A short rider's thoughts on the Harley Road Glide: 1000 miles later
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- I took the 2021 Harley Road Glide on a 1000 mile road trip after a 2000 mile trip on the Street Glide. Here I compare the two as a shorter rider that is used to much smaller bikes.
Here's the whole review on the Street Glide: • Think the Harley Stree...
Short rider tips on BIG baggers • Short Rider Tips by a ...
This borrowed Harley came from @EagleRider Rentals in Marietta, GA. Find one near you
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Here's the whole review on the Street Glide: th-cam.com/video/ahN0jUDFCTw/w-d-xo.html
See the story of the road trip from hell that somehow I still loved th-cam.com/video/ahN0jUDFCTw/w-d-xo.html
5’2 and 105 lbs female here, and I’ve had my shark for 2 years now. Came from dynas and man I wish I made the switch sooner. I do a lot of distance riding so needed the comfort. But you most certainly have to learn tricks as a smaller person. Been riding for over 15 years and the most challenging thing for me on the road glide is backing it up when there is just the smallest incline. Other than that best bike ever. Great tips in the video. ✌🏽
No issues with the visibility in front? That's my main concern but being 5'7 I'd assume I'm okay since you're doing awesome with it 😂🙏🏽
I definitely recommend any new touring bike rider that they find a riders safety training class. Most Harley dealers offer them. Slow speed maneuvers are a learned skill. Drive safe, ride hard
Hi Doodle, I've been riding H-D baggers for 22 years and I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam. Two of the biggest lessons I've learned. 1) always park the bike so your going downhill when you're backing up. 2) proper footwear, a 2" heal with a 1" sole boot makes a big difference. I have a pair of H-D lace up boots and a pair of what they call truckers boots. The truckers boots are a cowboy boot with rubber bottoms and they work great. Your content has been great and I'm happy you gave Harley-Davidson a try.
First time we went out on my Road Glide I parked my bike going uphill and to make it worse, the ground was made out of gravel… 🤦🏻
That's confusing, you should simply say, "Always park with the bike facing uphill" or "Never park with the bike facing downhill"
You're doing an amazing job from where you started to where you are now. You're becoming a great ambassador and an example for women and smaller riders. I wonder how many you've encouraged that otherwise would not have even attempted to learn to ride. I would bet the number is bigger than you think.
I’m an old guy with a 30 inch inseam. And heavier than you. I love your tips for us short legged critters!
Thanks Doodle.....My wife is a shortie and finally got her on her own bike ( 2021 Honda Phantom, couldn't get the Rebel) I tell her all the time it's the rider not the bike. She is building confidence everyday and content like this will help her get over the mind set that she is too short to ride.
I love my stock seat too! I have replaced the windshield but that's it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Road Glide!!
My knees hurt after a few hours on the road even with foot pegs. Doesn't if I sit in a desk chair or car seat for long periods of time. Ask many a rider and I thought I was the only one with the issue. It's a big bike and you mastered it like a boss! Different bikes for different riding.
Hi Carolyn! I just bought a new HD Road Glide 2024. Get it in a few days. Thanks for the review, and all of your great videos. You really do an awesome job with your videos! And, I am so impressed with you having the moxie to attempt to even get on a bike of this size, let alone ride it across country. I'm 6'1 200ilbs., plus I've ridden bike for a long time, so it's much easier for me. If I was your size, I doubt I would be brave enough to do what you did. Anyway, just stopping in to tell you how impressed I am, and that I enjoy your videos. As they say, keep the shiny side up! Safe riding to you!
Doodle... you are amazing!!!! Handling those heavy bikes like you do. Just goes to say "if there is a will there is a way". Keep up the great videos!!!!
Hi Doodle, I've been reflecting back to 06/March/20 when you made the forward thinking decision to raise your Triumph to stock height, and the ground you've covered since. It must be so encouraging, particularly for shorter girls, to see how you handle these heavy Harley's, and showing what's possible!
Been thinking about that too… the decision that changed everything!
Love your videos! I’m not a tall dude (5’ 8”, 31 inch inseam), and as much I wanted to like the Harley touring bikes when I was ready to move up from my softail, I just didn’t like how I fit on them. I decided to check out other brands instead of forcing myself to like something I wasn’t thrilled about - I sat on and test rode the Indian touring bikes and found the chieftain much more enjoyable and it felt lighter than the Harley equivalents; the chieftain specifically has a lower seat height if I remember correctly and ended up being the bike I purchased. Keep riding safe!
