Why a SoftTail?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Nebraska
Doug
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NJ
Biggest difference for me is the softails are smooth as glass at idle. The touring bikes have rubber mounted engines which shake at idle. Just sit on both and you'll feel the difference. Some guys like it.
You probably should take both for a test ride. One thing I don't like about the streetglide in particular is the low windshield. I test rode an 09 and it's like riding w/o one.
I've been quite happy with my Heritage and it'll do quite well for 2up touring. The stock passenger pillion, at least on my 08, is really pathetic and your gal will probably want an upgrade.
You probably should take both for a test ride. One thing I don't like about the streetglide in particular is the low windshield. I test rode an 09 and it's like riding w/o one.
I've been quite happy with my Heritage and it'll do quite well for 2up touring. The stock passenger pillion, at least on my 08, is really pathetic and your gal will probably want an upgrade.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
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Can anyone tell me what is the difference between the Softails and the Glides. Heck-I may as well ask why does H-D have both a Softail and Touring group. I'm somewhat of a new rider (3 years) and am thinking about moving up.
I'm a big guy (5'11", 290 lbs) and I've demo'ed all the groups other than the Softails:
1. Sportsters are too small. 2. Dyna's are nice - I like the Fat Bob a lot-but ..., 3. The Electra Glide Standard is great but could be overkill for my needs.
I have to be honest and say that I don't plan to do a lot of long-distance riding. I would like to take the wife around the state for a little sightseeing now and again. But I would be in state and around town most of the time. If in the future it turns into more distance stuff that would work very well for me.
My problem is I'm not sure about the basics between Glides,Dyna's and Softails.
Sorry for the dumb questions - but if you don't ask ....
Thanks,
Khenders
I'm a big guy (5'11", 290 lbs) and I've demo'ed all the groups other than the Softails:
1. Sportsters are too small. 2. Dyna's are nice - I like the Fat Bob a lot-but ..., 3. The Electra Glide Standard is great but could be overkill for my needs.
I have to be honest and say that I don't plan to do a lot of long-distance riding. I would like to take the wife around the state for a little sightseeing now and again. But I would be in state and around town most of the time. If in the future it turns into more distance stuff that would work very well for me.
My problem is I'm not sure about the basics between Glides,Dyna's and Softails.
Sorry for the dumb questions - but if you don't ask ....
Thanks,
Khenders
A. Sportster frames, smallest(but not by much now), but potentially the best handling bikes as well. Can be setup to be nice light duty touring bikes, very versatile. Rubbermounted engine.
B. Dyna frames(which also include the full touring bikes and road kings), these are the best in terms of suspension for long cushy rides,touring etc., basically an oversized Sporty frame. Rubber mounted engine.
C. Softail(About the same size as the dyna frames, but they do not have the same quality suspension setup in the rear)frames: these are meant to "emulate" the looks of the old ridgid frames. They sacrifice suspension performance and comfort in the rear for "looks". Can be converted to a pretty good touring bike as well due to their size being about the same as the Dyna framed bikes. Ridgid mounted engine with internal counterbalancers.
This is the Harley family in a nutshell.
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Advanced
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No - I passed on riding a Road King but only because they look so darn BIG, I understand that you can grow right into them because the balance is so good. I also understand and believe that the more weight the better on the road.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
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From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
I LOVE my Heritage....Went on a 400 mi trip & it wasn't too bad going over Stevens Pass & Washington Pass both in Washington state. My butt was a little sore but I haven't ridden in about 20 yrs too.
As stated above, you'll definately want to replace the passenger pillon. My wife said thats a must!
Clay
As stated above, you'll definately want to replace the passenger pillon. My wife said thats a must!
Clay
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 990
Likes: 3
From: lakeside ca.
of course I will say softail
hate the metric look you get with shocks hanging out on the rear
also hate the engine leaping around at idle.
I ride 10 thou a year on my std and a lot of that is with the wife on the back.
a fatboy can carry lot of stuff and you can get quick release bags
hate the metric look you get with shocks hanging out on the rear
also hate the engine leaping around at idle.
I ride 10 thou a year on my std and a lot of that is with the wife on the back.
a fatboy can carry lot of stuff and you can get quick release bags
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Advanced
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To make it real simple, there are 3 frame groups:
A. Sportster frames, smallest(but not by much now), but potentially the best handling bikes as well. Can be setup to be nice light duty touring bikes, very versatile. Rubbermounted engine.
B. Dyna frames(which also include the full touring bikes and road kings), these are the best in terms of suspension for long cushy rides,touring etc., basically an oversized Sporty frame. Rubber mounted engine.
C. Softail(About the same size as the dyna frames, but they do not have the same quality suspension setup in the rear)frames: these are meant to "emulate" the looks of the old ridgid frames. They sacrifice suspension performance and comfort in the rear for "looks". Can be converted to a pretty good touring bike as well due to their size being about the same as the Dyna framed bikes. Ridgid mounted engine with internal counterbalancers.
This is the Harley family in a nutshell.
A. Sportster frames, smallest(but not by much now), but potentially the best handling bikes as well. Can be setup to be nice light duty touring bikes, very versatile. Rubbermounted engine.
B. Dyna frames(which also include the full touring bikes and road kings), these are the best in terms of suspension for long cushy rides,touring etc., basically an oversized Sporty frame. Rubber mounted engine.
C. Softail(About the same size as the dyna frames, but they do not have the same quality suspension setup in the rear)frames: these are meant to "emulate" the looks of the old ridgid frames. They sacrifice suspension performance and comfort in the rear for "looks". Can be converted to a pretty good touring bike as well due to their size being about the same as the Dyna framed bikes. Ridgid mounted engine with internal counterbalancers.
This is the Harley family in a nutshell.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
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From: Eastern North Carolina
The Deluxe is a variation on a theme when compared with the Heritage. Same with the Fatboy. You'll have to add the windshield, back rest and bags (harley bags a bit smaller on Deluxe and Fatboy). Road King classic is another favorite for that "look". I found it to be quite nimble around town, but the rubber mt. engine does jump around a bit when sitting at a light. I read that the '09s are a bit smoother at idle though.
Food for thought; when it comes right down to it, the touring bikes have a hidden suspention as well when you consider that the bags cover just about everything up. Give 'em all a test ride and see watcha think.
Food for thought; when it comes right down to it, the touring bikes have a hidden suspention as well when you consider that the bags cover just about everything up. Give 'em all a test ride and see watcha think.
Last edited by Sleeko; Aug 25, 2008 at 07:32 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 752
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From: North East, Florida
Ride, the big difference is ride. The softails are easy to handle and alot of fun in town, bar hopping and twisties. On the other hand the touring bikes just ride better. Do 400 miles on a Glide or King and you can still go out and party when you get there. The suspension makes all the differance.