I rode my Deluxe from NY to Sturgis - no issues (well, other than the dead spot in the starter that I finally got fixed when I got home). You'll have no problem doing distance on this bike. I went from a small front end to the big and what a difference that alone makes on the long hauls.

You may need to do some change up on the seat and I highly recommend a backrest (no thanks to HD) and you'll be set (oh yeah, windshield too).

 

It all depends on how you set any bike up. For long hauls I would go with a Road King but that is almost the same frame as you have now. Softails of any sort could be setup the way you want it. Just make it fit you.

 

We have 67,000 kms on our 08 Deluxe. I have done some mods to make it more comfy for the better half. A couple of weeks back we went to Florida for a visit. We rented a SG for a couple of days and went to Key West. I was hoping the better half wasn't going to say that she liked the SG better and I should trade mine in. She liked the Deluxe better and, I found out I liked the Deluxe better also. What I am saying is you can tour on a softail quite well. The only bad part was we got back home to Alberta and it was -30c. Burrrrrr.

 

I could can ride mine forever!

 

Nice lookin bike there rock

 

If you are used to riding a '93 FXLR I think the Deluxe will definitely be a step UP in long range comfort. I've got both a Street Glide and a Softail Deluxe(have owned TWO). I'll be first to admit that the SG is SLIGHTLY easier on me after a 400+ mile day...WHO CARES?? Some think owning a bike is all about how many miles one rides in a day...it isn't. Get you that Softail Deluxe you want and enjoy yourself. And don't be afraid to pull off the road every once in a while....you'll be surprised at how many folks, bikers and non-bikers alike will give you a "thumbs up"/wave/start a conversation while riding a SD. No other bike gets the same response. IMO the touring bikes only come into their own if riding TWO UP. Solo riders certainly don't NEED a touring bike for anything and they are not necessary for as many miles per day as you care to ride....your Low Rider certainly taught you that.

I rode the crap out of my Deluxe before I found out I "needed" a Street Glide to ride long distances! HAHA! What a joke! Don't get me wrong...I like my Street Glide now....but I LOVE my Deluxe!


Headin' out!

 

I can't speak for the new generations of touring bikes but 1 up I can ride for 10-12 hours on the Deluxe. My last touring bike was a '64 Duo-Glide. I am 5'06" and have micro legs so the touring bikes were out. I set the Deluxe up with Roadking bags and it works for me. Now 2 up maybe a whole different ball game on the deluxe. I would have to find other ways to attach all the baggage. For me the floorboards and bags give the comfort on this bike. The stock bags just weren't going to work.

Doc

 

Like many of the previous posts I too have no problems with long distance on the 'luxe. I'm 5'4" and this bike fits me perfectly. Rode to Sturgis last year from Cali and never had an uncomfortable moment, I even like the seat!

 

WOW, thanks to all you guys and girls who answered for me. Seeing several of you with significant others, tents, bags and who knows what on your bikes for a trip. That warms my heart to the Deluxe. You guys have helped me make up my mind. Now, which dealer will give me the best price!

 

Yup, ride all day and beg for more. The best part is that when you get home and strip 'er down you get this. Let's see a SG do that.