Soft tail Custom?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB Canada
I had an 07 FXSTC which I just traded in for an Ultra. I loved the Custom and have no regrets owning it. I traded it in because I found myself wanting a touring bike more where I don't care to ride in the city anymore because of the inattentive cagers.
The good points... IMO:
The good points... IMO:
- It's beautiful bike which gets lots of compliments.
- It's a Softail.
- The solid rear wheel and 200 tire.
- It's a quick easy bike to ride in town and on the open road.
- The seat, the seat and again.... The seat....
- The Mini Apes I find comfortable on my arms.
- I prefer an oil tank over the wet sump on my Ultra.
- I prefer the balanced TC on the FXSTC over the unbalanced on my Ultra.
- Someone mentioned they don't like the headlight shaking around and it should be recalled... I disagree... It's an attention getter and works.
- I had a windshield on it and got lots of helmet buffeting. To combat this I installed Memphis Lowers and that took out about 80% of the buffeting by deflecting the air from coming around the gas tank. A fork bag helped too. This was probably the largest reason I moved in behind a fairing.
- It lacked storage for the rain gear so I put on the matching HD saddlebags which are too small for much of anything else. My jacket would take up the entire other bag.
- A buddy who had a fat rear tire commented to me he hydro planed alot in the rain. Personally, I did not find any noticeable difference riding in the rain other than I got soaked a lot faster than if I was behind a fairing.
- I am impartial to the skinny front tire. I like the looks but a bigger front wheel/tire will take more abuse from the road hazards.
Last edited by 08UltraRider; Sep 3, 2008 at 04:34 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
best of both worlds
i love my 07 fxstc because i can convert it from a touring cruiser to a street fighter in 15 minutes. try that with a bagger! i bored it to 103, ported, polished and decked the heads, adjustable pushrods and a 253 cams (new for the 07 96 cube). i waited a long time for my Vance & Hines side-shots (they make big power) when its time to cruise i put on my leather bags, windshield, sissy bar, puffy seat and the old lady. thats why i say the best of both worlds. i highly recommend this bike if you want the same things i do. go for it!
Last edited by custom103; Sep 3, 2008 at 09:18 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
I don't mind the "shaky" light. It definitely gets the attention of people you're following, so if they're slowpokes they'll usually get outta your way! I don't ride a lot at night however, so I'm only minimally irritated by the flashing effect that it gives to road signs.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 2
From: Florida
It is a versatile bike. I ride my FXSTC around town and day trips with just a roll bag. Put on a windshield and medium saddle bags, and you can stay gone for several days. If you like long straight highways there are better bikes like Ultras and Road Glides. But the Custom handles the twisties really well, and doesn't look like a Buick from the rear.
I would say if you are gonna change it much (like i have) look for a decent s/t standard and build on that......
Last edited by hogdiver96; May 13, 2009 at 11:47 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 2
From: Florida
When I was trying to decide between a standard and a custom, the dealer said to look at it like this: a standard will resell as a standard, a custom will resell as a custom. And just about anything you bolt on there for yourself is money you spent on yourself; dont expect anybody else to pay you for it. Generally I think that is a good way to look at it. So if you will be upgrading your standard with stuff the custom already has, you're better off to start out with the custom. But like hogdiver says, if you are going to change out a BUNCH of stuff, including the upgrades the custom has over the standard, (and you still want the silver engine), then start with the standard.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Oregon
2008 Softail Custom, I love this bike. It's great looking, very, comfortable around town or on long trips. Handles like a much lighter bike. I just did my first major mod this weekend, Hooker TroubleMaker pipes. Wow, they look and sound awesome. PCV and stage one air should be here Monday. Here's a pic with the new pipes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Old thread but just gotta say, the FXSTC is one awesome ride. What's not to like about it, other than it doesn't have a lot of storage capacity if you're going long-distance. I do 2-up riding with this with the GF for 200 miles + and it's been very comfy.
The rake of the bike makes it one hell of a fine looking machine, and the seat is ultra-comfortable. No complaints from this guy.
The rake of the bike makes it one hell of a fine looking machine, and the seat is ultra-comfortable. No complaints from this guy.