A few years ago I bought a Softail Deluxe, my first Harley. Although I loved the look, and thought it's low height fit my 5'7" frame, I found that I didn't enjoy riding it as much as I hoped. The limited ground clearance on turns was very different from my prior bikes, and the very low seat height made longer rides a bit cramped. Regrettably, I decided to sell.

The next attempt was a Street Rod - the 2006 V-Rod version that was designed for better ground clearance. It was a very impressive machine - one that I thought I'd keep forever. But, after trying several times to fix the chronic front end issues related to Harley's decision to use aluminum triple clamps that had trouble staying tight, I couldn't get comfortable with the feel of the front end and the constant need to adjust suspension.

So I left the Harley fold, but I soon missed what only Harley posseses - the soul of a machine built to deliver true enjoyment. I've had faster machines, more reliable machines, less expensive machines, but really I've now learned not a better machine.

And so I decided to get the bike I truly want - another Harley. I was torn between the Road King and the Softail Heritage - I want bags. Initially I thought the Road King, with ABS, would be the winner. The new bikes (updated frame) I found very attractive, but the difference in the new seat shape and larger wheels made the reach to the ground a bit of a stretch for me.

The Heritage is like returning to the Softail Deluxe, with the ability to carry things easily and the added bonus of more legroom. Seems to be the best of all worlds. It may be heresy to some, but I actually prefer the balanced engine - I ride primarily in city/suburb traffic and find it less tiring in traffic.

So today I bought a 2009 Heritage Classic, and I should have it in the garage soon.

Thanks to all for the help on this forum - lots of great information, friendly people and good discussion. I've been in lots of forums, this one is hard to beat.

By the way, the Touring Forum thinks I made a mistake - lots of Road King fans over there. I was lucky to get out alive!

 

I hear ya bro, I now own a 2010 Heritage after owing several V-Rods and Street Glides. You're lucky you didn't get a touring model, softail is much better and looks good too.
Enjoy and post pics of your ride.

 

I think you will really enjoy the Heritage. I now have 71000 on this 02model. Thought about getting a newer model a couple of years ago, but the dealership would not allow me anything for it because it had to many miles. I told them that was fine, but I bought mine to ride not to look at! Hope you enjoy your new bike.

 

Similarly, I own an 09 Deluxe and have never owned another model - I'm new. Recently, I rented an EG Ultra Classic and determined that I like the balanced engine better as well. Though the EG was a very comfortable ride out on the highway it was not that much fun in heavy traffic compared to my Deluxe. The shaking was a bit annoying compounded by the switch to one lung when it got hot at stop lights - that was rather rough.