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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 447
Likes: 55
From: Seattle area
New to the SOFTAIL forum
Hello - - just purchased a 2008 Softail Classic. Have been ridding a 1200 C Sporty, which I really like, but wanted something bigger for road trips. Ride home from purchase was 190 miles, and I like the ride, but need some back road miles to get use to how it handles. It weighs about 175 pounds more than the Sporty which is a concern with parking, and slow speed handling.
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
Hello - - just purchased a 2008 Softail Classic. Have been ridding a 1200 C Sporty, which I really like, but wanted something bigger for road trips. Ride home from purchase was 190 miles, and I like the ride, but need some back road miles to get use to how it handles. It weighs about 175 pounds more than the Sporty which is a concern with parking, and slow speed handling.
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
Just because the heel shifter is there does not mean you have to use it.
I'd leave it on...I use mine every now and then and am happy it is there when I want it.
Re: slow speed handling- get one of the vids Ride Like a Pro and use the friction zone...feathering the clutch and using the rear brake in slow speed maneuvers. I find my softail as easy or easier in slow speed handling as my Sporty.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,092
Likes: 13,022
From: Texas, USA
Congrats on the new ride.
Just because the heel shifter is there does not mean you have to use it.
I'd leave it on...I use mine every now and then and am happy it is there when I want it.
Re: slow speed handling- get one of the vids Ride Like a Pro and use the friction zone...feathering the clutch and using the rear brake in slow speed maneuvers. I find my softail as easy or easier in slow speed handling as my Sporty.
Just because the heel shifter is there does not mean you have to use it.
I'd leave it on...I use mine every now and then and am happy it is there when I want it.
Re: slow speed handling- get one of the vids Ride Like a Pro and use the friction zone...feathering the clutch and using the rear brake in slow speed maneuvers. I find my softail as easy or easier in slow speed handling as my Sporty.
Enjoy the Softail. As Kevin indicated, leave the heel shifter on for now. As you put more miles on the bike, you may find you prefer it on. I use mine frequently on my Heritage. Right now, it is just new and different to you.
As far as handling goes, the techniques are all the same in handling any motorcycle. It is just a matter of becoming familiar with the larger, heavier bike. Go to a parking lot and practice slow speed maneuvers, tight radius turns, parking, etc.
Ride safe.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,287
Likes: 2,378
From: Florida
I agree you should leave the heel shifter on. I use mine about 95 percent of the time. Turns out it's much easier than the toe shifter once you get used to it.
Only time I use toe shifter now is to get neutral.
Handling -- Just take it slow and learn the angles.
Only time I use toe shifter now is to get neutral.
Handling -- Just take it slow and learn the angles.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 545
Likes: 3
From: Empire State
Hello - - just purchased a 2008 Softail Classic. Have been ridding a 1200 C Sporty, which I really like, but wanted something bigger for road trips. Ride home from purchase was 190 miles, and I like the ride, but need some back road miles to get use to how it handles. It weighs about 175 pounds more than the Sporty which is a concern with parking, and slow speed handling.
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
The heel shifter is a bit of a challenge, so I may remove it. Am having all the fluids changed to Synthetics.
What are some thoughts on the heel shifter - - pro and con. and how about learning how to handle a heavier bike.
Cheers,
Balloo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Welcome from the Chicago area. You are going to learn and get used to your bike and when you do is when you will really start having fun. I agree, leave the heal shifter on. If for no other reason than it helps maintain that "Nostalgic" look. Time and practice is about all I have to offer in the area of learning slow maneuver moves and handling of your bike. Because it sits lower I find it's easier to handle than most any other bikes. Just use caution in curves so you don't drag, dig in and go into the grass. Ride safe and enjoy your new bike.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
Welcome to the Soft side.
I'll disagree with most of those above, and say remove the heal shifter if you don't like it, but give it some time and see how you like after logging some miles.
I removed mine because I wear a size 12 and when wearing riding boots, there was zero room on my boards to move my feet around. I haven't missed it.
I'll disagree with most of those above, and say remove the heal shifter if you don't like it, but give it some time and see how you like after logging some miles.
I removed mine because I wear a size 12 and when wearing riding boots, there was zero room on my boards to move my feet around. I haven't missed it.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Welcome to the Softail world. You will enjoy it. As far as the heel shifter goes, I got rid on mine. I can never get used to it either.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 3
From: Virginia raised, stationed in Alaska
Welcome to the Soft side.
I'll disagree with most of those above, and say remove the heal shifter if you don't like it, but give it some time and see how you like after logging some miles.
I removed mine because I wear a size 12 and when wearing riding boots, there was zero room on my boards to move my feet around. I haven't missed it.
I'll disagree with most of those above, and say remove the heal shifter if you don't like it, but give it some time and see how you like after logging some miles.
I removed mine because I wear a size 12 and when wearing riding boots, there was zero room on my boards to move my feet around. I haven't missed it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
Welcome to the Softail side of the force 
We went from an '06 Sporty 1200C to the 2012 Heritage you see in our sig.
Yes it is a heavier bike but I find that it does handle better than the Sporty as it has a LOWER center of gravity, the Sporty is top heavy, Don't ask me how I know it is a LONG story
, and it does not get blown around in the wind like the sporty does.
I took the Heritage out into the dealership parking lot when I picked her up and practiced some SLOW speed maneuvers and as others have said learn how to feather the clutch and the lean angles when cornering. Been lucky haven't dragged the floor boards yet but I will, oh well.
After getting use to the handling and the ride might I suggest the installation of the Shotgun Shock air suspension system. You will NOT believe how much your ride will improve even when riding two up and it is adjustable on the fly.
Again welcome and have some fun riding.
We went from an '06 Sporty 1200C to the 2012 Heritage you see in our sig.
Yes it is a heavier bike but I find that it does handle better than the Sporty as it has a LOWER center of gravity, the Sporty is top heavy, Don't ask me how I know it is a LONG story
, and it does not get blown around in the wind like the sporty does.I took the Heritage out into the dealership parking lot when I picked her up and practiced some SLOW speed maneuvers and as others have said learn how to feather the clutch and the lean angles when cornering. Been lucky haven't dragged the floor boards yet but I will, oh well.
After getting use to the handling and the ride might I suggest the installation of the Shotgun Shock air suspension system. You will NOT believe how much your ride will improve even when riding two up and it is adjustable on the fly.
Again welcome and have some fun riding.