Touring on a Softail
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: NYC
I've done it on my fatboy. 15,000 miles around America. No complaints except for the seat. Man was my butt killing me. Other than that all I did was put some saddle bags on the bike. Now 2 up touring on a fatboy is a different story. I don't think I would do it, but then again, I hate riding 2 up.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Did I miss something while reading? I haven't heard any of you say you ride two up yet. Also, how much does it suck not having cruise control? Believe me, I know how the Softy's ride and how they are comfy, but in two years of ownership of my Deluxe I never did more than an overnighter or weekender with my wife on it.
Before I decided to sell it, I was talking to a tech about increasing comfort in the stock suspension for two up and his reply was " there isn't enough adjustment in the stock shocks, and you'd have to invest in better ones". Add that to no cruise, less carrying capacity and a smaller tank, and my choice was made.
My wife and I travel on 3-4000 mile trips in the summer and these things add up fast. Look at my sig pic, we pack for vacation
I've seen those rinky-dink add on cruise controls and they are not for me. I'm not saying I don't like my RKC, it's a wonderful touring bike and don't knock em till you've toured on one. It handles like a dream on the open road and on the twisty mountain roads. I just prefer the overall look of my Deluxe to it. Can't explain why, it just does.
Thanks for the replies, who knows what'll happen
Before I decided to sell it, I was talking to a tech about increasing comfort in the stock suspension for two up and his reply was " there isn't enough adjustment in the stock shocks, and you'd have to invest in better ones". Add that to no cruise, less carrying capacity and a smaller tank, and my choice was made.
My wife and I travel on 3-4000 mile trips in the summer and these things add up fast. Look at my sig pic, we pack for vacation
I've seen those rinky-dink add on cruise controls and they are not for me. I'm not saying I don't like my RKC, it's a wonderful touring bike and don't knock em till you've toured on one. It handles like a dream on the open road and on the twisty mountain roads. I just prefer the overall look of my Deluxe to it. Can't explain why, it just does. Thanks for the replies, who knows what'll happen
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Mustang OK
I'm an easy 240 lbs my beautiful wife 140 and we ride 2 up all the time. Bike never bottoms out. She is plenty comfortable on the back.
I am very comfortable with just the throttle lock. Never ever had cruise control.
I am very comfortable with just the throttle lock. Never ever had cruise control.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 52
From: Hinton, Alberta
We went across Canada to the east coast and through the USA back to Alberta last summer. This summer we went to Oregon coast, California, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion,Yellowstone, Beartooth Pass, Glacier and back to Hinton, Canada. We are both very comfortable even with a few 1000 km. days. Our bike is a 2008 Softail Deluxe with 53028 kms on it. I put maybe 8000 or 10000 of that on solo, the rest was two up. So I guess I would say they are good for touring.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
We went across Canada to the east coast and through the USA back to Alberta last summer. This summer we went to Oregon coast, California, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion,Yellowstone, Beartooth Pass, Glacier and back to Hinton, Canada. We are both very comfortable even with a few 1000 km. days. Our bike is a 2008 Softail Deluxe with 53028 kms on it. I put maybe 8000 or 10000 of that on solo, the rest was two up. So I guess I would say they are good for touring.
When were you on Beartooth? We went through there around the 7th of July. Man that is a nice ride, awesome views up top. Going down the switchbacks gave us a thrill with all those motorhomes and trailers crowding the road.
Thanks for the pic
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From:
The wife and I take at least one 3000 mile trip a year on the Deuce, or at least we did until I lost my job. We have no problems. What we've added to the bike: windshield, chrome lowers (to protect me from bees, allergic), Lindby bar, Ironbag saddlebags, sissy bar and backrest, and Kuryakyn iso-pegs and grips with throttle rocker.
I've seen ads that state that you can put the HD cruise control on any Softail model but I haven't looked into it. For one thing the ads states that you can hide the unit in saddlebags, but the Deuce is already limited on storage space. Also I've noticed that when I've caught up with dressers on the road they don't seem to keep a very steady speed compared to what I can with the throttle rocker. I do not know it they are using their cruise or not and it is very hilly here which may account for this.
I've seen ads that state that you can put the HD cruise control on any Softail model but I haven't looked into it. For one thing the ads states that you can hide the unit in saddlebags, but the Deuce is already limited on storage space. Also I've noticed that when I've caught up with dressers on the road they don't seem to keep a very steady speed compared to what I can with the throttle rocker. I do not know it they are using their cruise or not and it is very hilly here which may account for this.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 52
From: Hinton, Alberta
We went through Beartooth on July 12. There really wasn't much traffic when we went over, it was kind of nice!! It sure is some beautiful country!!! I'm 5'8" and she's about 5' 3"-4" so she shouldn't look too high I wouldn't think. I never looked at the picture that way, maybe I've just got a real short body HA,HA. They are Boss Bags 42's and I sure like what you can pack in them. I got the largest trunk also and has it come in handy. You always need just that little bit extra room. I'm very satisfied with them.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 52
From: Hinton, Alberta
She just got home, I lied she's 5'1". She said yea I do look tall after reading your thread and looking at the picture. I also use a throttle rocker, don't think I could do those days without it.
