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Touring on a Softail

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Old 09-30-2009, 04:10 AM
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Default Touring on a Softail

Hey Softy owners, haven't been in here in a while. I made the jump a couple years back to a RKC and sold my beloved 06 Deluxe.

How many of you guys/gals 2-up tour on your Deluxe, Heritage or Fatboys? What mods have you done to make them tour-able? Do they make a cruise for the softails yet? Am I crazy for even considering 2-up touring on a Softail?

Just wanted to see some ideas. I like my RKC, but I just haven't fell in love with it like I did my Deluxe. Oh well, flame on I'm ready
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 04:48 AM
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I just got back from touring 900km on a Road King in Ireland. You're insane if you'd rather tour on a Softail. I love my Night Train and won't get rid of it, but the RK is by far the better tourer.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 05:22 AM
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Cmon, don't hold back, tell me what you really think...... I know my RKC is a great touring bike, but I miss some of the characteristics of my Deluxe that a touring bike just can't compare to. I know it's wishfull thinking, but what the heck; I'll never know if I don't ask.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 06:59 AM
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I'll say this, I prefer the riding position of my Night Train, but as far as ride, handling, and braking, the King stomps it. We rode 9 hours Friday & 8 hours Saturday, and we both could have gone longer. This was on beat-up Irish back roads that would have shaken our teeth out on the Train.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 07:05 PM
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Just rode a 10 RKC at demo, only 20 or so miles, all different terrain.
Overall we'll keep our Heritage.

Dislikes; seat, seat height, handlebars, handling, road stability lacking at 65-70, Floorboards just felt wrong, rear brakes were shot (I know, its a demo). Whitewalls and two tone paint.

Like's; motor seemed quieter, 5th gear was silent,

I Know 20 mins is short, but I didn't have all the dislikes when I first rode the heritage..
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 07:46 PM
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I just traded a 2005 electraglide classic for a 2010 heritage softail classic and its ride is better then my electraglide ever was.
I dont get what all this "touring bikes ride better" is all about.
This bike just rides so much smoother, and I like the seating position better also.
I can ride this thing like I stole it from day one, the electraglide after a year and 7000 miles I still wasnt confident or comfortable on.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 07:49 PM
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I always figured u could take some long trips on the softails(heritage, deluxe)? Is it really that bad of an idea?
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 08:01 PM
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Absolutely love long rides on my 2007 Heritage. After 2 years it has 19000 miles. I find it very comfortable. Best seating position, height, handle bars of any bike I've owned. Yeh sometimes I miss having more trunk space but they to me are like closets in the house, you'll fill up what ever you have.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 08:02 PM
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I've since added a drivers backrest (need to update pic) and find it even more comfortable on long rides.
 
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Old 09-30-2009, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by fireman9513
I just traded a 2005 electraglide classic for a 2010 heritage softail classic and its ride is better then my electraglide ever was.
I dont get what all this "touring bikes ride better" is all about.
This bike just rides so much smoother, and I like the seating position better also.
I can ride this thing like I stole it from day one, the electraglide after a year and 7000 miles I still wasnt confident or comfortable on.
+1...The Heritage is HD's best kept secret as far as the overall ride of one. I took out a RK, SG & an Ultra & thought the Heritage was the best fit for me. I haven't had any regrets. And if you think it's just a dressed up softail, no way. The ride & comfort is completely different from my 06 Std.
 

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