Heritage over street glide?
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
From: Garner, NC
Really? Cruise, radio, too much wind on my hands? Sounds like folks are going soft and should just stay in their cages. When did we lose perspective? What about feeling the wind, listening to the music of the engine? We're riding motorcycles here, not in the back of a limo. That being said, I have an '07 Heritage AND just finished rebuilding a EGC. I've put 50k on the Heritage, toured it all over the country, and have loved every mile. Doubt I ever sell it. Have done enough engine and comfort mods to make it the perfect ride for me. You can bar hop, use it to snag groceries, or knock out a 750 mile day, for me it suits my needs perfect. The EGC has its place too, it was good for a 4000 mile loop including Sturgis this summer. In the end, I don't care for the upright riding pose of the dresser, the Heritage has a more comfortable relaxed, stretched out feel. The EGC is very top heavy compared to the Heritage's lower center of gravity. It's much easier for the back seat rider to mount the softail than the dresser. And every bike nite is littered with the SG crowd, and every other one of them is factory black. Step out side the box and break away from the crowd and personalize the Heritage to suit your fit and taste, then use the extra $$ on your next get away. If ya really want a SG, wait a couple of years for the fad to fade and the market will be littered with them. Just a thought.......
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: NW Arkansas
I just spent two days demoing bikes at Bikes Blues & Barbeque. I have been looking at Harley's for a while and trying to decide. i thought i had made up my mind on the Heritage. Imrode the SG and the RK along with the Heritage and other Softails. For a bagger I like the SG. But can tell you the Heritage won hands down. The ride, handling, ergo's, weight, etc made it a much nicer ride. The SG is great but the front felt very heavy and don't care about the radio since I am a full face helmet rider. Also felt top heavy and difficult to move around. Am 6' so can flat foot easily but still was just more difficult. My riding style is one up and less highway and more scenic roads here in Arkansas. Road the Indian too and Victories. The Vic was in the top 4 and the Indian was the bottom of 8 bikes. Just for what it is worth.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I just say since April 07 the wife and I have put 45k on our Heritage. She's been sitting on the rear for probably for 38K or so of those miles.
The last 5yrs I've done 4 - 5 and 6 day trips riding solo for 8 - 10 hrs a day with my Son on his ST Gld as the wife can't do trips do to Her Medical condition.
My Son is now 34 and in really good shape and I am 63 and not so good with a back that give me issues at times.
All I say is Son has had more complaints and pains with His St Glide on the trips we take VS what I have had ridding our Heritage.
The ST Gld is the better looking bike for most people, all the leather on the Heritage is not for everyone...But they are a great handling town bike and can do a road trip easy in comfort.
.
The last 5yrs I've done 4 - 5 and 6 day trips riding solo for 8 - 10 hrs a day with my Son on his ST Gld as the wife can't do trips do to Her Medical condition.
My Son is now 34 and in really good shape and I am 63 and not so good with a back that give me issues at times.
All I say is Son has had more complaints and pains with His St Glide on the trips we take VS what I have had ridding our Heritage.
The ST Gld is the better looking bike for most people, all the leather on the Heritage is not for everyone...But they are a great handling town bike and can do a road trip easy in comfort.
.
Last edited by oct1949; Sep 23, 2013 at 10:18 PM.
I recently traded my eg ultra limited for a fatboy lo and boy what a different animal. My wife actually likes the sitting position higher on the fatboy cause on the glide she couldn't see the road ahead, she had to look around me. Yes I miss the cruise some days and sometimes the tunes, but I absolutely love the stretched out sitting position of the softail over the touring straight up, I love that I can plant my feet and back the sucker up uphill, and the bottom heavy makes it super easy to drive around NYC. Yes on my next 3-4000 mile trip which I do once a year I'm gonna be bitching but for the rest of the year I'm glad I traded.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Lemont
I had '01 EG from new but always wanted a HC. Always rode solo but wanted to tour. I don't tour like I used to. Sold the EG and bought 2012 HC but had both bikes for 1 year, found myself riding the HC mostly. BEST thing I ever did, for me and my style. I haven't taken on a long trip yet but I can't wait cause I don't want to get off of it! Bagger was just too much bike, top heavy, etc. like mentioned here. I am getting back to basics with a little wind in my face and I don't want a radio. I am diggin' the leather bags. I love the handling, low center of gravity and fittting in the bike, I feel like I am one with the bike. Fits like a glove. Dressin' it up now to my taste. SG and HC really are two different bikes when comparing. No doubt the EG/SC better for highway miles, but I am totally happy with my decision, so I arrive just quite not as comfortable but yet comfortable enought to take this bike anywhere and have lots of FUN! I am a Softie for life, 53 years old now.
I think it all comes down to your riding style.
I think it all comes down to your riding style.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
When I first got into Harley the owners that seem to love their ride the most were heritage owners. They did not care about the latest and greatest or having the superior ride. I always admired that and was the reason I eventually test rode a softail and bought my current heritage. After a 10 hour ride this past Sunday with the temperature in the 40's and 50's and a mixture of city roads, back roads, country roads, highway, and interstate riding I can truly understand why hertiage owners love their bikes so much. I honestly don't think I could have done that ride on any other bike. The heritage versatility is truly amazing.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 3
From: Portage, IN
What do you guys think of this? My friend has a 95 Heritage that he bought two years ago and has put only 200 miles on it. Says he never rides and wants to sell it. He is asking way too much for it and I was thinking after he sits on it for a while that I might try to pick it up. It's got the 80" motor and it's a 5 speed. I don't do a ton of expressway driving. I was told by a few that the 80" motor is excellent and pretty bullet proof. I agree with the softail seating and love the feel of being more planted when riding. It is a very clean bike for sure...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
I just spent two days demoing bikes at Bikes Blues & Barbeque. I have been looking at Harley's for a while and trying to decide. i thought i had made up my mind on the Heritage. Imrode the SG and the RK along with the Heritage and other Softails. For a bagger I like the SG. But can tell you the Heritage won hands down. The ride, handling, ergo's, weight, etc made it a much nicer ride. The SG is great but the front felt very heavy and don't care about the radio since I am a full face helmet rider. Also felt top heavy and difficult to move around. Am 6' so can flat foot easily but still was just more difficult. My riding style is one up and less highway and more scenic roads here in Arkansas. Road the Indian too and Victories. The Vic was in the top 4 and the Indian was the bottom of 8 bikes. Just for what it is worth.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: NW Arkansas
With all the hype on the engine and torque I expected it to be a bit more snappy. Was just nothing special and seemed to run very hot. Hotter than the HD's if you can believe it. Was considering buying but not now. Would rather have a Victory than the Indian. But will stay HD. Am torn between the Heritage and SG. Just can't get the SG out of my mind. But love the old school look of the Heritage. Also so easy to ride.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Lemont
With all the hype on the engine and torque I expected it to be a bit more snappy. Was just nothing special and seemed to run very hot. Hotter than the HD's if you can believe it. Was considering buying but not now. Would rather have a Victory than the Indian. But will stay HD. Am torn between the Heritage and SG. Just can't get the SG out of my mind. But love the old school look of the Heritage. Also so easy to ride.
