Which Harley?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 112
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From:
Which Harley?
I am looking for advise on which Harley to buy. I have not ridden a bike for many years and now really fancy getting my hands on a Harley. Living in the Middle Eats the winters are excellent for cruising around. I have been looking at the Softails (custom and fat boy), but was wondering if anyone had any recommendations either on these or other models. Went on a sportster (883) yesterday, but the ride is a bit upright for what I am after -looking for something a bit more laid back.
Am leaning towards the Custom at present, and will want to change the exhausts ASAP. I love the look of the V&H BIG radius (seen many a sweet bike on this board running these), and also the V&H Shortshots staggered. Is anybody running the shortshots with a Softail. Pictures and experiance with them would be very welcome.
Am leaning towards the Custom at present, and will want to change the exhausts ASAP. I love the look of the V&H BIG radius (seen many a sweet bike on this board running these), and also the V&H Shortshots staggered. Is anybody running the shortshots with a Softail. Pictures and experiance with them would be very welcome.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Which Harley?
Welcome to the loony bin.
You picked a couple of good ones to choose from. Just not sureexactly what your looking for. If your into a laid back riding style then the Custom is the way to go. Especially if you may be doing a bunch of two up riding. The old shool style seat is nearly perfect for a passenger.
On the other handyou can'tgo wrong with a Fatboy. Its another good bikeand with its heavier front wheel it might be a better choice if the roads are in poorer condition andyour thinking ofputting bags on it later.
Glad I don't have to make your choice, oh wait a minute I did have it once, but I picked a Custom.
BTW if you want to see what a nice Fatboy looks like with V&H Big Radius pipes on it. See if you can find pics of XTrooper's bike. Its a really nice looking bikeand he seems to like those pipes just fine.
You picked a couple of good ones to choose from. Just not sureexactly what your looking for. If your into a laid back riding style then the Custom is the way to go. Especially if you may be doing a bunch of two up riding. The old shool style seat is nearly perfect for a passenger.
On the other handyou can'tgo wrong with a Fatboy. Its another good bikeand with its heavier front wheel it might be a better choice if the roads are in poorer condition andyour thinking ofputting bags on it later.
Glad I don't have to make your choice, oh wait a minute I did have it once, but I picked a Custom.
BTW if you want to see what a nice Fatboy looks like with V&H Big Radius pipes on it. See if you can find pics of XTrooper's bike. Its a really nice looking bikeand he seems to like those pipes just fine.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
RE: Which Harley?
I have ridden a softail custom and absolutely loved it. Real nice ride and the body fits it just right. However, I do have a fatboy, and would have no other bike at the present time. It's a no-brainer for me. Fatboy all the way, baby!!!! You ride one, you'll buy one.
BA
BA
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,156
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From:
RE: Which Harley?
I bought a Softail Standard because I wanted a blank canvas. But in my opinion, this only made sense to me because I had planned on doing a lot of mods.
I considered the Shortshots Staggered, but was told they are considerably louder than most of their other pipes. So I opted for the Big Shots Standard. They are not supposed to fit my bike according to the V&H web site, but they fit just fine.
Fatboys and Customs are definately nice bikes, though! I could see myself riding either one.
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I considered the Shortshots Staggered, but was told they are considerably louder than most of their other pipes. So I opted for the Big Shots Standard. They are not supposed to fit my bike according to the V&H web site, but they fit just fine.
Fatboys and Customs are definately nice bikes, though! I could see myself riding either one.
[align=left] [/align]
RE: Which Harley?
It's a real tough choice...but I selected the Fat Boy because almost all of my riding is limited tolocal cruising and short day/overnight trips. I will not be using a windshield or bags! I love the heavy, stable feel that my Fat Boy gives me on my local, "always being improved" roads here in Pensacola. The Custom is sweet, as well. I don't think you could go wrong witheither bike, but personally I thinkI would stay away from those Sportsters!
Remember that Spring is just around the corner...the selection at the Harley-Davidson Dealerships is very good right now. Let Mother Nature give us a few warm days and that selection will dwindle quickly.
Good luck in your search...
Steve
Remember that Spring is just around the corner...the selection at the Harley-Davidson Dealerships is very good right now. Let Mother Nature give us a few warm days and that selection will dwindle quickly.
Good luck in your search...
Steve
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
RE: Which Harley?
If you ride fast thru corners, note: the floorboards on a Fatboy will scrub fairly easily. The Softail Custom corners very well for a Harley. Chopper look vrs the low, heavy look. Its up to you!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 96
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RE: Which Harley?
NIght Train...join the dark side.
I don't think there are any softails you will be disappointed with. Pick one and have a great time.
I don't think there are any softails you will be disappointed with. Pick one and have a great time.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,456
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From:
RE: Which Harley?
Go to a dealer that has all of the models on the floor. Take your time, look them all over real good. Sit on them, and get a feel for each one. Figure out what type of riding you want to do. Solo, 2 up, long trips, just around town. Evaluate how each one will meet your needs, and where they fall short.
Then go to the liquor store and get a bottle of your favorite beverage. Go home and open the bottle. Keep drinking until you come up with an answer. [sm=alcoholic.gif]GOOD LUCK!!
Then go to the liquor store and get a bottle of your favorite beverage. Go home and open the bottle. Keep drinking until you come up with an answer. [sm=alcoholic.gif]GOOD LUCK!!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Which Harley?
Even though I've been riding Harley's since the 1970's I'm also 'new to the Softail family', as most of my bikes have been either Choppers or Dynas...
I purchased a FatBoy, and couldn't be happier... Looks great when 'stripped down', but only takes a couple of minutes to go into 'full dress mode' with detachable windshield, saddlebags, and sissy bar/pad/luggage rack.
But I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Softail models, as they are all great bikes..
I purchased a FatBoy, and couldn't be happier... Looks great when 'stripped down', but only takes a couple of minutes to go into 'full dress mode' with detachable windshield, saddlebags, and sissy bar/pad/luggage rack.
But I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Softail models, as they are all great bikes..
