The ones you showed on the track were blowing my mind with how low the angle was. Almost looked like the sport bikes were running out there. They're nice but I gotta agree with @donwaltman4276 with the electronics. I'd ask you what do you think the best older ones would be a great alternative to us old school Gen-X enthusiasts? Thanks man and another great video, very thought provoking. Now my brain hurts, so thanks for that too, LOL! JK, have a great day man and keep 'er shiny side up!
My bagger is a 1994 Electra Glide. It is carbureted and does not have any of those traction aids, no ABS brakes, no gps, none of that high tech crap. It is my escape from my hi-tech over surveilled society.
Back in 69 my buddy and I were sitting on our BSA and Triumph bikes near the road when a 'bagger' went by. He said there goes a old man's bike. Now after riding these old mens bikes for the last few decades, my strength isn't what it used to be. My current 'geezer glide is an 883. which I'm having a blast riding.
Back in my day it took real men to ride those machines and they didn't cost 30k. We weren't competing by who had the flashiest or fastest motorcycle. We just enjoyed cruz'n.
I love my Heritage because it makes me feel more like biker. I can see the road right in front of my front wheel. I hated the 2021 Street Glide I had because it felt more like a 2 wheel car with a dashboard in front of me. And the weight was way too much up front. My dad rode a 1959 Pan Head Hydra-Glide. He also rode a Duo-Glide. I've been on Harley's ever since I was in diapers. I'm 70 years old now.
I had a ‘05 Road King, then sold it to a good friend. I bought a ‘17 Road King and couldn’t believe the difference in power and handling. The first time my wife road on the new bike, she couldn’t believe the ride comfort. When my friend and I go riding, he likes to jump from a roll, and I just smoke him due to the acceleration of the M8 motor. Btw, both bikes have stage 1 upgrades, and I replaced his cam tensioners last year. That bike has 65k miles, and not a single wear pattern on the cam or lifters. I always used synthetic oil and changed every 3k - 4k miles. Anyone thinking about getting a new bagger, if you travel very much, it’s worth the investment. Great channel Gixman!
Took me about 40 yrs of riding before I considered an HD. They seemed to get the sumping problems and oil transfer problems resolved in 2020, so I gave one a try. I like it so much, I now own two. Shame they didn't make them this well back in the 90s when you couldn't get a new one to save your soul. They finally get it right and nobody rides anymore...
Your right, they got them sorted and they aren't selling like they used to. They did get the oil sumping issue fixed in 2020 when they changed the oil pump design. It still happens but it's not as bad as it was.
I am mostly a touring rider. Way back when I was young I would take two week rides. I'm now 65, have some health issues, and usually ride no more than one or two days max. I have never owned a Harley bagger, but I have had a couple of Goldwings. I did not have them very long, simply because they did not work out for me. Aside from being way too smooth and quiet, I simply do not like a huge windshield and fairing in front of me. I don't even use a handlebar mounted windshield. For me, the whole purpose of riding a bike instead of driving a car is to be out in the wind, with nothing in front of you. I do wear a full face helmet. That is an unfortunate necessity. And I don't mean just in a crash. I have never crashed. But when you are riding 75-80 mph on a freeway, that wind will literally rip your face off. And I have been hit hard in the face shield by objects big enough to have caused me to crash, including a couple of large birds, had I not been wearing that helmet. The luggage on a bagger can certainly provide a place to carry stuff, but it is unnecessary. For me, a SuperGlide, FXR, or Dyna is the best touring bike. Put a sissy bar on it, you can strap a T Bag to both sides of that, and use a set of throwover leather saddle bags. You can strap a whole lot of stuff to such a bike, then remove it when you get back, and not have to ride around all the time on what is pretty much a motor home on two wheels. Stereos, CB radios, and tons of computerized garbage are the last things I want on a bike. I want the simplest bike possible. Over the past few years, I have done a lot of long distance (meaning a few hundred miles on interstate highways) on my Sportster 1200. A sissy bar, T Bag, hard leather saddlebags attached with Easy Brackets, and, because my 2006 Sportster has a wide 4.5 gallon tank with a flat top, a 14L magnetic tank bag. No windshield, no phone on the handlebars, no stereo. Then Came Bronson style. And it is an absolute blast. I ride to get away from all the trash that most people want to take with them. Why not just stay at home, or drive a convertible?
I bought my 1998 FLHT new and never looked back. I do everything with this bike, shopping, travelling, bar hopping. As far as I'm concerned it does everything well. There's a reason the police use them.
Start buying up everything you'll need to convert it to carbureted as one your Magneti Marelli efi quits working you're going to be hosed. There are no parts for it (obsolete)
They are still geezer glides. Always will be. I like my motorcycle to be, well, a motorcycle. I call them road sofas too. If I wanted something big and convenient, I'd buy a convertible sports car
The trend is way older. In 1974 after riding a Panhead chopper for 3 years and finding how useless and impractical it was, I restored the bike back to stone-stock condition as a model FL 1950 Hydra-Glide with footboards, full fenders, fat bobs, windscreen and fringed leather Brookfield saddlebags. One of the only smart things I ever did. 😂
Your not. Feel like the simplicity of motorcycling has been lost. If you need music blaring out of your fairing your riding for the wrong reason man. Never.
Any touring model 2014 and newer will handle surprisingly well and if you drop in a set of Legends or Ohlins shocks you can really fly through the corners. They handle well, stop well and they are stable. Add fuel, have fun.
I do have to say 2014 and up is a night and day difference on the Harley touring line. They finally realized they needed to do something and they were really really falling behind.
To me it's like do you want to drive a station wagon or a Corvette? I prefer my Softail. Probably close to 300 lbs lighter, lower, and leaner. Just IMO.
I have a 97 Fatboy. It has floor boards like a Road King which makes it real comfortable to ride. I use the throw over saddlebags when I need more storage. But its way faster than Road King I had, and handles better in the back roads.
