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I currently have a 1200 Sportster and I'm looking to upgrade and I've been looking at Deluxes or a Heritage. What are your thoughts...not much difference? Is there any certain years I should avoid? I was looking at 06 or newer.
Go for 07 or newer for the 96" motor and 6 speed tranny
Yup. to me 6th gear is worth the price of admission.
I don't know of any specific year of either the Heritage or Deluxe with chronic problems.
The differences between the two depend on your wants and needs. Bike height, 2-up setup, minor details like turn signals, brake light, speedo, bars ...
if you don't plan on doing a whole lot of major work to the bike then definitly go for the 07 and newer, and pick which ever one is closest to the look you want to cut down on mods after purchase. if you plan on doing a lot of major work to the bike then I would say look for an older bike to pick up for cheap and start working on it. I haven't heard anyone tell me they wish they didn't purchase the 07 and newer bikes, that six speed tranny and fuel injection seems to be a hit!! I went with an older bike because I am changing a lot of things on it.
which ever dirrection you go with you will be more then happy, a softail is a great upgrade from a sportster, I had an 04 sportster before my 2000 fatboy.
As others have said, it depends what you are looking for.
I have an '07 Herritage. Great engine and 6th gear is awesome. I can strip off the bags and windshield and it looks like a Deluxe if I want. I bought a deluxe seat cuz I like the grab rail and I have to say I love the handle bars on the Deluxe as well.
I love the fact the the Heritage comes with bags and the shield and I rarely take them off. I love my Heritage!
Actually, between a Heritage and a Deluxe, I personally like the Deluxe for style. The Heritage for comfort. The Deluxe was made for people half my height. I just don't like doing a ton of mods out the door just to have a bike fit me. A Deluxe, if you have any height, is very cramped.
i noticed that some people have commented that a deluxe is for shorter people. I'm about 5' 10". to tall/ I really like the look a deluxe but one of the reasons I'm looking to upgrade is comfort.
If you are not going to do a lot of road trips go 06. The parts and upgrades are readily available and inexpensive. The 06 and 07 seat of the pants are equally as fast, I guess because of gearing. Without mods the 07 and newer run a little hotter also. I am a little biased though I really like the TC 88. I have had 3 of the 06 bikes, Street Glide, Heritage and Standard and never a problem.
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