Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Duece or.........

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:12 PM
  #1  
iceman5218's Avatar
iceman5218
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Jonesboro, AR
Default Duece or.........

Custom. Got a really good offer on my SG and looking at changing rides. Came from a VTX 1300C. Any thoughts on the bikes. Not a huge of the 90 front tire but I'm sure the adjustment will be quick. Was told they are too different rides with vibration and weight distribution. Im 6'2", 280 lbs. and love the way it sits. Looking at 100th anny duece. I like the idea of a tourer but really don't want to be on a bike that long. I live in twisty heaven and like to stick a bike in a corner as fast as it, or my gut, will allow. Any thoughts.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:16 PM
  #2  
2deuce's Avatar
2deuce
Road Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 8
From: NE Ohio
Default

that 21 inch front tire doesn't like going into corners all that well, but you're big enough that you can probably teach it!
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:20 PM
  #3  
iceman5218's Avatar
iceman5218
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Jonesboro, AR
Default

That explains alot. Really felt like I was pushing the bike through corners when I was testing it. If I go with the deuce, I was already going to change the front wheel cause I HATE spoke rims. What would suffice size wise cause the custom would be the same situation.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:23 PM
  #4  
LH's Avatar
LH
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Default

I went from an 1800 VTX to a Street Glide, and just traded in on a new Custom....
love this new ride. The big X was faster, but the Custom handles like a dream. I'm just not cut out for a heavy bagger, but the Custom is a keeper.... it just has class...
 

Last edited by LH; Jun 2, 2009 at 09:26 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:04 PM
  #5  
Z06_Pilot's Avatar
Z06_Pilot
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Default

Originally Posted by 2deuce
that 21 inch front tire doesn't like going into corners all that well, but you're big enough that you can probably teach it!
wow, that is not my experience at all, at least with my Custom. Changing to Metzeler 880 Marathon tires from the OEM Dunlops made a world or difference. I find the skinny front 21" wheel has very quick turn-in.

leaning the bike into turns is effortless, and throwing it to the opposite side in a quick S curve is no issue at all.

I have several roads in southeastern Ohio that are full of twisties, and I am on them all the time with this bike.

I regularly ride my wife's Sportster and a friend's '09 V-Rod, and neither of them can keep up with my custom when the roads get really winding.

also, I am 6' 6" tall, and I have 3" Ness control extensions which move the pegs further front and higher, so scraping the pegs is very, very hard to do-i can get as low as I dare in the corners.

Deuce or Custom...that's a really tough choice.....I have a buddy with a 100th Deuce...beautiful ride.
 

Last edited by Z06_Pilot; Jun 2, 2009 at 10:09 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:58 PM
  #6  
iceman5218's Avatar
iceman5218
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Jonesboro, AR
Default

Do all the customs have the mini apes? No a real big fan of that look or ride and not looking to change bars. Too much involved.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 09:02 AM
  #7  
jdsmitty10's Avatar
jdsmitty10
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 512
Likes: 4
From: Johnstown, PA
Default

I like both bikes...but I went with a used 07 deuce. I like the stretched tank, rear fender and stock bars better...just wish it had a wider rear tire like the new customs have...I would think in general, they would both handle similar..but if your going with a newer custom, they have the 96ci and the 03 anny deuce would have the 88 right? I agree about the spoked wheels...i want mine off very soon...waiting for thunder in the valley to shop around for something...
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 09:21 AM
  #8  
Chazmanian's Avatar
Chazmanian
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
Default

The only downside I see with the mighty cool duece is that some of the bits and pieces that are so easily interchanged betwixt the softail bikes do not swap around betwixt the Duece. Little stuff that could be of no big deal to you? Seats, rear fenders no biggie but its there.

The Custom on the other hand easily exchanges parts with essentially all the bikes in the softail lineup.

My Train didnt carve corners very well until I lowered it. The center of gravity was too high IMO and the bike felt kinda funky when pressed hard through the twisties.

Lowered it 2.25" rear 2" front and its a different beast altogether.

Pipe choice is critical if you like carving as all but a few pipes on the market will scrape when you lower em'.

Buy the one that gives you that excited feeling when you look at er.

Duece or Custom. Both grand machines!!

For some reason I'm a big spoked wheel fan! Had to launch my solid rear in favour of a spoker. 18" rear wheels make lowered sloptails...Not so sloppy!
 

Last edited by Chazmanian; Jun 3, 2009 at 09:26 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 10:29 AM
  #9  
austinharley's Avatar
austinharley
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Chazmanian
Buy the one that gives you that excited feeling when you look at er.
The absolute best advice for choosing what bike to buy! If you buy a bike for maximum performance or cornering ability, you won't be buying a Harley! If you're buying a Harley, the one that quickens your pulse and turns your head every time you see it is the winner. You'll accept any "quirks" it might have.

I rode the Deuce for years and loved it, but when it comes to accessories, it IS the red-headed step-child of the Harley family. The most frequently quoted words in the H-D parts catalog: (except FXSTD)
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 10:31 AM
  #10  
gp42gpw's Avatar
gp42gpw
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Dunmore Pa.
Default

I liked the handlebar setup and seating position on the Deuce better but both are nice rides. In my opinion both handled much better than my tour glide ever could. I had 4 years on a Suzuki GSX750-R before my Deuce so you can't stuff it in a corner without scraping or pushing but it can corner pretty well for a cruiser.
Like already posted extra's for the Deuce are harder to find if that matters.
You cannot go wrong with either
Good luck
Glen
05 Deuce
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:28 AM.


Top

© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands

Follow Us        



When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.