Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
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From:
Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
Hello all,
Looking to purchase a new bike...have previously ridden a Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTCI)...had it lowered an inch given that I am on the short side...want to upgrade to a 06....like to hear owners of either bike and the pros and cons of each...why you chose what you did...
Looking to purchase a new bike...have previously ridden a Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTCI)...had it lowered an inch given that I am on the short side...want to upgrade to a 06....like to hear owners of either bike and the pros and cons of each...why you chose what you did...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 952
Likes: 7
From: Waterford, MI.
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
I'm a short guy at 5'6" and own a Deluxe. While I fit a Heritage also the Deluxe just felt better. The dealer pretty much said that the Deluxe was a lowered Heritage Classic w/o the bags and windshield. Also, the two bike have different bars and I just prefer the look of the low bars that come on the Deluxe. That said, if you buy a Deluxe and add the bags and windshield you will have paid more than if you just bought the Heritage.
Mark
Mark
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 132
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From:
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
I love the Deluxe, but bought a Heritage.
I wanted a bug smasher, bags, rider back rest, etc. It was cheaper to just buy a Classic. Though I like the look of the Deluxe bars; the mini-apes on the Classic are a Very Nice feeling bar. Much more comfortable on the long haul.
I am 6', but have lots of room on the Classic; I see lots of shorter men and women riding the classic.
I'd buy what you like the best and is closet to how you want to ride it.
I wanted a bug smasher, bags, rider back rest, etc. It was cheaper to just buy a Classic. Though I like the look of the Deluxe bars; the mini-apes on the Classic are a Very Nice feeling bar. Much more comfortable on the long haul.
I am 6', but have lots of room on the Classic; I see lots of shorter men and women riding the classic.
I'd buy what you like the best and is closet to how you want to ride it.
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
For the money the Heritage is a better buy if you need a windshield and bags. The deluxe's bags are very small and very expensive. Style wise the Deluxe is a very cool bike. They can both be setup to fit your height.
Go with the style that you want.
Terry
Go with the style that you want.
Terry
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 227
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
Everyone has given excellent advice. Go sit on both at the same dealer and then decide. You get more for your money with a Heritage, but if it doesn't fit, you have not saved any money. They both should ride/drive/handle the same.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 367
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From:
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
I love the deluxe and my height of 5'10' has nothing to do with it. I Just like the look better. My only problem with the Deluxe is obviously storage, but I don't like the looks of bags on it. If I was to get any bags they would not be the hard ones they offer. I do however like the new classic springer bags...Maybe someday....Your choice and I believe you'll be happy with anyone you choose...Enjoy and be safe.....
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
I flipped out over the two tone black & white Deluxe the first time I saw it. But I needed the bags for tools, lunch sack, thermos etc as I try to ride to work everyday weather permitting so I went with the Heritage Classic. The passenger back rest is a plus when haulin' the wife and the windshield makes for a more plesant ride by keeping the noise/wind levels down. At 65 mph I can actually communicate with the wife without yelling (make that talk with the wife. I've been with her for 34 years and still can't communicate). The touring bars are plesant and with proper adjustment will make a comfortable stance. A set of bags, passenger back rest/sissy bar and detachable windshield will set you back about $1,100.00 to $1,300.00 plus tax, freight and labor unless you wrench it yourself. The base price difference is about $400.00 more for the Heritage Classic with the goodies already attached. The Heritage uses the dual shorty exhaust setup while the Deluxe uses the dual shotguns. The problem with the shotguns (in my opinion) is the right passenger footpeg. It exits between the the exhaust pipes making a hot spot for a passenger. If you ride solo that isn't an issue. The dual shorties on the Heritage Classic are the same ones used on the Softail Standard and the Night Train. This has the footpeg above the pipes. Your passenger can still get a little boot melt if their not careful but at least the pipe isn't near their ankle (passenger footboards will be my next add-on). Seat height is about 1" more on the Heritage and this is a plus when riding 2 up. I've seen a few post in this forum about dragging the floorboards and hitting the bottom limit on the suspension with the Deluxe when riding 2 up. The tank, engine, tranny etc are the same on both bikes. If at the end of the day your happy then I doesn't matter which bike you get. I still think the Deluxe is HOT !!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
Just to add slightly to the great write-up above. I put passenger floorboards and Samson True Dual (Fishtails) on my Heritage Classic. It helped with the classic look and cleared up the passenger area, though the left side pipe could still get a toe tap from the passenger, but not easily...
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
Looks wise, the Deluxe is just about the best looking bike HD makes right now. From an economical and pratical standpoint, the Heritage is the better value.
To get basic traveling upgrades(Big Bags and windshield) you are going to have to spend a lot of money on the Deluxe. To get bags big enough to really travel, you will have to change pipes. The standard Deluxe bags won't hardly hold a leather jacket, much less rainsuits, tools and other necessities of the road.
If you want to run around town and look cool, the Deluxe is pretty hard to beat. If you want to really ride and put on some miles, then the Hertiage is the choice.
Just an opinion.
Regards,
Bill
To get basic traveling upgrades(Big Bags and windshield) you are going to have to spend a lot of money on the Deluxe. To get bags big enough to really travel, you will have to change pipes. The standard Deluxe bags won't hardly hold a leather jacket, much less rainsuits, tools and other necessities of the road.
If you want to run around town and look cool, the Deluxe is pretty hard to beat. If you want to really ride and put on some miles, then the Hertiage is the choice.
Just an opinion.
Regards,
Bill
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11
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From:
RE: Heritage Softail Classic versus Deluxe...
Thanks for all of the replies...some good info and it's interesting to hear how others made their decision to buy a certain model...
....I probably am not going to ride 2up (other than a quick ride here or there) so the benefits for the passenger with the Heritage won't enter into my decision...
....Right now I'm thinking the Deluxe two-tone black and white that my dealer has on order...I realize that the good size bags on the Heritage is a real plus, especially for touring (I have seen the smaller-sized HD bags made for the Deluxe...but I also note that HD now has a tourpak for the Deluxe which you can add in the passenger area which will hold a little more stuff...
...I agree with a lot of you that note the Heritage is definately the better value for the money (with the windshield/bags/backrest included)...but I do love the tank badging on the Deluxe and the overall fit, given my short stature..
....I probably am not going to ride 2up (other than a quick ride here or there) so the benefits for the passenger with the Heritage won't enter into my decision...
....Right now I'm thinking the Deluxe two-tone black and white that my dealer has on order...I realize that the good size bags on the Heritage is a real plus, especially for touring (I have seen the smaller-sized HD bags made for the Deluxe...but I also note that HD now has a tourpak for the Deluxe which you can add in the passenger area which will hold a little more stuff...
...I agree with a lot of you that note the Heritage is definately the better value for the money (with the windshield/bags/backrest included)...but I do love the tank badging on the Deluxe and the overall fit, given my short stature..