FLHC vs FXLRST
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
This really isn’t that tough of a decision. They are really built differently in terms of geometry. If you look at the fork angle, trail and lean angles you will find one is built for spirited riding and one is built for lazy relaxed riding. From there you can see they are completely different in terms of style. You can’t just look at the bags on them and assume they are similar as they are completely different and you have to decide what type of riding you do and what style you prefer.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
This really isnt that tough of a decision. They are really built differently in terms of geometry. If you look at the fork angle, trail and lean angles you will find one is built for spirited riding and one is built for lazy relaxed riding. From there you can see they are completely different in terms of style. You cant just look at the bags on them and assume they are similar as they are completely different and you have to decide what type of riding you do and what style you prefer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 542
From: MN
Yep - I'm an old man and drive the Heritage.
My eldest is a young man and just bought his 1st, the Nightster. Probably will trade up in a few years for the FXLRS. Back in the day when I was his age, for sure I would've got the FXLRS.
My eldest is a young man and just bought his 1st, the Nightster. Probably will trade up in a few years for the FXLRS. Back in the day when I was his age, for sure I would've got the FXLRS.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 783
From: France
you can ride "fast" on the Heritage if you want, the chassis is very good, the suspensions are a bit softer and more suitable for cruising, but this model is very capable in the twisties, but obviously the LRST is better suited to sporty driving with stiffer damping and better brakes, but it is also capable for touring and cruising, that's another style, more modern and I like it too, perhaps my next one to rejuvenate a little...lol...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,671
Likes: 5,067
From: Georgia
So what makes one Harley look like an "old man's bike" versus another? The spoke wheels? bags? big windscreen? For me the differentiation is between classic and modern styling as when I was younger unless the Harley you were riding was a Sportster you were riding an old mans bike. The bikes without fairings are the classic look for me which puts the Low Rider ST and Road/Street Glide firmly in the modern category. A Deluxe with white walls and my favorite color combination of Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl will have me staring for hours
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
Yep, we understand they are both cruisers and both big heavy Harleys. How does that help the OP decide or differentiate between the 2 bikes? I still say look at the specs, rake, trail, lean angle and that is a good indicator of their relative strengths and how they are designed to perform. From there, the next criteria is looks/style. Some like classic styling and some prefer a more modern style. Those 2 factors differentiate the 2 bikes even though they are both cruisers
.as you point out.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
So what makes one Harley look like an "old man's bike" versus another? The spoke wheels? bags? big windscreen? For me the differentiation is between classic and modern styling as when I was younger unless the Harley you were riding was a Sportster you were riding an old mans bike. The bikes without fairings are the classic look for me which puts the Low Rider ST and Road/Street Glide firmly in the modern category. A Deluxe with white walls and my favorite color combination of Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl will have me staring for hours
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
I'd put it this way... If you are pushing it hard enough on public roads that those specs really come into play, maybe one should think twice about what they are doing. Looks and style are certainly relevant factors to consider - whatever suits one taste. The use case may be the overriding factor. Does your riding mostly consist of short runs or all day excursions? If the later, overall comfort might be a deciding factor and the Heritage might win out on that one.