Softail vs Touring.....
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: GI, MI
Here is my touring softail...Best of both worlds!!!!!!
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/attac...1&d=1251378920
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/attac...1&d=1251378920
Verrrrrry niiiice. Me LIKEY.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: metter, ga
I have both and if I had to choose one to ride alot as you described it would be a touring model. I currently have 13000 miles on an 105th anniversary heritage that was bought in feb 08 and a 12000 on a Ultra Classic that was bought in Feb 09.
There is a different feel to them but comfort of ride would win over badass image if I had to choose only one.....Thankfully...I can have both for now untill Obama has his way with the business and working folks
There is a different feel to them but comfort of ride would win over badass image if I had to choose only one.....Thankfully...I can have both for now untill Obama has his way with the business and working folks
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 17
From: Omaha
I had an '05 Springer Classic. I intended to buy the RKC but fell for the Springer hard when I first saw it. In my opinion you cannot beat the looks of the softails but the handling of the touring bikes is superior. The engineering of the softails is a compromise on the side of looks. The lower rake angle, the suspension and frame of the touring is what gives them the edge for handling. The look of the springer and the fact that you won't see a bunch of bikes like yours at every stop made it hard to let go. That said, the springer front end, as cool as it is, is not the best of suspensions. I made the trade for the SG because I was into longer rides. For around town, I wish that I could afford two bikes and kept the springer but overall, I would not trade the SG back for the springer.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Florida
Had an 08 heritage classic. Rode that for 12,000 miles. Then bought an 09 ultra classic. have almost 4,000 miles on her. I agree with the other posters on here, Both models have their strong points. It all depends on where you ride and how far and the weather you think you'll ride in most of the time. Both are great bikes though, you can't go wrong with either one.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 90
From: People's Republik of Kalifornia
I have rode and owned sportster's, dyna's, and touring models. I have never rode or owned a softail specially a springer one. However I have been enticed by a very good deal on a cross bone and always like the look of the springer and wanted one. My current ride is a FLHTC which is being bought back by HD under OH Lemon Law. My question is to those that have owned a springer or a softail, if you had to chose softail or touring and could only have one which would you buy? By the way I average over 20,000 miles every season and ride year round ever day in OHIO (that mean yes snow and cold rain).
That being said if I was truly a year round rider like you, I'd probably have a touring model for the fairings, suspension, and chassis.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Middle TN
Exactly
Could not have said it any better!!!! To me radios, windshields, helmet bluetooth cell phones etc. take away from the theraputic aspect of riding. Motorcycles are not transportation they are Zen. But like Apehair said if those creature comforts move your soul than ride the wheels off it.
09,
I've had a lot of trouble with this decision because I loved my Softails, but always *thought* I needed a touring bike. Either because I was "getting old" or because I needed the storage capacity or the comfort or whatever. Every time I bought one, I lost my love of riding after a month. Since I'm kinda dumb, I had to repeat this lesson several times.
Motorcycling is not about practicality. If we were practical, we'd be driving minivans.
Motorcycling is about passion. It's about what gives your soul a woodie. So ride what you love and deal with the inconvenience.
And remember, too much comfort makes you weak, too much convenience makes you a slave, and too much safety leaves you without joy.
ape
I've had a lot of trouble with this decision because I loved my Softails, but always *thought* I needed a touring bike. Either because I was "getting old" or because I needed the storage capacity or the comfort or whatever. Every time I bought one, I lost my love of riding after a month. Since I'm kinda dumb, I had to repeat this lesson several times.
Motorcycling is not about practicality. If we were practical, we'd be driving minivans.
Motorcycling is about passion. It's about what gives your soul a woodie. So ride what you love and deal with the inconvenience.
And remember, too much comfort makes you weak, too much convenience makes you a slave, and too much safety leaves you without joy.
ape
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: London, England
Road King Classic - the Shape-Shifter
Here's my '03 FLHRCI set up for street - and touring.
Not to bad for a big touring bike - IMNSHO.
LongJnSilver
Johnny Long
See: http://www.grace4life.com/Harley-Davidson_Page.html
Not to bad for a big touring bike - IMNSHO.
LongJnSilver
Johnny Long
See: http://www.grace4life.com/Harley-Davidson_Page.html
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
I have one of each and that's a tough question. I like both bikes for different reasons. I'd have to say if I did that much riding, I'd go with the tourer. The ride is superior and it has more storage space. My Heritage is a bit more fun, feels more like I'm in the bike, rides more laid back. I switch about every 4-6 weeks once I start getting a bit bored with one. I rode the Heritage for 6 weeks and switched back to the RK and boy do I notice the ride difference. The RK is smoother.