FXRT or Softail ???
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Stage II
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Southern Illinois
FXRT or Softail ???
I had an 1984 FXRT with Wiseco's and a cam that came in low, pulled hard, handled nimble and loved the ride ... what's not to like?
Well, I've been off the scoot for far too long and looking to get back up on two wheels again, with the Heritage & Deluxe catching my eye for more of an old school look than the RT.
I never liked the handling of the stock Heritage or Deluxe when I decided to buy my FXRT. But lately I have taken out both a Heritage and a Deluxe that had 21" front wheels and the handling was more to my liking, so they are contenders.
I'm trying to figure out whether to look for an Evo or a TC, but I'm leaning Evo. I've taken out the 96 and an 88 with Big Bore Kit and figure I'll still need to change out the cam to get the response I like as neither of the newer rides did it for me ... so, I'm probably looking at going with an Evo again and skip out on the chain vs. gear issue.
But, I've got a few questions at pro's / con's for different approaches to get what I'm looking for.
1) FXR(T,S,P,C) and style toward Heritage/Deluxe
2) Softail Standard/Custom and style toward Heritage/Deluxe
3) Heritage/Deluxe and change to 21" up front
Since the Softail is on either an FX or FL frame ... what considerations should I know about the diff in ride/handling for the Evo Softails, or any other pro's/con's between the FX/FL choice, such as engine mounting/vibration. Some say that the vibe on the Evo Softails is notorious ... is the rigid mount the same for Softails in both FX and FL frames? And is that throughout the power band or in certain spots?
Looking to find a ride over the winter ... anything you guys can offer up about Evo Softails would be sweet. Kinda looking for the RT handling again, but this time with a lot more attitude (and maybe a few more pounds to carry).
Thanks.
Well, I've been off the scoot for far too long and looking to get back up on two wheels again, with the Heritage & Deluxe catching my eye for more of an old school look than the RT.
I never liked the handling of the stock Heritage or Deluxe when I decided to buy my FXRT. But lately I have taken out both a Heritage and a Deluxe that had 21" front wheels and the handling was more to my liking, so they are contenders.
I'm trying to figure out whether to look for an Evo or a TC, but I'm leaning Evo. I've taken out the 96 and an 88 with Big Bore Kit and figure I'll still need to change out the cam to get the response I like as neither of the newer rides did it for me ... so, I'm probably looking at going with an Evo again and skip out on the chain vs. gear issue.
But, I've got a few questions at pro's / con's for different approaches to get what I'm looking for.
1) FXR(T,S,P,C) and style toward Heritage/Deluxe
2) Softail Standard/Custom and style toward Heritage/Deluxe
3) Heritage/Deluxe and change to 21" up front
Since the Softail is on either an FX or FL frame ... what considerations should I know about the diff in ride/handling for the Evo Softails, or any other pro's/con's between the FX/FL choice, such as engine mounting/vibration. Some say that the vibe on the Evo Softails is notorious ... is the rigid mount the same for Softails in both FX and FL frames? And is that throughout the power band or in certain spots?
Looking to find a ride over the winter ... anything you guys can offer up about Evo Softails would be sweet. Kinda looking for the RT handling again, but this time with a lot more attitude (and maybe a few more pounds to carry).
Thanks.
Last edited by RustyFXRT; Dec 13, 2013 at 04:54 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Lula,GA
Welcome to the the forum! I have very little to help with your dilemma. This may even make it worse lol, but something is better than nothing right?!? If vibration is a concern, why not consider a twin cam? The balanced motor has a lot less vibration. I can't speak on the handling diff and all that but I can say I love my '00 heritage. Low center of gravity and she handles great for an 800lb cruiser. Sorry man. Wish I could give you more.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Welcome to the Forum from Colorado!
The only thing I can say is you're not going to get FXRT handling out of a Softail. They handle well for a 750 pound cruiser, but you're talking apples and oranges here, IMHO.
The only thing I can say is you're not going to get FXRT handling out of a Softail. They handle well for a 750 pound cruiser, but you're talking apples and oranges here, IMHO.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
I've had 3 Softails since 1993. Personally, I like the Evo better than the Twin Cam. My '13 is almost too smooth, lol. But I think I'm in the minority on that. Of course, I'm not big on windshields, fairings, radios, cruise control, and the other equipment that most of today's riders like, so you might want to take my views of what is a good motorcycle with a grain of salt.
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Southern Illinois
Thanks all.
I don't expect them to be the same as the FXRT, but since I took out a Deuce and the FL's with 21" wheels ... I found the handling to be much better than a stock Heritage/Deluxe/Nostalgia ... which is the styling I'm headed toward.
I don't mind a little lope for some character vibe ... just need a little cushy for the tushy for my passenger so that it doesn't rattle her teeth out going down the road. She's new to the ride and we've already got a few miles on our bones.
I guess my question should just be what are the big diff's or pitfalls to watch for @ FXST's vs. FLST's ... in the EVO era?
Or do I just go with an FXR and do my best to give it a retro-tour vibe like the Nostalgia/Deluxe bagged in leather?
I don't expect them to be the same as the FXRT, but since I took out a Deuce and the FL's with 21" wheels ... I found the handling to be much better than a stock Heritage/Deluxe/Nostalgia ... which is the styling I'm headed toward.
I don't mind a little lope for some character vibe ... just need a little cushy for the tushy for my passenger so that it doesn't rattle her teeth out going down the road. She's new to the ride and we've already got a few miles on our bones.
I guess my question should just be what are the big diff's or pitfalls to watch for @ FXST's vs. FLST's ... in the EVO era?
Or do I just go with an FXR and do my best to give it a retro-tour vibe like the Nostalgia/Deluxe bagged in leather?
Last edited by RustyFXRT; Dec 14, 2013 at 12:24 PM.
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