I’m happy rolling on my Road King. No “car dash” in front so I can see all the road. I gave up driving cars a long time ago. I just ride my bikes. I just got Shark Road slip ons for it. I’m going to drop an Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage 1 air intake on it this weekend. I need to find a good map for the V&H FuelPak3 tuner I put on it. I’m planning on De-Catting it the weekend after next when I get access to a mig welder. Let that girl breathe!!
@@gregduncan1001 Catalytic converters restrict exhaust flow. If you have basic baffles in your exhaust, you don’t need the cat as another restriction. But you make the choice that works for you. Edit: Also, I’m not fond of having that heat generator right next to my leg at stop lights. If it’s heating up my leg, it’s damn sure heating the engine also. A cooler running engine is always better for the life of the engine.
I'm a little younger than you and I call my touring bike my geezer glide. I have a Dyna too but I usually am out there on the geezer glide because why not? More horsepower or stripping a few lights and the bag guards off doesn't change anything, it's still my old man bike. Which is just fine with me.
I fkn love my road glide 2023 FLTRX SS 124 11.7:1 comp ratio fkn thing rips Ohlins suspension and shit Yet I can ride it all damn day in any weather And carry all my shit My other ride is 2008 FLHRCI with 16s and 555 cams That one for pottering around .. Only riding touring frame bikes .. love how they feel And I’m not a bit dude 5’9 170lbs Always on a touring bike Softails feel tiny
It will always be a geezer glide. That's what I've called them since I don't know when. I don't have anything against them, it's just what they've all been referred to since I've ridden HD's. For the money they cost now they probably need a new nickname. I'll probably just call them money bags or something along those lines. But you cannot dispute that any HD bagger in my opinion is made for long and comfortable distance riding. Set the cruise control and just kick back, just don't fall asleep. Loved the video and your information on those beautiful geezer glides. Ride and stay safe! Peace!
Street Glide is under 850, not to mention the power to weight still favors the new bikes. Brakes, suspension, chassis, motor, transmission.. everything is an improvement.
@@gh4121-b5n My Russian built URAL side car outfit is 850 lbs with a car battery in the trunk. 1400 lbs for a motorcycle is absurd. A servi car was a nice little bike for Meter Maids in the old days. Now it's a bloody tank.
@@freebehindbars8654 Today's HD'S are not an improvement in my eyes. Too many mechanical issues right off the showroom floor. A Soperglide was 689 lbs in the old days. All if today's HD'S are morbidly obese. Goes true for most big bikes. Not just HD.
My first bagger was an 03 Road King 88 with period correct chrome everything. My current bagger is a 2022 Road Glide ST with black everything. Zippers 468 cam, Thundermax tuner, Gallop 2 into 1, S and S intake manifold. I love this bike.
I still have mixed feelings on "Performance Baggers"' . I still think touring should be well, touring. I love the fact my 114 has the power I need and the torque to carry 2 up but I am not going to take it on the tail of the dragon anytime soon. I am hoping this craze settles down a bit soon after all I am a Geezer.😎
The best Harley I have ever owned is my 2017 Ultra Limited. Way more power and comfort for me and my wife. I did my own upgrades on mine myself S & S cam chest upgrade with a thunder max tuner.
I've been riding a motorcycle since 1969. I've owned all shapes and sizes, but my 2013 Ultra Limited is the best bike I've owned and ridden after engine and suspension mods. Are the new bikes better? Maybe, but mine is long since paid for and does everything exceptionally well. I plan to break 200K before I retire. Currently at 164K
I’m selling my 2020 Roadglide Special for a 1997 Fatboy. I plan on building the motor out and adding a ST fairing and bags along with a custom paint job. To be honest I love the Roadglide. But I want to build something that is a little more nimble and mine. Baggers are a dime a dozen now. Love old EVOs !!!
I bought a 2013 v star 1300 tourer with 4600mi for $4000 and a 2015 Raider with 11K mi for $7250. Both for the price of a clapped me too harley. And both will outperform most harleys.
Bagger with performance? Kawi concourse 14. 10 sec motorcycle that is fast, quiet, smooth with handling aspiring to be a sport bike. Find em used for under $7k all day long.
It's hard to justify 43k + for the st. should've had inverted forks ten years ago !!!
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Grandapa rides a softtail. C2C rain snow even seen a few twisters cars blown off the road. prospecting and off road if I had a bagger I'd "CHOP" all that crap off. Lighter and faster gets me where I need, and sometimes should not be. Not dissing baggers, just not my thing.
Could not agree with you more ! Harley has cloned the Yamaha Road Stars with the Twin Cams, and like the RS, is pretty well worthless after 10-15 years or so. Clean shovels here in Canada are going for twice the price of a late 2000 TC. For a strange reason, the EVO in my opinion was the best Harley ever made, cannot be given away.
10 hds - Sporty to Ultra Limited... i have had 4 ultras, 2 Road Kings, 2 Softail Heritages, and an 883 and a 1200. I left a 2017 M8 Limited after 35k miles on it to go "backwards " to a 2007 Road King Custom The RK gives me the full size touring frame without all the doo dads and distractions of the fairings. All i need and nothing i don't. Nothing against the popularity of the giant baggers... but i just like me, the wind, and the sound of the Rhinehart's and that classic 96ci thundering down the road. Heck, for the past couple years I've owned the 2007 Road King, no windshield!
Never cared or put a lot of stock in what other people think, I ride a 131 Tri Glide. Would love to hear what you think about the reason the new 131 and 135 motors will only fit in 2018 and newer bikes, First is this true and if so can an older frame be modified to allow biger motor and trans?? Great Video.
