How did you decide on Softail over Touring?
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
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How did you decide on Softail over Touring?
I'm sure everyone here has gone over this at one time or another when they purchased their bike. My problem is I like the touring bikes, especially the Road Glide and Road King, but I have no plans to ride the bike any more than 50-100 miles from my house. I'm not a motorcycle trip kind of guy. It just seems when you put it on paper you get more for your money by buying a touring bike. Am I wrong here? Would I be better off with a Heritage or Fatboy for my needs?
Once you start to ride you might change your mind on how far you want to ride it. that being said I have a softail and love riding it on long trips too. One day I'll ahve one of each but it's this bike for now.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Southern California
Ony you can answer your own question. It's like "how do I decide which computer to buy?" You have to ask yourself, "what do I want to do with my computer?" Then you decide based on need, and want.
Same with the bike,,,what do you want to do with the bike....need and want, but only you can answer that.
But I think you're on the right track with the Heritage or Fatboy.
Me,,,I'd get the Heritage, But I would suggest you rent before you buy. Take a ride or two.
And, ride safe....
PS I just returned from a 3 day trip (1142 miles) to the grand canyon on my Softail.
I would do it again in a NY Min.
Same with the bike,,,what do you want to do with the bike....need and want, but only you can answer that.
But I think you're on the right track with the Heritage or Fatboy.
Me,,,I'd get the Heritage, But I would suggest you rent before you buy. Take a ride or two.
And, ride safe....
PS I just returned from a 3 day trip (1142 miles) to the grand canyon on my Softail.
I would do it again in a NY Min.
Last edited by Soft06; May 22, 2009 at 07:35 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
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From: Arkansas
As previously stated.....Only you can decide.
My opinion...you want to feel like you are riding a Motorcycle? Get a softail. Want to feel like you are in a car with the windows down? Get a Bagger with it's radio, cruise, glove boxes etc you will be comfortable for sure. I'm renting a Street glide next week for 3 days of riding and looking forward to it. I thought about buying a bagger but decided I can rent a hell of allot of them for what it would cost to buy one and I have no intention of getting rid of my Springer and don't need more than one bike.
My opinion...you want to feel like you are riding a Motorcycle? Get a softail. Want to feel like you are in a car with the windows down? Get a Bagger with it's radio, cruise, glove boxes etc you will be comfortable for sure. I'm renting a Street glide next week for 3 days of riding and looking forward to it. I thought about buying a bagger but decided I can rent a hell of allot of them for what it would cost to buy one and I have no intention of getting rid of my Springer and don't need more than one bike.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 54
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From: Montreal
Love both but... (will get FLH when I get old......)
After 20 years telling myself that one day I'd get back on a bike, I rode a brand new Softail custom back home last summer. No words to describe all the memories that back to basic, wind up the face ride gave me...... 2008 FXSTC, lowered rear, 7 in. pullback drag bars, forward controls, LePera solo Barebones, V&H BSS, Arlen Ness Big Sucker & few other less expensive goodies. I just turned 50 & I looooove my ride.........
I must admit that on longer rides & when wind catches up, my back and/or neck would certainly appreciate the more comfy ride a touring model would offer... (sometime little things in life reminds you your not 25 anymore...)
I,l probably soon get a Mustang Wide Vintage solo & HD "Quick release" windshield so I can quickly & temporarely make my scooter a bit more comfy for rides over 2 or 3 hours.
For that reason, when I get old.... It's my plan to get a Road King Classic for longer weekend rides but swear I'l keep that Softail til I die so I can crack the throttle & hit that road with the wind up the face whenever I miss that feeling only bikers can understand.....& dogs that stick their head out the window (like I read somewhere on this forum..)
I must admit that on longer rides & when wind catches up, my back and/or neck would certainly appreciate the more comfy ride a touring model would offer... (sometime little things in life reminds you your not 25 anymore...)
I,l probably soon get a Mustang Wide Vintage solo & HD "Quick release" windshield so I can quickly & temporarely make my scooter a bit more comfy for rides over 2 or 3 hours.
For that reason, when I get old.... It's my plan to get a Road King Classic for longer weekend rides but swear I'l keep that Softail til I die so I can crack the throttle & hit that road with the wind up the face whenever I miss that feeling only bikers can understand.....& dogs that stick their head out the window (like I read somewhere on this forum..)
Last edited by LowBoy08; May 22, 2009 at 08:49 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
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Everyone here is right on. For me, it was all about flexibilty. I can strip my Deluxe down to pure solo, and it looks great, in fact better, without bags, windshield, etc. Yet, I can and have loaded it up to ride out to Sturgis twice and Blue Ridge Parkway, and this year Beartooth, Dead Indian, and Tetons. You might be surprised how quickly you might get the itch to "go." Good luck.
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
when I 1st started hunting out west, I bought a 30-06, that way I could hunt any legal game in our Country.....moral, just get what U need....
If your wife is like mine, none of the bags on any bike would be big enough to hold all her stuff for a long extended trip anyway.
the reason I got the Heritage is that I have always like the looks. love the leather, and shield, don't like the batwing as much... wife dislikes it alot.
easy to move around, nimble at low speeds, also like the mini-ape bars and extra lights at night. Plus sits lower than the tourers, thats about it...
If your wife is like mine, none of the bags on any bike would be big enough to hold all her stuff for a long extended trip anyway.
the reason I got the Heritage is that I have always like the looks. love the leather, and shield, don't like the batwing as much... wife dislikes it alot.
easy to move around, nimble at low speeds, also like the mini-ape bars and extra lights at night. Plus sits lower than the tourers, thats about it...
Last edited by oct1949; May 22, 2009 at 09:05 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 497
Likes: 2
From: Australia
I'm sure everyone here has gone over this at one time or another when they purchased their bike. My problem is I like the touring bikes, especially the Road Glide and Road King, but I have no plans to ride the bike any more than 50-100 miles from my house. I'm not a motorcycle trip kind of guy. It just seems when you put it on paper you get more for your money by buying a touring bike. Am I wrong here? Would I be better off with a Heritage or Fatboy for my needs?
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,685
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From: Hoboken, NJ
At this point in my riding experience (I'm quite new), I just knew that I wouldn't be into riding extremely long distances, so I went for an FXSTB. It's what I consider to be what motorcycling is all about: bare bones- no bags, fairing, windshield, radio, etc. Just an engine, two wheels and a seat.
However, as I approach my 40's, do I think I may change my mind and go for a touring bike in the future? Sure. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
However, as I approach my 40's, do I think I may change my mind and go for a touring bike in the future? Sure. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.