Heritage Springer Question
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 994
Likes: 45
From: North Carolina
Heritage Springer Question
I am looking at a '97 Heritage Springer that I believe Harley might have referred to it as 'The Ole Boy'.
My only experience is only with bikes I've owned and that does not include heritage springers, I've never been on this bike.
Most everytime I bring this model up in conversation one comment that I have heard more than one time is, "on the highway it handles well, but in a parking lot it is a pig." Not really sure exactly what that might mean, but I don't believe it is a compliment.
Would appreciate it if an owner would comment on this being an accurate summary of the bike? (The bike is 300 miles from me or I would find out for myself)
My only experience is only with bikes I've owned and that does not include heritage springers, I've never been on this bike.
Most everytime I bring this model up in conversation one comment that I have heard more than one time is, "on the highway it handles well, but in a parking lot it is a pig." Not really sure exactly what that might mean, but I don't believe it is a compliment.
Would appreciate it if an owner would comment on this being an accurate summary of the bike? (The bike is 300 miles from me or I would find out for myself)
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 71
From: Tennessee
Whoever said that has never been on one. Lots of stupid BS about the springer front end floating around out there. The parking lot comment included - it's not a raked out chopper. Springers handle just as well as bikes with hydraulic front ends. I just took mine on a trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it was fantastic. Handles the twisties as well as my road king. The springer front end is super smooth going down the road. The rear is a different story, but hey it's a softail.
If you are not used to the shake of a hard mounted Evo, you might want to go for a test ride before laying down the cash.
If you are not used to the shake of a hard mounted Evo, you might want to go for a test ride before laying down the cash.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 994
Likes: 45
From: North Carolina
Plus I believe that would be beyond my skill-set!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 71
From: Tennessee
Keep everything dialed in on the front end and you will love it. Rocker drag is the most involved but only needs checked every 10k. Do fallaway by the book the first time then you can probably do it by feel. Keep steering head greased. Rebound spring adjustment is simple and usually doesn't need much attention. Also make sure front shock is in good shape. Enjoy the smooth ride!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I have ridden many springers...never noticed any difference in a parking lot over a "regular" bike..the only problem I know of with them is they do not handle severe potholes well.
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
Neither my '94 Softail Custom nor my '95 Heritage shake that bad.
Yes I feel the vibrations but it is more like a massage than a filling checker.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 994
Likes: 45
From: North Carolina
Aren't your '94 & '95 engines counter balanced? As far as I know, my '93 is not.
I maybe overstated a little about the vibration, but compared to my other Harleys it has noticeably more buzzing in your feet and hands.
I maybe overstated a little about the vibration, but compared to my other Harleys it has noticeably more buzzing in your feet and hands.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
No EVO engine is counterbalanced.
That crap started with the twincam engine, specifically the "B" motor used in softails.
A slight buzzing is normal but heavy vibrations are an indication that something is wrong.
If your feet are vibrating off the floorboards you need new pads and if your hands are going to sleep then you need new riser bushings.
As I said the vibrations of a softail should be more like a massage than anything thing else and if it isn't you have a problem.
The exception to that rule comes at around 3k prms.
That's the rpm that the girls really like!!!!!
