Wolf vs. K-9
- Thread starter zim
- Start date
first off, look long and hard into the longevity of the X-wedge motor in the Wolf. recent "reports" are saying that S&S is even talking about dropping production of the motor. BUT do the research for yourself. not bad-mouthing the wolf, just trying to give a heads-up.
FURYBIGDOG
Member
I have had the opertunity to put miles on both bikes. The Wolf is an incredible riding bike, super smooth, great power and corners beautiful. The riding postion for me with stock controls was a bit cramped (I'm about 6 feet tall) but I'm sure with forward controls it would change my opinion. The only other thing I dislike about the Wolf is the cosmetics of the bike with the passenger setup installed. The Wolf rocks!! The K9 is my personal favorite bike. I can do longer rides just based on the stance of the bike, and handlebar location. Options are endless and it really is an overall great bike. The only complaints I ever hear, is the first time owners that haven't really had much saddle time find the 300 tire a bit odd at first, and shorter riders find the stock air box to get in the way. That's my 2 cents!! Either way you can't go wrong. Check out my site, I have some STUPID deals going on, on both bikes right now. Lemme know if I can help at all. -J
Boomer
Member
Both great bikes, but different. I have a Wolf and Ridgeback, yet have ridden several K-9s. Was considering a K9 until a Wolf became available....
To me, largest difference is handling. While rider ability trumps design, the reality is that the Wolf is a nimble machine, even in the twisties as you're not wrestling that fattie rear. The hand position is lower, so your body weight is lower. I've seen several guys rip the turns on a K9, but not too many with a rider on the back. To me, the rear swing of the Wolf apears a tad flexy...even with the preload adjusted properly. The superior handing of the Wolf isn't just the rear tire, but also the wide/tall front. Low speed (parking lot) handling is better on the K9 due to less rake.
Next decision, EFI. If I bought a K9, it would have a carb. If Wolf, obviously is going to have EFI. Enough threads on EFI.....
X-wedge. No idea if the above statement is true about scraping it, but I've left my Wolf stock (minus pipes) while my Ridgeback has all sorts of upgrades.
Passenger. Pros and cons of each. It certainly needs to be noted that your passenger will sit pretty high on the Wolf. She'll be holding on to ya a bit higher...esp if leaning against the sissy bar. My girlie didn't much care for that at first and prefers the large fender/pillion on the Ridgeback even though she has a tiny ass. In typical chick fashion, she likes riding the Wolf more due to all of the looks/stares going down the road.
Position. Pros and Cons. I just like the comfy Pro Street position. My Wolf fits me like a glove, while I'm always shifting around on my Ridgeback.
Looks. The K9 is simply 100% badass chopper. The Wolf is kinda pretty boy/show bike/bling bling. If I were in a bar fight, I'd rather have a K9. If pulling up to a bike show, I'd rather be riding the Wolf.
My decision really came down to wanting a pro street bike over a chopper...and wanted a bike that handled better than my Ridgeback.
What else do you need to know? Good luck!
To me, largest difference is handling. While rider ability trumps design, the reality is that the Wolf is a nimble machine, even in the twisties as you're not wrestling that fattie rear. The hand position is lower, so your body weight is lower. I've seen several guys rip the turns on a K9, but not too many with a rider on the back. To me, the rear swing of the Wolf apears a tad flexy...even with the preload adjusted properly. The superior handing of the Wolf isn't just the rear tire, but also the wide/tall front. Low speed (parking lot) handling is better on the K9 due to less rake.
Next decision, EFI. If I bought a K9, it would have a carb. If Wolf, obviously is going to have EFI. Enough threads on EFI.....
X-wedge. No idea if the above statement is true about scraping it, but I've left my Wolf stock (minus pipes) while my Ridgeback has all sorts of upgrades.
Passenger. Pros and cons of each. It certainly needs to be noted that your passenger will sit pretty high on the Wolf. She'll be holding on to ya a bit higher...esp if leaning against the sissy bar. My girlie didn't much care for that at first and prefers the large fender/pillion on the Ridgeback even though she has a tiny ass. In typical chick fashion, she likes riding the Wolf more due to all of the looks/stares going down the road.
Position. Pros and Cons. I just like the comfy Pro Street position. My Wolf fits me like a glove, while I'm always shifting around on my Ridgeback.
Looks. The K9 is simply 100% badass chopper. The Wolf is kinda pretty boy/show bike/bling bling. If I were in a bar fight, I'd rather have a K9. If pulling up to a bike show, I'd rather be riding the Wolf.
My decision really came down to wanting a pro street bike over a chopper...and wanted a bike that handled better than my Ridgeback.
What else do you need to know? Good luck!
BigSpenda864
Active Member
I've ridden both as well and think Fury sums it up pretty well. I have limited time on a Wolf but it rides a bit more like a standard cruiser than the K9. It takes a bit of getting used to the 300 tire and stance of the K9 but I love the ride. I would go with the one you like the looks of the best unless one is significantly more comfortable than the other. I always loved the pro street style and originally went to BDM to but a pro street bike. I then test rode a K9 and fell in love with it. I like the hand positioning on the K9 the best.
FURYBIGDOG
Member
:2thumbs: well put :2thumbs:
Mickeetwo
Guru
Nice feedback Boomer :2thumbs:
Throttle
Member
Zim, People don't think about selling before they buy almost anything. But, there are more chopper guys than pro street. Wolf is beautiful from the front/side, but ugly from the back. Following a 300 tire is just bad ass! I just need a bike which can ride from one bar to the next..
snake1962
Active Member
I was torn between the Wolf and K9 as well, but as I've stated in other posts the K9 fit me better. I like the chopper style more than the pro-street. If you get the chance ride both and decide. I seem to always be the designated test rider or should I say driver. Try driving a BigBear Sled ProStreet for the first time after your best friend buys it and you are the one that has to drive it home. The key here is DRIVE, when you have a bike with a LONG wheelbase you don't really ride it you drive it.