Bike Model Change Question
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Havelock, NC
Bike Model Change Question
Presently I own a 14 Classic Ultra. The knees aren't what they should be and I am considering going to a Softail leaning towards a Heritage Classic.
Anyone here gone from a touring bike to a Softail and any regrets in doing so?
Anyone here gone from a touring bike to a Softail and any regrets in doing so?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Texas, USA
What benefits are you expecting from the Softail line, or the Heritage specifically, that you don't have with the Touring bikes or your Ultra Classic?
You mentioned your knees. How is a Softail going to help them? Have you test ridden the Heritage?
You mentioned your knees. How is a Softail going to help them? Have you test ridden the Heritage?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 211
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From: Eastern Colorado
I've been riding for decades. The natural progression each time I upgraded motors was to buy one a little fancier than the previous one. As a result I found myself on Electra Glide Ultra Limited with every available bell and whistle. It weighed over 900 pounds, and my wife and I added another 400 (I'm a big guy). So yeah, balancing 1300 pounds at stop lights and parking lots is damn hard on old abused knees.
I did not want to move to a trike and my wife was ready to stop riding anyway, so I started looking at smaller bikes.
I ended up on a Softail Deuce and couldn't be happier. No sound system, no GPS-intercom-CB- Sat system, no air ride-air seat, no Bat Wing barn door, no cruise control or any other bling. It's just a motorcycle with a sweet set of pipes.
I can't believe how much I enjoy riding again.
Now don't get me wrong here, there is nothing bad about a fully loaded touring bike and burning up lots of miles with every creature comfort. But getting back to the basics on a much lighter, easier on old knees and nimble Softail has saved my riding days. It's all good Brother.
I did not want to move to a trike and my wife was ready to stop riding anyway, so I started looking at smaller bikes.
I ended up on a Softail Deuce and couldn't be happier. No sound system, no GPS-intercom-CB- Sat system, no air ride-air seat, no Bat Wing barn door, no cruise control or any other bling. It's just a motorcycle with a sweet set of pipes.
I can't believe how much I enjoy riding again.
Now don't get me wrong here, there is nothing bad about a fully loaded touring bike and burning up lots of miles with every creature comfort. But getting back to the basics on a much lighter, easier on old knees and nimble Softail has saved my riding days. It's all good Brother.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
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From: Michigan
Yes I owned a couple tourers. The softails have a much lower center of gravity, easier to move around, smooth counterbalanced engine, comfortable riding position with your legs farther down on the floorboards, and great in the city or the open road. If it wasn't for the softail line I wouldn't still be a Harley owner.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
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From: Fl
Yeah, that..... /\ /\ /\
I went from a Streetglide to my Heritage, much happier. The Softail line is much smoother, the weight is less and carried lower, and you can even add tunes if you want... I did!
I went from a Streetglide to my Heritage, much happier. The Softail line is much smoother, the weight is less and carried lower, and you can even add tunes if you want... I did!
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
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From: San Diego, CA
I have both.... Ultra & Heritage...
Love'em both, but they are two totally different bikes.
The Heritage is A LOT EASIER to move around. Much lighter and lower center of gravity. While my Ultra is awesome on long trips, I took many long trips on the Heritage prior to getting the Ultra... Never complained about a trip on the Heritage!
Does the Heritage have the same comfort of the Ultra... no. The full fairing on the Ultra is better than the Heritage windshield, but the Heritage windshield does a pretty good job. Plus, I got used to the radio/comms of the Ultra on long trips with the wife.
If you set the Heritage up with a proper seat, maybe get better rear shocks, and dial in the bars (I'm actually happy with OEM seat & bars)... I suspect after a year of riding the Heritage you won't remember/miss the Ultra..
Love'em both, but they are two totally different bikes.
The Heritage is A LOT EASIER to move around. Much lighter and lower center of gravity. While my Ultra is awesome on long trips, I took many long trips on the Heritage prior to getting the Ultra... Never complained about a trip on the Heritage!
Does the Heritage have the same comfort of the Ultra... no. The full fairing on the Ultra is better than the Heritage windshield, but the Heritage windshield does a pretty good job. Plus, I got used to the radio/comms of the Ultra on long trips with the wife.
If you set the Heritage up with a proper seat, maybe get better rear shocks, and dial in the bars (I'm actually happy with OEM seat & bars)... I suspect after a year of riding the Heritage you won't remember/miss the Ultra..
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Havelock, NC
Thanks to each that replied. My main reason for considering the Heritage is the bike weight difference. I also like the old school look. Don't get me wrong the Ultra is a great bike. However, since I don't want to go to a trike at this time I'm going to give the Heritage a lot of thought. Thanks again.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 221
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From: Tennessee
I just moved to a heritage from a RGS because with a bad hip I just couldn't move the RG around. I loved my RG but I am very happy with the Heritage. It fits me better and is much easier to move around.
Last edited by DRJ1911; Oct 11, 2015 at 04:47 PM.
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