I am taking my HD Street Glide down in about 4 weeks. I have 25k on it now after purchasing in April of this year. I have done nothing but regular service and new rubber.
Been down dirt roads, pot hole filled roads, muddy roads, icy roads, animal filled roads, roads with fire on both sides of the lane and no visibility, roads filled with topes, roads with oil just layed on 'em, etc. When I run into these kinds of challenging roads, I slow way down, period. There have even been times when I had to pull over, and think out an approach. In Baja, San Quintin, I took what was advertised as a two mile dirt road to a hotel, (the road was actually about 6-10 miles), filled with pot holes, sections of sand, etc., it took me more than two hours, including a stop or two for a smoke, but I made it. The owner of the hotel told me I was mucho loco, and then proceeded to bring me six cold s in a bucket with some fresh shrimp and ceviche. During my smoke breaks, I took about 50 pics of beautiful blooming cactus, and met two local kids, who happened to be the deck hands on my fishing charter the next day. It was the most ruggedly beautiful 10 miles I have ever ridden.
Their is NO SUCH THING as the RIGHT BIKE. I do believe however there is the "RIGHT" mindset. Dont be afraid, trust and have confidence in yourself and the world around you, and you will be fine no matter what happens.
Hope to see you down the road!