Softail handling
Novice
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: ontario, canada
I have a 2011 fatboy. Didnt care too much for the feel of the stock bikes riding position. Added a set of 13" chubby bars and a badlander seat, and it changed the whole bike. It is as comfortable as any bike I have rode. Rear suspension is no hell, but I will cure that with some 422 progressive shocks.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle ,England
Just bought a 2012 fatboy and I think it handles fine.
I had a fatbob before this and I think the only thing was it felt like it had more ground clearance than the fatboy.
I dont think it handled any better though.
I had a fatbob before this and I think the only thing was it felt like it had more ground clearance than the fatboy.
I dont think it handled any better though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,144
From: Green Country
I went from riding Dynas to my Heritage Softail; different as night and day. My Heritage feels more stable on the road with the wider tires. Curves are a piece of cake, a little pressure on the apes, grab some throttle and commence to grindin'...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 3
From: NCWV
I appreciate everyone's response to my initial question. I had a dealer here in VA tell me that there was a reason that HD stopped making the NT and that I should move on to the Wide Glide, that is was a better riding bike. But there is just something about the NT and the hardtail look that hasn't let me move to the WG. Once the I get home again, the local dealer has a NT ready for me to test ride.
Thanks again for the insight.
Thanks again for the insight.
I get a kick out of Harley "handling" threads. At the end of the day they're all still Harleys. Want something that "handles?" buy an R1!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 542
Likes: 5
From: New York
My Fatboy handles just as good or better than my old Sportser or Dyna.
Also feel the wider tires and heavier weight makes it more comfy and stabil with less bouncing around.
Also feel the wider tires and heavier weight makes it more comfy and stabil with less bouncing around.
Last edited by Totally Bored; Sep 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
In my opinion, the Dyna has certain handling similarities to the Sportster but it's still a much different ride. To me, touring bikes are big and heavy lumbering beasts initially but are very comfortable once you get used to them.
Personally I like how the Softail handles... it's a happy medium in between the hot rod ride of the Sportster and Dyna; and the big comfy couch that is a touring bike.
Personally I like how the Softail handles... it's a happy medium in between the hot rod ride of the Sportster and Dyna; and the big comfy couch that is a touring bike.
I cruise a lot at 75 to 85 and I don't notice any vibration at all. I don't know if I could handle the way a Dyna or bagger vibrates at idle.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: La Vernia (San Antonio), Texas
You're comparing apples to oranges...
There are few similarities in their handling characteristics. Think about the differences between riding a Sporty and a Softail. Both are related by heritage but not much more similarity exists.
In my opinion, the Dyna has certain handling similarities to the Sportster but it's still a much different ride. To me, touring bikes are big and heavy lumbering beasts initially but are very comfortable once you get used to them.
Personally I like how the Softail handles... it's a happy medium in between the hot rod ride of the Sportster and Dyna; and the big comfy couch that is a touring bike.
There are few similarities in their handling characteristics. Think about the differences between riding a Sporty and a Softail. Both are related by heritage but not much more similarity exists.
In my opinion, the Dyna has certain handling similarities to the Sportster but it's still a much different ride. To me, touring bikes are big and heavy lumbering beasts initially but are very comfortable once you get used to them.
Personally I like how the Softail handles... it's a happy medium in between the hot rod ride of the Sportster and Dyna; and the big comfy couch that is a touring bike.
Just traded my 2010 Ultra Limited for a 2012 Heritage Softtail. Had a few big bikes over the years and my last Ultra will be my last big bagger. Yeah, great from long tours but I don't do that anymore and really wanted something sportier and more fun.
Softtail does that and much more. Handling at any speed is very nice, it much lighter than the big baggers (250 lbs less than my Ultra Limited), gets 20 percent better mileage, and rides great on unimproved roads (dirt and gravel).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 1
From: malibu
They feel the same to me
