Thinking about trading....
Thinking about trading....
From my FLHTK to either a heritage softail or a fat boy.
I know some of you might think I'm crazy but my 2011 glide is my first Harley and when I bought it I just wanted the biggest and the best. Now 2 years later I'm done having the biggest and the best and am looking to get something ill really enjoy and something that will fit me better.
Don't get me wrong the glide rides awesome and I love it BUT when I ride in NYC which is where I work or just run local stuff I find it too big, and being that I'm a short guy 5'7 28 inseam I've always had issues with the height and balance of the bike.
So my shopping around has ended with a choice of 2 models that really fit me and I love the look, the heritage softail and the fat boy. I must have saddlebags and a windshield so it's nice that the heritage comes with that but I hate spoked wheels ( heard too many stories ) and it looks like they only come with spokes, so I can get the fat boy and add a windshield & bags and I'd probably add aux lights. The question is what are the differences between the heritage and the fat boy ridewise do they ride at the same comfort? Is there anything about any if those 2 that would make a big difference to me?
I know some of you might think I'm crazy but my 2011 glide is my first Harley and when I bought it I just wanted the biggest and the best. Now 2 years later I'm done having the biggest and the best and am looking to get something ill really enjoy and something that will fit me better.
Don't get me wrong the glide rides awesome and I love it BUT when I ride in NYC which is where I work or just run local stuff I find it too big, and being that I'm a short guy 5'7 28 inseam I've always had issues with the height and balance of the bike.
So my shopping around has ended with a choice of 2 models that really fit me and I love the look, the heritage softail and the fat boy. I must have saddlebags and a windshield so it's nice that the heritage comes with that but I hate spoked wheels ( heard too many stories ) and it looks like they only come with spokes, so I can get the fat boy and add a windshield & bags and I'd probably add aux lights. The question is what are the differences between the heritage and the fat boy ridewise do they ride at the same comfort? Is there anything about any if those 2 that would make a big difference to me?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 87,491
From: Western South Dakota
My advice is I would keep the limited, take off the tour pak, put on some lower shocks and keep ridin' it.
Nothin' rides as nice as a bagger.
You will see that too once you get the height right for you.
Much less expensive than going w/another bike.
Trust me.
Nothin' rides as nice as a bagger.
You will see that too once you get the height right for you.
Much less expensive than going w/another bike.
Trust me.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: boston
lionsm13 is right about it being cheaper in the long run, but from one short guy to another you will like softail ride much better. I had a bagger, moved to boston area and found bike to be too much for shorter commutes in urban traffic...my fatboy lo is the perfect bike for my riding and stature, i got used to stereo, bags, and fairing, so admittedly i do have those all for my lo, it really gets peoples attention, very happy with switch sounds like you would be too.
I've tried putting lower shocks, had my seat lowered but even tough I can reach the ground I just don't have that feeling of full control especially if riding 2 up. I always get tense in parking lots that are uneven e.t.c, whereas the softail I actually can stand up and straddle the bike feeling in control. Decisions decisions.... I guess I'll see what kind of deal they're gonna offer me at the dealer and make my decision.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
Last month I traded my 2012 RoadGlide Ultra in on a 2013 Softail Deluxe. Ive been on a Harley Tour bike owner for many years. I must say, I'm have a smile every time I ride the deluxe. I'm 5'9" and the deluxe feels roomy for me and I feel I made a great choice to trade. A softail is no tour bike as you already know but the softail line is no joke. These things ride as good as they look.
Good luck with your choice.
Ride safe.
T
Good luck with your choice.
Ride safe.
T
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 168
From: WPB, FL
I sat on a Deluxe the other day at the dealer and let me tell you, it felt right! I always thought that if/when I went back to a "smaller" bike it would be to a Sporty but I'm kinda liking the Deluxe. The bottom line is buy what you like. I'll keep my King for as long as the wife continues to ride with me but when the time comes -
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
Until recently I have always ridden fat, big bikes. Valkyrie, Road King, BMW LT.
I switched to lighter lower bikes as I got older and have never regretted it.
In the last two months I got a Fatboy Low and it's the best handling bike at low speeds I have ever had. Not as plush as a tourer, but more involving and enjoyable especially around town.
How bad your dealer will screw you is another story. HD dealers are pros at this.
I think you're better off to sell even at a bargain basement price.
I switched to lighter lower bikes as I got older and have never regretted it.
In the last two months I got a Fatboy Low and it's the best handling bike at low speeds I have ever had. Not as plush as a tourer, but more involving and enjoyable especially around town.
How bad your dealer will screw you is another story. HD dealers are pros at this.
I think you're better off to sell even at a bargain basement price.
Trending Topics
Until recently I have always ridden fat, big bikes. Valkyrie, Road King, BMW LT.
I switched to lighter lower bikes as I got older and have never regretted it.
In the last two months I got a Fatboy Low and it's the best handling bike at low speeds I have ever had. Not as plush as a tourer, but more involving and enjoyable especially around town.
How bad your dealer will screw you is another story. HD dealers are pros at this.
I think you're better off to sell even at a bargain basement price.
I switched to lighter lower bikes as I got older and have never regretted it.
In the last two months I got a Fatboy Low and it's the best handling bike at low speeds I have ever had. Not as plush as a tourer, but more involving and enjoyable especially around town.
How bad your dealer will screw you is another story. HD dealers are pros at this.
I think you're better off to sell even at a bargain basement price.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I don't think your question was answered. There nothing crazy about getting the bike you want. Motorcycles are all about having fun and if you have more fun on a different bike than you should get that bike. I traded in my 2009 road king and 2011 limited for the softails I have now. I absolutely love my heritage and it fits ME and MY riding need perfectly. I test rode a fatboy and a heritage (which I suggest you do as well) and the difference wasn't major but the fatboy stirring was alittle heavier but felt more solid in a straight line. I rode the fatboy lo so the lean angle was a little less than the heritage. They are both great bikes so it will come down to fit and preference. Don't worry about the spokes. I have never had a problem with the spokes on different bikes I have owned. Good luck with your choice and let us know what you decided on.
