I will say that I've owned five bikes over the last 30+ years of riding. They ranged from rigid frame choppers to Evo Superglide, Shovel Roadking-looking FLT and my current Sportster and Slim. Of all of them, I love the looks of the Softail the best. I have wanted a softail since they first came out... It only took me, what 30 years? LOL
The Heritage and Heritage Springer are some of the best bikes ever produced, in my opinion. The Deluxe, well, it's right there too.... I love a lot of the little styling bits they added to the Deluxe (tombstone brake light, beach bars, etc.). And, I also agree, you can't go wrong with any of them!
I guess probably the main reasons for going with Deluxe over the Heritage for us was the handlebars and sleeker turn signals/tail lamp... I also like the "Nostalgic" windshield and Deluxe backrest better than the ones that come on a Heritage.
Really - it is just about which one you like best and ergonomics... which fits you best or is closest to fitting you best.
I have both bikes. One of the main differences in addition to what has been mentioned, is that the Deluxe is built for smaller riders (seat feels like you are on the tank and cramped). My wife who is 5-7 thought the Deluxe was perfect for her height. She stopped riding and I inherited her bike. I had to change the seat and bars to feel comfortable (I am 6-0). Otherwise, I was cramped and felt like I was sitting on the tank. My butt would end up on the back of the seat to stretch out a bit. I eventually put a Maverick Daddy Long Legs seat on the Deluxe. No issues on the Heritage. Ron
Thanks for all the feedback. I was almost hoping there would have been something I missed, like improved suspension, to justify the price. I never noticed the taillight, but I like it.
Axis, I am going through the exact same thing right now: some days I am convinced I should get a Roadking with the M8, other days a Fatboy S, but I keep coming back to the Deluxe and/or Heritage. I also like the idea of getting the Deluxe and getting third party bags and choose my own, removable fairing... I agree with Sleeko though "can't lose with either."
And the bikes a few of you posted are beautiful!
Thanks!
Wow all over the place on bikes you want.....may want to wait and see what you like 3 months from now.
I love my Deluxe. I'm 6' tall and it's very comfortable. I love the Panhead look. I wasn't crazy about the conchos or whatever they are called on the Heritage. I noticed they scaled those back on the '16's. I did however add my favorite parts of the Heritage to my Deluxe- the dash and floorboards. My grandfather had a green '49, so I wanted to pay homage to him. He says he really likes my Hydra-Glide, (that's what he calls it) and loves that it has the same tail light his did.
Whatever any of us have or get, be safe and thank Harley and the Davidsons for giving us the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Wow all over the place on bikes you want.....may want to wait and see what you like 3 months from now.
If I wait a little longer, for the '18s to become available, assuming the softails get the M8; my list will be down from 4 to 3: Heritage, Deluxe, and Fatboy.
The only reasons I am considering the Fatboy S (Lo w/ 110 cu) and the Road King are the motors.
I am 6' 2" with longish legs, so the height might be an issue for me, leg room is a major concern when choosing cars.
10-23-2016, 08:23 AM