Take a 2009 or newer twin cam get a woods 222 cam bassani exhaust and pipes fox shocks or better and fork work and that bike will run with most of the m8 114 or 107 and in some cases surpass them with a lot less invested
I put a Wood 22XE in my ‘22 Road King. Took it to the city yesterday to do a little stoplight to stoplight, and just tears it up. If you’d told me I was on a sportster I would have believed you if I didn’t know better. I’m 5’4 160 and can throw it around town fine. A bit heavier than a Heritage but I feel also handles better than the fairing models without that weight up front. If you want you can get a tour pack also. The full out Ultra Limiteds and Road Glide Limiteds and such are now I think going to appeal to a very small niche in the biker world.
Good content again. I have to say I prefer my m8 streetglide to my Fatboy for all around riding, handling and power. Nothing wrong with a softail but I‘be been riding a bagger for 25 years now. It just feels like home. Thanks and keep up the content.
My neighbor and a bunch of his friends all ride these modern baggers. Those things look fast as lightning to me. And they sound like freight trains when they hit the gas. They are dayum impressive.
I love my 2014 flhtp . I changed a lot of things and plan on doing more . I don’t find it heavy at all , even though I’m a geezer my bike is far from it. And we have to remember some people like vanilla and some people like chocolate and some people like neither.
The longer chassis was a great improvement. As a tall guy with the old lady on back it’s great and yeah the brakes even work even compared to my 03 road king.
That first bike you showed looked just like the bike i wrecked just recently ('14 SGS). I just bought a 2019 beautiful blacked out SGS but my old bike was much better.
I love the evolving bagger market. Nothing "gezzer" about em now. Like the old mercury cars. They became popular for the style and then performance came later.
I know we talk a lot of trash on baggers but honestly I don't care as long people are buying and riding motorcycles. Just like with the Honda Grom craze, it's a motorcycle and getting kids out on them.
I remember there used to be shirts and they said Harley, then they changed to "they" with a just slightly different bar and shield so they didn't get sued.
Had SE110 in ultra, badass motor, bike was uncomfortable and it confirmed I don't like big fairings If I ever get a bagger it will have to be road king, I can already carry all I need for a week on my WG and I haven't put bags on it yet......I haven't removed the turn signals yet either, I put on LED brake light with turn signals......remove those turn signals and there's no limit to size of bags I could puton
Back in the seventies we saw a lot of GI owned baggers parked on the Autobahn, most often after a drop of rain, sometimes because of mechanical failure. Today they have improved. I assume Chinese electronics and tax payer paid research and development have paid off to some extent. But GIs buy German, Italian or Japanese motorcycles anyway. They've learned from their grandfathers.
With baggers I think the hard panniers was a big selling point later on, earlier riders (and some now) traveled a bit lighter and didn't need as much stuff but at least more riders are on the road thanks to design improvements that sells them, personally the Heritage Softail was always my choice of tourer, functions well and looks killer.
Yes, 117 is now the base motor. It should also be mentioned that the 2024-117's have been massaged. New head port design/flow, intake manifold , and larger throttle body. The new standard 117 has more hp/tq than the previous CVO 117. Oh... also updated WATER COOLED HEADS that cool the back (hotter) head first. 🤠✌️
1993 was when they finally got it right on the touring bikes and placed the oil tank under the transmission and relocated the battery under the seat. Also made it a top head breather. So in my humble opinion that year solidified it. Ive owned a few mid 80s evo touring bikes and they seem really small compared to these modern bikes
Yes, it's still a Geezer Glide. It's just a modern version of it's past iterations, the same as modern big twins that are not baggers. They SHOULD be better than their predecessors, the same as all motorcycles. However people choose to use these bikes(bar-hopping or long range touring) they are still Geezer Glides. If it's what you like, embrace it. It's your bike, so do what you want with it.
Geezer Glide. Dang I haven’t heard that in a long time. Let’s get real, every Harley and Indian is a Geezer Glide now because the only demographic that can afford a $20k to $50k bike are people over 50.
I love my 84 softail evo. Never been a fan of highway cruising. Definitely not a bagger fan. But then again, I never follow the crowd. Or what popular. And if I want to ride fast I’ll ride my Ducati.
People don’t understand that the older bikes were very top heavy. I know for a fact. I owned a brand new 2013 streetglide that was very very top heavy. Then when they came out with project Rushmore they better distributed the weight throughout the entire bike. The 24 models are even lighter then my 23 model using cheaper thinner plastic along with other cost saving measures.i remember riding a 79 iron head sportster that the primary was so heavy at low speeds the bike would pull to the left because of the weight until you got it up and going. Then theirs the pisspoor weak flimsy frames Harley had. My 2007 ultra classic had a weak flimsy frame that would cause the bike to flex and everything else. I’m only 45 but have had my experience with old to new Harley’s. Back then you better had know how to shift and brake or that was your ass. The young ones today could not handle the older bikes before all this technology that does it all for them.
Gizzer glide still applies. Your average guy has to live long enough to be able to afford to buy one. Lets face it it's not a house. Things come and go and come back again. Some of the decked out road sleds you showed were amazing in the day. Some today would call them gaudy. Cheap chopper frame availability will eventually bring choppers back into the fray. You sure can put a ridable bike together for a lot less money than lets say a 10 year old Harley, since that's seems to be the cut off age for hd dealers. All you need is the inclination to do it.
They definitely aren't your father's "dresser" anymore. Throw some money at it, and you'll have all the power and comfort you need. It's a shame they're so overpriced. Come down $5-7K they'd probably sell 50%-70% more bikes
Harley Davidson is in bad shape. My friend worked out at the HD proving grounds in Yucca Az from a mechanic to now a sales rep. HD moved from the proving grounds and had a massive layoff their. All the test riders and all employees. I live across the road from the proving grounds an heard Harleys riding all day long. Now all I hear is Chryslers. The shoe salesman is putting the company out of business.
🙏 Somehow some way I've got to get my 07 103" Street Glide over a too hot to restart until it cools down issue. Between a major back injury 5 years ago & that too hot to restart till cool issue, I haven't ridden in so long, but finally good enough to start riding again, I'VE GOT PMS SO BAD I'M ABOUT TO CLIMB THE WALLS to get out of my comfort zone. WOW I've got PMS really bad.
