I bought mine because I was attracted to the looks of it and because, as many above have stated, you sit in a softail, not on it. I have changed the look of mine, but I can change it back to original paint, wheels, etc in less than a day. They also look much better without the bags than the RK.

 

I've owned a Road King for several years and now I have own a Heritage. I enjoyed the RK for its ride and comfort and it still had the ole skool look but wanted a bike that I could go bagless. I recently traded a 2009 SG for the Heritage, I did not like the stiffer ride that the new frame brought and the engine noise was louder than my previous touring rubber mounted bike. When my wife purchased her 2009 FLSTC, I got a chance to ride a softail model. I was impressed with the smoothness of the balanced motor, the quick response of the throttle, the quietness of the engine and the fit of the seat (best stock seat I've had) and handlebars were perfect. I've enjoyed riding the softail for over 3,000 miles and would only go back to a touring model if they would put the balanced motor in it. Just my two cents....
2009 SG

Wife's 2009 FLSTC

My 2010 FLSTC:

 

Funny, I'm just the opposite regarding the motors on the two bikes. I really like the shaking at idle on my Ultra and it is so much smoother on the road than the Heritage. I agree that the stock seat is pretty comfortable and the bagless option is nice too

 

Why?
Why not?
All these previous posts have valid points.

Every so often, I get a stiffy for a touring model. I've managed to either demo, borrow every one, except the Road Glide (maybe a good thing - ha ha )

The Ultra (name says it all) is the one if (all) I were doing was long distance rides every wk/end.

I don't see the advantage of a StreetGlide, aside from the bada** good looks, but the two, I've ridden (an 07 & an 09) both rode like buckboards. And that sliver of dark plexiglass is worthless over 40 mph.

The last Roadking I rode had problems so not a fair accessment.
But overall the tall windshield and Chubby 10" mini apes were great. It was really the handlebars I was mostly interested in. It had a Thunderheader but no cams and was not tuned properly and it was a slug. The susp was nice though (superior to any ST)


Overall the Heritage is a great all around motorcycle. Very versitile.
The 6 speed would make a perfect add on. That would make the 70-80 mph range just perfect (although I run 70 & 80 all day long anyways), but that shorter stroke 88" is spinnin' !!

The Softail does have a better (lower) center of gravity. The bike itself is narrower. The steering is slower but has a more stable feel, due to the increased neck angle (which can be good or bad)
The ground clearance is less, but hardly an issue.

Out of the box, the Deluxe is probl the best looking (& most comfortable- for me anyways) Harley out there. I've tried to mimick the handle bars with the Chubby Knucklebars and risers (513's & 527's)


Oh and Mustang seat for comfort !! Corbin GF for looks (ok for shorter rides)

Good luck with whatever you get !!!!