I didn't have much better to do this afternoon, so I took a ride out to my not-so-local dealer. I figured I would try out a new Bagger since mine is a '96, and a LOT has changed since.

What a difference 16 years makes.

 

So are you gonna get a new one? That red & black one looks very good. Or is that orange & black.

 

Aint happening this year, but I WAS highly impressed. The biggest "Holy ****" moment? THE BRAKES!

 

i'll bite - and?

Sorry to hear. +1 on the brakes! No more stomping and squeezing the brains out. Do that sh** on the newer bikes and it's over the bars for you! Did they try to hit you up with any deals on a leftover?

 

Nope. They didn't even try to sell me this bike. I told them what I wanted to try and he wheeled one out.

I'm not a car dealer fan, a MC dealer fan, ANY dealer for that matter. 99% of them are gutterpot douchepails.

Except this one. St. Croix HD. They leave you the fuck alone, and answer questions when you have them. I have one dealer 10 miles from me, another 20. I do business at this one, 55 miles from my home. The salesman told me "Take it for an hour of so. No big whoop." So that's what I did.

 

OK, here's the one minute review-

Feels about the same as my '96. Seating position is like for like. This one didn't have highway pegs however. Seat is improved a ton, although I LOVE the Corbin on my FXSTC.

Acceleration is wildly improved. Like most HD's, it looses all it's grunt as the RPM's top out. My '96 at 3000 RPM's is running 70 MPH. 3000 RPM's on this was 80+ MPH.

Handling is much better. Where my '96 can feel a little unsettled in a hard corner, this bike feel solid.

Braking is ridiculous. The first time I grabbed a handful of front brake, I though; "Be careful idiot"

The 6 speed transmission is smooth and the added gear is nice. My Softail also has a 6 speed, so I was somewhat familiar with it.

All in all a gigantic leap. But you would expect it to be, it's 16 years newer.

 

I almost bought mine from St. Croix this winter but couldn't pass up the deal from the shop a little farther northeast. I've shopped at St. Criox on more than a few occasions and have always had good service and dealings with them. Now as far as the '12 upgrade, its not even close. I traded in my '07 for the '12 and there was still a nice feeling with all the new options.

 

The people at St. Croix are nice and laid back. That is where I bought mine even though they are not-so-close to me either. That is a great looking bike. Let us know when you buy it!

 

Ya think? LOLOL...