Why a SoftTail?

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Sep 13, 2008 | 06:06 AM

#31

SuperAhcmed

Banned

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 643

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Quote:

Originally Posted by heavymetalthunder

I think the front end makes a big diffrence in the diffrent bikes. The FX front end is skinnier and used on sporties, Dyna's and some softails. The FL front end is wider and gives a more planted feeling on the hiway to me at least. That is used on all touring models and some softails like the fatboy, heritage, deluxe. As long as you go FL front end, they just feel better at highway speeds to me.

There is some truth to this. But it has less to do with the fork legs themselves(they are still outdated spring/oil units), and more with the meaty 16x3" rim and MH90(120mm wide)tire combo up front. The nice thick meaty front tire gives the front end a much plusher, "firmly planted" feel and ride. On my FXSTBi I ended up dumping the skinny 21"x2.15" rim and tire assembly for an 18x3.5" rim and a 130mm wide Avon Radial(once you go radial you will never go back to a bias ply tire) tire up front and it made a night and day difference for the way my bike rode. Feels alot heavier and much more firmly planted to the road. Also soakes up bumps and imperfections now much better too, stability went up 100 fold.

Sep 13, 2008 | 06:19 AM

#32

lionsm13

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 56,052

Likes: 88,716

From: Western South Dakota

I put a 16 inch wheel and tire on the front end of my fxstc, along with a fatboy front fender and personally love the way it rides
(more rubber hitting the road, bigger foot print) and rI think that it really did help out the looks as opposed to the "skinny" lookin' sportster lookin' fender and wheel.

Sep 13, 2008 | 07:33 AM

#33

D34

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 402

Likes: 0

From: Grayslake, IL

I have been very pleased with my '06 Heritage.

Sep 13, 2008 | 07:44 AM

#34

JayStronghawk

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 9,254

Likes: 283

From: Lake City, Florida (Native)

Heritage Classic

The Heritage Classic was my choice for comfort and the occasional 2 up riding I do .. After Getting a good deal on the 04 Heritage saved enough to be able to keep the Sportster as well which honestly didn't want to let go of anyway....

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Sep 13, 2008 | 08:47 AM

#35

D34

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 402

Likes: 0

From: Grayslake, IL

Good choice

Sep 13, 2008 | 10:21 AM

#36

tmitchellof PG

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 3,718

Likes: 11

From: Punta Gorda,FL

Softail is the only logical choice.
Tom

Sep 13, 2008 | 01:56 PM

#37

BoneCrusher

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,102

Likes: 1

From: Pittsburgh, PA

I agree with a lot of the posts here and I'll throw in my 2 cents. In the last two weeks I've ridden an '08 Ultra and an '03 Dyna Super Glide. I don't think I can ever go away from the softail after riding these. IMO the 96B is worth it's weight in gold to me, I hated the rubbermounted engine in both. Like already stated from 10 MPH to a stop you are sitting on a jackhammer. The ride once moving was nice on both but I don't do a lot of touring and my softail is money when comparing "smoothness" between the three. Just when I think I couldn't love softails more those two other bikes proved me wrong once again lol.

Sep 13, 2008 | 02:21 PM

#38

Sleeko

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,583

Likes: 96

From: Eastern North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

I hated the rubbermounted engine in both. Like already stated from 10 MPH to a stop you are sitting on a jackhammer.

+ 1

I remember when I started the Road King Classic at the dealer to take her out for a test ride. Said to the salesman "what the hell is all this ( ( (s H a K i N g ? ) ) )"
Woke me right up, then gave me a headache after the ride. Some people love it though and more power to 'em. The B works better for my needs and wants.
If you've never tried the rubber mounted engine, it's worth a test ride - or even just a startup - to see what I'm talking about.