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).

 

dang dont u think u will get any bias opinions.... bet u have the same question posted in the touring section????

 

I've only owned a Softail (Heritage Classic and now a Fatboy), but if I could choose one, it would be a Softail (Springer or Fatboy). When I think of "touring bike," I feel like I've lost the sense of motorcycling that I want (nimbleness, great looking) with no encumbrances.

To be honest, I never look at any touring bike and say..."Cool bike!" I think the coolest of the cool is a Springer, with the Fatboy right behind.

I LOVE my Fatboy and would tour on it anywhere.
(BTW, I ride about 10,000 miles a year, year round in Western Oregon).

 

I have both ,ride touring more right now. Like them both the same .Long rides with the wife touring.

 

i would probly stick with the touring if you ride that mutch in the rain and snow

 

I ride mine 24-25 days a month give or take from April to November for work and play and weekend rides etc.The only time I wish I had a touring bike is when I'm doing hard miles. Doing 400+ miles isn't a big deal but on my Train it's almost mandatory that I stop every hour or so to take a break.On the other hand I can ride my brother's Ultra Classic for 3 or 4 hrs before I start to get uncomfortable and need a break. It really depends on the type of riding and where. I ride solo 99% of the time (wife's been on twice) and I would say 70% of my riding is in and around the city with the rest being short day trips around 2-300 miles max which is a breeze on my Night Train.

 

A Touring bike is much more nimble than a Softail (hard to believe, but it's true). Not only that, but the Touring's rear shocks are pointed in the right direction, so the ride is far more comfortable.

That said, if I had to pick one bike only, at my age (41) and with the amount of riding I do (also about 20,000 miles a year), I'd stick with my Night Train. As much as I may bitch about it on long trips, for all other riding I prefer the more elemental ride that it gives me.

But you'll be stunned at how much better your EG handles at low speeds than any Softail.

 

With the mileage i would stick with the EG... Handles better and has better protection from the elements...To me handles better than the Softails in the curves...I didn't believe it until i rode one???? Weird....The softail by all means is a nicer looking bike.

 

If you ride that much in the snow and rain ......I'd stay with a E-Glide. Your hands are protected and your legs won't get as wet, because of the full fender. Personally.......I just traded mine for a Fatboy, but I live where we only have 3 months of winter and its mild....pick it up today.

 

I rode an 84 Sportster for 25 years. I just sold it and bought a 99 Softail Custom. I have ridden EG's, and Dyna Wide Glides, and I really have a problem with any bike with a rubber mounted engine. I know it is just me, and probably all of my years on the iron head. My EVO Softail feels just right to me, and I do ride it every day almost, as I am retired. That said, most of my rides are an hour or less. No way I would trade the fun of the Softail, for the comfort of an EG.

As a side note; I was out riding yesterday on the back roads and just putting along in 4th at about 40 mph and pulling a long hill. I have drag pipes on it, and it began to sound like a radial engine on a Stearman Biplane. I was euphoric. You don't need therapy if you have a bike like this.