Glad you had these experiences on these big bikes. I think a lot of us in the “not tiny” body types may not even think about different perspectives.
Very good video! I have been riding for nearly 50 years, bought my first bagger this past spring, a 21 Street Glide that is a twin to one you rode on the long trip. I'm 5' 5" WITH A 28" inseam so slow speed maneuvers do require practice and concentration. And I plan ahead in tight spaces. Some mods that made it much easier were the Harley 'Reach' seat and lowering the rear suspension. I will be lowering the front next. Also, I replaced the windscreen with one that is 1.5" taller. No buffeting at all now.
I am a definite Road King Special guy. It’s a naked bike that looks amazing with an HD windscreen or Memphis Shades Road Warrior faring with 11” screen. Bothe are easily detachable. Thanks for your views!
Thanks for the review
I love my Road glide . Enjoying the long distance riding In Florida
Your not short Your fun size. 😁
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Hi Doodle...!! Your assessment of the touring bikes is very helpful and appreciated. I have a Road Glide and I agree with you, a slightly taller windscreen would be nice for the longer distances. Harley makes a windscreen for the Road Glide that is 4 inches taller than stock and I’m going to give it a try. I have no issues with the stock seat and love the ride. Thank you for sharing the adventures...!!
Now that you've labeled the Road Glide "Mama Shark" I cannot un-see it! I sure do admire your presentation in this video, Doodle! Well done!
Here's a good trick for stretching out on the super slab without highway pegs (for the RG) ... Kick your legs up while resting the back of your calves (not your shoes/boots!) on the outer edge of the fairing and it's pretty comfy. I did it all the time on my old RGU before I got highway pegs and still do on my V65 Sabre with the Hondaline fairing since I have no highway pegs on it, works great.Try it next time you ride one and let me know how you liked it.
I had a 2012 Road Glide before and now have a 2014 Street Glide. I had the RG set up with some additional accessories and seat to make long rides way more comfortable. It did feel heavier than my SG and I switched out the exhaust and used better engine oil to reduce the engine heat. I do love my SG and also have updated the seat with a heated one from Mustang. With the drivers back rest and new handle bars, I can ride for a long time before I have to stop. As far as height, I think the RG seemed lower but that’s just me. Ride Safe!
The stock seat on my RG is nice as well. I think a lot of folks (not all) change stuff out because everyone else is changing stuff out. Then they justify it by bashing the stock stuff.
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You are great at relaying information.
More info faster then most any video I've ever seen,
Keep up the great work.
Awesome video! Being a shorter rider I definitely agree! The only one of the three I haven’t ridden extensively is a Road King (I’ve put thousands on the other 2) being without the fairing is definitely a weight advantage, but in the slow speeds: shark nose vs bat wing fairing debate my vote is shark all day 🤷🏼♂️
Keep it up and ride safe out there! 😎🤙
So I just found out on these newer baggers you can (literally) dial down the shocks! My Street Glide I was tippy toes but after adjusting I can now flat foot (5’ 7) making stops so much easier! The ride is a little rougher though, so for any longer trips I will dial it up. I want highway pegs, even with forward controls, these legs need a stretch.
Oh yes! My Harley contact kept trying to get me to change it but somehow I only would remember when I was in the middle of a highway ride 😅
Hey doodle, good choice. The road glide is the ultimate Harley. I got the 2021 cvo road glide and I couldn’t be happier
Great video Doodle! I'm travel-sized with a 29 inch inseam... But I ride a 900 lb Victory Vision. Like you said, the baggers are awesome for all-day comfort but do require a degree of skill and practice to ride proficiently at low speed and in tight spots. I totally relate to your footage of standing beside the bike to back it up 🤣❤️
YAASSS “travel sized” 😂
I was very impressed on both your rides on how you managed those big bikes. Great job on your long distance rides and the training class with Jerry.
Going to have to get a notification from your channel so I don’t miss this like a day ago ha ha. Just look forward to the content you come up with I can’t wait to see you go on another big ride.
Something I do when needing to backup on my street glide while going really slow is to use the front brakes to compress the forks and then let off using the momentum to help you start backing up instead of just pushing the weight from a stand still
Shorty here 5'6 , coming from a Heritage, looking at a Indian Chieftain, would love to see how you handle one of those....thanks for the content, definitely inspires confidence in the height challenged.
