So I went to a dealer today to talk about the next bike. He seemed to like Dynas more than ST in general with respect to passenger comfort, slow and normal speed handling, vibration, etc.

Expected riding profile is: maybe 20% with passenger, no multi day rides, but perhaps an occasional overnight, lots of short and day rides. FWIW together we don't weigh more than 280lbs.

The bikes in consideration are Heritage ST, ST Deluxe and Switchback.

What do you guys think?

 

Out of those three I would choose the Switchback. The dyna will be more nimble and easier to handle than the others.

 

Whats that saying if it wasn't for style nobody would own a soft tail.

 

Heritage ST in my opinion. I had a 96 HST and it was a great bike. I'm sure they have only gotten better. I have no comparison to the switchback as I have never riden one. Good luck with your decision and ultimate purchase.

 

How tall are you? What bike(s) have you owned previously? What kind of riding will you do? Short hops, long distance, one up or with a passenger?

 

The Heritage will be your best bet for 2-up comfort. The Deluxe for more style. I don't have any experience with a Switchback. Hard to beat a Softail, easy to handle and a good ride. Good luck with a hard decision!

 

A Softail is a hot chick who can't cook, won't clean, leaves her stuff lying all over the house and refuses to flush the toilet. She's great for showing off to your friends but is a PITA to live with.

Dynas ride better, handle better, and will tour better. I love my Night Train, but it's not the best tool for distance or aggressive riding.

 

To each his own you will never get a consistent answer as it depends on the rider. Ride each one see what you like. Test as you would be riding it most often.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. To answer some of the questions to better advise: I am about 5'10" and about 150lbs. I currently own a sportster. At my age (65) with a bad back I just can't see being on the sportster for very long. The kind of riding will vary, but mainly day trips or shorter. As I noted above the wife will come along not very often, so solo riding most of the time. I am also not going to be riding super aggressively (been there and done that). : )

I've been told that both the Dyna and ST handle better at low speeds...on the other hand I think the Deluxe is one of the best looking Harley's, BUT I don't really want to spend more time cleaning it than riding it, if you know what I mean.....certainly will be test riding when the weather gets better.

Again, thanks for the perspectives...having a tough time with this one

 

Bad back? Dyna all the way.