Thinking about getting a Softail...All input appreciated
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 494
Likes: 63
From: Bay Area, CA
As you can see from the replies, you will get positive comments for both the Deluxe and the Heritage. IMO, both are great rides, but comfort is a very individual characteristic. Although handlebars, shocks, seats, etc. can be swapped out, you should determine which bike is inherently more comfortable to you and the OL. Meaning, test ride a Deluxe and test ride a Heritage with the wife to see which one just feels more comfortable to you. As far as looks go, you can make each one look like the other, that's easy.
For what it's worth, I'm partial to the Heritage. Like others have implied, if you go used have patience and look for the bike that best fits your budget and plan. I do think your decision would be made easier if you knew which model you preferred before looking.
Good luck. Post back with your decision and pics if you made a purchase.
For what it's worth, I'm partial to the Heritage. Like others have implied, if you go used have patience and look for the bike that best fits your budget and plan. I do think your decision would be made easier if you knew which model you preferred before looking.
Good luck. Post back with your decision and pics if you made a purchase.
The biggest difference that you have to choose is color combo if that is a factor for you, as they use different schemes on the 2 bikes unless you get black. Other than that, you can turn either into the other one with a little work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
From my little bit of research, the Deluxe comes with shorter shocks than the Heritage...can I not put the Heritage shocks on a Deluxe? My understanding was that the frames are the same, so I thought I could do that.
What are the benefits of the Shotgun besides being able to adjust height? Do they ride as well as the stock Heritage shocks as far as two-up and distance of travel?
Sorry for so many questions...going thru the learning curve.
What are the benefits of the Shotgun besides being able to adjust height? Do they ride as well as the stock Heritage shocks as far as two-up and distance of travel?
Sorry for so many questions...going thru the learning curve.
The Deluxe shocks are 1" lower then the Heritage. For 2 up riding they both are weak if the combined weight is over 300+ lbs. I would go with Progressive 422's or the Shotgun on the Deluxe or stick with the stock Heritage shocks at stock height with a little more preload.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
I had a 2010 Heritage(FLSTC) and loved it. Looked good stripped down with no windshield and single seat. Dumped the back rest right away. Put the saddle bags back on full time. They were just too useful and convenient to not have on. Threw windshield on for any ride over ten miles or so. Bike was great for long trips as well as around town. Good luck in your choice.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
The Shotgun shock takes riding to a whole new level, add's TONS of fun and it eats up any adverse road conditions that you come across and it can all be done on the fly. It is by far the best air ride system on the market today. I have tons of mods on my bike and it is the best mod on my bike and that says a lot. I agree with the one reply, it would probably be much easier if you knew what you wanted before you started looking. It is such a "buyers market" these days. If you wait and are patiant I am betting you can probably find a bike that fits you near perfectly with just about everything already done to it that you would like to have.
Thanks guys for all the info.
I do know exactly what I want...just don't know that I will find it.
Deluxe trim (lights, header pipes, fender trim, white wall tires) Heritage or Deluxe floorboards..like them both, can also go either way with the dash
Heritage shocks (or sounds like shotgun is even better...but that price tag hurts)
Heritage bars
Heritage seats (rider and passenger)
QR windshield
Hard bags
Deluxe two tone paint in white and teal (this might be the most difficult to find...probably will have to have it done)
I do know exactly what I want...just don't know that I will find it.
Deluxe trim (lights, header pipes, fender trim, white wall tires) Heritage or Deluxe floorboards..like them both, can also go either way with the dash
Heritage shocks (or sounds like shotgun is even better...but that price tag hurts)
Heritage bars
Heritage seats (rider and passenger)
QR windshield
Hard bags
Deluxe two tone paint in white and teal (this might be the most difficult to find...probably will have to have it done)
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I like the looks of the Deluxe.
Modded out right they are a good looking ride..
I like the ride, seat, and handlebars of the Heritage, oh, and the QR windshield...I ride in some pretty cold weather part of the year.
