96-97 springer softail?
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 42
From: Pennsylvania
96-97 springer softail?
Ok, Im looking to buy my second harley (would also be my second bike period). After riding my 04 883c since new and putting on 38k so far, I would like to get into something else. I rented a new ultra classic for a week and it was nice but not the bike for me.
Ive always thought the 96-97 springer softail was the greatest looking bike ive seen. I just need some advice about this bike and drivetrain in general.
Is the stock drivetrain reliable to be used everyday, and taking long distance trips occasionally.
The springer suspension, any problems with this, how does it ride with two up and loaded up with bags.
What is the comfort level for my wife, riding two up on this bike. I know she can only do short rides with my sportster. when you look at the rear seats of either bike they look about the same size, so does the softail frame play a more comfort level for the other person.
Ive always thought the 96-97 springer softail was the greatest looking bike ive seen. I just need some advice about this bike and drivetrain in general.
Is the stock drivetrain reliable to be used everyday, and taking long distance trips occasionally.
The springer suspension, any problems with this, how does it ride with two up and loaded up with bags.
What is the comfort level for my wife, riding two up on this bike. I know she can only do short rides with my sportster. when you look at the rear seats of either bike they look about the same size, so does the softail frame play a more comfort level for the other person.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
97 springer here
I love my Springer. I drive it daily and on long trips with no issues. Took the wife yesterday for a four state run about 400 miles. It was her first time with that kind of time in the seat and she was sore about half way home. I did have an Alaska butt pad for her so that helped. Honestly I was some what sore but usually its a none issue. I had the seat mod done by mean city and they put in some new memory foam and moved me back about 2 inches, they also put some new foam on her seat. Could feel the extra weight going up some of the hills in VT .My wife is about 100 pounds we had both saddle bags filled and if needed I just down shifted to pass up hills but that was only if need to squeeze buy a slower driver. On some of the back roads by my house you have to mind the bumps with the weight, allot of frost heaves still let over from last winter. i dont have have alot of time on different harleys but i got no complaints. Well one they dont make bikes for people on the tall side. I have forward controls but would like a little more leg room. Make sure you shop around i paid 6k for mine last year. happy hunting
Stage I
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
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I have a 97 springer softail heritage classic. I'm not sure if the spring front end is exactly the same as the version you are looking at but as far as ride etc is concerned I love mine. The spring front end handles very well and I've had no problem with it. Feels real good to me. As far as riding 2 up I'd suggest you take her out on one to get her opinion.
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 237
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I just got a '97 Bad Boy (softail with a springer) and it does handle differently from the other tube forks I've had. Seems heavier upfront and a little top heavy (almost reminds me of a Sportster I had). But, mine has been lowered (a lot) so it rides really stiff and it has narrow drag bars so that could add to the heavy feeling I suppose.
I bought a 2001 Heritage Springer, and loved it! Road it for 6 or 7 years, till i wrecked it... Didnt have a bike for 3 years, and finally just bought another bike. got an older one i could afford (paid cash) and what did i get?? 94 springer softail!! They ride good, and look great!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I love Springers. Thats all I ride. In fact if the bike I have doesn't have one, it gets one anyways. That being said, your talking about a Softail. There is absolutely NOTHING you can't morph a Softail into. If you like Springers, then get it. Evo drive trains are as good as they come and by 1996, most of the issues have been worked out (except maybe the cam bearing) but thats a cheap fix. They have the upgraded charging systems, the CV carb and are extremely reliable without the heat issues of the Twin Cams. Since I bought my bike the motor is still untouched and unopened. 100% stock and issue free. I had a few little things I had to address, but nothing that has ever left me stranded. Talk to the owner, find out about maintenance and ride the thing. If you have 40K under your belt, you certainly will be able to tell if theres something seriously wrong with a used Softail by riding it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Missoula MT
Springers require a little more maintenance that regular forks, they are hard on neck bearings and the rocker bearings also need replaced once in a while. They squeek kinda like an old screen door. Other than that, I love mine.
Bob
Bob
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
I can't comment on Springers or Softails, but a couple of tips about riding a Harley 2-up. The rider sits well forward between the wheels, while the passenger sits right over the rear wheel spindle. They each get a very different riding experience! Look at the wide saddle the rider gets as stock, now look at the rear and remember a woman has wider sit bones than we chaps do.
To take the love of your life out for a long ride she deserves the best saddle you can find for HER and good quality rear shocks, to ease the bumps and thumps that rear wheel is going to take. I wouldn't ask my wife to sit on a saddle that's only as wide as the rear fender, let alone take her for a ride on it!
To take the love of your life out for a long ride she deserves the best saddle you can find for HER and good quality rear shocks, to ease the bumps and thumps that rear wheel is going to take. I wouldn't ask my wife to sit on a saddle that's only as wide as the rear fender, let alone take her for a ride on it!
Last edited by grbrown; Oct 27, 2010 at 04:55 PM. Reason: Expanded.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 9
From: Far NorCal
66 impala, I would recommend the Springer and Evo. I bought new and put 60K miles (almost all double) on mine without no major problems. I would put the big seats on for sure.
The best m/c I've ever owned, period!
I know where there is a '98 blk one already set-up just like mine was (seats/bags/sissy/shield/passing lites/extras/dyno) w/low miles, if he still has it in Ark.
I was looking at it on the net and talked w/owner, it's gorgeous. But decided not to buy.
The best m/c I've ever owned, period!
I know where there is a '98 blk one already set-up just like mine was (seats/bags/sissy/shield/passing lites/extras/dyno) w/low miles, if he still has it in Ark.
I was looking at it on the net and talked w/owner, it's gorgeous. But decided not to buy.
Last edited by Holster Maker; Oct 29, 2010 at 02:30 AM.