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If you're gonna go used... make a list of "must haves" and "wants".
Figure out some kind of guesstimates to add any of those things to a bike that doesn't have them, and wait for the right bike to come up for sale that hits your budget (considering the flooded used market... it shouldn't take long). Basically... don't discount anything... let the market decide what you end up with. You might find that perfect Deluxe with everything added that you want... or a Heritage that somebody else has already stripped down and lowered for the Deluxe look. You never know...
I prefer used bikes... let somebody else eat the depreciation on the bike and all the goodies they added.
I enjoyed my 95flstn very much except the braking power which in hind sight I could have upgraded the brakes but I sold her. Put 8k additional miles in the year I had her. I like a more upright ridding position. The Deluxe is a nice classic ride with a ton of potential with a nice ride. I did a lot of 300 mile rides and always enjoyed every mile.
"I like the ride, seat, and handlebars of the Heritage, oh, and the QR ...I ride in some pretty cold weather part of the year." There's your answer LOL.
I think it all comes down to how much you are going to use the bike. If it's the second (or third) bike in the stable, I would lean more to the Deluxe. Why? If you love the look of a Deluxe, nothing else will do.
On the other hand, if it's going to be the only bike you ride, the Heritage has all the nice goodies included....bags, windshield, comfy seat. I also found the stock Deluxe (which was what I thought I was going to buy) a little cramped, even for my average 5' 10" frame.
OR...get a Fatboy. Everyone knows it's the best Harley made
Last edited by Smileman; Dec 13, 2012 at 07:07 AM.
The part to make the bags on the Heritage quick release is only about $170. Then you will have a bike that can look like a Deluxe, or Heritage, depending on your needs.
I just purchased a 2013 flstc. I purchased it because it fit me perfectly and it suited my needs (touring with my wife and riding around town). I didn't see anything about a budget so either would be fine. If you do have a budget the heritage is probably one of the best values that Harley offers. I got a great deal on my 2013 flstc with wheel option, color option, abs and security.
I got a Deluxe cause it looks better to me than Heritage. I don't like the studs on the seats and bags or the square lights on the fenders on the Heritage.
Plus most people end up switching out seat and bars anyway so pick which works best for you.
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