I know in a previous video I said growing up I thought baggers were old man bikes. I will say the new ones are pretty nice considering I would like to take some road trips. I love the special models where they’re blacked out. Road King Special might be in my future! After a softail first.
I had a AMF ELECTA-GLIDE in 1972,,(bought new) I corrected all the AMF problems,,! It had the Kellsey-Hayes front brake! Not good,,! BUT I MODIFIED THE REMOTE RESERVOIR WITH NEW PARTS INSIDE,,,NEW BIG BORE PISTON and seals and new rod that would push much more brake fluid to the front brake,! That made such a big difference in my braking power,,!! I was thinking of offering a kit to modify the actual mechanics in the remote brake reservoir,,but never got around to making the kit,! But my Electa-glide had 100%better braking then a stock one,!-!.
Spot on topic. Recent bagger offerings are slowly eroding the “Geezer-Glide” connotation. King of the Baggers series is likely contributing to riders seeing them in a new light. I know several people who have Street Glides, they’re in their mid 30s and seem pretty happy with them. I look forward to your videos every Friday!
Most would still have to be considered Geezer-Glides. Even if the performance has been raised. Comparing 1998 Road King & Electra-Glide Ultra Classic to the 2024 models, the 1998 models (last of the Evos) are aboit 45lbs lighter than the 2024 models. I am assuming it's mostly in the electronics, ABS, etc & the computers? Happy trails, Cowpoke
What's your take on the modern baggers and how they've changed from back in the day?
Too much electronics
The ones you showed on the track were blowing my mind with how low the angle was. Almost looked like the sport bikes were running out there. They're nice but I gotta agree with @donwaltman4276 with the electronics. I'd ask you what do you think the best older ones would be a great alternative to us old school Gen-X enthusiasts? Thanks man and another great video, very thought provoking. Now my brain hurts, so thanks for that too, LOL! JK, have a great day man and keep 'er shiny side up!
I have a New Bagger. (RKS) I do love it. Stock seat still sucks, Cam still sucks, Exhaust still sucks 😂
My bagger is a 1994 Electra Glide. It is carbureted and does not have any of those traction aids, no ABS brakes, no gps, none of that high tech crap. It is my escape from my hi-tech over surveilled society.
@Gixerfoo “cumbersome to ride”? :)rotfl My Electra Glide rides and stops well for a bike built in 1994. Keep up the great work you do!!!
Back in 69 my buddy and I were sitting on our BSA and Triumph bikes near the road when a 'bagger' went by. He said there goes a old man's bike. Now after riding these old mens bikes for the last few decades, my strength isn't what it used to be. My current 'geezer glide is an 883. which I'm having a blast riding.
Back in my day it took real men to ride those machines and they didn't cost 30k. We weren't competing by who had the flashiest or fastest motorcycle. We just enjoyed cruz'n.
That's what it seems like today is all about is who can make it the flashiest anymore.
Back before your day, it took real men to ride horses, not motorcycles
@@MEGATRON_1247 You got that right I had a 1937 Harley Davidson, and before that my grandfather delivered milk with a horse and wagon
@@kennethcole1551 salute to your grandfather 🫡
@@MEGATRON_1247 thank you
I love my Heritage because it makes me feel more like biker. I can see the road right in front of my front wheel. I hated the 2021 Street Glide I had because it felt more like a 2 wheel car with a dashboard in front of me. And the weight was way too much up front. My dad rode a 1959 Pan Head Hydra-Glide. He also rode a Duo-Glide. I've been on Harley's ever since I was in diapers. I'm 70 years old now.
That Heritage is a great bike for splitting the difference between touring and cruising, it's really the best of both worlds.
👍👍👍👍👍
I'm with you on the heritage! Traded my road king for a heritage a few years ago
Love my Heritage. Does everything I want to do.
@@richc767 Truly the best bike Harley ever made.
Mate, who on earth could afford a new bagger these days ?
I will ride my twin cam Road King with a stage 2 and save 40 grand thanks...
People who aren’t poor.
Always loved the "GeezerGlide" term.
I laughed my ass off the first time I heard it years ago.
I had a ‘05 Road King, then sold it to a good friend. I bought a ‘17 Road King and couldn’t believe the difference in power and handling. The first time my wife road on the new bike, she couldn’t believe the ride comfort. When my friend and I go riding, he likes to jump from a roll, and I just smoke him due to the acceleration of the M8 motor. Btw, both bikes have stage 1 upgrades, and I replaced his cam tensioners last year. That bike has 65k miles, and not a single wear pattern on the cam or lifters. I always used synthetic oil and changed every 3k - 4k miles. Anyone thinking about getting a new bagger, if you travel very much, it’s worth the investment. Great channel Gixman!
I had an '01 Road King and traded for an '18 Road King. Like you, I couldn't believe the difference.
Took me about 40 yrs of riding before I considered an HD. They seemed to get the sumping problems and oil transfer problems resolved in 2020, so I gave one a try. I like it so much, I now own two.
Shame they didn't make them this well back in the 90s when you couldn't get a new one to save your soul. They finally get it right and nobody rides anymore...
Your right, they got them sorted and they aren't selling like they used to. They did get the oil sumping issue fixed in 2020 when they changed the oil pump design. It still happens but it's not as bad as it was.
Look cool, good power finally. Cost too much and too complicated. Im no master mechanic but i can fix my old bikes.
