I Rode a HD for the first time this weekend!
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 92
From: USA
I Rode a HD for the first time this weekend!
I rode my very first HD this weekend while test riding a Deluxe. It performed excellently and I love the bike. Three points and some questions:
-PH
- It was very windy and I didn't have a windshield (which I'm used to having my my 650/metric). If I move forward with the Deluxe, I will include a windshield in the deal.
- I assume the M8 is a Drive-by-Wire where my carbureted metric has a traditional throttle cable.
- The test ride included a large empty parking lot (getting used to the bike, practicing turns, zig-zags, figure 8's, etc), country roads and a couple of exits of interstate travel.
- The throttle was easy to get used to at slow-to-moderate speeds; Once I was up to 40+ MPH, I got the feeling that just a little throttle provided a large amount of power. Is this normal? Is it just something to get used to? Is there something the tech can do to make power delivery more "linear"?
- Has anyone else come from a modest metric to a M8/Softail? Did you experience the same eye-opening experience?
-PH
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
I came from a Deuce, and before that a VTX 1800, to my Fat Boy S. Because of the higher power to weight ratio of the FB it took me a little getting used to the pure grunt of the M8. I would suggest, if you buy the Deluxe to just give yourself some time to acclimate. While the throttle response can be adjusted you may just find that you are perfectly comfortable with it after you've put some miles on her. The Deluxe is a great bike, good luck!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Not specific to your question, but as to windshield, I really hated the classic "barn door" plexi windshield that was on my Dyna. It blocked the wind but induced terrible buffeting. Just saying, there are a lot of fairing options you can go for and the barn door wouldn't be on my list of recommendations.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 92
From: USA
Not specific to your question, but as to windshield, I really hated the classic "barn door" plexi windshield that was on my Dyna. It blocked the wind but induced terrible buffeting. Just saying, there are a lot of fairing options you can go for and the barn door wouldn't be on my list of recommendations.
One of the local shops pushes the 21 and then cuts it down to your exact size (assuming it needs to go shorter) and puts on a rounded finished edge. Seems like overkill to me. I have a stock 18 on my metric and works perfectly.
Suggestions?
-PH
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 406
From: Hurdle Mills NC
I traded my 02 X 1800 on the Deluxe. Yep I needed a windsheild on both. No surprises coming off my X to the Softail. Pretty much equal with performance. The Softail might be a little faster due to a lighter weight by a few pounds. The only thing I noticed was the X was much more roomier.
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 14
From: Switzerland
Welcome! I can't answer regarding the windshield as I never had one on my bikes. I traded a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS for my Fat Bob. I wanted to get a Fat Bob as soon as they were released, just couldn't, not until just recently (after having the Z900RS for a year). I loved the Z900RS, but feel much more comfortable on the Fat Bob - the "vibe", the look, the seating position, the sound and feel of the engine, the additional stability at higher speeds just fits me better. You will get used to the torque punch from the Harley, if anything, it's much easier to control than the torque punch from the Z. The character of the M8 is completely different from the metric engines, but in a very satisfying way 
If you enjoyed riding the Deluxe more than your current bike, go for it, after all, you have to enjoy what you ride!
Cheers.
If you enjoyed riding the Deluxe more than your current bike, go for it, after all, you have to enjoy what you ride!
Cheers.
Last edited by rodsky77; May 28, 2019 at 02:09 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 92
From: USA
Welcome! I can't answer regarding the windshield as I never had one on my bikes. I traded a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS for my Fat Bob. I wanted to get a Fat Bob as soon as they were released, just couldn't, not until just recently (after having the Z900RS for a year). I loved the Z900RS, but feel much more comfortable on the Fat Bob - the "vibe", the look, the seating position, the sound and feel of the engine, the additional stability at higher speeds just fits me better. You will get used to the torque punch from the Harley, if anything, it's much easier to control than the torque punch from the Z. The character of the M8 is completely different from the metric engines, but in a very satisfying way
If you enjoyed riding the Deluxe more than your current bike, go for it, after all, you have to enjoy what you ride!
Cheers.
If you enjoyed riding the Deluxe more than your current bike, go for it, after all, you have to enjoy what you ride!
Cheers.
Im about to change all that!
I dont mind spending some time in the parking lots and back roads getting more familiar with it.-PH
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Bay barn door you mean the 18 or 21 stock HD plexiglass? I have the 18 worked into my pricing/budget model right now.
One of the local shops pushes the 21 and then cuts it down to your exact size (assuming it needs to go shorter) and puts on a rounded finished edge. Seems like overkill to me. I have a stock 18 on my metric and works perfectly.
Suggestions?
-PH
One of the local shops pushes the 21 and then cuts it down to your exact size (assuming it needs to go shorter) and puts on a rounded finished edge. Seems like overkill to me. I have a stock 18 on my metric and works perfectly.
Suggestions?
-PH
My comment is just that you don't have to commit to the barn door as your only option. I'm running a Memphis Shades batwing and couldn't be happier. Sort of like owning a baby Street Glide that's lighter, faster, and more agile.
Here are some other options with decent stereos too
Reckless: https://www.recklessmotorcycles.com/...duct_list&c=68
Tsuyaki: https://www.tsukayu.com/QuickDetachableFairing.html
Hoppe: https://www.denniskirk.com/hoppe-ind...prd/233447.sku
Test ride a Heritage because it's basically the same as a Deluxe but you'll get the feel of a windshield. You might also like the bags but that's another thing altogether.