Standard and Custom differences?
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Stage I
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Standard and Custom differences?
Hello everyone, new to the forums. I have reached the point where I can soon afford to own a harley! I really like the softail line. What are the differences between the standard and custom? Essentially the same bike just different options available?
Specific years that are desirable or not? I notice pre-2000 bikes are listed separately compared to post-99 bikes.
I am a small guy with not much street riding experience, but I do come from a strong motocross background and still currently race. I am only 5'7'' 140 lbs. I can't tell you how many people have told me softail bikes are not for me, get a sportster instead, but I really don't care.
I notice lower seats that are also designed to push you more forward on the bike, maybe that's all I would need along with a rear lowering kit. That's what a short buddy of mine uses on his fxstc with 16'' apes and he has no issues.
If you guys agree with the folks who told me to stay away from the softail line, what bike would you recommend?
Specific years that are desirable or not? I notice pre-2000 bikes are listed separately compared to post-99 bikes.
I am a small guy with not much street riding experience, but I do come from a strong motocross background and still currently race. I am only 5'7'' 140 lbs. I can't tell you how many people have told me softail bikes are not for me, get a sportster instead, but I really don't care.
I notice lower seats that are also designed to push you more forward on the bike, maybe that's all I would need along with a rear lowering kit. That's what a short buddy of mine uses on his fxstc with 16'' apes and he has no issues.
If you guys agree with the folks who told me to stay away from the softail line, what bike would you recommend?
Stage II
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I'm 5'6". I just bought an '09 custom and have no problem riding it. I am going to lower the rear an inch just so my feet will be flat on the ground at stops. I love the bike it rides and handles great. I started on a sporty 5 years ago.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville
Hi Gary, welcome to the forums!
I too had never owned a street bike and bought the FXSTC, Softail Custom. I have never regretted my choice.
As for you height, you really need to consider your inseam measurement. I am 5'10", but my inseam is only 31". I have lowered the rear of my bike almost 2", but even before that, I could touch flat footed with room to spare. Lowered 1.5-2", I can't imagine any way the seat height would be too tall for you. As you'll find the more you comb through this forum, many of us like the lowered look of the Standard / Custom. Have you gone to the Dealer and sat on one yet? Just have a sales person hold the bike upright and see how the forward pegs feel. The whole forward peg thing kinda had me concerned, but I couldn't imagine riding without the pegs in the forward position. I even added a Kuryakyn mustache bar and use it quite often.
As for the differences, best I can tell, it's just a matter of "Bling" as the younger generation would say. There is more chrome to start with on the Custom. I don't think there are really any "option" differences to speak of.
I'll let some others chime in and tell you the differences in the model years.
I too had never owned a street bike and bought the FXSTC, Softail Custom. I have never regretted my choice.
As for you height, you really need to consider your inseam measurement. I am 5'10", but my inseam is only 31". I have lowered the rear of my bike almost 2", but even before that, I could touch flat footed with room to spare. Lowered 1.5-2", I can't imagine any way the seat height would be too tall for you. As you'll find the more you comb through this forum, many of us like the lowered look of the Standard / Custom. Have you gone to the Dealer and sat on one yet? Just have a sales person hold the bike upright and see how the forward pegs feel. The whole forward peg thing kinda had me concerned, but I couldn't imagine riding without the pegs in the forward position. I even added a Kuryakyn mustache bar and use it quite often.
As for the differences, best I can tell, it's just a matter of "Bling" as the younger generation would say. There is more chrome to start with on the Custom. I don't think there are really any "option" differences to speak of.
I'll let some others chime in and tell you the differences in the model years.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
Greetings,
I had a 2003 Softail Standard and a 2005 Night Train before my current Rocker C. The main difference between the Standard and the Custom is the seat, handlebars, and like others have said, the amount of chrome. As far as which is better, suspension and engine and such is the same. Just pick the one you like better and go for it!
I had a 2003 Softail Standard and a 2005 Night Train before my current Rocker C. The main difference between the Standard and the Custom is the seat, handlebars, and like others have said, the amount of chrome. As far as which is better, suspension and engine and such is the same. Just pick the one you like better and go for it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
CVO bikes have the same silver powdercoated engines, so not really a detriment. Standard is no longer produced, so if you're buying new it would have to be the Night Train or FXSTC. Either way you can do a lot with any of the three bikes.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
From: sgdfvs
If a Softail is what you want then a Softail is what you should get. Any bike can be made to be comfortable for any rider. It's all about what you like. I personally liked the Standard and Custom myself. I bought the Custom because I wanted the black motor and extra chrome from the factory. Neither bike really had the look I wanted straight from the factory but the Custom had the best base for me to work with. You can check out pics of it if you want. I have an album in my profile with several pics. I have added the chrome fork lowers since those pics were taken.
Mojo, you still have one of the best looking bikes I've seen.
Mojo, you still have one of the best looking bikes I've seen.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Gary8878-new softail
Hey guy --I sympathise with the short problem. Please try the FLSTN,it has the lowest seating height of any H.D.. I did and I love it ! Picture attached---- This bike is also referred to as the "Deluxe Softail" or "Softail Deluxe".
Prior to 1999 Harleys had a smaller engine (80c.i.). 1999 was the first year of the 88 c.i. engine. Now in 2007 the 96 c.i. engine is the norm with a 110 c.i. engine being available in certain models. Be advised that H.D. has had heat problems with the 96 & larger c.i. engines (not necessarily limited to any particular model). These problems have solutions--but not necessarily from H.D.,anyway that is another thread !
Choose what YOU like and I suspect -you will be delighted for a long time to come !
Prior to 1999 Harleys had a smaller engine (80c.i.). 1999 was the first year of the 88 c.i. engine. Now in 2007 the 96 c.i. engine is the norm with a 110 c.i. engine being available in certain models. Be advised that H.D. has had heat problems with the 96 & larger c.i. engines (not necessarily limited to any particular model). These problems have solutions--but not necessarily from H.D.,anyway that is another thread !
Choose what YOU like and I suspect -you will be delighted for a long time to come !
Last edited by OOORAH; Nov 6, 2008 at 07:25 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
If a Softail is what you want then a Softail is what you should get. Any bike can be made to be comfortable for any rider. It's all about what you like. I personally liked the Standard and Custom myself. I bought the Custom because I wanted the black motor and extra chrome from the factory. Neither bike really had the look I wanted straight from the factory but the Custom had the best base for me to work with. You can check out pics of it if you want. I have an album in my profile with several pics. I have added the chrome fork lowers since those pics were taken.
Mojo, you still have one of the best looking bikes I've seen.
Mojo, you still have one of the best looking bikes I've seen.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
NICE!!...been thinking about ape-ing my '06...I'll have to come back over and check for pics when you post 'em...gonna be gettin' cold here in Arvada soon...I got a few plans for winter mods...heads and cams bieng #1 on the list...far as the difference between the blingier Custom or the dull silver Standard...I haven't regretted a day of owning my FXSTI....guy