Input on new bike.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
Input on new bike.
I'm in Afghanistan right now and I'm wanting to trade my XL 1200 up to a softail of some type when I get home, early next year. I'm trying to figure out which one is the best choice for me, so I figured I'd get some input from people who know the softail family better than I do.
As far as looks, I like the springer/softail combo best, which makes me lean toward the crossbones as the only thing currently in the line with the springer front end. I also like vintage style, so that tractor seat is a plus. In fact, if I was single, I'd choose a Crossbones, but with full FL style front and rear fenders like a Deluxe or Heritage.
BUT: I also have a wife who would like to ride with me sometimes instead of riding her own Sportster. AND for any longer trips I need saddlebags and maybe a windshield (detachable would be nice).
SAo which way to go:
1. Crossbones with detachable windshield and bags, add a rear seat pad and detachable sissy bar - kind of ruins the looks and if I get FL fenders added it might cost a lot.
2. Heritage Classic - has everything I want for longer trips, but not that easy to strip down for local riding and costs about $1,000 more than a crossbones.
3. Softail Deluxe - This looks like a good choice, if they make a detachable windshield to fit the Deluxe??? I could add on some detachable bags, detachable backrest and a little better rear seat bad and have nice convertible bike.
Also, I may be able to save some money by buying it outright through the PX and selling my XL later, so I might buy it this fall.
Any thoughts? Anybody know anything about detachanbe windshields for the Softail Deluxe?
As far as looks, I like the springer/softail combo best, which makes me lean toward the crossbones as the only thing currently in the line with the springer front end. I also like vintage style, so that tractor seat is a plus. In fact, if I was single, I'd choose a Crossbones, but with full FL style front and rear fenders like a Deluxe or Heritage.
BUT: I also have a wife who would like to ride with me sometimes instead of riding her own Sportster. AND for any longer trips I need saddlebags and maybe a windshield (detachable would be nice).
SAo which way to go:
1. Crossbones with detachable windshield and bags, add a rear seat pad and detachable sissy bar - kind of ruins the looks and if I get FL fenders added it might cost a lot.
2. Heritage Classic - has everything I want for longer trips, but not that easy to strip down for local riding and costs about $1,000 more than a crossbones.
3. Softail Deluxe - This looks like a good choice, if they make a detachable windshield to fit the Deluxe??? I could add on some detachable bags, detachable backrest and a little better rear seat bad and have nice convertible bike.
Also, I may be able to save some money by buying it outright through the PX and selling my XL later, so I might buy it this fall.
Any thoughts? Anybody know anything about detachanbe windshields for the Softail Deluxe?
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
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From: Rochester, NY
I would get the Heritage. It might cost a few bucks more up front. But you get all the goodies your looking for and there is no rule that says you can't replace the bag mounts with QD fittings.
You can always add a springer front end to it later. They show up on e-bay with a fair regularity. Just remember that the front fender isn't likely to fit, as is and will also need to be heavily modified or replaced if you put a set of springer forks on.
Getting a Deluxe then adding the bags will ultimately end up costing you more money for essentially the same thing.
Windshields for a Deluxe are very easy to find, just not very cheap. Getting detachable hardware for one would also be very easy to find.
But again the good stuff ain't cheap.
The problem with either of them is that you like the XBones better.
You can add the same seat, bags, and a windshield (it will of necessity be slightly different because of the Springer front end). But again its like the Deluxe, its going to cost you a bit more.
Replacing the fenders is also going to take a bit of money and work.
So in the end, its going to be up to you what you ultimately end up with. All we can do is point out the obvious differences so you can make a more informed decision.
But in the end, its going to be your bike and your money.
So you have to make the final decision.
BTW Thank You for your service.
You can always add a springer front end to it later. They show up on e-bay with a fair regularity. Just remember that the front fender isn't likely to fit, as is and will also need to be heavily modified or replaced if you put a set of springer forks on.
Getting a Deluxe then adding the bags will ultimately end up costing you more money for essentially the same thing.
Windshields for a Deluxe are very easy to find, just not very cheap. Getting detachable hardware for one would also be very easy to find.
