Which model Softail???
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 433
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Which model Softail???
What would be your recommended Softail model for an oversized rider coming in at 6'1" and 260 lbs (I know; lose weight is the first recommendation).The Softail will be my second ride so it can be but doesn't need to be a new bike. My primary bike is a 2009 Road Glide w/ S&S 106" Big Bore Kit, 570G cams, 89cc ported and polished diamond cut heads, RB Racing Black Hole 2-1 exhaust, Ohlin rear shocks, Race Tech Emulator springs in front, candy apple red with black tribal design custom paint and all black powder coated parts, bars and controls. Dang I spent a lot of money on that bagger.The Softail will replace a 2007 50th Anniversary Ltd Edition ( # 962 of 2000) XL 50 Sportster with 701 miles that I just recently picked up because it was just a deal I could not refuse. Interesting little bike but for a guy my size it is just that; a little bike. After trying to decide on a Dyna or Softail I opted to get a Softail. Which Softail is best for a large guy. I'm leaning towards the Custom because of the stretch room but sure do like the looks of the Deluxe also.Thanks in advance for any input.
Last edited by hondo1; Feb 19, 2011 at 09:05 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: southern IL
I'd go with the Luxe or fatboy. I'm a fatboy myself. Not quite as big (220) but I ride 2 up most of the time. Wide tire helps with weight. Plus the Fatboy is so simple & basic, you can customize it any way you want without removing and adding unnecessarily. I'm 5'11 & have no problems with the boards. Grown to love them over the pegs. You can always go the pegs route tho since you're taller.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 433
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Unfortunately I think my elevator failed to stop on that floor and just blew past 160 a LONG time ago.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Florida
my "vertical" elevator never made it to the "6th" floor. LOL I'm small, but I'm tough...I ride hard & fast.
as far as the bike goes...I think you would like the Fat Boy or the DeLuxe. The Luxe comes w/ a lot of adornments, if you like that look...the Fat Boy is a lot cleaner. But, since you have a RG (they are pretty clean and sporty...kinda like the Corvette of Harley's)...you may want a bike with more "jewelry" as a stable mate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,042
Likes: 12,326
From: Arkansas
I'm 6'4" and have an FL Softail. I put a pogo seat and board extenders and have all the room I could ever want. The pogo makes you sit pretty high but it also moves you back. Took a little (very little) getting use to but wouldn't go back to a frame mounted seat for love, money or marbles. I put a Xbones seat setup on 1st and it helped but not near as comfy as the pogo.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 9
From: Rhode island
I'm 6'1" and I've a deuce and now have a deluxe. I think the floorboards make it way more comfortable. Just being able to move your feet around and I can stretch them on the boards too
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,159
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From: NC
I am 6'4 260lbs and I have a '88 FXSTC and I have plenty of room on it. It has the extended forward controls with the heel rest so it is similar to floor boards but gives you that little bit of extra lean angle that floorboards take away IMO. I have never had an issue when looking for a different foot placement on longer rides.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 7
From: TEXAS
That's me on the right 6' 240, guy next to me 5'11" 230, guy with solid black shirt 6'2" 240, guy to far left 6'6" 300 and the guy in the middle knealing down, don't know really how he got in picture, just a drunk at a rally lol.This is my point, being that your only 6'1", you should fit Deluxe or a fat boy just fine. You just mod it to fit pegs, bars, seat, etc...
Since you have a bagger, I take it your not going on to long of rides with the softail. I will say that 260 is about the limit for comfort zone though. My 300lb friend rides a 2000 Vulcan because he makes an Ultra Classic look like a girls bike. But the rest of us have no problems.
