Soft tails for distance
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 449
From: Michigan
Soft tails for distance
Hey guys I was planning for a Road King but the bank and my wallet tell me to go for the Softail. I was wondering how they are for long distance touring. I have to keep up with my brother and his Road King and wondered about the ride. I know I'll have to get some bags and a windscreen any other helpful accessories?? Thanks in advance for the advice.
Sarge
Sarge
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,273
Likes: 7
From:
RE: Soft tails for distance
Softails are a great ride. I have several friends that have gone back and forth between the king and Heritage. They keep coming back to the Heritage. Might as well get the classic so you have the bags. then get a good set of either T-Bags or Sac and you'll be set. Personally, I'll stick to my Glide.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: Soft tails for distance
The longest I have ridden my Fatboy is 700 miles over a two day span. I was traveling with a guy on a road king and a guy on a Honda ACE 750. I think we were all equally sore. As far as the actual way the bike feels, my softail felt great. The only thing that would have been better is if I had a seat with a backrest like my buddy on the Road Kind did.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Soft tails for distance
done 650 miles 2-up on our softail in one day. It's not as nice on the hwy as a roadking or even a dyna, but with a proper seat it gets the job done. (just as any bike will, with the right seat, windshield etc)
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
RE: Soft tails for distance
A few years back I did a 7000 mile coast-to-coast ROUND TRIP on a 2000 Heritage with a stock seat. I rode as much as 700 miles in a single day, although most days were around 4-500 miles. Granted, it probably wasn't as comfortable as a touring bike, but I never got overly tired. I saw temps from 40's to 100, all in the same day.
I did this when I was 56 years old.
I have had two Road Kings, but just bought my third Heritage. I love the bike, especially easy to handle in and out of traffic and parking lots.
By the way, I did this trip all by my lonesome.
I did this when I was 56 years old.
I have had two Road Kings, but just bought my third Heritage. I love the bike, especially easy to handle in and out of traffic and parking lots.
By the way, I did this trip all by my lonesome.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Soft tails for distance
I've done a little over 550 in a single day with many long days after that followed by another 550+ ride home. 11 hours at a time of traveling.
The roadkings are roughly the same price as the softails (compare to Heritage Classic), so cost shouldn't be the issue.
Ride might be better, but the softail has multiple personalities.
The roadkings are roughly the same price as the softails (compare to Heritage Classic), so cost shouldn't be the issue.
Ride might be better, but the softail has multiple personalities.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: MidMO
RE: Soft tails for distance
I did 450 miles the other day to Wichita. I'm still riding on my stock seat, and I'm okay with it, but a backrest would probably be even better. I use my saddlebags, but also have a luggage rack mounted on my detachable sissy bar and a TBag for the overnight stuff.
You won't go wrong with a Heritage Classic.
You won't go wrong with a Heritage Classic.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
From: Ogden, Utah
RE: Soft tails for distance
Hey 700 miles last year on the way home from Sturgis in one day not a problem. Had my stock seat only stoped for gas and to eat and strech the legs. I am thinking of ridding to Sturgis in one and back in one this year. After you have done it, it is not bad at all. Just be in ridding shape.
As for the bike and stuff if you are going with the softail and are going to add all of the stuff on it, you might as well go for the Heritage it is the best value. And it is a great looking bike too.
As for the bike and stuff if you are going with the softail and are going to add all of the stuff on it, you might as well go for the Heritage it is the best value. And it is a great looking bike too.