I got to say I really like how you experience different types of motorcycles and different types of riding and maybe eternally but it's not projected too much being intimidated by the bigger bikes believe me we all experience that internal doubt sometimes but press on you are awesome young lady enjoy what you do enjoy your life you are awesome be safe
You hit the nail on the head , those Harley Davidson Baggers, are basically designed to eat up highway miles, Obviously if you had your own you would make a fee adjustments like back rest etc, to make it more comfortable to you. Whereas your Triumph is for having those fun rides of a couple of hours, twisty roads and of course commute ( 400lbs compared to double that).
Thas right
RK and a quick detach windshield is all you ever "need" and you save some serious weight and $$$. Your welcome to come up north in the Spring to try mine and my 87 FXR as I have both on TwistedRoad zip 02879.
Doodle, just a quick tip. When backing up a bike, always stand on the opposite side of where the stand is located, hence you will be less concerned if the bike starts going opposite side of where your standing because you’ll know the stand will catch the bike should it go that way, therefore prevent dropping it either side.
Thanks for sharing your views. Short riders have challenges for sure, and I think that every rider needs to take a look at their seating position, as well as other customizations that provide comfort based on how each person rides. Longer distances bring up situations that just won’t impact a rider that only goes short distances. I currently have a V-Strom 650 and a 2018 Goldwing, both different styles of riding, and I needed to customize both for my own comfort.
I have a 07 Road King would never trade it in! Thanks for the info!
Great job on both the Street and Road Glide. I love my Road Glide CVO and Road King Special....... awesome
Great video. Not just for small women but any size rider. Now a few words of wisdom. 41 years ago I was rear ended on my bike at a red light. I landed on the back of my helmet and found out I had broken my spine at chest level. I’ve been in a wheelchair ever since. Don’t worry though I’ve had a great life.
For those of you old enough t9 remember what “whiplash’’ was getting hit from behind your neck would snap back and caused damage due to no head support.
Now think of what might happen if your leaning against a back rest on a bike??? They aren’t very high and if your rear ended, you may break your back. :(. I have contacted HD over and over to make a back rest that will give way at XX Amount of pounds. I’ve been tried Meg! And Blockhead and Blockhead since they have so many connections.
Thanks, Ride safe.
To help with the heat in traffic is to put it on "ECO" When you reverse throttle, the cruise control light turns green. What that means, the bike with turn off the rear piston and it helps with heat and increases fuel economy while in traffic when at a stop. When you activate the throttle both pistons activate and you keep power.
The heat on the new bikes is horrible yes. One way to help that is use thicker material on the right leg on riding pants or chaps. If you look at old riding chaps like the ones I wear that right leg is thicker leather and its a little shorter than the left for a kick start. My lady friend she is a little shorter than you are and honestly she will ride anything. Only bike she ever complained about was a long chopper with a jockey shift, foot clutch, mechanical rear drum brake, and no front brake. Her complaints on the chopper was left turns on a steep hill, that she was pretty stretched out on it because it was for a taller rider, and yet she rode it all day long and had a blast. She has a sport bike she still rides the snot out of and also a Softail Standard she really enjoys riding. I will have to share this with her because she has been asking her uncle about taking his Road Glide for a ride and I want to see her on the Road Glide. Thanks again 👍
Hahaha, the girl rides an 800 lb motorcycle like a boss but freaks out at a tiny bug!
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The funny thing is I guessed correctly what that OMG was about lol
Doodle look into
1) kuryakyn swingwing foot pegs they have a ton of foot positions and if probably would allow you to put your feet at full recline
2) always turn around to park that way even downhill you can just jump on your bike and take off
3) Bluetooth modular helmets, mine is Torc T28B $280 Amazon, with clear outer and retractable shade inner
I watched both your street glide review I have a daughter who’s your size and is a motorcycle officer on a road king. She has special boots with a larger heel/sole for added stability so she can just about flat foot it. You really should try a low version of the Street/ Electra Glide . I believe they’re almost 2 inches lower with smaller side cases on the motor and of course a lower narrower seat.
Or in other words you should try a Harley made specifically for smaller 5”7 and under people.
Think that would be way more enjoyable for you ! Great videos keep it up, ride safe.
I’m a 5’10” 200 lbs man and I went from owning several HD touring bikes to a Heritage Softail last year. I will never go back to a touring bike. The Heritage is such a more enjoyable ride with the lower stance and lower weight. For anyone that hasn’t tried a Heritage, or other Softail bike for that matter, fo yourself a favor and test ride one.
Hey Doodle, found your channel couple weeks ago and been learning a lot. I've been riding for 53 years and I'm amazed at what I didn't know. Today I learned the term "duck walk", guess it makes sense done it few thousand times just didn't know it had a name. Also today I learned that these new bikes tell ya what gear your in, what??? I really don't see a need in that, I know what gear I'm in by the feel of the bike. But keep it up your great.......
