2006 softail deluxe on the highway
 

My question is how well does this bike handle on the highway? I have the opportunity to pick one up for a decent price and only has 5000 miles. Not looking to do a lot of touring but want to know I can get on the highway and not have the feeling that it's struggling. It's 88 ci with a 5 speed and I know that changed the next year, they went with a 96 ci and 6 speed. Any input would be appreciated Thanks!

I have a 2013 with a 103 and 6 speed and it sides like a dream on the highway. My old FXDL with the 88 and 5 speed rode well at speed by not as smooth as the deluxe. I also have a windshield and that really makes it nice. If price is right, do it is my advice.

My kid rides a deluxe, I almost bought one. Its a great ride. I own a new FB and IMO, the Deluxe and Heritage maybe the best riding, all around bikes MoCo has put out.

If its a good bike, buy it without reservation and keep us posted

I had a 03 fxd with the 88 motor upgraded to a stage one. It was good on the freeway for 75 mph cruising. I had no trouble keeping up with traffic. I will say that after owning 2 bikes with the 96 and 6 speed i would have to find a heck of a deal to convince me to go back to an 88. While you don't need the 6 speed for freeway driving it is smoother. However if the majority of your driving is around town with just an occasional trip on the expressway the 5 speed would probably suit you fine.

My '06 Deluxe does OK on the highway. I prefer to take side roads though. My local HOG chapter seems to like highways tho. Mostly people with bigger cruisers like Ultras. I don't ride with them much because of that. The fastest I've been on it is 80. But as I said, I like slower side roads because I'm never in a hurry to get somewhere when I'm riding.

The clip on windshield doesn't shield as well as a full fairing does, and there is a significant amount of buffeting at higher speeds. I'd imagine that with some work with "fangs" or other deflectors would help if I were inclined. However, I wouldn't hesitate to take a long road trip with it as is (cut down wind screen that puts my helmet in "clean air"). Of course this limits the distance I can put on in a day's ride. 500 miles in a single day is as much as I've done. I will typically plan for 400 a day on a multi-day ride.

Fangs will definitely help with your buffeting. One of the best investments I've made.

The wife had an 05 deluxe for a while. I always like the 88/5 speed combo. That bike will have no problem with highway speeds. The older I get the more I like a fairing for the highway though.

I have a 2006 Deluxe 88 with 18" Carlini bars NO windshield. I have no problem on the highway what so ever. You can cruise at 80 all day.

How a bike handles can also depend on the skill of the rider and how much experience they have at riding a bike. As for your concern about getting on the highway, no worries, you won't experience any struggling effects what so ever. lol If there's any struggling and the bike is in good shape, it won't be coming from the bike. lol

someone who's done it might chime in but if you're worried about speed or dropping rpm's you might be able to swap a 66 tooth rear pulley on. you'd lose some pull off the line though. I'm going to go the opposite way, 66 to 70. It might be my imagination but I swear the front end of my softail feels more secure an planted with a windshield on, giving a little down force.