Why Heritage Softail Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
The question is a good one about the bags covering the hardtail look.
Others are correct though. I bought my FatBoy which fit me like a glove.
For me the Deluxe was VERY close (almost bought that)
The Heritage was third.
At my size and shape, all of the above were made to order.
Incidentally, the FatBoy Lo felt weird to me, as I hated the bars. It hurt my lower back just trying to reach them in the showroom...to each his own.
Others are correct though. I bought my FatBoy which fit me like a glove.
For me the Deluxe was VERY close (almost bought that)
The Heritage was third.
At my size and shape, all of the above were made to order.
Incidentally, the FatBoy Lo felt weird to me, as I hated the bars. It hurt my lower back just trying to reach them in the showroom...to each his own.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 0
From: NC
It took Boss Bags putting a stiffener kit in my bags, tightening my shocks and crash bars for me to almost equal the Road King on long trips far as riding goes. I can pack more stuff in my Heritage bags than a RK.
I bought the bike because I like the way it rides. Its a jack of all trades and a master of none. It beats the RK at slow speeds and almost as good as the RK on long trips. 500 miles a day is enough for me so the Heritage soots me fine. I like the looks of it better than the RK also. Old school style.
I bought the bike because I like the way it rides. Its a jack of all trades and a master of none. It beats the RK at slow speeds and almost as good as the RK on long trips. 500 miles a day is enough for me so the Heritage soots me fine. I like the looks of it better than the RK also. Old school style.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 99
From: P.E.I. Canada
IMHO the RK and the Heritage have nothing in common. Yes, they are both bikes with bags and a windshield, but that's where it stops. I never take the bags off my STC and don't really care that there are no visible shocks. It's lower, narrower to sit on, but still a nice wide tank. It have that big engine jammed into a smaller frame. It's just different. comparing the two would be like saying why would someone buy a XBones when they could buy a Ultra Classic. They are just different bikes. And no, I have nothing against the RK, But I can say that when I bought my bike I was ready to buy any bike I wanted (except a CVO, I'm not loaded) and after one quick look I knew I didn't want a RK. I was actually between a STC and a Electroglide Classic... but hey, what do I know...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
I have pondered this before and thought about asking in the general forum, but decided to go straight to the riders and ask you to avoid this sounding like a troll post…..I hate to diss another guy’s purchase decision. To each their own and all, but……
What is the purpose of buying a ‘Softail’ when the bags cover the rear anyway? My understanding is that the Softail isn’t really the very best ride in the first place in compromise for looks – which aren’t realized with bags covering the rear.
Just curious. My cousin has a Heritage Softail, but to be honest – I don’t think he has the first clue that a Road King would look almost the same and have air shocks to boot. Am I missing something or isn’t the Road King a better choice for that ‘style’ of bike?
What is the purpose of buying a ‘Softail’ when the bags cover the rear anyway? My understanding is that the Softail isn’t really the very best ride in the first place in compromise for looks – which aren’t realized with bags covering the rear.
Just curious. My cousin has a Heritage Softail, but to be honest – I don’t think he has the first clue that a Road King would look almost the same and have air shocks to boot. Am I missing something or isn’t the Road King a better choice for that ‘style’ of bike?
From the front view these two do look very close - windshield, FL tubes and full FL fenders. Although the touring frame has a different pivot point as far as the steering goes, I believe the front suspensions are similar if not the same for FL models.
I agree about the covering up the back part, which is why I prefer the smaller bags on my Deluxe. They don't cover up that softail "line" and I really only need a place to put my jacket most of the time. But some folks need more storage and that's fine too.
The sword cuts both ways though - as far as the hidden suspension goes. In my opinion the Road King has a hidden suspension as well. The bags cover it up and you can't see it so VOILA!
LoLThe fit is a big factor as far as comfort goes. The smoothest ride in the world is gonna feel like crap if the riding position is all wrong for you. Awkward stretching or knees up to your chin sucks and so will the ride. Which doesn't mean you can't modify and change things around. I sat on a Road King Custom which came lowered from the factory, beach bars and low-cut seat and it sat just like my Deluxe. Plus I felt like I was "in-the-bike". Who knew! If and when I get my Road King Classic, I plan on setting it up like the Custom, but I'll try a Sundowner seat instead of lowering it.
Last edited by Sleeko; Oct 15, 2010 at 08:18 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
I had a 08 Heritage Classic which I loved! I was I guess the exception to the rule as you put it because I had the removeable bags & sissy bar. I LOVED that bike & already miss it but, for 2-up riding it wasn't too comfortable for my wife. I had Meancity Cycles rework the passenger pillion but it still wasn't enough at the end of the day. My intention was to keep it & just buy an Ultra & have both but they offered me such a good trade in I had to take it! When my Ultra is paid off, I will be buying a used Heritage to keep my Ultra company in the garage!
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Peachtree City, GA
A little over two years ago I chose a Heritage over a Road King, primarily because of the deal and mileage on the Heritage. In that time I've added stuff and put about 10,000 miles on it. I like it alot.
In September, I had a conference in LA. I decided afte the conference was over I would rent a bike through the HOG fly and ride program. Since you don't get to choose a model, I ended up with a 08 RC. I rode it almost 800 miles over three days up the PCH and back, and I validated my decison of two years ago.
I am part of the Heritage when I ride; on the RC I felt I was just riding on it - about 2-3 inches higher.
The suspension was no more comfortable than my Heritage, and the front end felt loosey-goosey, much less precise than the Heritage.
The RC is HEAVY. With the high CG, lot less fun at intersections and quick reaction events.
The bags and the tourpack were great!! Much better than my leather and a T-Bag strap on.
In summary, if all my riding ws longer distance touring, I would probably go with the RC, especially a '11 with the 103 engine, but for a versatile around town and occasional tour I'll stick with the Heritage.
In September, I had a conference in LA. I decided afte the conference was over I would rent a bike through the HOG fly and ride program. Since you don't get to choose a model, I ended up with a 08 RC. I rode it almost 800 miles over three days up the PCH and back, and I validated my decison of two years ago.
I am part of the Heritage when I ride; on the RC I felt I was just riding on it - about 2-3 inches higher.
The suspension was no more comfortable than my Heritage, and the front end felt loosey-goosey, much less precise than the Heritage.
The RC is HEAVY. With the high CG, lot less fun at intersections and quick reaction events.
The bags and the tourpack were great!! Much better than my leather and a T-Bag strap on.
In summary, if all my riding ws longer distance touring, I would probably go with the RC, especially a '11 with the 103 engine, but for a versatile around town and occasional tour I'll stick with the Heritage.
