Dumb question
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 3
From: NCWV
If you want to break them (the Softails) down into groups.
There are three distinctly different base groupings.
The FLST's like the Fatboy, Deluxe, and the Heritage with fat tires at both ends.
Then you have the FXST's like the Nightrain and the Custom with the skinny front and 200mm fat rear tire.
And finally the Rocker and CVO's with the skinny front tire and really fat (240mm) rears.
Each 'grouping' has its own unique riding or handling characteristics, but within their 'group' they are mechanically the same bike with just trim, paint, and chrome parts changes.
The exception to that in the FLST's 'might' be the Heritage and its only because of the windshield. It has one and the others do not. Windshields are great for long rides in the country. Where they can help keep the wind and bugs off you. But on days where there are high cross winds some people don't care for the way it can get 'blown' around.
The FXST's are basically bar hoppers and day cruisers. Good looking and great fun to ride, but not as well suited to the long haul. There's nothing wrong with them, they can do it, their just not as well suited to the task.
The Rocker's and CVO bike's are another story altogether, They are the cruise night and bar bikes of the bunch. Again, nothing wrong with them and I imagine they (being largely the same as the other FXST's mechanically) they could well be riding all over the country (or world). I just don't see them as being as well suited to the task.
Like they said, sit on them all and pick the one that you like best. Its hard to make a bad choice in the Softail line. Unless your looking to beat the kids on the rice burning crotch rockets through the twisties.
While I may not be able to beat them through the turns on my Custom, I won't need a chiropractor to help me stand up straight after an afternoon of riding either.
There are three distinctly different base groupings.
The FLST's like the Fatboy, Deluxe, and the Heritage with fat tires at both ends.
Then you have the FXST's like the Nightrain and the Custom with the skinny front and 200mm fat rear tire.
And finally the Rocker and CVO's with the skinny front tire and really fat (240mm) rears.
Each 'grouping' has its own unique riding or handling characteristics, but within their 'group' they are mechanically the same bike with just trim, paint, and chrome parts changes.
The exception to that in the FLST's 'might' be the Heritage and its only because of the windshield. It has one and the others do not. Windshields are great for long rides in the country. Where they can help keep the wind and bugs off you. But on days where there are high cross winds some people don't care for the way it can get 'blown' around.
The FXST's are basically bar hoppers and day cruisers. Good looking and great fun to ride, but not as well suited to the long haul. There's nothing wrong with them, they can do it, their just not as well suited to the task.
The Rocker's and CVO bike's are another story altogether, They are the cruise night and bar bikes of the bunch. Again, nothing wrong with them and I imagine they (being largely the same as the other FXST's mechanically) they could well be riding all over the country (or world). I just don't see them as being as well suited to the task.
Like they said, sit on them all and pick the one that you like best. Its hard to make a bad choice in the Softail line. Unless your looking to beat the kids on the rice burning crotch rockets through the twisties.
While I may not be able to beat them through the turns on my Custom, I won't need a chiropractor to help me stand up straight after an afternoon of riding either.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 1
I am a short guy of 5'6" 28 and change inseam. I ride a fat boy had it lowered a bit. Even with the factory seat which i only use when i have a second rider bike fits me perfect. I sat on everything before i new what i wanted. I think the bike will tell you once you sit on it... just my two cents. Have fun shopping! 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
If you're going to be a 1 bike family and do alot of riding consider a tourer. They can be made to fit you too. Maybe never have quite the "in the bike" feel like a softail but the other benefits may offset this.
Hands down best fitting stock bikes for me are the Heritage and Deluxe. But I have sat on modified tourers including RKs and Streetglides that fit me just fine.
In a nutshell, keep all options open and don't discount a particular bike just because it doesn't fit you perfect in the showroom. Something I learned after I already had my Heritage.
Hands down best fitting stock bikes for me are the Heritage and Deluxe. But I have sat on modified tourers including RKs and Streetglides that fit me just fine.
In a nutshell, keep all options open and don't discount a particular bike just because it doesn't fit you perfect in the showroom. Something I learned after I already had my Heritage.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
I am finally going to make the move up and trade both my wife's and my sportsters. What I am looking at is possibly a Heritage or a Fatboy or maybe something else in the soft tail family. What I need to know is which will fit my short legs I am 5 ft.10 in.. Also what are the major differences.I am trying to find out before going to a dealer so I have the best info.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
I would consider 5' 10" a plus as far as riding a Harley. Unfortunately motorcycles are built as one size fits all.
I have always thought that 5' 10" is pretty close to the ideal size to fit one properly. If you were taller or shorter by more then a few inches thats when you run into fit problems.
Tom
I have always thought that 5' 10" is pretty close to the ideal size to fit one properly. If you were taller or shorter by more then a few inches thats when you run into fit problems.
Tom
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Va
I would suggest the rocker, my neighbor is a bit shorter than me and the bike fits to him like a glove. I had to put some cruise mounts on to stretch out and Im only 6'1 additionally, you will hear people say that its just a good bar bike but its all about the set up...you can make it functional however you want (you would only be limited to the amount of bags / boxes you put on it). I like to feel the wind and if I dont then I will just drive my truck. Good luck on finding the right model.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
As long as you don't trade your WIFE for a Softail, it's all good lol 
. Try a few Softails and see what you like. Welcome to the Softail family, you can't beat it.
. Try a few Softails and see what you like. Welcome to the Softail family, you can't beat it.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,231
Likes: 106
I am finally going to make the move up and trade both my wife's and my sportsters. What I am looking at is possibly a Heritage or a Fatboy or maybe something else in the soft tail family. What I need to know is which will fit my short legs I am 5 ft.10 in.. Also what are the major differences.I am trying to find out before going to a dealer so I have the best info.
I'm 5' 8". Wait after my wreck I'm 5' 6". T-boning a dodge ram will do that. My '07 Heritage is a dream.
You can go to Harley's site for the specs which include seat height. Sit on them at the dealer. When you find one that fits rent it for a day. That's how I finally decided on a Heritage.