I am mostly a touring rider. Way back when I was young I would take two week rides. I'm now 65, have some health issues, and usually ride no more than one or two days max. I have never owned a Harley bagger, but I have had a couple of Goldwings. I did not have them very long, simply because they did not work out for me. Aside from being way too smooth and quiet, I simply do not like a huge windshield and fairing in front of me. I don't even use a handlebar mounted windshield. For me, the whole purpose of riding a bike instead of driving a car is to be out in the wind, with nothing in front of you. I do wear a full face helmet. That is an unfortunate necessity. And I don't mean just in a crash. I have never crashed. But when you are riding 75-80 mph on a freeway, that wind will literally rip your face off. And I have been hit hard in the face shield by objects big enough to have caused me to crash, including a couple of large birds, had I not been wearing that helmet.
The luggage on a bagger can certainly provide a place to carry stuff, but it is unnecessary. For me, a SuperGlide, FXR, or Dyna is the best touring bike. Put a sissy bar on it, you can strap a T Bag to both sides of that, and use a set of throwover leather saddle bags. You can strap a whole lot of stuff to such a bike, then remove it when you get back, and not have to ride around all the time on what is pretty much a motor home on two wheels.
Stereos, CB radios, and tons of computerized garbage are the last things I want on a bike. I want the simplest bike possible. Over the past few years, I have done a lot of long distance (meaning a few hundred miles on interstate highways) on my Sportster 1200. A sissy bar, T Bag, hard leather saddlebags attached with Easy Brackets, and, because my 2006 Sportster has a wide 4.5 gallon tank with a flat top, a 14L magnetic tank bag. No windshield, no phone on the handlebars, no stereo. Then Came Bronson style. And it is an absolute blast. I ride to get away from all the trash that most people want to take with them. Why not just stay at home, or drive a convertible?
I bought my 1998 FLHT new and never looked back. I do everything with this bike, shopping, travelling, bar hopping. As far as I'm concerned it does everything well. There's a reason the police use them.
That’s the reason I got an FLHR. It’s my mule. It takes me everywhere I need to go. No flash or pretenses. It’s a workhorse bike.
Start buying up everything you'll need to convert it to carbureted as one your Magneti Marelli efi quits working you're going to be hosed. There are no parts for it (obsolete)
YES!
I say that all the time !
It’s perfect for everything
It’s pretty much my car
The MM parts are impossible to find, Zippers has that Delphi conversion kit but I don't know if it's worth 2500 bucks.
That's very true, Harley doesn't really sell a lot of Road Kings to the police anymore here in the states.
Thanks for info, what if any cam would you put in a 2015 Rushmore project ultra limited
They are still geezer glides. Always will be. I like my motorcycle to be, well, a motorcycle. I call them road sofas too. If I wanted something big and convenient, I'd buy a convertible sports car
The trend is way older. In 1974 after riding a Panhead chopper for 3 years and finding how useless and impractical it was, I restored the bike back to stone-stock condition as a model FL 1950 Hydra-Glide with footboards, full fenders, fat bobs, windscreen and fringed leather Brookfield saddlebags. One of the only smart things I ever did. 😂
Seems like I'm the only big HD guy that doesn't like the baggers, never have, never will.
Your not. Feel like the simplicity of motorcycling has been lost. If you need music blaring out of your fairing your riding for the wrong reason man.
Never.
Yeah so and?
Baggers are the minivans of the biking world. Most owners are old and overweight.
@@S1MPLEM1NDS Yeah so and? you're just admitting you can't afford one
Love my geezer glide...14 Ultra Limited. Like I said over on Laidlaw's channel: once you have a king tour pack you'll never want to go w/out again.
That’s true, I see tour pack removal kits and I just like having the sped haul stuff
The quick release tour packs are awesome for just running around town!
You know I've very rarely seen many go back to anything else after getting a loaded tourer.
Any touring model 2014 and newer will handle surprisingly well and if you drop in a set of Legends or Ohlins shocks you can really fly through the corners. They handle well, stop well and they are stable. Add fuel, have fun.
I do have to say 2014 and up is a night and day difference on the Harley touring line. They finally realized they needed to do something and they were really really falling behind.
To me it's like do you want to drive a station wagon or a Corvette? I prefer my Softail. Probably close to 300 lbs lighter, lower, and leaner. Just IMO.
I have a 97 Fatboy. It has floor boards like a Road King which makes it real comfortable to ride. I use the throw over saddlebags when I need more storage. But its way faster than Road King I had, and handles better in the back roads.
I’m happy rolling on my Road King. No “car dash” in front so I can see all the road. I gave up driving cars a long time ago. I just ride my bikes. I just got Shark Road slip ons for it. I’m going to drop an Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage 1 air intake on it this weekend. I need to find a good map for the V&H FuelPak3 tuner I put on it. I’m planning on De-Catting it the weekend after next when I get access to a mig welder. Let that girl breathe!!
Cats give needed back pressure left it on my bike this time.
@@gregduncan1001 Catalytic converters restrict exhaust flow. If you have basic baffles in your exhaust, you don’t need the cat as another restriction. But you make the choice that works for you.
Edit: Also, I’m not fond of having that heat generator right next to my leg at stop lights. If it’s heating up my leg, it’s damn sure heating the engine also. A cooler running engine is always better for the life of the engine.
I'm a little younger than you and I call my touring bike my geezer glide. I have a Dyna too but I usually am out there on the geezer glide because why not? More horsepower or stripping a few lights and the bag guards off doesn't change anything, it's still my old man bike. Which is just fine with me.
I fkn love my road glide
2023 FLTRX
SS 124 11.7:1 comp ratio
fkn thing rips
Ohlins suspension and shit
Yet I can ride it all damn day in any weather
And carry all my shit
My other ride is 2008 FLHRCI with 16s and 555 cams
That one for pottering around ..
Only riding touring frame bikes .. love how they feel
And I’m not a bit dude
5’9
170lbs
Always on a touring bike
Softails feel tiny
It will always be a geezer glide. That's what I've called them since I don't know when. I don't have anything against them, it's just what they've all been referred to since I've ridden HD's. For the money they cost now they probably need a new nickname. I'll probably just call them money bags or something along those lines. But you cannot dispute that any HD bagger in my opinion is made for long and comfortable distance riding. Set the cruise control and just kick back, just don't fall asleep. Loved the video and your information on those beautiful geezer glides. Ride and stay safe! Peace!
