Should I get a dog?

[airski]

I was going to post in the intro forum but I don't own a dog 'yet' so I thought i'd just post here and get right to the point.

I have loved the big dog since the first day I saw one several years ago and always dreamed of owning one. I just never thought they were practical for my type of riding. We are not bar hoppers, we ride. We generally ride one day every weekend and go anywhere between 250 and 400 miles. I currently ride a 2007 Road King Custom but i'm considering selling it to get a soft tail big dog but I have a couple questions.

How is a 400 mile ride on a soft tail big dog?

Where do you put your stuff, like your leathers once it warms up and it's too hot to wear them?

I live in the Oklahoma City area, is there anywhere around here that lets you either rent a big dog or has a demo day?

 

[Raywood]

I've been to your state. Went to the "Sparks America" a couple years ago.
Don't know if you believe these bikes are not for the long haul.
Many on here have lots of mile on our scoots.
Welcome and hope to see you with a Big Dog.

 

[Biker Babe]

Hi Airski!
I work at a Big Dog Dealer in Tulsa. There is also a dealership there in OKC. We allow test rides but I don't believe that you can rent anywhere.
We keep a large bag (like a back pack) on the back of the sissy bar all the time to throw jackets, water, glasses, etc. in. And you can see on this forum, these guys (& bikes)aren't afraid of a long road trip!
Hope you'll join the Big Dog family!:up:

 

[airski]

I've been to Thunder Roadhouse several times and drooled all over their bikes! Looks like these can be adapted for the long haul as well.

Do all the soft tails ride about the same as far as their road comfort?

 

[ajo771]

I dont drink so no barhopping here. I do between 200 - 400 on weekends myself. I dont stop often and have rode the bike for 5-6 hours straight, no problems. Just get a Cruise Mate.

 

[hoat]

I rode my k-9 19 hours one day. Not a bad ride I was just tired the bike wanted to keep on going

just go buy one you will figure the rest out

 

[airski]

I really like the looks of the chopper and the k9. I don't see a whole lot of difference in them besides the rear tire and I can pick up a nice chopper for quite a bit less. What do you all think?

 

[Red Bull]

Dude I'm with you in the same boat....have a road glide but luv those dogs....I also like the K9 and the Ridgeback....I think the group is right....we need to go buy one and then figure it all out..lol....Some good deals out there now on some used ones.......but ride them first...and listen to the folks on here they know the deal....

RED

 

[DragginH]

Just look at Raywood's photos from his cross-country excursion. From them, you will learn how to "Pack" your gear correctly, sandals and all! :lol:

Those damned sandals.... :roll:

 

[gilbert7878]

I bought my dog just a little over a month ago and I love it. I bought mine after riding my brothers and realized what a motorcycle should be. I have always own bikes but there will own a dog from now on.

 

[nycedog]

Owned an 06 black and chrome chopper last year. Sold it and bought a HD SE Ultra. Guess what? The Ultra is gone and I'm shopping for a dog. Nothing like it.

 

[airski]

Well, I put my RK up for sale! I can't spend more than what i get out of it so it might take me some time to find one. I'll be looking for a chopper. I'll keep you informed.

 

[Roaddawg]

Well I like to ride also, not just one day a week but as many as possible. I went from a '99 Road King to a 2005 Chopper. I have made at least 6 trips from MN to NH without complaint. My longest non-stop ride on the dog so far has been just over 1200 miles in 18 hours. For long trips I typically use a T-bag. For daily use I have a small small bag that fits over the sissy bar and will hold gloves, jacket, sunglasses.

Is it as comfortable as the Road King for extended rides? No, but for 200 - 400 miles in a day, you can't beat it. Not to mention the WOW factor you get from everyone. My Road King was nice, but nothing like the Dawg!

 

[airski]

Do you ever miss your windshield? That's my biggest concern. I don't like eating bugs!

 

[PurpleDog]

I went straight to the K9 when I decided it was time for a bike. Hadn't ridden anything since growing up with some cheap ass trail bikes. Bought my K9 without so much as a test ride and have since clocked 6k miles since the end of April this year. All local miles; I commute with it often and ride hundreds of miles a weekend typically. While I haven't graduated to extended length road trips yet, I do look forward to it when opportunity presents and have no regrets thus far.

 

[Mickeetwo]

Welcome aboard and go ahead and buy the dog. You will not regret it.

 

[Gas Man]

Do you ever miss your windshield? That's my biggest concern. I don't like eating bugs!

Shit even when I ride the wife's bike to work for mpg and whatever... I take her windshield off... can't stand it!

 

[seatmaker]

I had a Roadking before I switched to the dog. Hated the Roadking cause everyone had one but do miss the ride. Well, prolly cause I switched to the hardtail. Would never trade in the dog to go back but wouldn't mind getting the King back as a second bike.

 

[Gas Man]

That's what I want... a ultra classic though... a daily rider bike.. then the dog for the hot rod.

 

[BigDognSoCal]

Is that a retorical question...

You ask'n BDB is you should get a Big Dog...No bias here...