Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
At one point I was looking at a couple different HD models for a new motorcycle and in the Softail lineup the Heritage was the frontrunner because, as some have said, you get the windshield, saddlebags, and aux lights "thrown in". However, I wanted to be able to strip the bags off easily and I wasn't sure it would be possible to mount the stock saddlebags with a decent quick detach system. I'm also not a big studs on leather fan, but just personal taste there. I also don't ride with a windshield, though I thought that might be handy for longer road trips to lower wind fatigue.
After thinking about this I started moving my thoughts toward the Deluxe for many of the reasons that Rhubarb mentioned. In the grand scheme of things I ended up going with a Springer, which is very similar to a Deluxe in many ways. However, I will admit that even up to the point of signing the paperwork I still had a little part of me that was thinking "Hmm, should I switch my purchase to the Deluxe". I love the Springer and have not looked back, but I have no doubt that if I had bought a Deluxe I would have loved it and not looked back.
Standard disclaimer here is that this is all based on personal taste. If you plan to always ride with bags and like the Heritage bags, then I would think about going with the Heritage (provided it fits you well in a test ride, of course).
After thinking about this I started moving my thoughts toward the Deluxe for many of the reasons that Rhubarb mentioned. In the grand scheme of things I ended up going with a Springer, which is very similar to a Deluxe in many ways. However, I will admit that even up to the point of signing the paperwork I still had a little part of me that was thinking "Hmm, should I switch my purchase to the Deluxe". I love the Springer and have not looked back, but I have no doubt that if I had bought a Deluxe I would have loved it and not looked back.
Standard disclaimer here is that this is all based on personal taste. If you plan to always ride with bags and like the Heritage bags, then I would think about going with the Heritage (provided it fits you well in a test ride, of course).
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, CA
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
It's high time I clock in, though I won't be helping you with your dilemma - I'm in the same spot. I hope you don't mind my piggyback to your post, but you started it!
I've been doing the whole bit - sitting on bikes at dealers, talking to salespeople, showing up at runs to get ideas, and reading lots here on the forum(s). I narrowed it down to the same two bikes.After much flip-flop I alwayscome back tothe Deluxe (as if my handle hasn't tipped you off). It feels the most comfortable to sit on. I'm 5'7"ish. I sometimes quietly curse the Motor Company for making them similar enough to stew over.
My personal observations - everything Rhubarb pointed out.
To me, and talking out of the box, the Heritage looks more like the typical workhorse while the Deluxe stands out as the nostalgic design it's meant to be.
I'm much more comfortable with the handlebars on the Deluxe.
I want bags too and I understand that I'll have to change the pipes to accommodate bigger bags.
I do lots of 2-up and want passenger floors - do not like the pegs in between the pipes. I believe switching to something like V&H Longshots would rectify the floorboard problem, the bag problem, and the sound problem in a fell swoop.
I'm sure I can get a softer, wider pillion too.
Detachable windshield a must.
Now, if I could just get that Fatboy 200 under the rear fender.....[sm=insomnia.gif]
So even though the Heritage has all the extrasI'm looking for at a better value, I can't get over the preference to the bike I'm putting them on.
I've had a great 8 year run and 75,000 miles on my Intruder 1400, but my dream has been the Harley. I hope to be a long standing fixture on these forums.
Good luck with your decision, Hidalgo.
I've been doing the whole bit - sitting on bikes at dealers, talking to salespeople, showing up at runs to get ideas, and reading lots here on the forum(s). I narrowed it down to the same two bikes.After much flip-flop I alwayscome back tothe Deluxe (as if my handle hasn't tipped you off). It feels the most comfortable to sit on. I'm 5'7"ish. I sometimes quietly curse the Motor Company for making them similar enough to stew over.
My personal observations - everything Rhubarb pointed out.
To me, and talking out of the box, the Heritage looks more like the typical workhorse while the Deluxe stands out as the nostalgic design it's meant to be.
I'm much more comfortable with the handlebars on the Deluxe.
I want bags too and I understand that I'll have to change the pipes to accommodate bigger bags.
I do lots of 2-up and want passenger floors - do not like the pegs in between the pipes. I believe switching to something like V&H Longshots would rectify the floorboard problem, the bag problem, and the sound problem in a fell swoop.
I'm sure I can get a softer, wider pillion too.
Detachable windshield a must.
Now, if I could just get that Fatboy 200 under the rear fender.....[sm=insomnia.gif]
So even though the Heritage has all the extrasI'm looking for at a better value, I can't get over the preference to the bike I'm putting them on.
I've had a great 8 year run and 75,000 miles on my Intruder 1400, but my dream has been the Harley. I hope to be a long standing fixture on these forums.
Good luck with your decision, Hidalgo.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,149
Likes: 2
From: Irwin, Pennsylvania
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
Wow, There sure are some sweet looking rides in this thread.
Just thought I would add my 2 cents !!!
I had a 97 Heritage, I was always riding without the shield & bags.
