Making the swith to softail?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
Making the swith to softail?
Hey guys, I'm seriously considering a switch from XL to Dyna or Softail. I've researched the heck out of softails and dynas. Two up is a concern, since I've only riden solo on each and only around the block at the stealer. The softail custom is my favorite look. I can't afford the newer model and was told by the stealer the older ones without counterbalancers are not comfortable on long rides. Both are nice, but my biggest concern is I'm going to have this for a long time, so I have to make the right choice.
Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: currently NC
RE: Making the swith to softail?
I would recommend test driving both. If you are serious about buying, usually the stealership will let you test drive a few. If not, you should be able to rent a couple and they will refund the rental fee when you by one.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
RE: Making the swith to softail?
ORIGINAL: Sarge4life
I would recommend test driving both. If you are serious about buying, usually the stealership will let you test drive a few. If not, you should be able to rent a couple and they will refund the rental fee when you by one.
I would recommend test driving both. If you are serious about buying, usually the stealership will let you test drive a few. If not, you should be able to rent a couple and they will refund the rental fee when you by one.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,344
From: Western South Dakota
RE: Making the swith to softail?
There is no perfect choice. It's a matter of taste, of which is dictated by personal preference, as well as what you can afford.
They all are milwaukee vibrators.
They all are milwaukee vibrators.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
RE: Making the swith to softail?
I switched from an 05 1200XLC to 07 FXST.
Reasons
1) My wife rides with me once in a while and she was not comfortable on the XLC. Just not much room for the two of use, Im 200lbs and shes 135lbs. Not big people by any means. Much more room on the softail and she is 110% more comfortable riding. She now goes on longer rides.
2) general power. Had to get on the XLC when riding two up to get going and I had a stage one on it. Just didnt have the torque that was needed. Blast to ride by my self but needed more to ride two up.
3) Style and accessories. Much more for the softails in the way of upgrades and I like the looks better.
I must say the night I rode it home I realy noticed the difference in how smooth the ride was and the extra power. Glad I switched. But I knew the XLC was just my starter bike.
Reasons
1) My wife rides with me once in a while and she was not comfortable on the XLC. Just not much room for the two of use, Im 200lbs and shes 135lbs. Not big people by any means. Much more room on the softail and she is 110% more comfortable riding. She now goes on longer rides.
2) general power. Had to get on the XLC when riding two up to get going and I had a stage one on it. Just didnt have the torque that was needed. Blast to ride by my self but needed more to ride two up.
3) Style and accessories. Much more for the softails in the way of upgrades and I like the looks better.
I must say the night I rode it home I realy noticed the difference in how smooth the ride was and the extra power. Glad I switched. But I knew the XLC was just my starter bike.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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RE: Making the swith to softail?
ORIGINAL: Road Head
I can't afford the newer model and was told by the stealer the older ones without counterbalancers are not comfortable on long rides.
I can't afford the newer model and was told by the stealer the older ones without counterbalancers are not comfortable on long rides.
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: Making the swith to softail?
I went from a 1200 Custom to a Softail Deuce, and then to a Softail Custom. My reasoning was it would be a lot more comfortable for both me and my wife. Also, I liked the body positioning better on the Softails. You sit down in a Softail, rather than on top of the bike like you do on a Dyna. I also didn't like how far forward the forward controls were on the Dyna. They are closer on the Softail, so the reach is more comfortable for me. My Custom is a absolute pleasure to ride. It's definitely been the most Comfortable Harley I've had.