Thinking about getting a Softail...All input appreciated
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I won't reiterate a lot of the good points already made. I own both bikes (heavily modified Deluxe & Heritage), just keep in mind if you are over say 5-9" you will definitely have to dump the stock seat on the Deluxe (and the stock passenger pillon is very uncomfortable for the wife) which positions you practically on the tank. Good luck! Both are great bikes! SJ Ron
I ride quite a bit in the 30's and 40's and some down in the 20's. At 54 a windshield is nice in those temps.
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I won't reiterate a lot of the good points already made. I own both bikes (heavily modified Deluxe & Heritage), just keep in mind if you are over say 5-9" you will definitely have to dump the stock seat on the Deluxe (and the stock passenger pillon is very uncomfortable for the wife) which positions you practically on the tank. Good luck! Both are great bikes! SJ Ron
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..
Hopes this helps..
On the hard bags...I just don't like the look of the Heritage bags.
With the right tune and stage 1 set up I am not having any trouble getting good use out of 6th gear on 96's and 103's with no cams...at least on the A motors, hope I can get similar results with a B motor.
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.
Have had a few baggers. Unfortunately I got nailed by a cage about 2 years ago, 20 broken bones, some permanent disability. Can't hold up a bagger anymore.
For our multi-day/week trips with the wife we take the TG, and I have been using my sporty for my daily rider and for shorter rides with the wife. It is getting torn down and coming back to life as a solo bike over the next few months...(plus it was never that comfortable for her anyway)
She likes the ride on the Softail, and it will be my new daily rider.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
From: Alexandria VA
Totally agree w/suntower. These days, craigslist, ebay, youtube, you can find a good bike from almost any year and a huge variety of various options. Plus, guys that don't want to winterize are anxious to sell. Hertiage Fan.
Deal on the 2011 did not happen. Tomorrow I am hoping to close a deal on a 2012 with 3700 miles.
Thanks for all the help.
Thanks for all the help.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
From: Alexandria VA
End of story?
So did you get the '12? I just saw an '07 FLSTC on ebay that looks amazing. Only 4K miles on it. Bidding is up over $13K right now and it's in houston. Just in case. Hope ya get what you want, great start to the new year!