I hear ya there, I work 20 minutes away and yesterday I didn't get home until almost 2 hours later. My wife just assumes now that if I don't come home right away than I with my mistress (08 Cross Bones). lol


Doug

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

Guy stole my bike again!

 

All replies are welcome but this one is very helpful. The Bikes don't just look different on the outside but really are made for different riding purposes. Those were my thoughts but I had not been able to confirm that fact in my research - until now.

 

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.

 

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.