Heritage Handlebar Question
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Heritage Handlebar Question
Hello. I am getting ready to upgrade from my Sportster to a big twin. I have narrowed my choices to the Deluxe or the Heritage. One problem I have on my Sportster is the handlebars really stretch me out when I'm riding (I guess I'm too short). Anyhow, I sat on the deluxe and it felt a lot better-controls a lot closer. The dealer didn't have any Heritages for me to try out and I was wondering if it is the same feel. It looks like the same setup as the deluxe. Thanks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,629
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
I just bought the Deluxe and the handlebars/risers are the BEST!!!! I am laid back and extra comfy... My roommate bought the Heritage and she is 5'6"...she had to buy 4in risers to help her with the reach..as first she was straining and now she is more comfortable. If you are shorter and get the Heritage, get risers...or go with the Deluxe and SMILE!!! 
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
Neighbor has a Deluxe - I have a Heritage. Feel of sitting on the two bikes is very different almost completely to do to the handlebars. Odd thing is, my neighbor is tall (about 6' 3") and I'm not (about 5' 11"). I like the feel of the mini-apes on the Heritage. I tilted the bars back about 3" when I got the bike and re-adjusted the handlebar controls for my comfort... very easy to do and you do have quite a bit of adjustment, forward & back, on the Heritage. Deluxe bars kinda is what they is (without changing them out).
I like the looks of the beach type bars on the deluxe better though when the windshield is off and the deluxe does have a bit more of a "laid back" feel. Not my preferred riding posture but that's a very personal thing. I say ride them both - Maybe even ask the dealer to tilt the bars back a bit on the heritage if they've got them really upright and you feel like you're streatched out. Lots of things to like about both bikes. Deluxe sits a bit lower and you can feel it. I like the retro styling on the deluxe and really love the two-tone paint scheme. Like the stock saddle bags & windshield and ride feel of the classic better. Like the tail light setup on the deluxe... Yeah, I know, not being much help here am I. You'll love either one.
Remember with both bikes you don't have to take 'em like they come. Dealer should be able to help tailor the fit of either to you personally with a couple of minor adds or even minor adjustments. You'd be surprised what a difference an inch makes here or there (at least that's what my wife keeps telling me [>:]).
Dave from Georgia
2004 FLSTCI
I like the looks of the beach type bars on the deluxe better though when the windshield is off and the deluxe does have a bit more of a "laid back" feel. Not my preferred riding posture but that's a very personal thing. I say ride them both - Maybe even ask the dealer to tilt the bars back a bit on the heritage if they've got them really upright and you feel like you're streatched out. Lots of things to like about both bikes. Deluxe sits a bit lower and you can feel it. I like the retro styling on the deluxe and really love the two-tone paint scheme. Like the stock saddle bags & windshield and ride feel of the classic better. Like the tail light setup on the deluxe... Yeah, I know, not being much help here am I. You'll love either one.
Remember with both bikes you don't have to take 'em like they come. Dealer should be able to help tailor the fit of either to you personally with a couple of minor adds or even minor adjustments. You'd be surprised what a difference an inch makes here or there (at least that's what my wife keeps telling me [>:]).
Dave from Georgia
2004 FLSTCI
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
Thanks for the replies guys. I like the idea of being able to adjust the bars on the heritage. Like I said the dealer didn't have any at the time for me to try out and I wanted to be sure I wouldn't be stretched out like on the XL.
Dave-what part of Georgia? I work in Columbus.
Dave-what part of Georgia? I work in Columbus.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
ORIGINAL: tjdjr
Dave-what part of Georgia? I work in Columbus.
Dave-what part of Georgia? I work in Columbus.
Speaking of the new Heritage - they're pretty sweet lookin' too - maybe put another one on the possibilities list... decisions, decisions
.If you're ever planning on riding through the big city of Atlanta - drop me a PM.
Dave
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
I was just at Small's last week-was in Marietta for work. That is one huge dealer. I couldn't believe all the bikes he had-and that was before he took me to the 'other shop' where there were about 100 more. We have Chattahoochee HD down here but they are about out of bikes right now. The '06 heritage is the one I have been comparing to the deluxe. I can't see much difference except the pipes, whitewalls and some chrome. The handlebar setup looks the same (at least in the pictures). It has the pullbacks, not the miniapes like on the classic.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 86,081
Likes: 118
From: Snottsdale, Az
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
tjdjr , I have a Hertiage and I`m 5' 7" . I just reajusted the bars back alittle just like GaDave said. And now on long trips I can I can lean back against my bag , feet on the highway pegs and relax. Try a Hertiage 1st before you decide what bike to get. They are both awesome bikes, but I like the Hertiage" BEST " ......just my 2 cents ! Ride Safe !
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
Millzog--are you talking about the new '06 Heritage Softail or the Heritage Classic?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
Hey again TJ -
Sorry - You're right, it's still hard for us Heritage Classic guys to not think of the Classic when we hear Heritage & Softail in the same sentence... I gotta get used to that.
Anyway - not familiar with the new Heritage Softail. One big difference, as I remember it, is the silver motor isn't it? I know the Deluxe has the black wrinkle motor which I much prefer over the silver. Also - Deluxe is "lowered" right out of the box - seat & road feel are gonna be a little different. Deluxe is more $$$. Scratch all I said about handlebars - they look pretty much the same.
I'd get the deluxe just for the extra chrome, black motor & retro look. But if you like the silver motor & are going to do a good bit of customizing - you may want to go with the Heritage and use the saved $$ to trick it out a bit.
Dave
Sorry - You're right, it's still hard for us Heritage Classic guys to not think of the Classic when we hear Heritage & Softail in the same sentence
... I gotta get used to that.Anyway - not familiar with the new Heritage Softail. One big difference, as I remember it, is the silver motor isn't it? I know the Deluxe has the black wrinkle motor which I much prefer over the silver. Also - Deluxe is "lowered" right out of the box - seat & road feel are gonna be a little different. Deluxe is more $$$. Scratch all I said about handlebars - they look pretty much the same.
I'd get the deluxe just for the extra chrome, black motor & retro look. But if you like the silver motor & are going to do a good bit of customizing - you may want to go with the Heritage and use the saved $$ to trick it out a bit.
Dave
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 2
From: Midland, TX
RE: Heritage Handlebar Question
I had a Sportster a few years back. Sold it and bought a Deluxe. I'm 5'4". I later put Reduced Reach Road King bars on Deluxe. Made me real comfortable for trips but angled back it made the front end of the bike feel heavier when picking it up. I now have a Heritage Softail Classic. I put 12.5 chubby Ape hangers on it. Without the pullback riser from Deluxe, it feels much easier to pick up off the kick stand but bars are very wide. I also have a very hard time reaching the kickstand. The Deluxe has a more forward reach seat...probably should have kept that bike, took off risers and put ape hangers on. That's what's great about reading posts on this forum! Can learn before you burn money.
[IMG]local://upfiles/20132/375733AF211C4681B7146165E755E97F.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/20132/375733AF211C4681B7146165E755E97F.jpg[/IMG]