Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

softail custom handling

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:35 AM
  #11  
Helix's Avatar
Helix
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Keller , Texas
Default RE: softail custom handling

AS many have touched on the FXSTC is designed for comfort, not agility. I have no problems with it in the ole back country roads in Texas.Then again im not laying it over to any extreme angles at 80 MPH either! I have to say Ive scrapped my pegs many many times and the bike never felt squirrely or out of its element. Sure its not going to handle anywhere near a GSXR or CBR calibur. But if your intent isdecemt handeling ( depending on your ability ),comfort, and style than you cant go wrong with the FXSTC. Good Luck !
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:57 AM
  #12  
reh13's Avatar
reh13
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: softail custom handling

If you're 6-3, and the lack ofleg roomdoesn't present aproblem, handling shouldn't be an issue. It's no canyon carver, but if that's what you're looking for, another type of bike all together, would probably be a better choice.I've always considered some of the softails a short (5-10 or less) person's bike. Now before some of you jump in and tell me I don't know what the hell I'm talking about, I'm 6-3, with a34" inseam,and own a softail, along with several other harleys. I have the 3" extended controls on my softail (something I believe you'll end up needing), and they give me about the same leg room as my wide glide, with stock controls.
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 12:37 PM
  #13  
sportncruise's Avatar
sportncruise
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: softail custom handling

ORIGINAL: reh13

If you're 6-3, and the lack ofleg roomdoesn't present aproblem, handling shouldn't be an issue. It's no canyon carver, but if that's what you're looking for, another type of bike all together, would probably be a better choice.I've always considered some of the softails a short (5-10 or less) person's bike. Now before some of you jump in and tell me I don't know what the hell I'm talking about, I'm 6-3, with a34" inseam,and own a softail, along with several other harleys. I have the 3" extended controls on my softail (something I believe you'll end up needing), and they give me about the same leg room as my wide glide, with stock controls.
I would agree with the height issue, I am 6' 210lbs and if I set as far back as my arms and legs allow it causes the seat to push wrong on my butt and it goes numb. If I am a little forward it is much better.
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 01:38 PM
  #14  
txgeezer's Avatar
txgeezer
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: softail custom handling

Aside from any handling issues - I never had any, it's got one of the best stock seats for comfort. Lots of back support and cush.

Still miss my old 93


[IMG]local://upfiles/39178/9B68478FF7614E419BD148BFBC11BE8A.jpg[/IMG]
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 01:54 PM
  #15  
aliandray's Avatar
aliandray
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: UK, England
Default RE: softail custom handling

Hi Fabrizio, I have taken an FXSTC for a test ride - it is very comfortable and once you get used to it, it will handle just fine. Since it "isn't a bestseller" it would make it rare onyour roads - as such I would have it for that reason alone. It is also already a good list price against the other softail range, if its cheaper its a really good deal.

ORIGINAL: ancfaber

This kind ofbike isn't a bestseller in Italy (which the reason of the very good price) so I'm in troubles. I like the bike but I'm worried about its handling in twisted roads. Im 6,3 and 210 and this shouldn't be a problem.
Help me please,

Thanks
Fabrizio
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 02:51 PM
  #16  
ancfaber's Avatar
ancfaber
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 26
From: Italy
Default RE: softail custom handling

ORIGINAL: aliandray

Hi Fabrizio, I have taken an FXSTC for a test ride - it is very comfortable and once you get used to it, it will handle just fine. Since it "isn't a bestseller" it would make it rare onyour roads - as such I would have it for that reason alone. It is also already a good list price against the other softail range, if its cheaper its a really good deal.
I like rare bikes too!!
The dealer draw my attention asking a good price for this bike: very low mileage for 15000 euro, with a discount of about 3800 euro from the MSRP of 18800 euro. MY 2007 .
This bike lures me!
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 03:03 PM
  #17  
ancfaber's Avatar
ancfaber
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 26
From: Italy
Default RE: softail custom handling

ORIGINAL: Helix

AS many have touched on the FXSTC is designed for comfort, not agility. I have no problems with it in the ole back country roads in Texas.Then again im not laying it over to any extreme angles at 80 MPH either! I have to say Ive scrapped my pegs many many times and the bike never felt squirrely or out of its element. Sure its not going to handle anywhere near a GSXR or CBR calibur. But if your intent isdecemt handeling ( depending on your ability ),comfort, and style than you cant go wrong with the FXSTC. Good Luck !
Helix, Your advices are precious. I'll see for a new visit at the dealership in order to persuade the dealer for a testdrive.
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 05:45 PM
  #18  
Bikenator's Avatar
Bikenator
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 463
Likes: 1
From: in a trailer next to a ditch in South Florida
Default RE: softail custom handling

I have not had any issues with the skinny 21" front tire. In fact, I'm amazed at how well it handles
bumps and grooves. The only issue I've had so far is when the bike is layed wayover, scraping a bit,
and Iget on the throttle, the REAR tire slips and squirms (41 psi in it too). This happened on smooth asphalt
that was in excellent condition. Other than that, the bike handles and ridesbetter than I expected!
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 1, 2007 | 08:49 AM
  #19  
ancfaber's Avatar
ancfaber
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 26
From: Italy
Default RE: softail custom handling

ORIGINAL: Bikenator

I have not had any issues with the skinny 21" front tire. In fact, I'm amazed at how well it handles
bumps and grooves. The only issue I've had so far is when the bike is layed wayover, scraping a bit,
and Iget on the throttle, the REAR tire slips and squirms (41 psi in it too). This happened on smooth asphalt
that was in excellent condition. Other than that, the bike handles and ridesbetter than I expected!
Thanks Bikenator,

This afternoon I'll be at the dealership.........They told me no again for a test drive so I'll have to seat over the bike in the showroom.
Bye
 
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2007 | 10:34 PM
  #20  
danike's Avatar
danike
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
Default RE: softail custom handling

I'm totally satified with the ride ofmy FXSTC. The skinny front tire does cause it to feel a little weird when you run into parrallel groove or crack in the road.

Helix want brand of pipes or mufflers do you have on your bike?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:36 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE