Softails...really dissapointed!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 9,041
From: Monroe, NC
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
The Softail Deluxe was built for short people.
Pretty low seat height, should have been named the Softail Low.
I rode an 08 Heritage and I was actually impressed with how much room there was.
I`m a big guy too, 6'1' 220lbs. I could stretch out on it nicely.
The motor left me unimpressed though, buzzy and weak.
Also rode an 08 Super Glide the same day.
Felt cramped, even compared to my Sporty (but it's set up for me)
Nothing that you could not change with a differentseat and forwards.
The handlebars would be the first to go though.......absolutely hated them!
The motor was SWEET.
Pretty low seat height, should have been named the Softail Low.
I rode an 08 Heritage and I was actually impressed with how much room there was.
I`m a big guy too, 6'1' 220lbs. I could stretch out on it nicely.
The motor left me unimpressed though, buzzy and weak.
Also rode an 08 Super Glide the same day.
Felt cramped, even compared to my Sporty (but it's set up for me)
Nothing that you could not change with a differentseat and forwards.
The handlebars would be the first to go though.......absolutely hated them!
The motor was SWEET.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Dudes, I felt your pain. I had an FXDX that I loved but it was time to get something new. ( long story)I first thought I wanted a Nightrain till I sat on it. I am 185 lbs at 5'10" and it felt way wrong. Long stretch to the bars and my legs felt too high.I could not see riding for more than an hour on it. Then I decided to check out the Deluxe. I sat on that and felt like a monkey f@*&*inga football. Almost gave up till I sat on a Road King Custom. I found an 07 on this forum with only 700 miles on it and jumped at the chance to buy it. I didn`t have to give up the good vibes of the non counterbalance engine and got the bike that felt right for me. IMHO, softails are great to look at, great as a run around in town or out for a short ride but that counterbalanced engine sucks the soul out of the bike. Just my opinion but if your looking to "upgrade" from your dyna, a softail is not really an upgrade, more of a lateral change. Not realy better but more of a preference thing. If I ever go to another non bagger bike, the Dyna line is without a doubt what I will be getting back into.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Out west ... sorta'
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
I never cared much for the SoftTail feel, either, though they look cool as hell.
I'm 6'1" and 197 and while I loved my Wide Glide ('85), and liked the way the new 07s felt, as well ... I bought an '08 SuperGlide Custom last week (the 105th Anniversary model) cuz the wife liked the color, and after putting 300 miles on it in two days I kinda' like the feel and fit. I was actually a little surprised at how good it felt. With a set of forward controls and a pillow seat I'll be in business. I love the look of the Anniversary seat - tan stripe in the front - but the bitch-pad is hard as a rock and the shocks are a tad stiff. She needs a pillow seat, and I'd kinda' like one, too.
But anyway ... the newer SuperGlides aresurprisingly comfy.
I'm 6'1" and 197 and while I loved my Wide Glide ('85), and liked the way the new 07s felt, as well ... I bought an '08 SuperGlide Custom last week (the 105th Anniversary model) cuz the wife liked the color, and after putting 300 miles on it in two days I kinda' like the feel and fit. I was actually a little surprised at how good it felt. With a set of forward controls and a pillow seat I'll be in business. I love the look of the Anniversary seat - tan stripe in the front - but the bitch-pad is hard as a rock and the shocks are a tad stiff. She needs a pillow seat, and I'd kinda' like one, too.
But anyway ... the newer SuperGlides aresurprisingly comfy.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 87
From:
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
ORIGINAL: bronk
Soft tails=good on looks but GARBAGE on performance/handling!I didnt like them at all during a few test runs.
Soft tails=good on looks but GARBAGE on performance/handling!I didnt like them at all during a few test runs.
I've been going out with a lot of guys this summer and no one can walk away from me on my Deuce on any kinda Harley on any kinda road. Explain to me how that is if it performs and handles so bad?
I read an article recently that the Dyna guys and the Touring guys all say the softy handles bad because of the position of the shocks. But the fact that the engine on the Dyna and Touring are rubber mounted essentially means that the front wheel and frame are attached together, but the rear wheel and motor are attached via rubber to that and as a result the front wheel can be outta line with the rear - it's a wonder they go down the road straight...
As I've said many times before - it's a $20,000 bike that handles and goes very well. It may not fit some of you well. Harley wouldn't sell as many as they do if they were a tenth as bad as y'all are goin' on about here.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
ORIGINAL: Snakum
With a set of forward controls and a pillow seat I'll be in business. I love the look of the Anniversary seat - tan stripe in the front - but the bitch-pad is hard as a rock and the shock are a tad stiff. She needs a pillow seat, and I'd kinda' like one, too.
