1 st Softail Ride
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
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1 st Softail Ride
I am impressed! I normally ride an Ultra but while my scooter is being serviced for the ride to Billings, the dealer gave me a Heritage to ride for a couple days. I like it! THis a great bike for 2 lane cruising and leisure riding. I noticed in other Softail posts that the 88B performs well or should I say comfortably, up to 65 or 70. I have to agree. I rode out a full tank yesterday afternoon, hit all the local twistys in the area (80 miles worth) then took it to the interstate. On the open road it was very comfortable and handled the highway winds really well. I don't think 80 is much to her liking but as a cruising bike, WHAT A RIDE!!! I guss we'll have to trade the 1200L a little early. LOL!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Concord, CA
RE: 1 st Softail Ride
See, its not ALL about the tourers 
I do cruise mine between 75-85 on my way to work or risk being run down by an SUV. It can run all day there with just a little buzz. Sure wish it had an OD gear though for over 75.
I wish my dealer gave out loaner bikes. I'd be in for service weekly
I do cruise mine between 75-85 on my way to work or risk being run down by an SUV. It can run all day there with just a little buzz. Sure wish it had an OD gear though for over 75.
I wish my dealer gave out loaner bikes. I'd be in for service weekly
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Cruiser
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
I don't know about other dealers but Bumpus HD has a Priority Maintenance Contract you can purchase for $695.00 per year. Multi-year contracts are added at about 350/year. In the contract it covers oil changes every 3,000 miles (Syn 3 is extra), free tire mounting and balancing, all scheduled service intervals, labor to install brake pads, etc. I have made a killin on mine. So far I've changes 3 tires, 3 oil changes, and a full 20,000 mi. service. Forget about the 2 day loaner bike. I don't complain about my local dealer service at all. Sure sometimes things may slip through the cracks but they always make it right, no questions asked.
So far I'm at $1,300.00 worth of service for $700.00 bucks and I've got 6 months left on the contract!
I just bought (Feb. 06) a XL1200L for my wife. Her 1st Harley. It's just a little "strong" for her. If she likes the Heritage, I'll probably trade the hot rod for a Softail Deluxe or the Heritage. The dealer had a black and white 2 tone Softail Deluxe in stock month or so ago. They transferred it to another store for a customer. Last week my wife met the lady who bought it. She kicks herself for picking the Sportster over the Softail now!
So far I'm at $1,300.00 worth of service for $700.00 bucks and I've got 6 months left on the contract!
I just bought (Feb. 06) a XL1200L for my wife. Her 1st Harley. It's just a little "strong" for her. If she likes the Heritage, I'll probably trade the hot rod for a Softail Deluxe or the Heritage. The dealer had a black and white 2 tone Softail Deluxe in stock month or so ago. They transferred it to another store for a customer. Last week my wife met the lady who bought it. She kicks herself for picking the Sportster over the Softail now!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 844
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From: Tampa, FL
RE: 1 st Softail Ride
Completely agree and also a great control bike. Reason I say this is that I haven't rode a bike in 15 years when I got my FLSTCI (talk about one scared puppy at first). I had about 150 miles on when I went to the advanced MSF course and this bike made me look like a pro. The handleing ease of this bike to me is increditable. Funny thing that day at the course is there were about 10 HD riders and 3 sport bikes....all the sport bikes really had a tough time even though their lean ratio is probably double a harleys.
v/r
v/r
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
I've known a few others that have put some miles down on a Heritage and they have found out the same thing that you did, they are great to ride. Good luck on your early trade.
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Cruiser
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
The Judge has spoken! The wife wants the Softail. "We" put another couple hundred on the freebee again yesterday. I feel like I've been riding one my whole life after just 2 days. Unfortunately she wants a Deluxe and there ain't no 06' models anywhere around here. The Heritage handle bars just didn't suit her fancy but she loves the ride and performance. We all know that can be fixed but she also insists on the Black and White 2 tone on the Deluxe. Guess she'll have to wait for the 07' models. She had a plan for the Sportster, hard bags, mini-tour pack with backrest, forward controls. That went out the window last night. Save the money and put it in a Softail. Naturally I totally agree. LOL!
I agree with ya Rubarb, the 6 speed would really help with the highway speeds.
I agree with ya Rubarb, the 6 speed would really help with the highway speeds.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
I agree - I also have been off bikes for about 20 years. But now I ride everyday - rain (light rain [&o]) and shine. Enjoy every ride. Heritage is a great bike.
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
Hmmm...I ride 75 to 85 on mine and don't really notice the buzz on my softail Deluxe. Maybe it's the ISO grips?
I'm not a real speedster anyway...but on the Calif freeways you can get run over!
I'm not a real speedster anyway...but on the Calif freeways you can get run over!
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
I'm used to ridin an Ultra. With the minor mods I've done to the motor it just flat hauls @**. I'm used to crankin up to about 80 and firin' up a smoke. But don't get confused, I do like the Softail a lot and I've already clued the local shop to get us a Softail Deluxe (2 tone black and white). I figure it will take until Aug./Sept. for them to get what she wants.
If I rode alone (no significant other) I would damn sure get a Heritage now.
If I rode alone (no significant other) I would damn sure get a Heritage now.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
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RE: 1 st Softail Ride
I've heard a rumor that the 6 speed tranny is gonna make it to the softail line for '07. Which begs the question, why'd they start it out on the dyna line???? Seems like the tourers would have been first and the softails next and the dynas last to me... but, then I ain't a student of motorcycle rider's statistics.
So, you may want to wait for that '07!
Dave from Georgia
2004 FLSTCI
So, you may want to wait for that '07!
Dave from Georgia
2004 FLSTCI