Help on New Harley!!!
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Help on New Harley!!!
Hello all. I am new to the forum, and have been reading for a few days now as I try to make a decision. I am very close to buying my first Harley, more specifically asoftail. I am leaning towards a Deluxe or Fatboy, mostly because I am planning to take longer rides, and from what I hearthose twowould be more confortable. My other choice would be a Softail Standard, but the lean front tires, lack of floorboards and less confort for the road are turning me off a litle bit. Do you have any opinions? Any advice would be welcome.
One more thing, I've heard that the floorboards on the Deluxeand Fatboytend to scratch on the road on sharp turns. Does that happen often enough sothatI should worry about or is it not really an issue for concern? Any input is greatly appreciated.
One more thing, I've heard that the floorboards on the Deluxeand Fatboytend to scratch on the road on sharp turns. Does that happen often enough sothatI should worry about or is it not really an issue for concern? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Blaine, WA
RE: Help on New Harley!!!
I think the look of the Fatboy is awesome and is a great Bar to Bar bike. If you want two up riding I go with the RK. As far as floor boards scrapping see the Ride Like a Pro video.
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RE: Help on New Harley!!!
Thanks. I was also looking at the RK Custom, but settled on a softail after drving a friend's Fatboy and talking to some other owners. Their view is that softails are more flexible if you also plan on doing some drivng in the city, and that the suspension is great.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: orange county, NY
RE: Help on New Harley!!!
if you plan on longer rides, get a heritage instead of a fatboy. same bike basically but has removable windshield, sissybar,and has saddlebags. then, add the quick detach for the sissy bar and bags- it will look like a fatboy. check out my signature pic to see what it looks like with bags removed
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
RE: Help on New Harley!!!
I am very happy with my Fat Boy, but do not go on longer rides with it.
What do you consider longer rides? If I was shopping for a bike with longer rides in mind (300 miles and up), I would get one with bags and a fairing.
What do you consider longer rides? If I was shopping for a bike with longer rides in mind (300 miles and up), I would get one with bags and a fairing.
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RE: Help on New Harley!!!
Thanks for all the input. When I say long rides I mean trips no longer than 300 miles, nothing like cross-country trips or anything. I have a friend who got detachable saddlebags, sissybar and luggage rack for his Fatboy and has been very happy with it.
Cleanimages, how easy is it to remove the saddlebags on the heritage? Also, is the sissybar that comes with the bike compatible with thedetachable brackets or do you need to buy both the bracket and a new sissy bar?
Cleanimages, how easy is it to remove the saddlebags on the heritage? Also, is the sissybar that comes with the bike compatible with thedetachable brackets or do you need to buy both the bracket and a new sissy bar?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: England
RE: Help on New Harley!!!
You don't say if you're riding solo or not. Riding with a passenger may influence your choice.
300 miles a day with the right seat and bars for your size/shape should not bea problem on any softail unless you have a medical condition.You can put heelrests on a standard ( I have Kuryakyn switchblades on mine) to make long distance rides even more comfortable.
My softail custom, very similar to the standard except chrome and seat. Whilst the seat is ugly it is very comforable andI tie luggage on the sissy bar. I've not owned but have ridden 2006 Fat Boy and the Heritage for a half day each and both were nice rides - factory standards. I found the Heritage a bit more comfortable than the fat boy but not much and no more than my custom.
Best advice is to try them out and include the Heritage in a test too, it is nice ride with bags included in the price.
300 miles a day with the right seat and bars for your size/shape should not bea problem on any softail unless you have a medical condition.You can put heelrests on a standard ( I have Kuryakyn switchblades on mine) to make long distance rides even more comfortable.
My softail custom, very similar to the standard except chrome and seat. Whilst the seat is ugly it is very comforable andI tie luggage on the sissy bar. I've not owned but have ridden 2006 Fat Boy and the Heritage for a half day each and both were nice rides - factory standards. I found the Heritage a bit more comfortable than the fat boy but not much and no more than my custom.
Best advice is to try them out and include the Heritage in a test too, it is nice ride with bags included in the price.
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RE: Help on New Harley!!!
For the most part I will be riding with a passenger. I am not the picky type, but my wife will definitely express her opinion if she experiences any discomfort during our rides.
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RE: Help on New Harley!!!
ORIGINAL: bouske
For the most part I will be riding with a passenger. I am not the picky type, but my wife will definitely express her opinion if she experiences any discomfort during our rides.
For the most part I will be riding with a passenger. I am not the picky type, but my wife will definitely express her opinion if she experiences any discomfort during our rides.
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From: Nevada
RE: Help on New Harley!!!
ORIGINAL: bouske
Thanks for all the input. When I say long rides I mean trips no longer than 300 miles, nothing like cross-country trips or anything. I have a friend who got detachable saddlebags, sissybar and luggage rack for his Fatboy and has been very happy with it.
Cleanimages, how easy is it to remove the saddlebags on the heritage? Also, is the sissybar that comes with the bike compatible with thedetachable brackets or do you need to buy both the bracket and a new sissy bar?
Thanks for all the input. When I say long rides I mean trips no longer than 300 miles, nothing like cross-country trips or anything. I have a friend who got detachable saddlebags, sissybar and luggage rack for his Fatboy and has been very happy with it.
Cleanimages, how easy is it to remove the saddlebags on the heritage? Also, is the sissybar that comes with the bike compatible with thedetachable brackets or do you need to buy both the bracket and a new sissy bar?
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