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Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...

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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 06:57 AM
  #1  
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Default Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...

I have never ridden a CVO Softail Springer, but I have rode a Heritage Classic.

I am looking at buying a 2008 FXSTSSE Screamin' Eagle Softail Springer and wondered if there was any difference in ride or handling between the 2 bikes (not able to ride the 2008 bike due to distance).

Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
 
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 08:31 AM
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Just to add that I have also ridden a Fatboy, but didn't like the factory seat and handlebar setup and placement (I know you can get aftermarket items) on the Fatboy which is why I had narrowed it down to the Heritage Classic.

I thought my mind was made up until I saw a 2008 FXSTSSE CVO Screamin' Eagle Softail Springer, 105th Anniversary Edition for sale. That is an amazing looking bike!

How does the CVO Softail Springer compare with the Heritage Classic or the Fatboy on ride and comfort and handling?
 
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 08:47 AM
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I'd think not many have ridden a CVO of any kind.. springers even less.
I believe if U'r thinking of buying one of them the best would be for U to ride them and see how U feel anyway...
 
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 08:55 AM
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For more info on the CVO check out the CVO section
 
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 10:21 AM
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I ride the bike You are considering. The ride is not very different to any springer softail. What You do get for the extra $ is alot more chrome, nice wheels and the 110" twincam engine. If You buy the 2008, make sure the recalls are done, (headgasket and front brake). Also check the paint for rustspots, some of the CVO bikes had this issue. If the recalls are done and the price is right, go for it. Many people argue that for the extra $ You pay to own a CVO, You could spend on mods on a non CVO bike, and sure that is true, but if You like the look of the FXSTSSE2 you should go for it, I love mine and have done som mods during this winter.
I do not regret the extra money spent on a cvo, good luck.

//John
 
Attached Thumbnails Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...-img_0918.jpg   Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...-img_0919.jpg   Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...-img_0914.jpg   Heritage Classic vs CVO Screaming Eagle Softail Springer ride...-img_0921.jpg  
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Old May 17, 2010 | 12:25 AM
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Default Springers vs. other softtails

I have been riding for over 30 years and used to teach for the motorcycle safety foundation (in the late 1970's)
Bought my first HD in 1985 --- a 1968 Electraglide.
Still have her, but purchased a 2002 Springer FLSTS in 2004.
What a difference!
Springers have a totally different type of front end. Took me about 5000 miles to feel as intuitive with her as I felt with other bikes. My fiance' has two Heritage Softtails and I once rented a Delux. They are FAR easier to manuver at slow speed than the Springer. Keep in mind that the front end is 40 lbs heaver and has a steeper rake than the normal Softtail. This makes slow turns different. Not necessarily more difficult...just way different.
All that said, I LOVE my FLSTS and will never give her up.
I too am drooling over the 2008. I am a bit of a speed-demon and the 110 engine is a screamer.
Altho there are other 110 engines out there, I will only get a Springer.
They are VERY different, but for those of us who have them, vive la differance!
 
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Old May 17, 2010 | 04:44 AM
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I've ridden all types of Springers and Heritage Classics. The CVO Springer Softail rides like a Softail Springer or Springer Custom, that is a skinny front tire on the fork. It has a small seat that is OK for short hops but won't satisfy you for much distance. The Heritage Softail has big tires on both ends, footboards, and is more comfy all around.
 
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Old May 17, 2010 | 08:37 AM
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I have owned an 2000 heritage and am fortunate enough to currently have an 03 heritage springer and an 08 cvo springer. To me the ride between the is nothing I ever gave much thought to, I think (for me) it really does not differ that much, But that cvo is a blast!
 
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Old May 17, 2010 | 10:02 AM
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A lot of the CVO Softails come lowered by approximately 1", in the rear, so the CVO versions tend to ride firmer then the non-CVO version of the same model.
Tom
 
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Old May 22, 2010 | 09:01 AM
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So now it's almost June and you probably have the bike. If it doesn't feel just like you want it to, adjust the handlebars and attachments.

I had to adjust mine 4 times to get it right. After getting it right, I eliminated the switchblade after market foot pegs I used for the first 5000 miles, back to stock.

As for the seat, I couldn't get too comfortable until that last adjustment. Now I have a riding position that fits me perfectly, and the seat is perfect as well. In the begining I would get uncomfortable with the seams from the rear pockets on my jeans, now I don't know they are there. Back ache is gone too.

The Softail suspension is adjustable. The bike is set up for 180 lb rider according to the stats. I am @ 160 and have considered changing it. But the highway dips at highway speeds have given me concern as I have reached max flex several times, so I have let it alone.

If you feel that the brakes are not giving you the stopping power you want, I recommend the Lyndall Racing pads. I have been using the Gold pads (noiseless, dustless), this is my 3rd season with them and approaching 25K. My 2007 FXSTSSE antiquated ft caliper is different than yours, and I don't know if your rr is the same either. Call them and they will help you out.

Lastly I do Not use the SE split fire plugs. They fragment according to my feed back. I use NGK Iridium IX: DCPR8EIX stock # 6546 .......Jack
http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/a...ide-harley.htm
 
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