Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
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Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
I'm new to the forum and l'm looking to buy my first Harley. I'm almost certain it will be a softail although I'm renting a Wide Glide next week just to try a Dyna. I've been comparing the 07's and like the Fat Boy, Softail Custom, and the Heritage.
I like the FB overall and the 200mm rear tire but I prefer the front spoke wheels that the Custom has as well as the small ape hangers. What I'm not sure about is the forward foot controls on the Custom and if that would be uncomfortable on a long ride since you can't change foot position. Also I'm not sure if I should be concerned that the Custom is a returning model this year.
The Heritage is nice but I'm not crazy about the front fender and the fact the saddlebags are not quick release. The dealer said you could take them off but there's a bar underneath. I'm not sure if it would look good without them.
A lot of questions I know but my head's spinning comparing bikes. Any insights and opinions would be appreciated by this newbie especially since I'm not sure how difficult or expensive the customization would be.
Thands,
Denny
I like the FB overall and the 200mm rear tire but I prefer the front spoke wheels that the Custom has as well as the small ape hangers. What I'm not sure about is the forward foot controls on the Custom and if that would be uncomfortable on a long ride since you can't change foot position. Also I'm not sure if I should be concerned that the Custom is a returning model this year.
The Heritage is nice but I'm not crazy about the front fender and the fact the saddlebags are not quick release. The dealer said you could take them off but there's a bar underneath. I'm not sure if it would look good without them.
A lot of questions I know but my head's spinning comparing bikes. Any insights and opinions would be appreciated by this newbie especially since I'm not sure how difficult or expensive the customization would be.
Thands,
Denny
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 546
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From: Blaine, WA
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
Get the Duece... Or go all out and get the Screamin Eagle Springer...
It depends on what kind of riding you will be doing... Around town and your immediate county? Long trips? And the weather, are you liking the wind and rain in your face? Will you be riding two up? Lots of questions to answer... Maybe you will be like me and get a second one real soon to take the wife along?
You can change the foot position on the Softail, I did on my 06 FXSTS, I bought the extended controls... Good luck with your decision.
It depends on what kind of riding you will be doing... Around town and your immediate county? Long trips? And the weather, are you liking the wind and rain in your face? Will you be riding two up? Lots of questions to answer... Maybe you will be like me and get a second one real soon to take the wife along?
You can change the foot position on the Softail, I did on my 06 FXSTS, I bought the extended controls... Good luck with your decision.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
The best bike is the one that makes you happy. Ride as many as you can first they are all great bikes but each model has its great and not so great points.
I made the mistake of buying a Sportster 2 years ago when I got back into riding after a 25 year break from riding and it was a fun bike but not what I wanted so 6 months later traded it for a RK Custom (lost $ on that one) , The RK was better and I was happy for a few months and then made the mistake of riding a Fatboy another few months and I traded the RK in on a Fatboy (lost more $). Now I am very happy with my Fatboy owned it for over a year and put 12000 + miles on it , loving every mile. But for the past few weeks I have been drawn to the Street Glides. So for the first time I did someting smart and rented a Street Glide last Sat . Glad I did it was also a great bike but I still like my Fatboy better so the $ 100.00 rental saved me thousands in $.
Best advise is buy what you like, try to figure out what type of riding you will be doing, town country, fwy , long distance ect. Try to rent or ride as many as possible before you buy. Some of the dealers here in Ca. will let you split a day and rent 2 bikes for the one day charge.
I made the mistake of buying a Sportster 2 years ago when I got back into riding after a 25 year break from riding and it was a fun bike but not what I wanted so 6 months later traded it for a RK Custom (lost $ on that one) , The RK was better and I was happy for a few months and then made the mistake of riding a Fatboy another few months and I traded the RK in on a Fatboy (lost more $). Now I am very happy with my Fatboy owned it for over a year and put 12000 + miles on it , loving every mile. But for the past few weeks I have been drawn to the Street Glides. So for the first time I did someting smart and rented a Street Glide last Sat . Glad I did it was also a great bike but I still like my Fatboy better so the $ 100.00 rental saved me thousands in $.
Best advise is buy what you like, try to figure out what type of riding you will be doing, town country, fwy , long distance ect. Try to rent or ride as many as possible before you buy. Some of the dealers here in Ca. will let you split a day and rent 2 bikes for the one day charge.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
The custom is great
I had it lowered and changed the seat, still want the spokes for the rear and the new triple tree that HD makes for the slammer look and feel[IMG]local://upfiles/11433/040A5405A7704F8E86C52D8CBAE4CAF4.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
The Heritage is basically an FB in disguise. I chose the Heritage, because if you look at the cost of installing the saddle bags alone on to any other Softail, it will run you upwards of $800.00. Stock, each bag has three nuts that have to be removed to remove the bag. Once removed, plastic caps are provided to cover the mounting threads. There are serveral quick release products on the market that make removal even easier, and leave the bike with a cleaner look.
