Smoother ride on the 18s ?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
Smoother ride on the 18s ?
With the all new suspension on the 18 Softails I would like to hear from new owners, do they ride smoother then the 17 and older?. My son has a 16 Slim and I think that takes small sharp bumps smoother then my King. Would be great if the 18 are even smoother on bumps. One more thing my sons at highway speeds has a buzz to it, do the 18 still do that?
I need a lighter bike, been thinking of trading my 14 King on a 18 Softail.
I need a lighter bike, been thinking of trading my 14 King on a 18 Softail.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
My '18 Heritage has a better suspension than my '16 RK. Soaks up bumps, but tracks well. As for "buzz" it appears from comments it's either subjective or different bikes feel different. Mine has some mellow vibes at speed but I'd classify them as "good" and nothing like the buzz I've experienced in Twin Cam "B" motors. Others on here have complained their too smooth, others have said they aren't smooth at all or have too much vibes for them. I think you'll need to test ride them. I'm very happy with mine.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 9
From: Redlands, CA
Twenty years ago I had a 1998 Sportster Custom and a 2002 Super Glide some years later. The Sporty was a bone jarring ride. The SG was better, but not great. My 2018 Fat Bob 114 is awesome in comparison. I've aimed for SoCal potholes and giggled when I went over them.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 314
Likes: 130
From: US
They’re adjustable. On some, like my Breakout, it’s just a **** you can stop and adjust on the side of the road. On others a tool is needed but still much easier than previous years. Recommended setting for your load weight will be smooth. And they don’t get squirrelly if you hit a rough patch while leaning into a turn. **** can be adjusted for a very firm ride so, if you test ride, be aware that the setting matters. The owners manual has a chart. Ask dealer to adjust for you and go with recommended.
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The first day I rode down my driveway I was ready to stand up for the bump where it meets the pavement. Nothing. Nothing over train tracks either.
No buzz, got mine up to 85mph, no buzz.
No buzz, got mine up to 85mph, no buzz.
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Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
My 14 King rides a little stiff over sharp bumps. My son's Slim feels smoother his is a 16. I have been thinking of trading for a heritage but I love Chrome that might don't have much. So I'm thinking a deluxe just add saddlebags and a windshield and cruise control still should come in about the same price. I hate white wall tires I would like to work something out to have them switch them over to all black tires. As for the buzz it sounds like they have been proved that bugs me and my sons because my king is so smooth at highway speeds. I don't care if I can feel the motor I just don't like that Buzzy feeling. Looks like I better test drive 1 thanks for the info so far. Keep them coming.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
[QUOTE=GPHDXLC;16688655]My 14 King rides a little stiff over sharp bumps. My son's Slim feels smoother his is a 16. I have been thinking of trading for a heritage but I love Chrome that bike don't have much. So I'm thinking a deluxe just add saddlebags and a windshield and cruise control still should come in about the same price. I hate white wall tires I would like to work something out to have them switch them over to all black tires. As for the buzz it sounds like they have been improved that bugs me and my sons because my king is so smooth at highway speeds. I don't care if I can feel the motor I just don't like that Buzzy feeling. Looks like I better test drive 1 thanks for the info so far. Keep them coming I do love my King but the wight is getting to me when parking.
Last edited by GPHDXLC; Sep 30, 2017 at 07:58 AM.