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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
The local dealer had a deal going if you bought a sportster, they would upgrade you within a year and give you a good deal buying it back for a larger bike. Take a test ride and see what you like. You will get over that "big bike" feeling real quick.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Softails are easier to handle then the Sportster. Now if you are going to consider one of those "Batwing, top heavy boat anchors>, that's another story.
Last edited by checkers; Jan 5, 2014 at 04:06 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Softails are some of the easiest bikes to ride. I owned a sportster, a dyna, and tourers before I test road a softail (fatboy lo) for the first time and I was completely blown away at how easy it was to ride. I loved it and traded in my ultra limited for a softail. I've been riding softail for two years now and still love it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukee, WI
If you trade in your Sporty for a Softail, you will not be disappointed. I rode my 1200C for 5 years before trading it for a Softail Slim last fall. Between the suspension, lower COG, and the engine, it was a huge improvement over my Sporty.
Hope you got some test rides on various Softails in.
I ride a Sporty AND a Softail. Sometime both on the same day. Totally different bikes...each has its' purpose.
Just a matter of test riding and seeing which you like best for the kind of riding you do.
I can carve up the twistys on my sporty. Softail is fun in them too...but you can't lean quite as much without dragging hard parts.
I find my softail a much more relaxed and comfortable ride. As stated, sitting lower makes for a more stable feeling ride, and it is light years better for two-up riding.
I ride a Sporty AND a Softail. Sometime both on the same day. Totally different bikes...each has its' purpose.
Just a matter of test riding and seeing which you like best for the kind of riding you do.
I can carve up the twistys on my sporty. Softail is fun in them too...but you can't lean quite as much without dragging hard parts.
I find my softail a much more relaxed and comfortable ride. As stated, sitting lower makes for a more stable feeling ride, and it is light years better for two-up riding.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Navarre Florida
He's right. the only differences are handling characteristics.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
Same problem here, then it took me years to have the funds to make the switch. I'm glad I did. I enjoy riding the Heritage more, and my body gets beat up quite a bit less as well. Also like everyone else said the softail is infinitely easier to ride. Plus it's bigger and more stable.