Lol! 😃
I just fell in love, respectfully. Dope channel!
Roadglides look like Bender of Futurama! I have seen people ride those things like sportbikes! Pretty cool.
5’8”, 30 “ inseam. I have had 2 RoadGlides & now I have an ElectraGlide and surprisingly to me the ElectraGlide has better wind protection and high speed handling but seems to “tip in” @ low speeds more than the RoadGlides did which I think is the mass of the fairing on the bars. Love em all though. You’re doing great w these big baggers. 👍🏼
I completely understand… I’m also 5’5.75” and it more skill riding the big bikes. Keep it up.
5’3.”75 over here
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle short rider crew!
Great job on this video! I appreciate your candor and great honest delivery. You represent motorcyclists so well. Keep up the great work.
I found the victory bikes have more legroom than Harleys . If you can find one a Crossroads or cross country. Kingpin was one of their best
Also see if you can test a Pan America. One model actually lowers the suspension when your stopped. I think the smaller Adventure bikes are the best all around. Kawasaki Versys, Vstrom, and they are fun. 😄
Doodle we need to see you on that pan America from Harley. I enjoy all of your content!!!
It’s comin’ !!
I would go road king. I just like the ergonomics, and the way they turn. Also, the looks. I'm sure all of them are nice. I wanna see Doodle back on the Triple r.
I wanna see me on my bike again too 😅
Just started watching your vids. I have been on street bikes off and on for years. Im 40 now but went to my first cruiser last year up in Michigan. I have a Honda VTX 1800 960 pounds. It felt like I had to learn how to ride all over again. You're right, at anything over 20 MPH its normal. But under 10 MPH its a whole new ball game. If you're up by Grand Haven Michigan let me know. Keep up the great Vids..
U r a Boss, Doodle McNoodle - and don’t u forget it.
For me, it's the Street Glide. I rode both Street Glide and Road Glide. Not much difference between them in my opinion, they handle the same, but the Street Glide offers more wind protection because the fairing it's closer to the rider and the fairing looks better to me. They are the best bikes for long trips, no doubt.
Good review of the bikes never owed a Harley but I think my pick would be the road king and I like Gerry and Donna's revivals like the old style look because I am old take care and ride safe
I am just going to recommend custom suspension on the glides. If everything else works it can change your world, ride and when stopped.
I used to ride Ultra Limited's which is basically a Street Glide with a full tour pack (top box added), and a water-cooled engine head which adds the front lowers to house the radiators and cooling system. Something that made a major difference in seat height was to take the stock driver and pillion seat off and add a solo seat. Difference between the fairing on the Road Glide vs. the Street Glide, other than what you explained, the fixed fairing on the Road Glide 'should' provide more stability, especially in crosswinds. Lastly, it was interesting that you mentioned wanting to stretch your legs out on the recent road trips, I was exactly the same, but... I recently moved to Pan America and find my legs aching a lot quicker, as you'll know, the legs are tucked up similar to your Street Triple. Oh, I almost forget - weight; I came back to riding after many years away from motorcycles, I grew up on Euro and Asian bikes in the UK and boy-oh-boy did I get a surprise when I first got on my Ultra limited, but really the weight is irrelevant when riding, even low-speed manoeuvres, but the challenging part is moving the darn things around on uneven parking lots, etc. So the rule for me was to always either back into a spot and/or park facing up a gradient so you can drive out. Thx for all the vids.
I went from riding a 79' KZ1000 ST for most of the 17yrs I've been riding, to Kawasaki's version of that, a 21' Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, almost twice as heavy (900+lbs). I'm 5'7" and I can sit flat footed on it even more so than on the KZ. It's like having to learn how to ride again, totally different bikes to say the least. Dropped it 3x last year, I've NEVER dropped the KZ.
Yes. Highway pegs are great. At 6'3, I can fly my rear over the seat by pressing against the rider backrest and highway pegs. The term marshmallow made me laugh.
Harley’s are heavy bikes but so comfortable to ride compared to other bikes.
I like to kick my feet back to the rear pegs when I’m on a long stretch. It helps alleviate knee pain.
Thank you so much for this video! I am new to the bagger life!
I've got a 2002 nighttrain love it but I'm getting older lol so I'm looking at roadking special 2018 it's so good learning good information young lady keep it up love nz
I'm impressed with your ability to walk that beast around. I'm only 5'4" and would never do that. I know you're against lowering bikes but I lowered mine about a inch and a half in the rear and it's just so much easier.
