22hrs travel time = 68+ mph

[Jswerve]

I think your math is a little off...
1,500 mi divided by 200 miles per tank = 7.5 stops?
Say 2 hrs stop time, = 22hrs travel time = 68+ mph

Either way 22 hours in the saddle is silly. Opens up a lot of opportunity for fatigued related crashes IMO. We will stick to what works for us. 6-700 mile days when trying to make time to a destination and preferably 2-300 mile days when sight seeing. Others may choose to do different mileage, and we would encourage them to do what works for them and keeps them safe as well. 

[BigLew55]

I think your math is a little off...
1,500 mi divided by 200 miles per tank = 7.5 stops?
Say 2 hrs stop time, = 22hrs travel time = 68+ mph

Very close.

It was nine stops, and I took 23:02 (maybe :03?).  It was well planned, and it went smoothly.  I closely monitored my awareness levels, as well  as intake/excretion for the day.  I don't run with a RD, and I pretty much keep the cruise set at speed limit +9.  Cops have watched me go by for years like that.  Stops are pretty quick.  Gas, document, nature, and go.  The walking gets a little creative to try to work in some lunges, etc. I keep water, jerky and trail mix on the bike.

And no, there was no BSR.  I have been thinking of trying to talk her into a SS1000, though.

Wow, have we veered this thread off course! 

... silly.

Thought we were done with this?

[Jswerve]

Very close.

It was nine stops, and I took 23:02 (maybe :03?).  It was well planned, and it went smoothly.  I closely monitored my awareness levels, as well  as intake/excretion for the day.  I don't run with a RD, and I pretty much keep the cruise set at speed limit +9.  Cops have watched me go by for years like that.  Stops are pretty quick.  Gas, document, nature, and go.  The walking gets a little creative to try to work in some lunges, etc. I keep water, jerky and trail mix on the bike.

And no, there was no BSR.  I have been thinking of trying to talk her into a SS1000, though.

Wow, have we veered this thread off course! 
Thought we were done with this?

We are

So which bike do you prefer anyway on your million mile marathons? Shark or bat?

[BigLew55]

We are

So which bike do you prefer anyway on your million mile marathons? Shark or bat?

Short answer: Bat!

Long answer is a novel, but I had a 2003 FLTRI that I put a ton of stuff on, and went through umpteen windshields and a few seats before I had it converted to a bat.  WAY better bike for the second half of my ownership.

Also, all the stability and aerodynamics stuff?  Don't cut it.  I put 10K on it as a shark and 12K as a bat.  MPG was the same.  Didn't wobble any better or worse.  Only difference I noticed was a MUCH BETTER air pocket for me AND the BSR, with just a plain 10" (2" inches shorter than FLHT) windshield.

Stories of the benefits of a shark fall on deaf ears here (hear?).

I will probably test ride a FLTRU in some form just out of curiosity.  I really do like the distinctive look...

[Jswerve]

See back on course.

[porthole]

I think your math is a little off...
1,500 mi divided by 200 miles per tank = 7.5 stops?
Say 2 hrs stop time, = 22hrs travel time = 68+ mph

Yeah don't know what I was thinking 

[porthole]

So which bike do you prefer anyway on your million mile marathons? Shark or bat?

Having dona all day rides on a bat at 70-80 MPH I would sure like to try an all day ride on a RG to compare.
My short 20 mile road test on a 15 RG sure was enough to convince me to want to give it a try.

[BigLew55]

Having dona all day rides on a bat at 70-80 MPH I would sure like to try an all day ride on a RG to compare.
My short 20 mile road test on a 15 RG sure was enough to convince me to want to give it a try.

Like I said, I'm curious about the changes made to the '15s, but there isn't another bike in the 5 year plan, anyway.

I did a SS1000 (my first) on the 2003 described above as a shark, and I did a SS2000 as a bat, but I screwed up the documentation.

[lowflight]

I am late into this conversation, but that is rather normal for me. Clear which one I prefer. I always said I wouldn't own a bike with a fairing until I was 50 and I was late with that too. I didn't own a bat or shark prior so rented them both to see which I liked better. Rented each for 24 hours and rode each one around 900 miles. I never liked the look of the shark, but I own one now and am very happy with the choice.
I also end up trailering, bad back that sometimes makes it the only way I can get there and do some of the local rides. I did plenty of the Iron Butt rides back in the day when I was in my teens and twenties. My BSR hasn't ever complained about the wind on the Shark, but she normally rides her own but doesn't like do that on the longer hauls so we go two up.

[FLSTFI Dave]

I am late into this conversation, but that is rather normal for me. Clear which one I prefer. I always said I wouldn't own a bike with a fairing until I was 50 and I was late with that too. I didn't own a bat or shark prior so rented them both to see which I liked better. Rented each for 24 hours and rode each one around 900 miles. I never liked the look of the shark, but I own one now and am very happy with the choice.
I also end up trailering, bad back that sometimes makes it the only way I can get there and do some of the local rides. I did plenty of the Iron Butt rides back in the day when I was in my teens and twenties. My BSR hasn't ever complained about the wind on the Shark, but she normally rides her own but doesn't like do that on the longer hauls so we go two up.

The bold sums it up for me.  Swore I would never have one, just plain ugly.  On my 3rd CVO road glide, like the looks now.

Wife never liked the looks, still does not, however she owns one now and says it easier on a long day as less weight to push around on the bars due to fairing on frame.  I can see she does not fatigue as much on the Road Glide after 600 miles as she did on her street glide.