why is a softail good or bad ?
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 64
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From: foster city
why is a softail good or bad ?
my dad wants to buy a softail. he already has a road glide but he wants the softail to be more of a summer bike (flashier, less wind blockage). what are the pros and cons of how it rides, how it is mechanically, how the suspension feels, etc. i want to know all aspects before i tell him yes or no.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: southern IL
This is an "opinion" thread, so you'll get the whole gammit.
MY opinion on the Softail is mostly looks and the feel like I'm married to the road on a Softail. I've stripped my Fatboy down even more than it comes stock, because I look the simple rubber-meets-the-road look. Some people take a Fatboy and add bags, windshield, leg shields, highway bars, etc. The versatility of it is pretty cool that way.
As far as how a Softail compares to a RG, it won't be as cushy because it won't have the air ride (stock, anyway) and windshields are optional. Also depends on what Softail; Fatboy, Heritage, Deluxe, Standard, Custom, etc.
I'd suggest he takes a few test rides and goes with what feels good.
MY opinion on the Softail is mostly looks and the feel like I'm married to the road on a Softail. I've stripped my Fatboy down even more than it comes stock, because I look the simple rubber-meets-the-road look. Some people take a Fatboy and add bags, windshield, leg shields, highway bars, etc. The versatility of it is pretty cool that way.
As far as how a Softail compares to a RG, it won't be as cushy because it won't have the air ride (stock, anyway) and windshields are optional. Also depends on what Softail; Fatboy, Heritage, Deluxe, Standard, Custom, etc.
I'd suggest he takes a few test rides and goes with what feels good.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
I have a FB and RGU.
The FB is fun to ride sits low easy to throw around just plain frees cool to ride.
A bit lighter 760 VS 900 pounds.
The RGU rides better easier to take stuff along better in foul weather.
That is why I have two two different rides.
The FB is fun to ride sits low easy to throw around just plain frees cool to ride.
A bit lighter 760 VS 900 pounds.
The RGU rides better easier to take stuff along better in foul weather.
That is why I have two two different rides.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
I would compare the two bikes to the RG as being a nice smooth Cadillac ride and a Softail as more of a roadster where you feel more connected to the road. I have owned a couple of touring bikes and liked them a lot but when it came to replacing my SG I wanted to have a bike that was lighter and more stripped down. If I could have both I would.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
my dad wants to buy a softail. he already has a road glide but he wants the softail to be more of a summer bike (flashier, less wind blockage). what are the pros and cons of how it rides, how it is mechanically, how the suspension feels, etc. i want to know all aspects before i tell him yes or no.
Last edited by Tailsfrommycrib; Feb 22, 2013 at 07:49 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Central Jersey
It's bad because you can't ride it in the snow, so you just sit there..staring at it...until it's warm outside again.. I'm pretty sure it spoke to me.. ..
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 12
From: Palm Bay
Well I have a SG and a FB lo. The SG handles better and has better brakes. For long trips it is better bike. Infact I don't know where the lo has an advantage over the SG, but every time I ride it I have a stupid grin on my face. If I had to choose one it would be the lo and I can't give you a practical reason why.
