Blackline softail
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
I just bought a 2011 Blackline yesterday, in Black. I'm new to riding HD or Cruisers for that matter (always rode sport bikes). After reading all the posts on here I'm hoping I didn't make the wrong decision. I already made one wrong decision, I bought a 48 last week and never test drove it, once it was in my hands and I took it for a scoot I realized that it wasn't big enough for me. It was fast as a whip and was fun burning around the city on it, and I really, really, loved the look of the bike but it was too small for me. I immediately took it back the next morning and traded it right away for the blackline that I was eye balling the whole time I was buying the 48.
Needless to say I took the Blackline for a test drive first and I really liked it, it was a really nice comfy ride and I actually enjoy being stretched out on it. I think it's a nice looking bike, I can't stand the handles bars though, they need to be changed and so do the pipes, they are also really ugly. I also agree that the rear tail light/plate holder section is horrible looking too.
So before I even get it from the dealer I am customizing it. I went today and had them change the handle grips, foot pegs, lower the *** end, stage 1, and Vance & Hines straight shots being put on it. I also got rid of the rear tail light and plate holder in exchange for a side mount. I know you are all curious as to seeing the mods, so I will post them as soon as I get my bike, should be a couple days, then we will see what you guys think.
I'm really hoping to put new bars on it ASAP and can't wait for something else to come out.
Needless to say I took the Blackline for a test drive first and I really liked it, it was a really nice comfy ride and I actually enjoy being stretched out on it. I think it's a nice looking bike, I can't stand the handles bars though, they need to be changed and so do the pipes, they are also really ugly. I also agree that the rear tail light/plate holder section is horrible looking too.
So before I even get it from the dealer I am customizing it. I went today and had them change the handle grips, foot pegs, lower the *** end, stage 1, and Vance & Hines straight shots being put on it. I also got rid of the rear tail light and plate holder in exchange for a side mount. I know you are all curious as to seeing the mods, so I will post them as soon as I get my bike, should be a couple days, then we will see what you guys think.
I'm really hoping to put new bars on it ASAP and can't wait for something else to come out.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
As long as you love it, that's what counts.
I have a FXCWC that many here think is ugly. I could care less and I've gotten nothing but compliments since I got it.
I think if I got a Blackline, I'd replace the triple trees to mount aftermarket bars in a conventional way. Along with a digital speedo, it would start looking like a bike I could enjoy.
I have a FXCWC that many here think is ugly. I could care less and I've gotten nothing but compliments since I got it.
I think if I got a Blackline, I'd replace the triple trees to mount aftermarket bars in a conventional way. Along with a digital speedo, it would start looking like a bike I could enjoy.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
As long as you love it, that's what counts.
I have a FXCWC that many here think is ugly. I could care less and I've gotten nothing but compliments since I got it.
I think if I got a Blackline, I'd replace the triple trees to mount aftermarket bars in a conventional way. Along with a digital speedo, it would start looking like a bike I could enjoy.
I have a FXCWC that many here think is ugly. I could care less and I've gotten nothing but compliments since I got it.
I think if I got a Blackline, I'd replace the triple trees to mount aftermarket bars in a conventional way. Along with a digital speedo, it would start looking like a bike I could enjoy.
Im definitely looking to change those triple trees and bars.
As far as your bike goes, if it's the one in the pic, it's beautiful dude.
Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: MD
I traded up to the Blackline from a 1200 Sporty and i am crazy about it. I went ahead with the stage 1, and put a Rush long series complete exhaust. They look, and sound great. I want to eventually go with apes, i think they should have been stock on a bike like this.
Last edited by ReesePeace; Jun 2, 2011 at 06:30 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
I traded up to the Blackline from a 1200 Sporty and i am crazy about it. I went ahead with the stage 1, and put a Rush long series complete exhaust. They look, and sound great. I want to eventually go with apes, i think they should have been stock on a bike like this.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Any FXST-based bike is going to be cool. they are the essence of Harley...
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Hershey, Pennsylvania
I took a Blackline out for a test ride from Hannum's HD in Media two weekends ago. The bike was an awesome ride. They had put on a Stage II SE Heavy Breather and V&H Pipes.
Tell you what, with the posture that bike puts you in when you ride, you feel bad *** and ready to tear up the road. It was a great aggressive look and a sweet handling bike.
Tell you what, with the posture that bike puts you in when you ride, you feel bad *** and ready to tear up the road. It was a great aggressive look and a sweet handling bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,107
From: Florida
I think it's ugly as hell. Looks , as many people have said, like it was thrown together from spare parts without any regard for aesthetics or flowing lines. Not as bad as the Rocker,still...
BUT.....
The biggest thing I don't understand--how could the Dave get rid of the most righteous looking sleds they ever made--the Nighttrain & the Softail Custom--in favor of THIS monstrocity? First of all--HARLEY--ARE YOU LISTENING??? Either learn to "bob" a rear fender correctly, or GET RID OF IT!! Tired of seein' it on a lot of their models. They totally ruined the WideGlide,Streetbob, & Sportster with it. And chuck the side mount plate. Looks great on a ground- up custom,dumb on a factory bike. Another thing I'm getting sick of is this trendy "blacked out dark custom" theme. IT'S PLAYED OUT GUYS!! BUT, if you're gonna do "blacked out" at least do it right, like,BELIEVE IT OR NOT--the ricers. Only thing I like about the Blackline is what everyone else hates--the rear tire. Hate that bloated looking 200. And the air cleaner. About time they dumped the football & brought back the circle.
Nope;not for me. If I were to buy new, it would be the Deluxe. Best looking bike they make now,along with the RoadKing & Superglide Custom. Elegant,gorgeous, & a true Classic.
BUT.....
The biggest thing I don't understand--how could the Dave get rid of the most righteous looking sleds they ever made--the Nighttrain & the Softail Custom--in favor of THIS monstrocity? First of all--HARLEY--ARE YOU LISTENING??? Either learn to "bob" a rear fender correctly, or GET RID OF IT!! Tired of seein' it on a lot of their models. They totally ruined the WideGlide,Streetbob, & Sportster with it. And chuck the side mount plate. Looks great on a ground- up custom,dumb on a factory bike. Another thing I'm getting sick of is this trendy "blacked out dark custom" theme. IT'S PLAYED OUT GUYS!! BUT, if you're gonna do "blacked out" at least do it right, like,BELIEVE IT OR NOT--the ricers. Only thing I like about the Blackline is what everyone else hates--the rear tire. Hate that bloated looking 200. And the air cleaner. About time they dumped the football & brought back the circle.
Nope;not for me. If I were to buy new, it would be the Deluxe. Best looking bike they make now,along with the RoadKing & Superglide Custom. Elegant,gorgeous, & a true Classic.
Last edited by dickey; Jun 3, 2011 at 11:40 AM.