The FLSTCI is, by far, the most versital HD produced. It can be stripped down, by removing saddle bags and winshield, in a matter of minutes giving you a street cruiser. With the windshield and bags installed it becomes a light touring bike. By purchasing the optional tour pack, tour pack rack, and quick release hardware, you can turn the bike into a very capable tourer with ample storage for a long haul. I ride my FLSTCI two-up, fully loaded, for long distances and find the bike to be very capable and very comfortable. I used to remove the tour pack when riding around town, but the wife prefers the backrest built into the tour pack over the stock rest, so it stays on the majority of the time.
I do so much two-up riding that I have considered buying an EG for its cargo capablitiy and touring prowness, however I prefer the steal and leather of the FLSTCI over the fiberglass and plastic of the EG. I could care less about having a stereo system, full instruments, fairing, and fairing lowers. Setting up an EG for quick removal of the tour pack is a pain, and you can forget about taking the fairing off. Just my 2 cents.
The FLSTCI is, by far, the most versital HD produced. It can be stripped down, by removing saddle bags and winshield, in a matter of minutes giving you a street cruiser. With the windshield and bags installed it becomes a light touring bike. By purchasing the optional tour pack, tour pack rack, and quick release hardware, you can turn the bike into a very capable tourer with ample storage for a long haul. I ride my FLSTCI two-up, fully loaded, for long distances and find the bike to be very capable and very comfortable. I used to remove the tour pack when riding around town, but the wife prefers the backrest built into the tour pack over the stock rest, so it stays on the majority of the time.
I do so much two-up riding that I have considered buying an EG for its cargo capablitiy and touring prowness, however I prefer the steal and leather of the FLSTCI over the fiberglass and plastic of the EG. I could care less about having a stereo system, full instruments, fairing, and fairing lowers. Setting up an EG for quick removal of the tour pack is a pain, and you can forget about taking the fairing off. Just my 2 cents.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 711
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From: Syracuse, NY
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
The Fat Boy is the most perfect machine ever created by God or man.........for me. For you? Who knows. I like mine and would get one again and never look back. Fat boy all the way, IMO.
BA
BA
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
Xaran, your right about the rentals. I've rented the Sportster and the Fat Boy. As I mentioned I'm renting a Wide Glide next week and the dealer said he'd let me test ride a couple.
Geoseismic, it sounds like you're saying that I can keep the saddlebags that come with the Heritage, purchase a quick release system and replace the hardware that's on the bike. Are the tires the same on the Heritage and Fat Boy?
Fatbernie, I rented a 2004 Fat Boy 2 weeks ago and put 350 miles on it. It was a great ride. I see you've changed the pipes, what did you put on. Have you thought about changing the bars?
I've heard that the narrower front tire will give better performance in the turns than the Fat Boy. Any other opinions out there?
Geoseismic, it sounds like you're saying that I can keep the saddlebags that come with the Heritage, purchase a quick release system and replace the hardware that's on the bike. Are the tires the same on the Heritage and Fat Boy?
Fatbernie, I rented a 2004 Fat Boy 2 weeks ago and put 350 miles on it. It was a great ride. I see you've changed the pipes, what did you put on. Have you thought about changing the bars?
I've heard that the narrower front tire will give better performance in the turns than the Fat Boy. Any other opinions out there?
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RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
Im with Fatburnie on the Fatboy, I love it, but ultimatly it is your choice and you should rent and ride every model that your thinking of buying and make the choice for yourself. But the Fatboy rocks.
Chris
Chris
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 5
From: miami,fl
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
I'm partial to the fatboy,but if you can rent before you buy they'll be no regrets,not that there would be regardless of what you choose..
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
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From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Newbie comparing FB/ST Custom/Heritage
I remove the saddle bags from my Heritage Classic for cleaning etc. They take a few minutes to do. But you can add a quick release system to make the job eaiser. Like Geoseismic said, the Heritage Classic is the most versitile softail and the most bank for the buck. I wouldn't trade my FLSTCI for any other softail line.
Try all of the models you can, make a list of your riding styles, baggage requirements, distances traveled on trips and work etc and whittle it down. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Try all of the models you can, make a list of your riding styles, baggage requirements, distances traveled on trips and work etc and whittle it down. You can't go wrong with any of them.