But again the good stuff ain't cheap.
The problem with either of them is that you like the XBones better.
You can add the same seat, bags, and a windshield (it will of necessity be slightly different because of the Springer front end). But again its like the Deluxe, its going to cost you a bit more.
Replacing the fenders is also going to take a bit of money and work.
So in the end, its going to be up to you what you ultimately end up with. All we can do is point out the obvious differences so you can make a more informed decision.
But in the end, its going to be your bike and your money.
So you have to make the final decision.
BTW Thank You for your service.
Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Jul 31, 2009 at 07:59 AM.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
Get the Bones and add the stuff as you go. Its what you really want anyway and you deserve it Bro. Plus adding the stuff as you go is half the fun!
FL style fenders can be bought on the cheap on E-Bay and you can put lots of different seats on the Bones.
Thanks for all you do over there your incredible sacrafice and for making this world a better place Mang!!
FL style fenders can be bought on the cheap on E-Bay and you can put lots of different seats on the Bones.
Thanks for all you do over there your incredible sacrafice and for making this world a better place Mang!!
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Kentucky
Thanks for the input, guys. I used t HD online bike customizer and financing quote thing today and discovered that I would come out better on the Heritage if I would otherwise include all the accessories in the purchase of a new Crossbones or Deluxe. I'm now leaning that way, but I could also go with getting the Crossbones or Deluxe and adding on stuff as I go, since I do like customizing my own stuff (guns, guitars, etc. - even my issued M4 got a new sling and some Willie G. skull stickers on the stock and my M9 got the barrel and magazines from my personal Beretta).
I guess it will really come down to how I buy it. If I trade, I'm going to have to see what the dealer will trade on best, but if I buy it through AAFES (PX) I might go with a nice vintage 2-tone Heritage and maybe later I could a nice Mustange seat on and the saddlebag QD hardware.
I guess it will really come down to how I buy it. If I trade, I'm going to have to see what the dealer will trade on best, but if I buy it through AAFES (PX) I might go with a nice vintage 2-tone Heritage and maybe later I could a nice Mustange seat on and the saddlebag QD hardware.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 7
From: Buffalo
Brenn,
First, thank you for your service to this country.
I think you could be onto something in reading your original post... Just think, buy a Cross Bones and transform it into an early FLH... With me?? I'm seeing this: Batwing fairing & hard bags mixed in with a tractor seat & springer front end. I think that would be really fvcking cool. By far one of the most original ideas I've read about here.
H-D is running a special right now, trade in your sporty and they give you what you paid when you bought it. If you haven't went nuts on mods that sounds like a pretty good deal.
Take care.
First, thank you for your service to this country.
I think you could be onto something in reading your original post... Just think, buy a Cross Bones and transform it into an early FLH... With me?? I'm seeing this: Batwing fairing & hard bags mixed in with a tractor seat & springer front end. I think that would be really fvcking cool. By far one of the most original ideas I've read about here.
H-D is running a special right now, trade in your sporty and they give you what you paid when you bought it. If you haven't went nuts on mods that sounds like a pretty good deal.
Take care.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 15
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Bahrain
for me i liked the way crossbones looked like, but i didnt go for it since it was blacked out. even engine parts are polished, not chrome. plus, you will have to add LOTS of parts just to make it fit for longer distance trips with your wife.
id pay extra to get the heritage as well. deluxe looks cool too, but wont be as comfortable as the heritage for longer rides.
good luck!
id pay extra to get the heritage as well. deluxe looks cool too, but wont be as comfortable as the heritage for longer rides.
good luck!
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Kentucky
The quote I got from the PX for a new 2009 Heritage softail is $17,902, including shipping and "delivery point processing" and a szecurity system.
How does that compare to the price at dealerships right now?
How does that compare to the price at dealerships right now?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Oceanside Ca
I'm on my second bike bought via ENCS. Set prices takes all the dealer haggling crap out of the way. Stress free way to buy a bike.
Buy a 2010 and sell your Sporty when you get back to one of your buddies after they save a years worth of tax free combat money.
Been there done that.
Thanks for what you do.
S/F
Freefall