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It’s basically the same bike, same frame and suspension, softail, could be a slight degree difference in rake but they should handle pretty near the same. Go with the best deal or the one that you like best, a Softail is just not known for super handling.
quick edit, so coming off a sporty which is a little top heavy feeling, you will sit in any softail a little better
Is the handling due to the rear softail design over say a super glide?
yes, a Dyna will handle better and easier to make it even better if you wanted to go that route.
softails look great because of the lack of the outside shock, but they have very limited travel nothing is easily adjustable.
if you really want a bike that many consider to be the best factory, look for a FXR
I would say that the Softail custom will handle better at slow speeds than the Deuce. The smaller handlebars make the Deuce feel somewhat top heavy at slow speeds. I really prefer the Deuce simply because I like the overall custom feel of it. Sometimes I feel like I am manhandling the Deuce. It is all a matter of preference and ability and upper body strength. The forward controls on the Deuce are pretty comfy at speed. I have owned both and keep drifting back to a Deuce for my run-around machine. Ken
Ive owned a STC. Its not a canyon carver but it is stable and easy to ride. Traffic at 4 mph, theres not a single bike in the world thats an easy ride just some easier than others.
Not the same but opinions differ.
The Deuce was reviewed and reported to be one of HD's best handling bikes at the time.
I bought one new (2000) and found it to handle way better than my 85' Softail and even slightly better than
my 88' FXRS (yes better than the FXR!)
Ran a 200 rear and 130 (21) front and I can really lay that bike down in turns.
Like anything newer, my 2020 FXDRS is on another level . Even with the 240 rear?
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