Retirement Advice
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Retirement Advice
I plan on retiring next spring and want to do the westward ride thing. Yellowstone etc. I have a 07 SG but I really like the Softail Classic. I would buy a used one for the trip. My head tells me to take the FJR but my heart says ride on of those lumbering HDs. Any advice on the Classic vs the SG for the trip. I am 5'10" 165 lbs and wonder if the Classic is too heavy. I plan on test riding one but a ride around the block is not the same as two weeks in the saddle. I am not new to riding (20 bikes over 40 yrs) and would like some in depth advice on the merits on the Classic's touring ability.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,840
Likes: 17,868
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
You need to to clarify what you mean by Classic, because that word is attached to many different models. I think you mean Heritage Softtail Classic.
One of the great things about the softail frame, regardless of the model, is that it carries it's weight down low and is very well balanced. As a result, a heavy bike will not feel as heavy as it really is due to the low center of gravity. The seat height is also lower on bikes built around the softail frame, so you can get your feet planted easier in parking lots. This becomes a big factor if you are in a situation where you have to back up and you parked at a slight decline. By having a lower seat height, you can stand up over the bike better to back it out when it wants to roll forward.
The downside? The engine is solid mounted compared to the dyna frame and the touring frame are both rubber mounted, although the two rubber mounting systems on those bikes are vastly different. On softails that have any of the twin cam engines, this is compensated for by the use of a balance shaft. In older models that feature the evolution engine, there is no balance shaft.
Personally, I ride a 1995 Heritage Softail Classic. Because it is old, it has the evolution engine and a carburetor instead of fuel injection. It is by far my favorite bike I have ever ridden, but it is not without it's faults. Then again, I don't want to ride something as boring as something with a sewing machine motor powering it.
One of the great things about the softail frame, regardless of the model, is that it carries it's weight down low and is very well balanced. As a result, a heavy bike will not feel as heavy as it really is due to the low center of gravity. The seat height is also lower on bikes built around the softail frame, so you can get your feet planted easier in parking lots. This becomes a big factor if you are in a situation where you have to back up and you parked at a slight decline. By having a lower seat height, you can stand up over the bike better to back it out when it wants to roll forward.
The downside? The engine is solid mounted compared to the dyna frame and the touring frame are both rubber mounted, although the two rubber mounting systems on those bikes are vastly different. On softails that have any of the twin cam engines, this is compensated for by the use of a balance shaft. In older models that feature the evolution engine, there is no balance shaft.
Personally, I ride a 1995 Heritage Softail Classic. Because it is old, it has the evolution engine and a carburetor instead of fuel injection. It is by far my favorite bike I have ever ridden, but it is not without it's faults. Then again, I don't want to ride something as boring as something with a sewing machine motor powering it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
I'm the same height/weight as you. My Heritage is very comfortable on long rides. I have highway pegs but don't even use them. Good on the floorboards all day. You're retired' as I am. Just don't over do it. Nothing but time.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I think Ur saying U have a Super Glide, but not sure if U have a Street Glide..
Either way U'd love a Heritage (if that's the Classic Ur talking about). They sit low, have great balance and the Ergo's are great.
We've had our 07 Heritage for 7 yrs and 46K, And every Yr I do a 6-7 day trip and usually around 2k. We ride 8-10 hrs a day.
IMO, A Heritage is an excellent bike for all around riding, They handle any type of riding in comfort.
IMO< They are the Softail Touring bike
Don't feel big & bulky in town, great for long daily rides and with an added piece of luggage their great on long extended trips. The Ergo's of the stock seat and bars fits most people perfect.
I did learn this summer after My son got me a set of HD HI-WAY pegs, we put them on before the trip.
I love them, MAJOR difference. Took all the pressure off my Knees and hips. At 64 my knees used to get stiff after a days ride, with the pegs, they didn't. I was amazed how much they helped. So, I highly suggest them.
Heritage Seat, after Reading all the Positive comments for YRs in here about how most all Heritage owners love their stock seat, I think more members in here feel the Stock Heritage seat does not need to be Replaced..
For me its the most comfortable seat I've ever had, its better than the Two custom seats I had made.
Thinking 75% or Probably More Heritage owners still have and Love their stock seat. If Mine goes bad, I'll get another stock seat.