Ergonomically IMO its one of, if not the best that HD makes
I know I can put all the Heritage parts I like on the Deluxe...but that starts adding up pretty quick.
True
On the Heritage I would be taking off the stock bags. Do want to get hard bags either way for longer trips.
Wondering why.. I do long trips yearly and have never had a issue with the stock bags. They do hold almost as much.
I'll agree I've seen some ST's that looked killer with H-B's on them.
Also, not sure if I want used or new. I do want a 6 speed.
That all up to U and Ur checkbook, There are some good used ones around if U look.. I preferred not to buy a used one because I knew it may be my last and I wanted to know how she was treated and taken care of as the miles rolls on..
The Sixth gear on the 96''ers. IMO is useless until U add some good Low-Mid cams.
Don't know about the new 103's .. still I think they would also benefit with them.
Just sorta thinking out loud here, and hoping to get some input.TIA
Modded out right they are a good looking ride..
I like the ride, seat, and handlebars of the Heritage, oh, and the QR windshield...I ride in some pretty cold weather part of the year.
Ergonomically IMO its one of, if not the best that HD makes
I know I can put all the Heritage parts I like on the Deluxe...but that starts adding up pretty quick.
True
On the Heritage I would be taking off the stock bags. Do want to get hard bags either way for longer trips.
Wondering why.. I do long trips yearly and have never had a issue with the stock bags. They do hold almost as much.
I'll agree I've seen some ST's that looked killer with H-B's on them.
Also, not sure if I want used or new. I do want a 6 speed.
That all up to U and Ur checkbook, There are some good used ones around if U look.. I preferred not to buy a used one because I knew it may be my last and I wanted to know how she was treated and taken care of as the miles rolls on..
The Sixth gear on the 96''ers. IMO is useless until U add some good Low-Mid cams.
Don't know about the new 103's .. still I think they would also benefit with them.
Just sorta thinking out loud here, and hoping to get some input.TIA
IMO overall for the wife and I the Heritage is a perfect bike for us, Only thing I had to change was the wimpy set up for her on the back. I added the over-sized rear pillion, and touring back pad with studs and Detachable Sissy Bar along with Floorboards. They were a must for her comfort. With the stock set-up She could only ride about 1/2 hr before having pain (bad-tailbone). Now she can ride till she just get tired.
Hopes this helps..
Last edited by oct1949; Dec 15, 2012 at 08:34 AM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
Come on man! You live in Mississippi. That's not cold! Come up north. 
I went with the Fatboy this past summer because I felt like it offered the best cross between the Heritage and Deluxe. Plus I love those FAT tires! And it rides fricken' amazing!
I went with the Fatboy this past summer because I felt like it offered the best cross between the Heritage and Deluxe. Plus I love those FAT tires! And it rides fricken' amazing!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 556
Likes: 5
From: wisconsin
While I do not have either of the two bikes you are looking at I do have a fatboy. If you are planning on a lot of superslab trips I would recommend a touring bike. With that said I do at least one big trip a year usually 3-4k. Have done two of those trips two up without issue. I am running a shotgun shock and progressive monotubes up front with a mustang touring seat. I also put on a detachable fairing for those trips and RK custom bags. Got sick of wearing ear buds and the added protection is really nice when you hit rain. I have thought about getting a touring bike numerous times, but I love the versatility that the softails offer. While you could get the same with a RK, it just looks wrong with the bags off. Baggers are the "it" bike right now so a lot of people getting them. You should be able to find a good used softail from someone looking to get a bagger. Mine is an 06 with a 95 inch motor, cams etc. and a 5 speed. While it would be nice to have the 6 speed for those long superslab runs I do not see the need. Even the ones with a six speed are usually ready for a break by the time we need gas. We only run a few mpg's different. Not enough for me to do the upgrade. If I had it all to do over again I think I would have got the heritage cause it would have allowed me to sell off the stock parts that I did not want to help off set the parts I did want. Really wish Harley gave you the option to order one without all the studs on the bags and seat.