2005 Softail FLSTNI
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 675
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From: Central NJ near the Seashore
2005 Softail FLSTNI
Hi, I'mvery close tobuying a Harley Softail 2005 FLSTNI with very low miles. I presentlyhave a midsize metric Cruiser (Suzuki C50) at around 550lbs. I am wondering how this bike would ride and handle as compared to the bike I now ride. I was wondering about engine vibration and how they are on a moderately long ride like 10-200 miles. Thanks in advance for your comments.
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
I have a 2005 softail deluxe and from my point of view the ride is great i think you will be very happy with it. depending on your size some owners have there seat modified so they sit back a little more but on the whole the stock seat is pretty good when i had mine on i had no complaints I am 5' 7". I made a few 150 to 200 mile runs with the stock seat on it.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ near the Seashore
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
Thanks for the info. I am a short rider about 5'6". My suzuki has a seat hight of 27.6 which is very comfortable. Does that seat height compare with the Soft Tail?I also had some other questions: What should I expect to pay for a black-white '05, lots of chrome less than 500 miles? Also wondering about accessories: bags and a good removable windshield for the bike. Thanks in advance for answering all the questions. By the way if that's your bike in the pic above.....GORGEOUS!!...........
Dave
Dave
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
the seat height on the deluxe is one of the lowest its 24.5 if i remember correctly. i really am not up on the prices on a used bike but you can check e bay and see what ones that sold and how much also miles and that stuff. windshields i would go with the HD nostalgic as far as bags thats another story i have the HD bags that were made for the deluxe they are small and do not hold very much if you have the stock exhaust on the bike you are kind of limited to what you can put on. if you have replaced exhaust then there are plenty of possibilities look at bikes on the forum in the deluxe picture area and you can PM a member and get some info. that is my bike in the photo and thank you
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 952
Likes: 7
From: Waterford, MI.
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
As for bags, the best out there are made by Boss Bags. They are expensive ataround $1000 depending on options but they offer quick release and much more room thanthe HDbags. I love my Deluxe. It is comfortable and makes the perfect bike to go from local bar hopper to highway cruiser.
Mark
Mark
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 503
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From:
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
The Deluxe is a great choice! It is a pleasure to ride and has killer looks to too. Its so well balanced that you dont even noticed that its over 700lbs and the low seat height should be great given your height, at 5'10" Id like a bit more leg room but still find my bike very comfortable.
I just got the Harley King size windsield, simple to install and provides great protection, you will definietely look through it and not over it. As mentioned above look at the Boss Bags, they are pricey but they are the ones Im considering based on owner reports here.
I just got the Harley King size windsield, simple to install and provides great protection, you will definietely look through it and not over it. As mentioned above look at the Boss Bags, they are pricey but they are the ones Im considering based on owner reports here.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 44
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From:
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
I have an '06 Deluxe. I'm 6'1" so seat height was a major problem. Have sent the seat away to me modded i.e. moving me back 2" and upa bit. It will then be perfect. BTW the deluxe is the nicest looking bike that HD makes IMHO
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
That Deluxe should fit you great. The seat height is 26.5 inches. The lowest Harley seat height until the Rocker is released. It sits around 24.5 when you are on it. I am 6'1" so the ergonomics are a bit cramped for me in stock configuration but should be great for you. The engine vibrations are very minimal because of the 88B (B for "balanced") engine. It is a beautiful and classic looking bike just the way it comes from the factory and it's an excellent platform for any type of customizing you might want. It is not a serious iron butt type of tourer but a few hundred miles a day is no problem at all, and you could modify it mildly to make much longer miles comfortable. Shoot, it comes already lowered 2" from the factory too. Of course, I'm biased because I ride one! I was gonna buy a Heritage until I saw the new Deluxes in the showroom back in '05. That was it for me!
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RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
spike the seat height on a deluxe is 24.5 not 26.5 the FLSTN Softail Deluxe sets its sights to the future with a look to the past. A 24.5-inch seat height makes this the lowest Harley-Davidson
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,127
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From: Houston, TX
RE: 2005 Softail FLSTNI
You're right nikonf8, I was wrong about the seat height. It is actually 25.9 inches instead of 26.5. It is only 24.5 "laden" which means with a 180lb person sitting on it. That is from Harley's website.