Basic rundown of Deluxe model changes ?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 679
Likes: 8
From: Southern California
Basic rundown of Deluxe model changes ?
Hi. I am considering a Deluxe or a Heritage and was wondering if someone could give me a simple rundown of any major changes in the last few years.
I am familiar with the changes in the touring bikes, but know nothing about the softails.
Also, I like the Deluxe for the awesome looks, but the Heritage and its bags and windshield are very nice too. Are the bikes the same ride...just trim differences? (I see the bars are quite different.. any opinions on them?)
thanks
I am familiar with the changes in the touring bikes, but know nothing about the softails.
Also, I like the Deluxe for the awesome looks, but the Heritage and its bags and windshield are very nice too. Are the bikes the same ride...just trim differences? (I see the bars are quite different.. any opinions on them?)
thanks
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 6
From: N.C.
In stock format both bikes are the same, the Heritage IMHO has more comfortable Handlebars. But for looks the Deluxe seems to look better to me. The Heritage leather bags seem to start sagging after a little time and the windshield also is not a great one. However Harley has outfitted all its bikes with cheaper accessories from the factory so as to make you want buy the nicer higher end stuff. Either bike you can't go wrong.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Hi. I am considering a Deluxe or a Heritage and was wondering if someone could give me a simple rundown of any major changes in the last few years.
I am familiar with the changes in the touring bikes, but know nothing about the softails.
Also, I like the Deluxe for the awesome looks, but the Heritage and its bags and windshield are very nice too. Are the bikes the same ride...just trim differences? (I see the bars are quite different.. any opinions on them?)
thanks
I am familiar with the changes in the touring bikes, but know nothing about the softails.
Also, I like the Deluxe for the awesome looks, but the Heritage and its bags and windshield are very nice too. Are the bikes the same ride...just trim differences? (I see the bars are quite different.. any opinions on them?)
thanks
Deluxe sits lower and has different style bars. Makes it "feel" about 100lbs lighter imo. In fact, that was the main reason my wife chose the Deluxe over the Heritage. She rides an 08 and loves it. You'll have to demo them both and decide for yourself.
The pass pillion on the Deluxe is like sitting on a 2x4 and the shorter shock travel makes for a somewhat bumpier ride for the pass.
The Heritage pass pillion is not much better but the rider seat is probably one of the most comfortable stock seats HD has. Some complain that the Deluxe seat is stiff but my wife has no problems with it.
The mini ape handlebars on the Heritage are easier to move back if you need more arm reach. The 2010s bars are a bit higher than the earlier ones like mine which should allow for more pb. I'm currently in the process of putting new bars on the wife's Deluxe because she needs more reach.
Heritage is probably a better value for the money since bags and windshield are included in the base price. But I wouldn't base my choice on that alone.
Good luck
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 679
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From: Southern California
Thanks. I guess I am of to try a demo on both. My main concern is the changes in year after year... When looking at used, is an 07 running a different motor/tranny than a 06? or so on....
That is how it is for the touring. Big difference from 06 to 07, then again at 09. Was wondering what was up with this line too.
Thanks for the help. I will interrogate the dealer/salesmen a bit too. New is always nice, but used is fine with me.
thanks
That is how it is for the touring. Big difference from 06 to 07, then again at 09. Was wondering what was up with this line too.
Thanks for the help. I will interrogate the dealer/salesmen a bit too. New is always nice, but used is fine with me.
thanks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I believe 07 was the first 6 speed. I think most riders that have had both would say they would never go back to a 5 speed. Same thing with the 96 motor over the 88. Fuel injection over carb. I'd stick with an 07 or later.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 679
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From: Southern California
I did sit on both the Heritage and the Deluxe. I was really surprised at the instant comfort difference.... Heritage won.... And I went in intending to focus on the deluxe!
I am curious if I strip the Heritage down, will it have the look of the Deluxe, or is it the bars and the seat that make the deluxe? And, I will ride them soon (too busy at the dealer today, they asked me to come back during the week). They are cool, I go there a lot so it was no big deal.
Anyway, thanks for the help and any advice. I had a road king, sold it, was about to get a Road Glide... but I ended up with a Victory Vision. I love it for all that it is, but I miss/want a Harley too. So, I really do not need another touring bike, I need a toy/hot-rod. That is why I drool over the Deeeeeluxe. Damn those things are awesome.
Thanks.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
I'm not a tall person but the Heritage is more comfortable to me than the Deluxe. I don't seem to have enough leg room on the Deluxe.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NJ
The two bikes share most components including the frame, tins and wheels. Biggest differences are the Deluxe is lowered an inch, has cruiser bars and tombstone tailights. And no studs of course.
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
In stock format both bikes are the same, the Heritage IMHO has more comfortable Handlebars. But for looks the Deluxe seems to look better to me. The Heritage leather bags seem to start sagging after a little time and the windshield also is not a great one. However Harley has outfitted all its bikes with cheaper accessories from the factory so as to make you want buy the nicer higher end stuff. Either bike you can't go wrong.
All personal taste,, being older myself I love the leather and spot, and yep I even like fringe...I know most youngsters don't.. My son don't either on most bikes but after 3yrs on my (Heritage only) its growing on him.
I stuff my bags full during winter storage and it sits only in the garage, never out in the sun, I think lack of care and the sun is what really makes the Heritage bags sag faster.
In the 4 yrs I've had her they still look almost new and don't sag and I dont have anything inside to form them. Like the - Got Saggy-Bags, kit or anything.
Picture below was taken just couple weeks ago.
I got the Heritage because of the bags and shield was just priced better together. I don't ride with them on, but can.
Heres a link of some different ways I can make her look in about 10 mins.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...f-gertude.html
The worst feature I had on the 07 was the rear pillion seat and sissybar pad, they sure sucked,
newer bikes have changed them, but on the 07 we needed the touring pads, seat and sissybar pad for tthe wife, also rear floorboard, she went from riding 1hr with the stock set up before pain, to 4-5hr riding easy, now she just get tired, no pain...
Over all I will say it is the most comfortably bike Ive owned,, never had a tourer, but did have 3 GWer's. I'll take this one over all three of them.
I'll add the 96'' is proving to be a great motor, but it needs stg1 and cams for 6th gear to be really useful...
Last edited by oct1949; May 17, 2010 at 03:25 PM. Reason: added
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