Bring the shelf back
YES!
I know you been around a while now! Lol I really thought about slapping together another sketch shelf for the nostalgia!
A1973 HD bagger with the king of the road package weighed 732 lbs according to Cycle World. Baggers now weigh 900+ lbs.
They didn't carry the weight as well as they used to back then, really depends what all was added to the bikes as well.
Then there’s Trikes, 1100-1400lbs
Street Glide is under 850, not to mention the power to weight still favors the new bikes. Brakes, suspension, chassis, motor, transmission.. everything is an improvement.
@@gh4121-b5n My Russian built URAL side car outfit is 850 lbs with a car battery in the trunk. 1400 lbs for a motorcycle is absurd. A servi car was a nice little bike for Meter Maids in the old days. Now it's a bloody tank.
@@freebehindbars8654 Today's HD'S are not an improvement in my eyes. Too many mechanical issues right off the showroom floor. A Soperglide was 689 lbs in the old days. All if today's HD'S are morbidly obese. Goes true for most big bikes. Not just HD.
I'm a geezer so I like my geezer glide. If you ain't glidin' you ain't ridin'. LOL Thanks for the pics of the older glides.
Anytime! You don't see those bikes around much anymore but they are awesome to see still out on the road!
98 Evo Road Glide Anniversary Numbered. Love it
Same bike I have, if you look for autographed willie g Road Glide you'll find it
Road King... The Evo years 😊
Those are some highly desirable machines right there!
I had a 97. Loved it but traded for an evo heritage.. feels more nimble to me
Started riding Harley Davidsons in 1979 fultdress or dresser worki for me. The term bagger I don't like
Dresser is what they are in my mind, that's what I always knew them as!
My first bagger was an 03 Road King 88 with period correct chrome everything. My current bagger is a 2022 Road Glide ST with black everything. Zippers 468 cam, Thundermax tuner, Gallop 2 into 1, S and S intake manifold. I love this bike.
@2:47 NICE 1984-1/2 FLT!!! Thats considered the "Red Headed Stepchild" bike as its got a bunch of one year only stuff on it.
I still have mixed feelings on "Performance Baggers"' . I still think touring should be well, touring. I love the fact my 114 has the power I need and the torque to carry 2 up but I am not going to take it on the tail of the dragon anytime soon. I am hoping this craze settles down a bit soon after all I am a Geezer.😎
I'll stick with my 03 heritage with stretched hard bags and a batwing fairing she is my baby bagger
The best Harley I have ever owned is my 2017 Ultra Limited. Way more power and comfort for me and my wife. I did my own upgrades on mine myself S & S cam chest upgrade with a thunder max tuner.
I've been riding a motorcycle since 1969. I've owned all shapes and sizes, but my 2013 Ultra Limited is the best bike I've owned and ridden after engine and suspension mods. Are the new bikes better? Maybe, but mine is long since paid for and does everything exceptionally well. I plan to break 200K before I retire. Currently at 164K
That's awesome you got 164K on that bike! I hope you make it to that 200K mark on that bike!
I’m selling my 2020 Roadglide Special for a 1997 Fatboy. I plan on building the motor out and adding a ST fairing and bags along with a custom paint job. To be honest I love the Roadglide. But I want to build something that is a little more nimble and mine. Baggers are a dime a dozen now. Love old EVOs !!!
I bought a 2013 v star 1300 tourer with 4600mi for $4000 and a 2015 Raider with 11K mi for $7250.
Both for the price of a clapped me too harley. And both will outperform most harleys.
The street and road glides are more sporty, but the full dress electra glide ultra is a geezer glide. Just my thoughts.
The Ultra is still the big highway machine, they are great bikes but they for sure are far from sporty.
Bagger with performance? Kawi concourse 14. 10 sec motorcycle that is fast, quiet, smooth with handling aspiring to be a sport bike. Find em used for under $7k all day long.
It's hard to justify 43k + for the st. should've had inverted forks ten years ago !!!
Grandapa rides a softtail.
C2C
rain snow even seen a few twisters cars blown off the road.
prospecting and off road
if I had a bagger I'd "CHOP" all that crap off.
Lighter and faster gets me where I need, and sometimes should not be.
Not dissing baggers, just not my thing.
that last black bike at end of video.... Why go to the expense of an aluminium swingarm, only to put solid struts on it??
Geever glides? I'll disco on these sportsters or low level sporst bikes. I'll upgrade and catch the busas
Could not agree with you more ! Harley has cloned the Yamaha Road Stars with the Twin Cams, and like the RS, is pretty well worthless after 10-15 years or so. Clean shovels here in Canada are going for twice the price of a late 2000 TC. For a strange reason, the EVO in my opinion was the best Harley ever made, cannot be given away.
10 hds - Sporty to Ultra Limited... i have had 4 ultras, 2 Road Kings, 2 Softail Heritages, and an 883 and a 1200. I left a 2017 M8 Limited after 35k miles on it to go "backwards " to a 2007 Road King Custom The RK gives me the full size touring frame without all the doo dads and distractions of the fairings. All i need and nothing i don't. Nothing against the popularity of the giant baggers... but i just like me, the wind, and the sound of the Rhinehart's and that classic 96ci thundering down the road. Heck, for the past couple years I've owned the 2007 Road King, no windshield!
I got the 2024 cvo st in white. Upgrade from my 2014 fxdl
Never cared or put a lot of stock in what other people think, I ride a 131 Tri Glide. Would love to hear what you think about the reason the new 131 and 135 motors will only fit in 2018 and newer bikes, First is this true and if so can an older frame be modified to allow biger motor and trans?? Great Video.
Take a 2009 or newer twin cam get a woods 222 cam bassani exhaust and pipes fox shocks or better and fork work and that bike will run with most of the m8 114 or 107 and in some cases surpass them with a lot less invested
😎👍
Big thumbs up for the channel...
