deluxe
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 902
Likes: 6
From: STL
bad= they run hot/lean, they have the rep of being a girls bike, a lot of aftermarket softail parts don't bolt on due to pipes, seat, rack, etc. not a big deal but still
Good= factory lowered, great platform to customize, nostalgic looks with modern dependability.
Good= factory lowered, great platform to customize, nostalgic looks with modern dependability.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 378
Likes: 6
From: Pasadena, TX
Pros: The deluxe has a nostalgic look without any modifications. It's comfortable and has a lot of upgrades off the showroom floor. For those of us who are a little "vertically challenged", the Deluxe is lowered and it's easy to put both feet on the ground. With that great Harley low end torque and a low center of gravity, they are extremely easy to ride.
Cons: Because they are lowered,it's easy to scrape the floorboards in turns. This bothers some people, but I like the attention that I get when people around look to see what's making that hideous noise
. And they are a softail, if you want it to ride like a tourer, you have to at least change seats and go with better shocks.
I've owned an Ironhead (still do), a Road King (loved it), a Buell (great commuter), and lastly my Deluxe. The Deluxe, by far, gets more favorable looks and comments, and is a total blast to ride!
Cons: Because they are lowered,it's easy to scrape the floorboards in turns. This bothers some people, but I like the attention that I get when people around look to see what's making that hideous noise
. And they are a softail, if you want it to ride like a tourer, you have to at least change seats and go with better shocks.I've owned an Ironhead (still do), a Road King (loved it), a Buell (great commuter), and lastly my Deluxe. The Deluxe, by far, gets more favorable looks and comments, and is a total blast to ride!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 1
From: East TN
Well, I don't know how the '09's measure up...but, I have an '05 that I've put 55k on, and it's the best ridin bike I've ever had. Don't pay any attention to the so-called "girl bike" rep...and definitely don't listen to anyone tellin ya it doesn't make a good tourin bike. We do numerous long weekend rides every year...and at least one or two distance tours each year, measured in the thousands of miles and usually at least 2 - 3 weeks in the saddle. Ours still has the stock suspension and seating...'cept I did put the Deluxe tourin pillion on for the missus...and has handled perfectly in all conditions, includin some pretty extreme weather ridin. When I wear this 'un out, I'll either rebuild it or get a new one...don't know if I'll ever ride a different model again...feels like yer sittin "in" the bike instead of up on top of it. It's a damned sweet scoot. But, like someone else said, rent one and try it out for yerself...only way to know for sure...'cause we're all different in our likes and dislikes.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: East Texas
I really don't have any complaints with my Deluxe. Yes they run lean, but that can be fixed. If you are a taller person I don't think you will be that comfortable on a Deluxe. I think Aggro Jo's post probably sums it all up the best. TequilaJohn is right about the Deluxe touring pillion. The factory one is a brick covered in leather. So I've been told...numerous times. Good luck with your decision.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Orygun
Mine does it all from in town cruising to all day long haul touring. I can take the bags and windshield off for around town and put 'em back on for the road. You can also put other seats on it if you want to ride higher or further back. I'm going with a Danny Gray seat. You really do feel like you are sitting in the bike, not on top of it. Mine is an '06 so I've never had any issues with overheating. I love the balance of the 88cu in with the 5 spd. tranny.
Grab a Deluxe and give it a spin, you'll never let it go!
Grab a Deluxe and give it a spin, you'll never let it go!
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Orygun
Don't worry about the chick bike reputation, when you go out cruising the Deluxes get all of the attention!
Last edited by Hangfire1; Nov 19, 2008 at 09:21 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
The good: my wife loves her 08.
Her first bike and she's doing great on it. So that tells you it's easy to ride and handles great.
The bad: my wife loves her her 08.
She won't ride 2up on my Heritage anymore.
Her first bike and she's doing great on it. So that tells you it's easy to ride and handles great.
The bad: my wife loves her her 08.
She won't ride 2up on my Heritage anymore.