Question for the Softtail owners
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 296
From: Wyoming
Question for the Softtail owners
Howdy, I've always ridden touring H/Ds (Road Kings, now a Limited) but had some health issues that affected my strength and balance. It's getting better but am thinking of maybe moving to a Heritage for the lower center of gravity plus the fact the Limited seems a lot heavier than it did, lol. How are the Softies for long distance cruising and comfort and are you happy? I've only sat on a Heritage but I did like that it felt more like you were in the bike rather than on it. Thanks in advance for any input!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
I think that you will like the low center of gravity and the excellent balance on the soft tail Harleys. Lots of the fellows drive touring distances on the heritage and other softails and really enjoy themselves doing it. It may turn out that you never realized how much effort you are putting into moving those big touring bikes around. Of all the Harleys, I have found the softails to have the best balance and the best overall handling accepting that as many have noted here they have less lean angle than some of the other Harleys.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 156
Likes: 40
From: sacramento, CA
Each summer I take a road trip on my Deluxe. Last year 4,000 miles, this year 2,000. Low seat makes it easy to stand at lights and "stretch" legs. Mine is also a daily commuter. First Harley, and I couldn't be happier. At 60 yrs old, I'm less inclined to leaning hard in curves, so that doesn't come into play. I plan on changing seat out this winter. Stock seat isn't the best.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
I love my Deluxe. It handles well and rides really nice. I had the opportunity to ride a Road King for the day a couple months ago. I wasn't impressed. After the hype at the rental dealer, I was afraid I'd feel the need to trade in the Deluxe. By the end of the day, I was done with the RK. I would imagine that after a time I'd get used to it.
I can clip a set of bags on it anytime for long trips. So I'll keep my Deluxe for as long as I can ride and keep it running.
I can clip a set of bags on it anytime for long trips. So I'll keep my Deluxe for as long as I can ride and keep it running.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 44
From: VA
I have a slim, had the seat modded by mean city cycles, and added a windshield and bags
The low seat height and floor boards are what sold me on the slim. I can ride all day and then some. The new heritage and deluxe have cruise! With a good seat and the bike adjusted for you no reason not to be able to roll on the miles
The low seat height and floor boards are what sold me on the slim. I can ride all day and then some. The new heritage and deluxe have cruise! With a good seat and the bike adjusted for you no reason not to be able to roll on the miles
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 45
I've ridden sportsters,dynas and a bit on an Electra glide, I like the softails the best. There is just something about the way they ride and feel that I just really prefer. Now if you are riding two up a lot I'd consider one of the touring bikes.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 981
Likes: 182
From: Fairfax County, VA
Corbin touring seat with rider backrest, highway bars and pegs, carlini super sweep bars = sheer comfort for me. Plus the heritage may be the best looking Harley of all.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 447
Likes: 55
From: Seattle area
I have a 08 Heritage, and am an old fellow, but usually do several road trips each year. Usually ride about 300-miles a day, trips are 3 to 5 days.
Am 6 feet tall, the Heritage fits me very well.
I added "Fangs" which reduce wind/bufft.
You may want to rent one for a day or two, just to see how it fits for you.
Good luck.
Am 6 feet tall, the Heritage fits me very well.
I added "Fangs" which reduce wind/bufft.
You may want to rent one for a day or two, just to see how it fits for you.
Good luck.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 22
I moved from a 03 Road Glide to a Fatboy Lo after I changed my knees out. Short legged anyway and it was a reach on the Glide to maneuver it around the parking lot or garage. Put some RK Classic saddle bags and a trunk when I'm touring; a windshield; engine guards; Corbin seat; air shocks; and I'm good to go long distances. Been from Ak to Az 3 times and go to Sturgis every year which is 2500 miles from home. I've got 43k on the clock now. I've had a Wide Glide; Electra Glide; Road Glide; Dyna; but the Fatboy is the best though the EG cornered better. I'm getting up in the age category now so the corners are at a much slower pace anyway.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I've had my Springer for over 12 years now and I'd ride it clear across country if I felt like it and I'm 66. Everybody has their own idea of what comfort is and the way that I have mine set up, it's totally comfy for me. I don't ride as much as I used to but I just passed the 107k mile mark. My longest trip was a little over 3000 miles round trip and when I got home, I could have turned around and done it again.