Great video as always...
Thank you! You been supporting us for a long time here!
I am 58 got my Road King a 55, but wanted one long before i hit my 50s, just could not afford one then lol
I put a Wood 22XE in my ‘22 Road King. Took it to the city yesterday to do a little stoplight to stoplight, and just tears it up. If you’d told me I was on a sportster I would have believed you if I didn’t know better. I’m 5’4 160 and can throw it around town fine. A bit heavier than a Heritage but I feel also handles better than the fairing models without that weight up front. If you want you can get a tour pack also. The full out Ultra Limiteds and Road Glide Limiteds and such are now I think going to appeal to a very small niche in the biker world.
Good content again. I have to say I prefer my m8 streetglide to my Fatboy for all around riding, handling and power. Nothing wrong with a softail but I‘be been riding a bagger for 25 years now. It just feels like home. Thanks and keep up the content.
You missed Harley evolving the giant 100 lb front tire and fender to modern normality.
My neighbor and a bunch of his friends all ride these modern baggers. Those things look fast as lightning to me. And they sound like freight trains when they hit the gas. They are dayum impressive.
I love my 2014 flhtp . I changed a lot of things and plan on doing more . I don’t find it heavy at all , even though I’m a geezer my bike is far from it. And we have to remember some people like vanilla and some people like chocolate and some people like neither.
I love my 21 Road Glide and after the cam swap I did, its the most fun bike I have ever ridden. The Legend suspension also contributes to the fun
I have never ever heard anyone complain about an investment in suspension! You get the right and match those two together is makes all the difference!
Suspension is the best money to spend on a Harley
I have a 22 rg and I couldn’t agree more it’s a blast
The longer chassis was a great improvement. As a tall guy with the old lady on back it’s great and yeah the brakes even work even compared to my 03 road king.
That new touring chassis is leaps and bounds ahead of days past.
Id love to have a 1997 Tour Glide or a 2014 Road Glide. Either one are very desirable, good luck finding one!
They never made a 2014 RoadGlide, H-D took a year off to reengineer the new fairing, 2015 and up
@jamesstrauss1196 how about a 115th Anniversary Road Glide 2018?
I like some of the mid 80's FXRP.
The police bikes are always super popular, they are getting harder to find.
Love my '89 FXRPT 👍🏽
That first bike you showed looked just like the bike i wrecked just recently ('14 SGS). I just bought a 2019 beautiful blacked out SGS but my old bike was much better.
I love the evolving bagger market.
Nothing "gezzer" about em now.
Like the old mercury cars.
They became popular for the style and then performance came later.
I know we talk a lot of trash on baggers but honestly I don't care as long people are buying and riding motorcycles. Just like with the Honda Grom craze, it's a motorcycle and getting kids out on them.
I Don’t Was a Wet Head, Ever! My 2021 will probably be the last new Harley-Davidson I’ll ever purchase. 🏍💨🏍💨
The twin cooling has come a long ways and it's way better now than it was on the Twin Cams.
Calling them geezer Glides is a lot like calling a tall guy Tiny.
That's kinda what I felt especially with how sporty the bikes have become these days.
@@GixxerFoo can become. It's still the rider who dictates. Just ask any M8 with a 472 cam.
From Geezer Glides to Perfomance Baggers Harley is and will always be the Benchmark of motorcycles.
The Street Glide is the "Me to" bike.
Back in 1980,before the Evo motor came out ,we used to have an expression….If H-D made airplanes would you fly in one? NO!!
I remember there used to be shirts and they said Harley, then they changed to "they" with a just slightly different bar and shield so they didn't get sued.
Harleys are ONLY for elderly people.
Had SE110 in ultra, badass motor, bike was uncomfortable and it confirmed I don't like big fairings
If I ever get a bagger it will have to be road king, I can already carry all I need for a week on my WG and I haven't put bags on it yet......I haven't removed the turn signals yet either, I put on LED brake light with turn signals......remove those turn signals and there's no limit to size of bags I could puton
Ya...too bad....i hate the new ones..😞
For sure!
Back in the seventies we saw a lot of GI owned baggers parked on the Autobahn, most often after a drop of rain, sometimes because of mechanical failure. Today they have improved. I assume Chinese electronics and tax payer paid research and development have paid off to some extent. But GIs buy German, Italian or Japanese motorcycles anyway. They've learned from their grandfathers.
With baggers I think the hard panniers was a big selling point later on, earlier riders (and some now) traveled a bit lighter and didn't need as much stuff but at least more riders are on the road thanks to design improvements that sells them, personally the Heritage Softail was always my choice of tourer, functions well and looks killer.
@yonniestone Yup, I’m on a 2022 Heritage (Softail) and lovin it. My two metrics (non cruisers) just sit.
Trikes are the new geezer glides, plus they can haul your coffin when you croak.
Baggers are built for comfort not for speed...kinda like the old girlfriend we all had once upon a time!
LMFAO, that's a good comparison!
Yes, 117 is now the base motor.
It should also be mentioned that the 2024-117's have been massaged.
New head port design/flow, intake manifold , and larger throttle body.
The new standard 117 has more hp/tq than the previous CVO 117.
Oh... also updated WATER COOLED HEADS that cool the back (hotter) head first.
🤠✌️
Oh yeah the new 117 isn't the same as previous years, this one is more closely related to the 121.
1993 was when they finally got it right on the touring bikes and placed the oil tank under the transmission and relocated the battery under the seat. Also made it a top head breather. So in my humble opinion that year solidified it. Ive owned a few mid 80s evo touring bikes and they seem really small compared to these modern bikes
Yes, it's still a Geezer Glide. It's just a modern version of it's past iterations, the same as modern big twins that are not baggers. They SHOULD be better than their predecessors, the same as all motorcycles. However people choose to use these bikes(bar-hopping or long range touring) they are still Geezer Glides. If it's what you like, embrace it. It's your bike, so do what you want with it.
