I just did an entire search of this forum (all 15 pages) looking for an answer to my question before I ask it..hehe

Awhile back I was inquiring about Heritage vs Custom for 2 up riding and recieved some great suggestions.

I'm still torn between the two and I'm yet to test ride either, but I'm waiting to take my motorcycle safety course first. Then I'll test ride them both and make a decision. With that said I do have some questions about riding and handling of the custom and heritage.

Here are my questions:

1. I noticed that the Custom has a VERY narrow front tire (which with the forks is what I love about the look of the bike), but how does that affect handling/steering?

2. I will be riding some trips with my brother here and there, but primarily I'll be using it to ride to work and back (which is 5 miles from my house). Between the Heritage and Custom which would be more comfortable/fun for the type of riding I'll be doing?

3. You folks that own a custom how comfortable are they are extended rides? We plan on riding for two hours and taking breaks, but I was just curious.

4. Does a windshield on a custom help a lot for fatigue?

 

Never rode a Heritage so cant help ya there!
custom...wel the narrow wheel scares the sh%t out of me when it gets caught in ruts etc..stock seat is super comfy but i ditched mine 1st chance i got.
Custom will be ideal for shorter runs
I have ridden mine for 2hrs and mine is lowered etc and poss not the most comfortable riding position but no real probs.
Windshield.........WHY???? i never understand why ? they all look crap on a custom (imho) if you want windshields etc buy a cruiser.

 

Overall handling will be better on the fl front end like on the Heritage due to less rake and fatter tire, but limited to clearance on the boards for aggressive turns. Other than that I can ride all day on my custom, but a good windshield that won't vibrate the snot out of your nose will help a lot. Most HD windshields have nasty buffeting which is worse than no windshield in the end. Presently using a Windvest and it does a fine job. Heritage front ends will support lower deflectors smoothing the air out but the fx front ends have none available from suppliers. Heritage also has saddlebags, but can be added to a custom if you feel the need to haul stuff. For me, the custom is the best of two worlds. It's my hot rod with touring ability when the bags go on.
Ron

 

If you want wife happy take her and let her sit on the back of both,if you want or need bags go with Heritage they both ride about the same except the skinny tire does follow the ruts and lines in the road either one is a nice ride go test ride both of them

 

Brian,

I've had my Custom since January and just rolled over 7500 miles with all types of rides being accomplished. In response to your questions:

1. The narrow front tire isn't too bad as far as handling goes. I did notice that the forks flexed a little when I hit larger bumps at highway speeds. I added a fork brace and that helped a lot. Overall, it handles pretty good under all speeds and conditions.

2. Can't speak for the Heritage but my Custom is awesomely comfortable. The stock two up seat is nice for bombing around town or on a long trip.

3. I've had mine on 3 rides of 350 miles or more. Longest was 600 and I did it in one day. Like I said above, the Custom is very comfortable on all rides. If you get a back rest or have something to lean against on long trips, it's a joy to ride.

4. Short answer is YES. Personally, I don't like a windshield but I bought a removable and use it on long trips. The wind at highway speeds will definitely wear you out.

So, there's my 2 cents worth. Sounds like you will be riding like I do so I'd highly recommend the Custom. It's great fun to ride and I get a lot of compliments on her. If you go with the Custom I recommend V&H Big Shot Staggered with Quiet Baffles.

Ultimately the choice is yours and I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever bike you choose.

 

Love the 21" handling,never rode a windshield,I think for your riding the custom sounds great...

 

I agree with the best of both worlds. 5 minutes to rig up for touring with shield and bags. I did a 1k ride back in June and the only discomfort I had was pegs in lieu of boards. The front wheel is a little squirrelly in ruts and I have learned to avoid that. The stock seat is very comfortable. I ride an '07 fat now and then and the seat kills my ***. I am very pleased with the custom in style, performance and versatility. In the end, they are both great rides. Enjoy whatever you choose...

 

I just love the look of the Custom over the Heritage. I got a picture of me on both of them and I look better on the Custom. I love those pipes you are talking about!

You're right though I'll have to have the wife sit on the back, but I'll say this, I'm getting what "I" want not what she wants.

 

I had an Ultra and it was a good bike but heavy and hard to handle. I bought a '07 Custom and I will never go back. Its like riding a bicycle compared to the Ultra. The FXSTC seat is one of the best. Its much better than the '95 Ultra seat.

I'm like someone else said, "I just like the look of the Custom". I am also partial to the Heritage but again you are back to the heavy front end.

I have ridden mine over all kinds of roads and have not really had any trouble with the handling. Am I going to try and ride parallel to a crack in the concrete road, not if I can help it! That narrow tire could cause a real problem with a wide crack in the road but so far it has not been an issue if I pay attention to my riding.

The fat rear tire is a god-send when riding two-up. I don't know the wife is even back there. Its much much easier to handle at all speeds while riding two-up than the Ultra ever was.

Don't just put the girl on the back and hold it standing still--get a ride around the block and really compare the two bikes. I love the look of the Heritage but I like the handling of the Custom. I had the choice and I took the Custom and never regretted it.

 

For the wife, if you go Custom, put on a decent set of foot pegs instead of those generic harley rejects. Once I put Kuryakyn wings on for her, most of the bitching stopped. I don't think you'll ever get 100% silence from the rear but these really helped. The Custom actually handles better two up a lot more than you would think.
Ron