Softails...really dissapointed!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
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From: Massachusetts
Softails...really dissapointed!
Today while at a Harley dealership I sat on a bike that I've loved for a long, longtime & even thought about trading my bike in for...the '08 Softail Deluxe! I love my bike to death, but I always said that if I ever got rid of it for another bike it would probably only be for a Road King Classic or a Softail Deluxe. I'm not incredibly tall (6') or really overweight (220), but I am somewhat of a "big guy" & the second I sat on it I was extremely uncomfortable. In comparison to my FXDC, I felt like I was sitting too far forward & felt as if I had to sit perfectly straight up in the stock seat without any possibility of a slight "lean back". Then I tried sitting on a Softail Custom figuring it may give me that comfortable, relaxedriding postition that I'm used to with my FXDC...NOPE!...same uncomfortable feeling! Sitting on these bikes may have permanently convinced me that I may just be a "Dyna guy" for life?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 341
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From:
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Amen brother, One of my buddies asked if we could switch rides for a few miles because (you'll laugh) I look like a real biker, with 2" extended forwards and drag bars. He was jealous and riding a fat boy. I said no thanks. Your right about the upright seating on the soft tails. No slouching I guess. I wish my front end was a wide glide with some rake in the trees but. I can't complain about my superglide.
[IMG]local://upfiles/28108/2CCD4933BA0E40478810720F1A722748.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/28108/2CCD4933BA0E40478810720F1A722748.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 1
From: MA
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
I had the exact same experience last week.
Dealer had some leftovers including Softail Custom and standard.
Sat on them - wow - I'm tall and I could not believe how high in the air my knees were.
Very uncomfortable.
Dealer had some leftovers including Softail Custom and standard.
Sat on them - wow - I'm tall and I could not believe how high in the air my knees were.
Very uncomfortable.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 149
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From:
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
My buddy bought a softtail custom for his first bike. I rode it home for him and hated every mile of it. Like FXDC I'm some what tall (6'2") and weigh 205#.
I felt like if was right up on the tank and my feet were right under my knees which was uncomfortable.
I felt like if was right up on the tank and my feet were right under my knees which was uncomfortable.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Same here. Road tested my buddy's 03 Fat Boy. I sort of felt tlike I was sitting on a bar stool. Almost perched. He had forward controls, but my knees were still up pretty high, and I am only 5'10"
I like the "idea" of owning a softail custom - looks like it would at least sit like a dyna, but be ultra-smooth vibration-wise. Although I have been logging a lot of miles on my 07 Bob lately, and the vibes are starting to appeal to me.[:-]
Maybe I'm just a Dyna guy after all. Anyone sat on a street glide? Love to know if that is comfortable. Planning on it being my "later in life" bike.
I like the "idea" of owning a softail custom - looks like it would at least sit like a dyna, but be ultra-smooth vibration-wise. Although I have been logging a lot of miles on my 07 Bob lately, and the vibes are starting to appeal to me.[:-]
Maybe I'm just a Dyna guy after all. Anyone sat on a street glide? Love to know if that is comfortable. Planning on it being my "later in life" bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Ditto all that for me too. I think if I ever moved to another bike it would probably be the RKC but I don't think I've tried even sitting on one yet. However, I've sat on the Fatboy and have ridden a couple of Heritage Classics and, as flynavy said, it's like sitting in a chair or on a stool - a very weird feeling to me for being on a bike. And, even though they are considered forward controls, they feel like mids as far as leg position goes for me - I'm 6'4". I'm also so used to the vibes of my dyna now, riding with a B motor almost makes my brain think something is wrong.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
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From:
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Can't beat Dynas that's for sure. My bro and I rode to Ruidoso and swapped bikes - his an '05 Softail, mine the '04 Wide Glide. He was ready to trade me straight across, no way. Too bad there's more aftermarket for Softails than Wide Glides though. Oh well, there's plenty of expensive goodies that'll take my paychecks.
Ex-Navy myself, 1971 - 1991; just couldn't get enough fun traveling and partying overseas!!!!
Ex-Navy myself, 1971 - 1991; just couldn't get enough fun traveling and partying overseas!!!!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: New Bern, NC
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
Same vote here! I went in the dealership to purchase a HD Electra-Glide. I tried out all the bikes. The only one that appealed to me was the Dyna Super Glide. It just fits me and my riding style.
However, the wife is wanting me to get something bigger. She wants the plush comfort of an EG Ultra. I'll probably go that route, but it will be an EG Ultra with Side Car, grandkids you know.
Will still keep the Dyna though.
However, the wife is wanting me to get something bigger. She wants the plush comfort of an EG Ultra. I'll probably go that route, but it will be an EG Ultra with Side Car, grandkids you know.
Will still keep the Dyna though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
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From: Northern VA
RE: Softails...really dissapointed!
ORIGINAL: flynavy
Anyone sat on a street glide? Love to know if that is comfortable. Planning on it being my "later in life" bike.
Anyone sat on a street glide? Love to know if that is comfortable. Planning on it being my "later in life" bike.