Geezer Glide. Dang I haven’t heard that in a long time.
Let’s get real, every Harley and Indian is a Geezer Glide now because the only demographic that can afford a $20k to $50k bike are people over 50.
I love my 84 softail evo.
Never been a fan of highway cruising.
Definitely not a bagger fan.
But then again, I never follow the crowd. Or what popular.
And if I want to ride fast I’ll ride my Ducati.
I've always been someone who wants what's not popular myself.
Anything with a windshield is a geezer glide! May as well have a car🙄
Paulsartorello836
Windshields come right off..
It’s called versatility and I love it.
You can eat your bugs. I would rather clean off a windshield.
@@deweydodo6691
My Road King Classic never leaves the garage without the windscreen.
I used to hate windshields but after riding with one it has it's place at times.
People don’t understand that the older bikes were very top heavy. I know for a fact. I owned a brand new 2013 streetglide that was very very top heavy. Then when they came out with project Rushmore they better distributed the weight throughout the entire bike. The 24 models are even lighter then my 23 model using cheaper thinner plastic along with other cost saving measures.i remember riding a 79 iron head sportster that the primary was so heavy at low speeds the bike would pull to the left because of the weight until you got it up and going. Then theirs the pisspoor weak flimsy frames Harley had. My 2007 ultra classic had a weak flimsy frame that would cause the bike to flex and everything else. I’m only 45 but have had my experience with old to new Harley’s. Back then you better had know how to shift and brake or that was your ass. The young ones today could not handle the older bikes before all this technology that does it all for them.
Gizzer glide still applies. Your average guy has to live long enough to be able to afford to buy one. Lets face it it's not a house.
Things come and go and come back again. Some of the decked out road sleds you showed were amazing in the day. Some today would call them gaudy. Cheap chopper frame availability will eventually bring choppers back into the fray. You sure can put a ridable bike together for a lot less money than lets say a 10 year old Harley, since that's seems to be the cut off age for hd dealers. All you need is the inclination to do it.
They definitely aren't your father's "dresser" anymore. Throw some money at it, and you'll have all the power and comfort you need. It's a shame they're so overpriced. Come down $5-7K they'd probably sell 50%-70% more bikes
Harley Davidson is in bad shape. My friend worked out at the HD proving grounds in Yucca Az from a mechanic to now a sales rep. HD moved from the proving grounds and had a massive layoff their. All the test riders and all employees. I live across the road from the proving grounds an heard Harleys riding all day long. Now all I hear is Chryslers. The shoe salesman is putting the company out of business.
🙏 Somehow some way I've got to get my 07 103" Street Glide over a too hot to restart until it cools down issue. Between a major back injury 5 years ago & that too hot to restart till cool issue, I haven't ridden in so long, but finally good enough to start riding again, I'VE GOT PMS SO BAD I'M ABOUT TO CLIMB THE WALLS to get out of my comfort zone. WOW I've got PMS really bad.
Does your bike have compression releases?
I know in a previous video I said growing up I thought baggers were old man bikes. I will say the new ones are pretty nice considering I would like to take some road trips. I love the special models where they’re blacked out. Road King Special might be in my future! After a softail first.
Great content. Valuable history info, aside from my old school bias. LoL
They are beautiful and way better bikes. Not my preferred style (cruisers are my personal style), but they pack a strong personality punch.
Harley had Buell and did nothing with them
That was a huge corporate misstep on their parts, they could of developed that and opened a whole new market with Harley-Davidson on the side.
I had a AMF ELECTA-GLIDE in 1972,,(bought new)
I corrected all the AMF problems,,!
It had the Kellsey-Hayes front brake! Not good,,!
BUT I MODIFIED THE
REMOTE RESERVOIR WITH NEW PARTS INSIDE,,,NEW BIG BORE PISTON and seals and new rod that would push much more brake fluid to the front brake,!
That made such a big difference in my braking power,,!!
I was thinking of offering a kit to modify the actual mechanics in the remote brake reservoir,,but never got around to making the kit,!
But my Electa-glide had 100%better braking then a stock one,!-!.
I traded a 22 Fat Bob for a new Road King Special 2.months ago.Its definitely better overall than the Softail.
I'll keep riding my Yamaha FJR1300 A.K.A. Oriental Road Glide
Another bagger vid? Come on, do something for us riders under 50.
I've got some other videos coming soon!
It is absolutely fair to call them geezer glides. very few geezers are on dynas or softails. They are on panheads and baggers.
I love my 07 RKC! wish I'd bought one 20 years ago. Does everything.
I love my Ultra Classic. 120r motor with a wood cam. Comfortable, fast enough, 300w stereo and and bags to carry whatever.
I imagine that 120R really rips with a Wood cam in there!
@@GixxerFoo Even in a big bike it just keeps pulling as long as you're on it. The torque really helps negate the weight of the bike.
Spot on topic. Recent bagger offerings are slowly eroding the “Geezer-Glide” connotation. King of the Baggers series is likely contributing to riders seeing them in a new light. I know several people who have Street Glides, they’re in their mid 30s and seem pretty happy with them. I look forward to your videos every Friday!
Remember when Harley Davidson switched to Hydraulic Clutches?🙄 Yeah, me too. What a JOKE. Parts were made in Italy.🙄
Most would still have to be considered Geezer-Glides. Even if the performance has been raised. Comparing 1998 Road King & Electra-Glide Ultra Classic to the 2024 models, the 1998 models (last of the Evos) are aboit 45lbs lighter than the 2024 models. I am assuming it's mostly in the electronics, ABS, etc & the computers?
Happy trails, Cowpoke
Info:
Compression Ratio:
107- 10:0:1
114- 10.5:1
117- 10.2:1
121 VVT 11.4:1
2024 117 HO 11.4:1