Greetings all.
1st time purchasing a Harley but before I buy, a salesman at a dealership told me that the Softail has a less "aggressive" ride than something with springs. Any truth to this? What exactly does "aggressive" mean in this case? Also is 6`7 255. Will mostly use for work transportation with an occasional short highway ride for now. Thank you for your opinions on this matter. I'm looking at purchasing a 07-10 Softail custom soon.

 

Maybe he meant its going to have a more cushy ride, less aggressive/ performance oriented type ride.

 

I think he meant if you are going to ride more aggressively, the Dyna could be a better choice over a softail. I would concur... test ride helps; I tried the FLH's a couple of times but stayed with the Dyna, and we tour a lot.

 

Not sure what you mean. Last I checked, my Softail had "springs". One in each fork leg, and one in each shock under the tranny.

 

I've talked to a lot of salesmen at Harley dealers who didn't know jack about the bikes they are selling. One had never ridden a motorcycle and was an ex auto salesman.

 

All the bikes have springs. And shocks. Definitely do not leave this decision up to the salesman and take some test rides. Use the kind of roads you'll be taking for most of your riding and it will make your decision a lot easier.

 

I started my H-D life with an FXR, (HD dropped the FXR and replaced with the FXD), went to RoadKing then a Heritage.
The smaller bike was definitely fun to through around and a pleasure in the twisties, I just felt too big on it (6-4, 225)
The RK is a great ride, had for many years, not really hard to handle in town but I always felt like I was sitting on top of it.
Got the Heritage this past year and absolutely love it. feels good, rides great, seat could be improved. Again not a nimble bike but fits and feels like I belong on it.

 

Less aggressive means that you won't be able to ride it as aggressively as
other bikes. In other words, you will scrape your boards much easier.

 

It doesn't matter what terms the salesman uses. All that will matter is how you feel while riding each model of bike.