Jimmy you know after years of going back and forth to the Sturgis Rally I have trimmed down my load plan that used to be on the shoulders of a Dyna Street Bob, Dyna Wide Glide, Sporty, FXR and almost all the other bikes I've owned. I have NEVER owned a tour bike to day, I've had a dozen Dyna/FXR hoozie whatsits and have learned to be creative when I have to do the two-up trips.
Fear not my good man, for if I had either of these new bikes and mama wanted to go to Sturgis with me, I would find a way to make them work as far as my Switchback is concerned, we'll be cruising to Sturgis in style BAYBEE!!! WHAT? heheheh

I too have had a number of bikes.  Like you, an FXR, Sporty, FXDWG (which I still own), but also a couple of ElectraGlides.  I never really cared for those FLHUTC's and I didn't keep 'em long.  I didn't consider the RoadKing to be in the same class but it's pretty much the same (to me); too heavy, too cumbersome, crappy center of gravity. Yeah, a great "touring" bike I suppose but it's like riding in the back seat of an Oldsmobile, sitting in the middle with the windows rolled up. Ya know what I mean?  I've ridden most of my life without a windshield and the thought of taking it off of the Switchback doesn't bother me.  I''ll admit they come in handy but it's just a thing.   And so is my concern with my choice in general.  It's just a thing and like all things, it too shall pass.  Thanks man.


Peace

Definitely, over the next few years I'll probably build myself a bike and go with that because by the time I'm ready to buy again all the Harleys will probably be liquid cooled (NO THANK YOU!). I'm keeping this bike and after next year most of you will understand why!

I heard about the new releases and I don't particularly care for either one. I don't understand Harley's thinking with the sporty. Oh, I've always liked Sportsters but enough is enough IMHO. Sportster nostalgia? Give me a break. As for the Softail Slim, nix on the frontend, like the front tire/rim setup, nix on the bars, and I'm thinking the Night Train is a helluva lot better option.

Like Black9, I have a new Switchback. I got ride of a 2010 RoadKing to get the new bike but honestly, I'm not so sure I made the right decision in bike choice. I wanted something lighter, more manueverable, shorter wheel base, etc. and the Switchback has that. But I'm real skeptical on how it's going to fit, travelling two up and all. We'll be trimming down on our packing and that's always fine with me but I'm still wondering if I should've looked closer at another style.

Must be my 63 years doin' all this thinkin' for me. I've never pondered about shit like this before. There's this irony in being retired in that you get to travel all ya want but for some reason ya find yourself having to "make plans". Hell, I never made plans; I just took off. lOL