Move to Softail from Sportster
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 157
Likes: 57
From: MD. USA
I presently have a 98 XL1200C and an 18 FXBB.
Very simply, the newer bike is a lot smoother. Not sure that's specific to model though. Been a lot of advance in 20 years!
The Sportster has been tinkered with till I got it where it was part of me. Bars, seat, suspencion, lighting, forwards to mids, etc... It not only looks like I want it to, but feels like it.
I been tinkering with the softail for more than six months and it's getting there. My tastes are not especially typical though.
Ride comparison? Aside from the furniture changes to give better fit and feel, the 2018 definitely is a better ride. That is in no way a condemnation of the Sportster! They are two different bikes. The 2018 is 20 years newer! As an example though, there is a RR crossing 1/4 mi. from my house. I'm used to raising my butt off the seat before crossing it on every bike I own. No need for that on the softail. It glides over it practically unnoticed.
Handling? After some changes, the softail does handle very well. The stock bars were awkward for me (and I'm being kind). The "not mids / not forwards" intermediate controls still feel weird. Overall though, it handles well.
Performance? Unless you are seriously into performance, the softail has +/- 500cc's more. The Sportster has +/- 200lbs. less. It's a trade off. You are not likely to notice in normal riding. What you will notice is throttle response. That's more the electronics than the cc's. The throttle by wire is like a light switch! It's either on or off. NO hesitation. No cable to have play in. Every movement of the grip is translated to the engine.
Parked side-by-side I was surprised at the very comparable sizes. My Sporty is much trimmer, but pretty much the same length. If you're looking for reasons not to buy a softail, I can't help you. If you're looking for reasons to trade-in your Sportster I can't help there either! They're both fun bikes! You'll have to decide.
Very simply, the newer bike is a lot smoother. Not sure that's specific to model though. Been a lot of advance in 20 years!
The Sportster has been tinkered with till I got it where it was part of me. Bars, seat, suspencion, lighting, forwards to mids, etc... It not only looks like I want it to, but feels like it.
I been tinkering with the softail for more than six months and it's getting there. My tastes are not especially typical though.
Ride comparison? Aside from the furniture changes to give better fit and feel, the 2018 definitely is a better ride. That is in no way a condemnation of the Sportster! They are two different bikes. The 2018 is 20 years newer! As an example though, there is a RR crossing 1/4 mi. from my house. I'm used to raising my butt off the seat before crossing it on every bike I own. No need for that on the softail. It glides over it practically unnoticed.
Handling? After some changes, the softail does handle very well. The stock bars were awkward for me (and I'm being kind). The "not mids / not forwards" intermediate controls still feel weird. Overall though, it handles well.
Performance? Unless you are seriously into performance, the softail has +/- 500cc's more. The Sportster has +/- 200lbs. less. It's a trade off. You are not likely to notice in normal riding. What you will notice is throttle response. That's more the electronics than the cc's. The throttle by wire is like a light switch! It's either on or off. NO hesitation. No cable to have play in. Every movement of the grip is translated to the engine.
Parked side-by-side I was surprised at the very comparable sizes. My Sporty is much trimmer, but pretty much the same length. If you're looking for reasons not to buy a softail, I can't help you. If you're looking for reasons to trade-in your Sportster I can't help there either! They're both fun bikes! You'll have to decide.
Novice
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
From: New Milford, CT
Vegas Jim,
I recently went from a 2002 1200 XL Custom to a 14 Breakout. I had to get used to the extra weight associated with a bigger scooter, but it definitely was more stable at speed and on highway. Definitely felt more comfortable on the bike from the start and it was the best purchase I made to date.
As far as braking goes, the Breakout was hands down a much better stopper. Yes, I DO have ABS. Haven't had to use it yet, but I am sure it was a great investment. Although I enjoyed throwing the Sporty around in corners, the softail requires a bit more finesse in tight spots and a bit of planning ahead of time. Would I go back? NEVER. I got used to the new bike in a couple hours and will never go back.
Best of luck!
I recently went from a 2002 1200 XL Custom to a 14 Breakout. I had to get used to the extra weight associated with a bigger scooter, but it definitely was more stable at speed and on highway. Definitely felt more comfortable on the bike from the start and it was the best purchase I made to date.
As far as braking goes, the Breakout was hands down a much better stopper. Yes, I DO have ABS. Haven't had to use it yet, but I am sure it was a great investment. Although I enjoyed throwing the Sporty around in corners, the softail requires a bit more finesse in tight spots and a bit of planning ahead of time. Would I go back? NEVER. I got used to the new bike in a couple hours and will never go back.
Best of luck!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 1,029
From: East Flanders - Belgium
If I were forced to make a choice between the Harley's that I now own and I can only hold these, then it would be the Fat Bob without any doubt, second would be my Forty Eight.
The Breakout was the first in line to go since the handling is s**t, this is just a showbike. If it even goes as far as I could only keep one bike it was my Goldwing GL1800 , the best
bike I ever own exept the GSXR's but that was in another lifetime.
The Breakout was the first in line to go since the handling is s**t, this is just a showbike. If it even goes as far as I could only keep one bike it was my Goldwing GL1800 , the best
bike I ever own exept the GSXR's but that was in another lifetime.
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