thinking about a softail for my next harley
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 433
From: Arkansas
The only thing as far as suspension on the softail is to adjust it. The suspension adjustment is a PITA but the ride is well worth it. The factory setting is softest spring preload and really needs to be adjusted to the load that will be riding it.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 62
From: Long Island NY
can a dealership do that or is it like setting up sag on a bike?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 433
From: Arkansas
The PITA part is getting a wrench on the large locknut (at least it is on my deluxe as there is not a whole lot of space between the frame and the can) and then you need a softail shock spanner to turn the can. If you search the forums you will find a good how-to post on exactly what you need, it may be on the V-Twin forums if not here. The how-to gives rough estimates as far as how many turns out for what weights.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 435
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
Invest in a couple of days' rental and use it like you'll really be using it. In my case, that's mountain passes, flat-out on the gunbarrel, two-up weekends, and grocery shopping. Road King beat the pants off everything else, but that's me. Now I put maybe 200 miles a month on my cage.
I still covet, and will have, a Heritage Softail, but they ain't no Road King, which is easily customized to the Heritage style.
I still covet, and will have, a Heritage Softail, but they ain't no Road King, which is easily customized to the Heritage style.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
Well for me, like others here on the Softail forum, that's a good thing. Not tippy, no hipPy HiPpY shake at a stop light, style for days, and a beautiful, comfortable ride. 
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 435
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
It's the do-everything-well model. Maybe not the best at anything, but as easy as it is to drop them, they're just as easy to pick back up by yourself. Ask me how I know. :-)
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 435
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
Don't take me wrong - I love them and will have one. Not trashing them at all. Just depends what you need a bike to be able to do, especially if you can only have one.