It's all in what you like, and your style of riding.
Only you can make that decision. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Just thought I would add my 2 cents !!!
I had a 97 Heritage, I was always riding without the shield & bags.
It's all in what you like, and your style of riding.
Only you can make that decision. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Alden, NY
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
The HD site lets you compare the models side by side as far as specs go. Deluxe is a little lower both laden and unladen, has a few more ft. lbs. of torque, and one degree less of lean angle. MSRP is within 500 bucks, so generally you will have more in the Deluxe if you add bags, the better pillion, a removeable backrest, and windshield. You can put matching floor boards on the Deluxe rear with stock exhaust (they're pricey). The Heritage bags are bigger and more useful than the Deluxe bags if you stick with HD. However, the Deluxe bags lock which is real important to me. Riding position/feel is somewhat different, probably due to pullback riser/bar differences and the seats. I don't particularly like the amber fender light on the Heritage and I do like the seat rail on the Deluxe although I will change it to the Springer rail one of these days, and the rear light bar and tail light is much better looking the the Heritage's which looks too modern and wide to me. As everyone has said, it boils down to your personal preference. Although the Deluxe has a more nostalgic look out of the box, you can make a Heritage look very nostalgic simply by adding white walls. Sit on them, ride them if you can, and go with what YOUR gut tells you. You won't go wrong either way.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
You guys (and gals),are insane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! some of your mods are rad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no hugs plans for mods on mine except a few goodies here and there... I can tell you this, my Heritage has one thing no other bike i have ever owned has ,and that is comfort. Never could find the right seat for my last bike which was a BOB.... Loved the bob. but even withthe sundowner seat... pain set in pretty fast.. Not on my Heritage... i do want to change the passenger pillion to a studded harley one.. Where can i get one at a good price . btw ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Franklin, TN
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
ORIGINAL: voyager1
You guys (and gals),are insane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! some of your mods are rad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no hugs plans for mods on mine except a few goodies here and there... I can tell you this, my Heritage has one thing no other bike i have ever owned has ,and that is comfort. Never could find the right seat for my last bike which was a BOB.... Loved the bob. but even withthe sundowner seat... pain set in pretty fast.. Not on my Heritage... i do want to change the passenger pillion to a studded harley one.. Where can i get one at a good price . btw ?
You guys (and gals),are insane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! some of your mods are rad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no hugs plans for mods on mine except a few goodies here and there... I can tell you this, my Heritage has one thing no other bike i have ever owned has ,and that is comfort. Never could find the right seat for my last bike which was a BOB.... Loved the bob. but even withthe sundowner seat... pain set in pretty fast.. Not on my Heritage... i do want to change the passenger pillion to a studded harley one.. Where can i get one at a good price . btw ?
Marsh
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Franklin, TN
RE: Torn between Deluxe & Heritage....Help me....
ORIGINAL: rsavage
The HD site lets you compare the models side by side as far as specs go. Deluxe is a little lower both laden and unladen, has a few more ft. lbs. of torque, and one degree less of lean angle. MSRP is within 500 bucks, so generally you will have more in the Deluxe if you add bags, the better pillion, a removeable backrest, and windshield. You can put matching floor boards on the Deluxe rear with stock exhaust (they're pricey). The Heritage bags are bigger and more useful than the Deluxe bags if you stick with HD. However, the Deluxe bags lock which is real important to me. Riding position/feel is somewhat different, probably due to pullback riser/bar differences and the seats. I don't particularly like the amber fender light on the Heritage and I do like the seat rail on the Deluxe although I will change it to the Springer rail one of these days, and the rear light bar and tail light is much better looking the the Heritage's which looks too modern and wide to me. As everyone has said, it boils down to your personal preference. Although the Deluxe has a more nostalgic look out of the box, you can make a Heritage look very nostalgic simply by adding white walls. Sit on them, ride them if you can, and go with what YOUR gut tells you. You won't go wrong either way.
The HD site lets you compare the models side by side as far as specs go. Deluxe is a little lower both laden and unladen, has a few more ft. lbs. of torque, and one degree less of lean angle. MSRP is within 500 bucks, so generally you will have more in the Deluxe if you add bags, the better pillion, a removeable backrest, and windshield. You can put matching floor boards on the Deluxe rear with stock exhaust (they're pricey). The Heritage bags are bigger and more useful than the Deluxe bags if you stick with HD. However, the Deluxe bags lock which is real important to me. Riding position/feel is somewhat different, probably due to pullback riser/bar differences and the seats. I don't particularly like the amber fender light on the Heritage and I do like the seat rail on the Deluxe although I will change it to the Springer rail one of these days, and the rear light bar and tail light is much better looking the the Heritage's which looks too modern and wide to me. As everyone has said, it boils down to your personal preference. Although the Deluxe has a more nostalgic look out of the box, you can make a Heritage look very nostalgic simply by adding white walls. Sit on them, ride them if you can, and go with what YOUR gut tells you. You won't go wrong either way.
Marsh