Hello, Im a newb to the forum, and reaching out for some help and expertise. I've been riding motorcycles for 12 years now. Mostly metric bikes- sportbikes and a couple cruisers. Like many people, I've always said someday I'll have a Harley.

Well I've put an effort in to make someday happen now. I took a heritage softail out for a test ride today through a friend at the dealership. I hate to say, but the experience was disappointing.

I'll also start by saying I've dreamed of getting a bike I can put some distance trips on comfortably. But I'm also want that cruiser look around town. The heritage seemed like a good option to be able to strip saddle bags and windshield to get that fat boy look. Well first of all, the buffeting was the worst I've experienced in all my years riding. I thought my eyeballs were going to pop out of my head! Second, the bike was an absolute dog.. Now, it was a completely stock bike, and I'm not looking to a Harley for speed.. but this was bad.

Otherwise, the overall ride comfort and handling left a lot to be desired. I've spent time considering the purchase of a Harley, but after my first ride, I'm second guessing it.

So, help me out.. Was this just the wrong model for me? Any other thoughts or advice? I'm not ready to give up on my Harley dream just yet..

Thanks in advance.

UPDATE:
Well, went back to the dealer today, and had a great experience. I rode the fat boy, fat bob and a road king, and I liked all three better than my first ride on the heritage.

It also turns out that the heritage was a used bike that had just been traded in. It was pretty beat up and high mileage with a short after market windshield. Maybe all part of the problem on that first ride. I wouldn't be opposed to trying another heritage, especially now that I know I prefer the ride without the windshield, but like others pointed out, it may just not be the right bike for me. I still think they're one of the best looking. I'm a fan of the classic styling and studded bags.

The fat bob had that sporty feel, and plenty of power, even bone stock. But again, thats not my primary concern. The road king was also sweet, but maybe a little too big for me all dressed up. I think the fat boy was a good compromise.

I was impressed with all three bikes today. Thanks again for the guys here chiming in to help point me in the right direction. Its appreciated.

 

Try a few different models. Maybe a dyna? I found a big difference between a fatboy and night train even tho its the same motor in the same frame.

 

I had a vrod nightrod special before my deluxe, you might like it.

 

Maybe you should stick with metrics. Harleys aren't for everyone.

 

well you did test ride an old fart bike. Who buys Heritage's anyways??? Youll get use to the riding position.

I have a tendency to use my passenger pegs for better comfort. But riding sportbikes prior to harleys is the reason why i still do that.

I used my dyna's passenger pegs as rear sets and felt completely in the zone

 

Agreed. If you have to ask these questions, you don't get it. That's not a bad thing, don't take it the wrong way. But if you're used to fast precision machinery, you're probably never going to get used to it or you're going to spend a lot of money to get there.

 

Go try anything else..,
No Electra Glides.
No Heritages
No Switch backs...

Try Slim, blackline, deluxe, fatboy...

Streetbob, fatbob

 

Super glide custom, wide glide
...vrods
Street Glides

Most Harley's wont be super fast... Sluggish maybe...
It's a cruiser...

Not a racer.... What's the hurry...
Be seen, be heard, be misunderstood...

If you don't want to sit back and cruise... Keep the metrics

 

Why wouldn't you try a Sportster out?

A 48 has a certain cool factor, the 1200 Custom has the 16" front wheel AND a nice fuel tank which allows you to cruise more than the 48...

Or maybe a better world for you, the XR 1200, still a Harley but more rocket than the other ones.

 

If your expecting a Harley to perform like a metric your gonna be disappointed. It's like comparing apples to watermelons. Try another model as suggested.