Which softtail?
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 689
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From: Beatrice, Nebraska
Which softtail?
I am currently riding a 1200cc sporty, but am trying to sell it & thinking of going to a softtail. I'm 52, 5' 7" tall, & weigh about 165lbs. I've hadthe Sportyright at a year now, but it's the first bike I've ridden in 30 yrs. I'm not new to bikes as I raced motocross when I was younger, & did own a Suzuki street bike at one time. I'm looking for something with a lower c/g, & a smoother ride, that's not quite as throttle happy as my sporty. I've sat on a couple of heritage softtail classics, & they seem to fit me pretty good as far as reaching the ground flat footed. What is the difference, if any, in the ride, balance, & characteristics in general of the different softtail models?Thanks.
Frank
Frank
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
RE: Which softtail?
The only softails I've ridden are my Fatboy, a Heritage and a Standard. I felt really, really cramped on both the Heritage and the Standard. My Fatboy fits me just fine. But then I'm 6' tall and like to stretch out a bit.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which softtail?
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)..
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 689
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From: Beatrice, Nebraska
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)..
They are cool though.I'm not so much asking which bike I should buy, or which one is better, but rather what the characteristic differences are. I just want something I can cruise down the highway comfortably on. Not coast to coast or anything, just weekend trips.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which softtail?
I'm 53, 5' 10' and I'm luv'in my Deluxe...Don't concern yourself with either...Find the one that looks good and feels good to YOU....Later.....
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 12
From: Western, MA.
RE: Which softtail?
The Heritage, Fatboys and the Delux's have the heavier front forks. These bikes are a little better suited for longer rides.
The Standards, Night Trains, Deuces and Custom Softails have the lighter front ends and are lighter bikes in general.
Just thought I'd mention that fact in case you wern't aware of it.
Good luck with you decision.
Whatever model you pick................your gonna love it! [sm=smiley20.gif]
The Standards, Night Trains, Deuces and Custom Softails have the lighter front ends and are lighter bikes in general.
Just thought I'd mention that fact in case you wern't aware of it.
Good luck with you decision.
Whatever model you pick................your gonna love it! [sm=smiley20.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which softtail?
I can help you spend your money!! Buy Fat Boy great bike and low to ground and if not low enough you can get the lower swingarm shock another inch or two or get lower seat, I'm 5'10 185lbs. ride's perfect for me, no change's, and not to get anyone upset, I think they hold re sell well , I have owned many bike's in my life, been riding since 12, but last 4 bike's I have owned have been Fat Boy's, I don't travel across country so I don't need all the stuff that come's on bagger's and other touring bike's, so try to keep simple, and when I want to buy new bike the Fat Boy is not hard to sell if you don't bugger up, but your money and my 2 or 3cent's, GOOD LUCK!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 140
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From:
RE: Which softtail?
ORIGINAL: Trash Rat
Well if a road king is like an older older guys bike (fortys), what the hell do I need, (I'm 52), a trike?? They are cool though.
I'm not so much asking which bike I should buy, or which one is better, but rather what the characteristic differences are. I just want something I can cruise down the highway comfortably on. Not coast to coast or anything, just weekend trips.
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)..
They are cool though.I'm not so much asking which bike I should buy, or which one is better, but rather what the characteristic differences are. I just want something I can cruise down the highway comfortably on. Not coast to coast or anything, just weekend trips.
You dont need a trike.lo. I tried to make it clear that thats just my weird way of looking at Harleys.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
RE: Which softtail?
I'd say the Springer or Fatboy...but to each their own.
I got the fatboy...it's my second Harley, first one was Dyna lowrider
Dont get me wrong I like the fatboy but the Screaming Eagle 07 Springer is... awesome
In the future my next bike will prob be a springer... but right now having a awesome time with my fatty
I got the fatboy...it's my second Harley, first one was Dyna lowrider
Dont get me wrong I like the fatboy but the Screaming Eagle 07 Springer is... awesome
In the future my next bike will prob be a springer... but right now having a awesome time with my fatty