2018+ Softail Models Breakout

2019 Softail deluxe test ride

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 9, 2019 | 02:37 PM
  #11  
JCDLXSEIA's Avatar
JCDLXSEIA
Cruiser
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 162
Likes: 175
From: Iowa
Default


Originally Posted by JCDLXSEIA


I bought my blue jewel last year and bought most all the HD quick release items as pictured here. I was a sold on the color and the whitewalls, plus I felt way too large on the Heritage.
You can't go wrong with the Deluxe either.
And here is this years nude version, now a Stage II hot rod Deluxe, Only HD part in the Stage II is the air cleaner.
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2019 | 02:52 PM
  #12  
HD_fan's Avatar
HD_fan
Road Warrior
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 679
From: San Francisco
Default

You cant go wrong with either bike. As far as windshield, yes many option from HD to other companies. Check out Revzilla and just type in windshields. I personally don't like windshields but if I where to use one on my bike it would be small and handle mounted.

I always wanted a Deluxe. With it's whitewalls and rear taillight!
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2019 | 05:43 PM
  #13  
DonN's Avatar
DonN
Road Warrior
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 211
From: Manila, Philippines
Default

Can always strip down the Heritage.
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2019 | 08:07 PM
  #14  
Long lonesome highwayman's Avatar
Long lonesome highwayman
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Army
Community Builder
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,535
Likes: 11,058
From: ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Ludwig von Buzzthoven
I have an ‘18 Deluxe. I didn’t really start to like it until I had a full OEM Stage 1 with the SE slip ons installed on it (I wanted other mufflers and a FP3 tuner, but decided not to mess with the warranty).

It’s a great bike. I get tons of compliments on it. If you don’t get a windshield, the wind buffeting on it over 60mph is kind of bad.

I’m 5’ 7”, 160 lbs. I can put my feet on the ground when on the bike, but not quite as flat footed as when I’m on my ‘17 Slim.

My one issue with the bike is the stock seat: it’s really comfortable, but it’s too damn wide. I’m waiting for a decent aftermarket solution to come along, but it’s been like a year and a half, and not many companies are making seats for it. Saddlemen has a new solo one for it, but I’m iffy on it having gel, and you can’t order it in leather.
Speaking of 60mph, when I test rode it I never went over 55. I found out that was a big mistake when I bought my Sporty, because the engine vibration didn't get excessive until I reached 62 mph. Is the new Softails frame mounted engines?

Originally Posted by DonN
I bet if you tilt the heritage classic bars toward the rider, they wont be very much higher than the deluxe. Or you can just ask them to change out the bars.
From the looks of the pic it looks like I'd have to tilt it quite a lot. I'll have to get on one and check it out.

Originally Posted by JCDLXSEIA


I bought my blue jewel last year and bought most all the HD quick release items as pictured here. I was a sold on the color and the whitewalls, plus I felt way too large on the Heritage.
You can't go wrong with the Deluxe either.
and

Originally Posted by jcn
There heritage is certainly the better value off the showroom floor. As a quick guess, I'd say the passenger pegs/seat, cruise control, windscreen and bags are would cost about $2,500 to add after the fact (HD parts/labort). Considering the MSRP difference for the same 107 motor is only $1,000 this is a deal.

That said.... I bought the Deluxe! Loved the look of the chrome and feel of the lower suspension. The dealer 'threw in' an HD 18" quick detach windscreen when we did the deal. I'll add the rest as I want it and the bags will probably be soon. I'm very happy with my choice. Every time I see the chrome and whitewalls it puts a huge smile on my face.
I loved the looks also. As far as bags and a windscreen, the most important accessories, in order is

1. passenger pegs or boards
2. a 2 up seat for occasional use
3. bags for occasional use
4. a removable windscreen for occasional use

If I get one I won't be doing any LD touring on it.
 

Last edited by Long lonesome highwayman; May 9, 2019 at 08:10 PM.
Reply
Old May 9, 2019 | 09:03 PM
  #15  
FastDude2020's Avatar
FastDude2020
Tourer
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 114
From: Sacramento
Default

Originally Posted by HD_fan
You cant go wrong with either bike. As far as windshield, yes many option from HD to other companies. Check out Revzilla and just type in windshields. I personally don't like windshields but if I where to use one on my bike it would be small and handle mounted.

I always wanted a Deluxe. With it's whitewalls and rear taillight!

Nice bike!!!!
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2019 | 11:00 PM
  #16  
HD_fan's Avatar
HD_fan
Road Warrior
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 679
From: San Francisco
Default

Thanks Fastdude!
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2019 | 06:05 AM
  #17  
MHTR's Avatar
MHTR
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 130
Likes: 141
From: South Central PA
Default Convertable

I can't tell you how much I enjoy being able to take the bike from bare to light duty touring in just a few minutes. I enjoyed the windshield when it was cooler but it is off now unless I'm taking a long enough ride where I want to lessen the fatigue factor.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2019 | 06:51 AM
  #18  
irish44's Avatar
irish44
Cruiser
5 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 160
Likes: 57
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by HD_fan
You cant go wrong with either bike. As far as windshield, yes many option from HD to other companies. Check out Revzilla and just type in windshields. I personally don't like windshields but if I where to use one on my bike it would be small and handle mounted.

I always wanted a Deluxe. With it's whitewalls and rear taillight!
Dude I love the look of it. Something to think about when I pay off my FXLR next year.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 10, 2019 | 07:24 AM
  #19  
Parrothead1809's Avatar
Parrothead1809
Tourer
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 92
From: USA
Thumbs up

Originally Posted by MHTR
I can't tell you how much I enjoy being able to take the bike from bare to light duty touring in just a few minutes. I enjoyed the windshield when it was cooler but it is off now unless I'm taking a long enough ride where I want to lessen the fatigue factor.
Super Sweet! That's what us computer geeks call a "Scalable Solution". Very Nice. My metric (soon to be trade-in-bait) has a small lockable glove box under the seat that's big enough for glass case, wallet, etc. Does the Deluxe have one? When stripped down it would still be nice to have a small amount of storage without needing a swing arm bag or another bag attached to the luggage rack. Thoughts?
-PH
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2019 | 08:03 AM
  #20  
sumncguy's Avatar
sumncguy
Stellar HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 406
From: Hurdle Mills NC
Default

Ill have to get some pics .. but I recommend the Ultimate seat with the backrest. A little pricey. For me that backrest make the bike a very much more comfortable ride.
I'm 5' 7" with a one pack .. 240 lbs.

The must haves for me were
1. Seat with back rest https://ultimateseats.ca/
2. Windshield. I went with the Harley
3. Risers. Again went with Harley ...mainly to raise the bars but the pull back was an extra benefit.
4. Board extenders .. for me the boards we too close to the frame.

Other stuff not so must have
Highway pegs
Windshield pouches inner and outer
Swing arm bag -
For weekend trips and carrying my laptop to work (when I dont want to take the Wing) https://www.vikingbags.com/harley-da...ped-hard-trunk with the Harley detachable hardware.

Let me run out there an get a quick pic of the bike so you can see the seat.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:29 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE