2010 fatboy lo
Softail riders/owners - best years 2010 up
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 157
From: Banning, CA
Softail riders/owners - best years 2010 up
Now that old age has managed to shrink me 2 inches and taken away some upper body strength I've decided to downsize from
my 2013 FLHTK Limited to a Softail - probably a Deluxe, Heritage or Fatty. Having had them years ago I know how much
easier they are to handle especially in slow moving traffic. Like HD's baggers I'm sure some years are better than others and
I'd like to know which Softails I should avoid and for what reasons. I value real world user opinions on this forum so thanks
in advance.
my 2013 FLHTK Limited to a Softail - probably a Deluxe, Heritage or Fatty. Having had them years ago I know how much
easier they are to handle especially in slow moving traffic. Like HD's baggers I'm sure some years are better than others and
I'd like to know which Softails I should avoid and for what reasons. I value real world user opinions on this forum so thanks
in advance.
Last edited by lightweight bob; Sep 20, 2019 at 03:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 157
From: Banning, CA
Exactly what I'm looking for - Softail Heritage, Deluxe or Fatboy 2010 and newer. I apologize for the confusion.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 140
Likes: 87
From: England
If it's lighter weight and better maneuverability you want, you should definitely check out the M8 softails. You may well be amazed by how easily they handle at all speeds.
I know the M8 Lowrider I own now is in a different league to the WideGlide I owned before, both in performance and handling. Maybe worth a thought?
I know the M8 Lowrider I own now is in a different league to the WideGlide I owned before, both in performance and handling. Maybe worth a thought?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 417
From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
I would skip the 2010, solely because the 2011 was the introduction to the can bus wiring in the softails. 2011-2017 chould all be mechanically similar to each other, so pick your poison/price point. The 2018's and above have the new M8 in softail guise, as well as the new frame and suspension.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
I would agree if you had said Evo Softail. I never liked the Twin Cam motor and still dont.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 417
From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
An Evo softail from 2010-current? How often do those come up for sale?
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 952
Likes: 528
From: Richmond TX
I suggest you test ride a new M8 with the new frame. Prepare to be impressed. From a cost standpoint, the twin cam years will show well, but if you look on Cycle Trader etc there are some lightly used M8's out there. If you stick with the twin cam options, the general rule of thumb for me is to favor newer years. Even when they look the same there are often small improvements made in the drivetrain. The only issue I've seen with a twin cam that is 2010 or newer was with a 2010 that suffered a premature starter motor failure. You'll also want to consider the miles on a used one, versus the eventual maintenance needed on the cam drive. As of 2007 I believe they went to an improved hydraulic tensioner, but the shoes are (were?) still plastic against a metal chain so replacement is needed after 60k miles or so.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
Hmmm.... I think its up to you on what year you get, you could ride an 02 with 12k on it or a 2010 with 45k on it - which is the better bike? or you can get a slightly used M8 softail - you have to wonder why there are a lot of them out there? My dealer has a few 2018`s & several other dealers also. earlier model twin cams will have the tensioner issue - but fixed...….. theyre reliable as can be, the 5 speed might be a set back but it depends on your riding style.
at a certain year the twin cams got the kinks worked out & they just kept adding CC`s to em, I don't think it was that the Tc wouldn't pass EPA or Euro standards - they could of reconfigured the heads but it was at their timeline for change & they just needed something new IMO to compete with Indian & blame the EPA & Euro for the change - most bought that & are tolerant of the short comings while many are not. The M8 softail handles well & has good power, it looks good but that's short lived. The cons - the passenger seat sucks, the saddlebags suck, no chrome, cheap powder coat that some have peeling issues, mono shock bolt breakage, the electrical is in an area where the elements affect it. gas caps fall off - the fake one that is while the real cap just is a poor fit & buzzes at highway speeds.
There are M8 softails out there used because people that bought them wanted to give them a shot & were highly disappointed - you got a cheaper built bike that cost more & while lighter is the main boasting point - you lost a lot of the frills the TC powered heritage provided for light touring (if that's your ride preference) if you`re an around town guy doing at most 100 to 200 mile a ride runs - there are better bikes.
at a certain year the twin cams got the kinks worked out & they just kept adding CC`s to em, I don't think it was that the Tc wouldn't pass EPA or Euro standards - they could of reconfigured the heads but it was at their timeline for change & they just needed something new IMO to compete with Indian & blame the EPA & Euro for the change - most bought that & are tolerant of the short comings while many are not. The M8 softail handles well & has good power, it looks good but that's short lived. The cons - the passenger seat sucks, the saddlebags suck, no chrome, cheap powder coat that some have peeling issues, mono shock bolt breakage, the electrical is in an area where the elements affect it. gas caps fall off - the fake one that is while the real cap just is a poor fit & buzzes at highway speeds.
There are M8 softails out there used because people that bought them wanted to give them a shot & were highly disappointed - you got a cheaper built bike that cost more & while lighter is the main boasting point - you lost a lot of the frills the TC powered heritage provided for light touring (if that's your ride preference) if you`re an around town guy doing at most 100 to 200 mile a ride runs - there are better bikes.