School me on Softails!
School me on Softails!
Softail riders I need some advise. I currently have a '95 dyna wide glide 80ci rubber mounted and a 5 speed. Bike has forward controls from factory and a 21" front. I have 14" apes that are a tad too tall lol. I also have a mustang vintage solo. Ok so I'm tall 6'4" 34 inseam at least. Well I'm sick of not being comfy on the bike And think a Softail with forward controls with extensions will be right for me. It looks like you sit in the bike NOT on it like my dyna. When I pulled the seat off and sat right on the framethe dyna felt good. I hate apes and want drags but when I put them on (t bars with 6" riser) it felt like I was on a rocket. So will a Softail sit me lower and down and back? I also don't like the exposed shocks on the dyna. I only bought it cause the price was right and I could always sell it. So am I way off base here or does a Softail sound right for me?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: illinois
softails are right for everyone 
but more seriously, i would think you would be more comfortible on one, its a bigger bike. go to your local dealer and sit on one, there are seats that help also for moving you down and back.
but more seriously, i would think you would be more comfortible on one, its a bigger bike. go to your local dealer and sit on one, there are seats that help also for moving you down and back.
I have sat on a blackline loved that feel. A fat boy lo felt good too. Idk a part of me says keep the WG and put a low bare bones seat on it and the drags back on. Is it true the softails ride better than the Dynas? I have short 12" fox on my rear now. Rides just fine but I never rode a shofty before. My 93 sporty rode better can u believ that?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 563
Likes: 2
From: Mocksville, NC
I test rode everything from Sporty to Softy when I was shopping around.
The Softail felt the best. Most comfortable. In the bike vs. on the bike. Smooth ride, easy transitions, and didn't feel top heavy and awkward at low speeds with hairpin cornering maneuvers.
I love my Lo. And am sure the ride will only get better once the Doc hooks me up with a Shotgun Shock.
The Softail felt the best. Most comfortable. In the bike vs. on the bike. Smooth ride, easy transitions, and didn't feel top heavy and awkward at low speeds with hairpin cornering maneuvers.
I love my Lo. And am sure the ride will only get better once the Doc hooks me up with a Shotgun Shock.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
From: Kennedale TX
Can't go wrong with a softail IMO...I am 6'1' and have a long inseam as well and I am very comfortable on my 09 Fatty. I put the foorboard extenders on my ride to get my leg past my RSD air cleaner and found that the slightly wider leg position made it that much more comfortable. Good luck on your choice!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 9
From: Rhode island
Consider a bike with floorboards over pegs too. They will help you stretch and find different positions. So try a lo over the train
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I went from a '06 Street bob to my Fatboy. Although I feel like the Dyna was a quicker handling bike, the softail is a much nicer ride. Feels more solid. Smooth on the highway, and no slouch in the twisties. Just make sure the bike fits you. Good luck.