I'm visiting from the Sportster section. I'm trading in my 1200 custom soon and I've settled on a Heritage Softail Classic. I've sat on some Dynas and Touring bikes, but the Softail feels the most comfortable to me.

I've only been riding since September so I was wondering what kinds of handling differences I should expect. What are the ideal speeds in each gear, which windshield should I get since I wear a full face helmet, How does it handle at low speeds etc.

Any insight will be great!

 

The weight is considerably more but it also works in your favor to balance it out. My Heritage handles great at any speed, can come to a quick stop at a 4-way and not even have to put my feet down, the only downfall is the lean angle. With a Heritage you have to be careful in a corner and not try and push it too much or you will scrape the floor boards and the first time you do it will spook you but once you learn the limitations then you are set.

I have a 20" shield which is perfect but I only wear a helmet when I have to go out of state since they are not required here in IL, I have debated switching to an 18" Long Ride Shield since I ride 2-up 90% of the time have to make sure the misses stays happy.

As far as speed in each gear is somewhat up to you and the feel you get. I typically do not shift into the next gear until I am say 40+ will hit 4th, 50+ before 5th, 60+ to 6th.

You will love the ride of a Heritage.

 

You will notice a huge difference in handling. The sportster has a very heavy feel in the front end, you will notice this as soon as you ride a softail. Softails are by far very easy to ride and comfort level is no contest to that of your sportster. Trust me i made the same upgrade and its night and day difference. You will have to relearn to take turns as you cant push the motorcycle through the turns as quick otherwise you will scrap the floorboards because the lean angle is significantly reduced.

A windshield is up to you, but nothing beats the open air, just my opinion never been a fan of windshields.

The gear to speed ratio all depends on which year softail you buy, i know previous years were 5 speeds and some had 88 cubic inch and 96 cubic inch, now there's 103 cubic inch engines with 6 speed transmissions.

Best of luck,.. trust me you'll never look back once you get a softail.

 

I like having my windshield so when I sit up straight I can see over the top of it. Softails sit very low so they are very easy to maneuver at slow speeds for a heavy bike. As far as shifting, best to do some riding on some non busy roads so you can get used the power, shifting, brakes and control layout...

 

Doesn't sound like you should be looking to get rid of the bike you're riding yet! Why are you?

 

I've been using it for commuting mostly, but I went for a longer ride last week and found that any distance past 30 miles becomes uncomfortable and the bumps start to wear on me.

 

The best way to answer all your questions is to take one for a test ride. If you can't than you already have a bunch of great replies.

 

Really 30 miles!!! Maybe motorcycle riding isn't for you!

 

The Heritage is considerably heavier, but is not as noticeable as you think because of it's lower center of gravity. Low speed handling and road manners are excellent. It's got a 6-speed to help with EPA compliance; if desired, a cam change will give you better use of the upper gear ranges. Your line of sight should be over the top of the windshield; you can negotiate with your dealer on the windshield if you need to. The windshield is removable, so it really doesn't matter on your helmet of choice. I will say the Heritage looks good with the shield on and does provide some added comfort to rider, in my opinion anyway. I came to the Softail side from having owned two models from the Dyna side of the Harley family. If you do a little research, you'll find most Heritage owners are fiercely loyal to their bikes. Good luck, and post pics when you get it...

 

I went from a 1200cc Sportie to a 2012 Heritage about 18 months ago.

First thing you'll notice is that it feels like sitting in an armchair in the bike instead of on the bike on a very uncomfortable seat. For me the windshield was too high so I had it cut down - the top of the windshield was on my line of vision. It's a little heavier to back up but you get used to it quick.
There's not a day when I regret trading the Sportster, it just didn't suit suburban and highway riding for me, couldn't deal with the vibration, love the bags, love the comfort.
Good luck with your choice.