Which softtail?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
RE: Which softtail?
I'd second what Alein Spider said. My preference is for the fx bikes, with the lighter front end, but that's just my preference. I'd try to ride as many as you can to see how they feel, but in my experience you can get used to any of them; they're not that much different. That is, I'd just pickthe one I like the looks of and not worry about the ergonomics. I'm about your height, and I particularly like the night train, even though with the drag bars a lot of people, regardless of height, feel a little too stretched. I actuallylike that a lot. Now I have a softail springer, 06 fxstsi, but I'd be happy with any of them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 1
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RE: Which softtail?
I have an Ultra, and love that ride.. but it's not what you are looking for at this time. You REALLY would be surprised at how EASY it is to handle!
Before I bought the Ultra, I always thought I'd like to have a Heritage. I rode one at a demo, and was disappointed.I thought is was very slow in the handling department. I hated the bars, but that is something that is easily changed. Maybe that would have made the difference for me.
Last September, we bought a Deluxe for the little lady. This bike is unbelievable! It had a VERY light feel in the front end, even though it has the larger forks. We put mini-apes from a Softail Custom, and it helped even more. It is comfortable, and very smooth. I haven't riden it a long distance, yet... only about 150 miles in a ride, but I love it!
Don't be afraid of a Road King. I rode a RK Classic, and it felt heavy, slow handling, but powerful. I also rode a RK Custom, and LOVED that bike. It's a little lower, and I liked the beach bars. It just felt better to me. But, these are just my impressions.
I've also rented a Street Glide for 3 days. THAT BIKE WAS FANTASTIC!! If you ride 2 up, you MUST chance out the seat, and add a backrest for the little lady!, but great handling, just a fun ride!
Don't be intimidated about the size of a Road King or Electr Glide. You would be surprised at how easy they are to ride. I hadn't ridden in 19 years before I got my Ultra. Jumped on, and haven't looked back.....[sm=biker2.gif]
Ride safe!
Before I bought the Ultra, I always thought I'd like to have a Heritage. I rode one at a demo, and was disappointed.I thought is was very slow in the handling department. I hated the bars, but that is something that is easily changed. Maybe that would have made the difference for me.
Last September, we bought a Deluxe for the little lady. This bike is unbelievable! It had a VERY light feel in the front end, even though it has the larger forks. We put mini-apes from a Softail Custom, and it helped even more. It is comfortable, and very smooth. I haven't riden it a long distance, yet... only about 150 miles in a ride, but I love it!
Don't be afraid of a Road King. I rode a RK Classic, and it felt heavy, slow handling, but powerful. I also rode a RK Custom, and LOVED that bike. It's a little lower, and I liked the beach bars. It just felt better to me. But, these are just my impressions.
I've also rented a Street Glide for 3 days. THAT BIKE WAS FANTASTIC!! If you ride 2 up, you MUST chance out the seat, and add a backrest for the little lady!, but great handling, just a fun ride!
Don't be intimidated about the size of a Road King or Electr Glide. You would be surprised at how easy they are to ride. I hadn't ridden in 19 years before I got my Ultra. Jumped on, and haven't looked back.....[sm=biker2.gif]
Ride safe!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
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RE: Which softtail?
Ive ridin, my '05 Springer, an '06 Night Train, a '04 Heritage Classic, and a '06 Fatboy, it really comes down to foot and seating posistion, both of which can be changed down the road. I prefer forward controls on the FX line. Sitting up with floor boards (FL) dosent do it for me. Best thing you can do is rent some, sit on buddies bikes. In the end get the bike you like the best even if its 90% looks, the comfort level is easily obtainable with aftermarket goodies. If you look at a bike and say "thats the one" then get it, dont regret buying something else..........[sm=goodidea.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,156
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RE: Which softtail?
ORIGINAL: chivohead666
I like them all, all the softails. I went with the night train cause it suits me. I love black and im into Metal so its really my taste. I initially wanted a deluxe but its too pretty for me. Dont get me wrong thats the next bike on my list but I feel like thats more of an older guy type bike(30's) I feel the deuce custom nightrain and standard are more young guy bikesThe road king is like an older older guy bike to me(forty's) I would suggest test riding a few and go with what you like and feel more confy in. Its just my opinion so no offence to a 18 year old on a roadking. Just my opinion (point of view)..
I like them all, all the softails. I went with the night train cause it suits me. I love black and im into Metal so its really my taste. I initially wanted a deluxe but its too pretty for me. Dont get me wrong thats the next bike on my list but I feel like thats more of an older guy type bike(30's) I feel the deuce custom nightrain and standard are more young guy bikesThe road king is like an older older guy bike to me(forty's) I would suggest test riding a few and go with what you like and feel more confy in. Its just my opinion so no offence to a 18 year old on a roadking. Just my opinion (point of view)..
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Which softtail?
Lots of good advice as usual. Good advice on the renting, it's pretty cheap and will give you a full test ride. I chose the Deuce cause of looks like most but also because the '07 was lowered a full inch to a 25in seat hight with rider. I also wanted the forward controls and personally don't like floor boards. I also don't do a lot of long hauling. My first preferance though is ride height and position. When I get on my Deuce it is almost like the bike was taylor made for me, my feet are flat on the ground and when I'm moving I'm completely stretched out at 5'9". Let us know what you decide.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, Nebraska
RE: Which softtail?
I do love the looks of the springer classic, & noone around here has one that I know of, but the heritage comes with the saddle bags, floorboards, & windshield. I have ridden a friends Yamaha 1100 that had floorboards,(actually he wanted to try my sportster), & I liked the floorboards. I'll more than likely be looking for a used bike as finances won't allow a brand new one. It's starting to warm up here in Nebraska, so I'll be heading to the dealership soon to try some different models on for size. Thanks again for all of the great advice guys.
Frank
Frank
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 97
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RE: Which softtail?
I'm 5' 7" and 160 lbs (the more important measurment is my 30" inseam), I ride a Deuce and it was a mighty goodfit until I lowered it and inch and a half (parts to do so cost me $20) at which time it became a near perfect fit. The addition of a set oflate model FLST bars to bring the grips back to my handsallows me to sit upright like a man ought to when riding and brought the combination to perfection.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 119
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RE: Which softtail?
Renting is definitely the way to go. My two cents are that if you are coming off of sporty... the standard, night train, duece type bike probably will feel more like what you are used to. Not that any of the other bikes are unmanageable... I just think that any one of these would be similar to what you are used to. I have ridden all three of these and like different things about each... I personally chose the night train because i liked the no nonsense styling it had, but to each his own and whatever you choose you're still out there with two fists in the wind on a HD.. so how bad could whatever bike you choose really be?
Chris
Chris