Hey folks.

I thought I would post some rambling thoughts about my recent experiences. After months of research, I purchased a 2007 Heritage Softtail Classic in Fire Red Pearl / Black Pearl colors and with the Chrome Profile Laced Wheel option. I bought it from HD of Columbia, Tennessee, my local dealer on 4/28/07. The folks there have been great to deal with so far. It's been over 12 years since I owned a bike and they have been very helpful to me, including loaning me helmets for test rides and even the first week while mine were on order so that I would be able ride some.

Well, what I've got to say about this MC is WOW! Harley sure has a winning combo with the new 96 CI engine matched with the 6 speed! While this is the first Harley that I have owned (out of 4 MCs), I have ridden several over the years, but this is the smoothest, and best balanced Harley I have ridden. It's a great MC.

Here is my new baby the day I brought it home:



The other side showing the stock factory pipes.



If you look real close, you can see just how excited I am to get my Harley!

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This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 600x600 and weights 59KB.[/align]

I decided to purchase different exhaust pipes and air breather at the time of purchase, to get the benefits I've heard about of more power, cooler running and better fuel mileage. I really don't care about making the bike louder, so I selected the Vance & Hinds Q-Series Double Barrel Staggered pipes. They have the same look as the V&H Big Shot Staggers but are supposed to be quieter. The pipes, along with SE Stage 1 AC and a V&H Fuel Pak are to be installed sometime soon. I'm very interested in hearing what they sound like and how well they improve performance. I'll post some pics after the accessories and new pipes are installed.

I have had the bike for about 2 weeks now and have had several rides around town and the countryside, along with several rides to work. I just passed 400 miles on the way home from work this morning. I plan on dropping it off at next Wednesday to get the pipes and all my other accessories installed.

One thing I noticed is that I get lots of heat on my right thigh from the rear cylinder head. Is there any kind of good looking heat shield available that could installed there, or is it something I just have to deal with?

I've also come to the conclusion that I need to get the handgrips moved back towards me about 2 inches to be more comfortable. I already rotated the handlebars and re-adjusted the grips, but still need some more. What is the best way to accomplish this? Offset risers, or new handlebars with more pullback to them? I would like to find a method that would NOT require changing any cables. Thanks for any feedback you have on this.

As far as gas mileage, I checked the last two fillups and I have gotten 37MPG and then 36 MPG. The gas gage on the tank was showing halfway down into reserve when the "Low Fuel" warning light came on yesterday at 137 miles since the last fillup. I'm hoping my mileage improves afetr the breakin period is over.[/align][/align]Man, it feels good to be back on two wheels again after many years away. Why did I wait so long?

Thanks for letting me ramble. Safe and happy motoring to everyone.

waterdog[/align]

 

Congrats and good luck with it
Something I Like, about that stye bike

 

Nice pics of the Bike they didn't load the first time I looked at the post

Look into these it'll keep them new http://gotsaggybags.com/

 

Sounds like me. Bought my 2007 Heritage, White Gold, 5 weeks ago after 17 years without a bike.

Loving life now!

Congrats on the purchase and have fun!

 

Hum.....I wonder just what it could be that makes you like that style bike, T Tommyt?

 

Thanks Tommy. I'll check that out. I heard about the saggy bags issue, but thought it would be awhile before they do sag.


Congrats to you also Lwilliams on your new bike. Ride safe dude.

 

I bought a Fat Boy (my 1st Harley) after not having a bike for 22 years.
I love this one and the softails aresmooth for a Harley.

I puton the Mini Apes handle bars and I believe they are pretty identical to yours and I agree I still need them to come back about 2 more inches. I'm screwed though because mine are 1 1/4" bars and risers and nobody makes an 1 1/4" riser. But you might want to check out the Deluxe or the Duece riser. They are pull backs a little. It seems everybody makes an 1" riser, so it shouldn't be to hard for you to get them pulled back.

 

Not that it is a big deal, but from your pictures it look like you have the standard laced wheels. I hope you didn't pay extra for that option.
Nice looking bike.

 

I was thinkg the same thing...

 

Thanks Fat Boy. I'm thinking also that offset risers will be the way to go, but I don't know if that will require changes to any cables or not, so looking for experienced input.