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2019 Softail Deluxe dripping in whitewalls and chrome. Thanks for everyone's feedback over the last month or so. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions when I get comfortable wrenching on it!!
Accessories included 16" Glass, Bags, Engine Guards and Luggage Rack.
Backrest: No; HD doesn't make a backrest for a solo seat (yet!). Here is what I've found out: The boys at http://grasshopperlimited.com have something that may work. I really liked the one they sold me for my metric, however its bracket will mount to the same two screws that hold the seat and luggage rack on. So, it may require longer screws or some such accompanying mod. The other choice, although much more expensive, comes with plenty of recommendations and that's a Mustang Solo Seat with Backrest. I haven't fully researched the Mustang but I think it will work. The guys are Revzilla know their stuff so a phone call could answer that. FYI: The page on Mustang's website says you sit a bit lower as well. Finally, the parts/accessory specialist I worked with said that HD is always releasing parts, so something could be coming in the future. If anyone has any feedback on these or other backrest solutions for a Deluxe, I'm all ears!
Tour Pack: Yes HD makes one. There are two drawbacks: (1) It can't be mounted with the solo luggage rack (but I wouldn't use both at the same time, so this isn't really a problem for me) and (2) It comes with a HD Price Tag. I've seen posts from others using 3rd party tourpack's so that's probably a viable alternative as long as the cosmetics match the rest of the bike. Either way, I shouldn't need a tour pack for the traveling I have planned, so it's not as hot an issue as the back rest.
Just a few items I've found while riding it for 2 days:
I love it
Couldn't have asked for a better, more responsive bike. Glad I didn't go with anything more powerful, this one is spot on for my needs. I know some riders are all about power and torque. Coming from a 650cc engine, this has plenty of giddy-up for me!
Also the 200 lb increase from my prior bike melts away as you pull away from a stop. The only times it's been noticeable is when I'm trying to maneuver it into it's designated parking spot in the garage. If Mrs P's car is already in, it requires quite the multi-point turn or backing it in (up a slight incline) into the garage. Neither are fun.
The extra weight is exactly what I needed for more confidence at highway speed. I had it on the interstates today and it was rock solid. I didn't get the feeling I was being sucked in behind trucks, and passing slower trailers was not an issue. The M8 definitely has power!
All-in-all I'm getting used to the power, torque, throttle (you only have to look at it and boy does it GO!), clutch (a bit hard to pull, but I suspect it will get softer with age) and shifter (finding neutral can be a real PITA!
Just under 200 miles in 2 days; I hope to break 200 on Sunday.
Livin' Large and Lovin' Life with my new Deluxe!
-PH
Backrest: No; HD doesn't make a backrest for a solo seat (yet!). Here is what I've found out: The boys at http://grasshopperlimited.com have something that may work. I really liked the one they sold me for my metric, however its bracket will mount to the same two screws that hold the seat and luggage rack on. So, it may require longer screws or some such accompanying mod. The other choice, although much more expensive, comes with plenty of recommendations and that's a Mustang Solo Seat with Backrest. I haven't fully researched the Mustang but I think it will work. The guys are Revzilla know their stuff so a phone call could answer that. FYI: The page on Mustang's website says you sit a bit lower as well. Finally, the parts/accessory specialist I worked with said that HD is always releasing parts, so something could be coming in the future. If anyone has any feedback on these or other backrest solutions for a Deluxe, I'm all ears!
-PH
Congrats again on the new ride. Couldn't be more happy with mine. FYI - I had no problem whatsoever fitting the Grasshopper back rest (very similar configuration as yours).
It's a long story, but I have a second brand new Grasshopper back rest sitting on the shelf. Shoot me a note if you have any interest.
Just purchased a "new-to-me" 2020 FLDE. Do you have tge H-D parts #'s for the bags and mounting hardware? I realize it is an older post but hoping you are able to help. TIA. Jim
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Excellent