With a set of forward controls and a pillow seat I'll be in business. I love the look of the Anniversary seat - tan stripe in the front - but the bitch-pad is hard as a rock and the shock are a tad stiff. She needs a pillow seat, and I'd kinda' like one, too.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,356
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale, Pa
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
ORIGINAL: nine11c2
I love it when you guys get on a run and starting calling softy's crap.
I've been going out with a lot of guys this summer and no one can walk away from me on my Deuce on any kinda Harley on any kinda road. Explain to me how that is if it performs and handles so bad?
I read an article recently that the Dyna guys and the Touring guys all say the softy handles bad because of the position of the shocks. But the fact that the engine on the Dyna and Touring are rubber mounted essentially means that the front wheel and frame are attached together, but the rear wheel and motor are attached via rubber to that and as a result the front wheel can be outta line with the rear - it's a wonder they go down the road straight...
As I've said many times before - it's a $20,000 bike that handles and goes very well. It may not fit some of you well. Harley wouldn't sell as many as they do if they were a tenth as bad as y'all are goin' on about here.
ORIGINAL: bronk
Soft tails=good on looks but GARBAGE on performance/handling!I didnt like them at all during a few test runs.
Soft tails=good on looks but GARBAGE on performance/handling!I didnt like them at all during a few test runs.
I've been going out with a lot of guys this summer and no one can walk away from me on my Deuce on any kinda Harley on any kinda road. Explain to me how that is if it performs and handles so bad?
I read an article recently that the Dyna guys and the Touring guys all say the softy handles bad because of the position of the shocks. But the fact that the engine on the Dyna and Touring are rubber mounted essentially means that the front wheel and frame are attached together, but the rear wheel and motor are attached via rubber to that and as a result the front wheel can be outta line with the rear - it's a wonder they go down the road straight...
As I've said many times before - it's a $20,000 bike that handles and goes very well. It may not fit some of you well. Harley wouldn't sell as many as they do if they were a tenth as bad as y'all are goin' on about here.
I'll take on any one of the Dyna guys in the twisties.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Amen bro. hey. I love my dyna. I JUST do not think it is so cool torag on other harley's !! WTF. just ride guys !!! Be cool.laid back. Sheet,i even like jap bikes.. Ok, you guys can flame me for about jap bikes, >LOl ........
What about we all Motorcycle Enthusiasts .. Ride on bro's !!! [sm=WTFsgign.gif]Thread ended, we hope ..
What about we all Motorcycle Enthusiasts .. Ride on bro's !!! [sm=WTFsgign.gif]Thread ended, we hope ..
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Out west ... sorta'
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
KTM ... Thanks for the offer ... I might take you up on that. My brother has the HD pillow seat installed on his '05 and I was going to try it out. Don't know where I might try out the Sundowner ... looks comfy, though. How thick is the bitch-pad on it?
Speaking of seats and SoftTails ... the SoftTails always had some of the best/most cushy seats. Still didn't like the riding position, though.
Speaking of seats and SoftTails ... the SoftTails always had some of the best/most cushy seats. Still didn't like the riding position, though.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 108
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From:
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Part of the reason you guys on Dyna's think you've got soooooo much more room than the poor old Softails (LOL), is that you're running solo seats. Your *** is sitting part way off the seat in an effort to give you more leg room, and you don't realize it. The Softails have a more off-set angle between the seat area, and the back fender which lends very well to giving the rider a nice back rest.
I suppose this could be one of those instances, like the Toyota Corolla. I watched some program about morbidly obese people, and their car of choice is the littleToyota Corolla, because it has a lot of room between the steering wheel and the seat. Of course, they look like humpty dumpty driving the thing, but at least they're happy...
I'll take my counter-balanced motor, no visible shocks, larger looking, beautiful Softail over any Dyna, any day. And... that goes for the Wide Glide too, with it's ugly rear fender.
I suppose this could be one of those instances, like the Toyota Corolla. I watched some program about morbidly obese people, and their car of choice is the littleToyota Corolla, because it has a lot of room between the steering wheel and the seat. Of course, they look like humpty dumpty driving the thing, but at least they're happy...
I'll take my counter-balanced motor, no visible shocks, larger looking, beautiful Softail over any Dyna, any day. And... that goes for the Wide Glide too, with it's ugly rear fender.