That's my bike! I have a freakishly short inseam and do just fine...Jiffy Stand is hard to reach and my boots have a decent heel. I often just put one foot down anyhow.
Great review, I’d like to see you take a newer goldwing on a similar trip and share your thoughts!
Hope you enjoy the bike ( a Mustang lowdowner seat would move you 1.5 inches down and about 2 inches forward and klockwork sport windshield 14 inch works well also
Street Glide all day bought my first bike 2016 SG Special it’s a fun bike for a heavy touring bike I’m 5’6” good boots bake a world of difference 😎 much love channel is fun !!
Good information as usual. I have owned both and I think the Road Glide is better on long hauls and in the wind but all that being considered I would still be fine with either one.
Great video Doodle. Awesome you can handle the weight of those bikes. I know I'd never ride something that heavy. And heat being a issue be a big pass for me after riding a Panigale before.
I may have handled it awkwardly and with a prayer of desperation anytime the throttle is off but I’ll handle it 😂
The traffic jam is really heavy here. 2 hours of bumper to bumper is common. Longest I faced was 8 hours. Luckily I was in a bus.
On the M8, you should be able to twist the throttle backwards at a traffic light and have the back cylinder shut down. It cuts way down on standing heat. When you turn the throttle forwards it automatically turns the back cylinder back on.
Nope. Rear cylinder deactivation is automatic. Can't turn it on and off during a ride, only before startup.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Happy 2022 🏍
Awesome always enjoy watching happy new year to you and your family ride safe and enjoy
Thanks for the comparison video.
yup yup.. hwy pegs and a driver backrest.. can get real comfy for those long rides.
Highway pegs are a must , takes pressure off knees and tail bone .
I’m 6ft and I have to stretch me legs out
That’s some great info. Those bikes are so heavy!
Morning Doodle (not "noodle" lol). Enjoyed the review. The Road Glide frame mounted fairing does a great job.To bad ya couldn't score a backrest for your trip. Maybe next time?
Next trip I’ll try a totally different bike, if not my bike, just for fun 😁
Noticed that bike didn’t have heat deflectors and they help A LOT+if possible remove the catalytics and the temperature will drop by 90%. My wife and I have the 2020 RGS and the heat is not an issue at all.
Oh neat!
Good video. Well done. I would suggest to get the heat shields that mount under the front of the seat. Blocks quite a bit of heat off your inner thighs.
Excellent job doing your video keep up the great work and stay safe.
You can wrap the header pipe with header wrap.
You need the reach seat from Harley or the aftermarket equivalent. You would flat foot no problem.
If you're in Atlanta, would love to ride with you whenever, especially when you're on a bagger.
Ummm you need to ride a Road Glide , you are a natural beauty on it! Couldn’t help it I was very impressed lol 😂 ride free in America 🇺🇸.
It’s easier to make sure it’s in neutral when backing up rolls a whole lot easier
Hallow Doodle, I like watching your journey of becoming a better motorcycle rider, watching you ride the big bike's is fantastic, I'm 5'.3" 60 + years old male and ride a Harley Ultra limited low and have been riding Harley's for about 17 years, I don't have the opportunities like you have, on trying other bikes, I just wanted to say Great Job and never stop learning, P.S. You make some of the other TH-camr female's look like Cup Cakes, not that I'm trying to be mean but it's true, keep on supporting the sport and sharing You passion on TH-cam.
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Hi, I just discovered your channel, good stuff! I must tell you, you look just like Kelly Young, she's a TH-camr.
THE NEW Sportster S is going to be great 4 short people 🟢 Harley has made a Harley killer 🇺🇸 you will love it 🇺🇸🍔🇺🇸🍔🇺🇸🍔🇺🇸
hiway pegs help with acing knees.
Hi Doodle, would love to see you review the new Lowrider S With the 117 Engine. Probably not the bike for interstate touring but definitely looks like a great bike for all day riding and mountain twisties.
great vid me personally l dont like floor boards l striped them off my Harley & put extended front pegs & there so much better but l am 6ft2" with long legs.... keep it up Doodle & keep Ya Knee's in Da Breeeeezzzzeeeeeeee..............
Didn’t think about removing floorboards! 😅
Main take away - Do lots of classes and PRACTICE!!!!
31 inch inseam is pretty tall on my scale 😄
If I can’t put both feet down flat I need short rider tips
I definitely ride in shorts sometimes during the summer on my Lowrider S. But I have also never owned anything other than a Harley, so I might just be use to it.
Oh my lawd!!