Still, no seat will fit everyone. So U'll have to see for Ur self
IF U ride two up, the pillion is different. For the wife's comfort (who has a bad tailbone) I got her the Touring pillion. The stock pillion sucked. Also got Her the bigger Sissy Bar pad and FloorBoards. She now can ride as long as she wants to without pain, VS the stock seating back there she'd hurt after about 1 hr.
.
Either way U'd love a Heritage (if that's the Classic Ur talking about). They sit low, have great balance and the Ergo's are great.
We've had our 07 Heritage for 7 yrs and 46K, And every Yr I do a 6-7 day trip and usually around 2k. We ride 8-10 hrs a day.
IMO, A Heritage is an excellent bike for all around riding, They handle any type of riding in comfort.
IMO< They are the Softail Touring bike
Don't feel big & bulky in town, great for long daily rides and with an added piece of luggage their great on long extended trips. The Ergo's of the stock seat and bars fits most people perfect.
I did learn this summer after My son got me a set of HD HI-WAY pegs, we put them on before the trip.
I love them, MAJOR difference. Took all the pressure off my Knees and hips. At 64 my knees used to get stiff after a days ride, with the pegs, they didn't. I was amazed how much they helped. So, I highly suggest them.
Heritage Seat, after Reading all the Positive comments for YRs in here about how most all Heritage owners love their stock seat, I think more members in here feel the Stock Heritage seat does not need to be Replaced..
For me its the most comfortable seat I've ever had, its better than the Two custom seats I had made.
Thinking 75% or Probably More Heritage owners still have and Love their stock seat. If Mine goes bad, I'll get another stock seat.
Still, no seat will fit everyone. So U'll have to see for Ur self
IF U ride two up, the pillion is different. For the wife's comfort (who has a bad tailbone) I got her the Touring pillion. The stock pillion sucked. Also got Her the bigger Sissy Bar pad and FloorBoards. She now can ride as long as she wants to without pain, VS the stock seating back there she'd hurt after about 1 hr.
.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Personally, I'd love to have a SG for long trips but that's never going to happen.
But what is this "retirement" you speak of. I think I might be financially able to when I'm 80 but not before.
But what is this "retirement" you speak of. I think I might be financially able to when I'm 80 but not before.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 1
If you mean Street Glide and are looking at a Heritage, these guys are correct. I just took out a 2014 Street Glide and a 2013 Heritage. The Heritage felt more balanced and nimble. I'm 5'7" and 150 lbs. Heritage was very comfortable and I could back it up easier than the Street Glide. I felt like I sat in the bike vs on top of it. Also the passenger pillion felt like it have me some lower back support that will come in handy on longer rides. Can't wait to pick up my new 2013 Heritage.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
I've always thought the Heritage has the most comfortable riding position of any bike Harley makes. Whatever bike you choose I hope you have a great time on your trip and enjoy your retirement.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
My son is 34 and Loves His St Glide looks, but in private he'll tell U that my Heritage actually is a better ride.
He likes the seat and bar height on the Heritage better.
His buddy did loan him an Ultra seat one time that he put on his SG for a trip. He said that made a major improvement in seat comfort, but shore didn't look as good.
.
He likes the seat and bar height on the Heritage better.
His buddy did loan him an Ultra seat one time that he put on his SG for a trip. He said that made a major improvement in seat comfort, but shore didn't look as good.
.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I don't think you can beat a Softail for the long haul. I have a Deluxe and I plan on retiring next year, if I don't chicken out that is. I have spent the last 2 years getting my bike ready for retirement and the long haul. The Deluxe is not that much different than the Heritage. With what I did with my suspension, my bars and my seat I would not be afraid to go from coast to coast on this thing and I have some significant injuries and pain that I deal with too. There are things you can do to your Softail that will make it feel like you are going down the road on a lazy boy. I don't know that you could achieve the same thing on the touring frames. I also agree I would rather be on a bike where I feel like I am sitting in it rather than on top of it.
P.S., if you don't mind talking about retirement with me shoot me a private message. I would rather you contact me if your comfortable rather than me bothering you by sending you something and asking questions.
P.S., if you don't mind talking about retirement with me shoot me a private message. I would rather you contact me if your comfortable rather than me bothering you by sending you something and asking questions.
Last edited by tbonetony06; Oct 13, 2013 at 01:10 PM.