Let me preface this by saying I have not ridden in 30 years. I'm about to turn 54 and am looking to get back in the saddle. At this point I really don't see any cross country rides in my future. Mostly weekend and day trips. I have my eyes set on a 2005 Heritage Springer. The bike is in near mint condition with a Stage 1 upgrade. I was wondering if there is any reason to not get a Springer. I really like the looks of the Heritage style retro looking machines and particularly the Springer. As is sits now the bike has wider drag bars which were not comfortable at all. I would work in a Heritage or mini ape bar into the deal, The bike has only 7,000 on the clock. Any input or experiences will be appreciated.

 

Buy the bike you want, you are going to be the one riding it. The springer softails are great looking and great riding bikes. I had one, and I loved it as much as any of the others I've had.

 

Buy a bike that fits your riding and the bike you like. From your post, the Softail will do you right.

 

I currently have an FXSTS and love it, I will admit it likes to go straight line alot more then I was initially use to, but that is part of the fun. As for the bars, get a set up that fits you, where you are comfortable. Dont go with what looks exactly the way you want or visioned. I put Vintage mini Apes with 2" risers and a Lepera seat (soon to be swapped) and that set up fits me and makes it all that much better,,,just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

 

I can say, without reservation, that, provided it was well maintained, you will not go wrong with the bike you are proposing getting.

The bike you are considering is a Softail Springer Classic (FLSTSC), not a Heritage Springer (FLSTS[I]). The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Heritage Springer has a chrome front end, and the Softail Springer Classis has the black front end.

The Springer front end design used on the Heritage Springer and Softail Springer Classic is amazingly well designed and rides better than any H-D telescopic front end I have ever ridden. Do not confuse the FX Springer front end with the FL Springer front end. They are related (similar) in design (there are different brake mounts, fender mounts and geometry differences), but in execution the narrow front wheel on the FX does not play as nice as the wider front wheel on the FL Springer.

You are going to LOVE the bike. A little bit more maintenance on a Springer front end versus the telescopic, but well worth it.

 

Thanks for the feedback and correction.

Mill908, The Mini Apes are exactly what I have in mind for the new bars. I'm hoping I wont need to replace any cables to keep the cost down.

 

FYI - As you may know, springer bars are unique vs. a standard HD bar ... different spacing at the risers.

 

While true in stock form, many options are available for replacing the bars if a new top plate is installed. The top plate is an easy replacement too, and allows for stock risers to be used, thereby all bar options available to regular risers as well.

The Carlini FSAP2 is a great option for this.

As for an FL springer....SprungDave is right. They handle great at pretty much every speed and road type, twisties, straights, sweepers, etc. Though a bit more maintenance, it isn't much more at all. And, there is nothing quite like it for style either.

If it fits your needs and you like the ride, go for it!

 

SeaSoldier, I put a set of CrossBones mini-apes on my 05 with no changes to the cables or lines. It was the cure to those knife in the back beach bars...

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...0&ref=gnr-prev

 

An '05 with 7k miles you cant go wrong. It's a good ride. You dont see alot of them on the road.
As for the fork maintenance. Just have the forks checked every 2500 miles. And keep the neck bearings greased.
The front brake is a single piston which wont stop you on a dime. But, at the same time there is little or no front end dive when braking hard. Ride smart and the brake won't be an issue.
Bought my '05 3yrs. ago. I've made one cross-crountry trip. Rode better than expected.
Best of all they are holding there value. Saw 3 pre 2005 FL springers at Woodstock Harley (ILL.) 2wks ago all were in the 12k-15k price range