Just started riding a few years ago after I retired from the Air Force. My son and I took the rider course at the local CC together. He wanted to ride and I pretty much look at owning a motorcycle like owning a firearm. It is mostly dangerous when you are not trained. Well, I got the bug as well. Bought a Vulcan 900 a while back thinking it would bridge the gap of being an easy to handle bike and a tour bike. It was easy to handle, but came up short on the touring side. So, I bobbed it out and use it as a bar hopper.

Me and the boy have been looking at Harley's for a while and when I get a few bills paid off, I am looking at making my first purchase. I am a fairly short fellow at 65", so the Heritage, Deluxe, and Fat Boy Lo all feel like they fit me just about perfect. I wanted a tour bike with everything detachable, so I could modify it to my needs. I really like the Fat Boy Lo, but would take quite a few upgrades to get it where I want it and would end up being pretty expensive in the end. I did notice that some of the non-Harley add ons are a bit cheaper. The Heritage has everything I need, but not crazy about all the bling and stuff is not easily detachable.

Bottom line, this bike needs to last me for many years. While I still have earning potential, I want to get what I want, pay it off, and keep it. However, I do want to make a smart decision. I don't like wasting money.

What are your thoughts, oh masters and wise ones of the softail world?

 

If you really want to tour on a Softail, the Heritage is your bike. The rear seat, backrest, windshield and bags are either made to be removed or are easily adaptable to be made so.
easy to go from this:


To this:

 

We looked at the Deluxe but wanted the bags and the windshield so we went with the Heritage.
We are glad we did. I'm just 67" and my wife is 62" and we have the shotgun shock installed so I can lower the bike down all the way for my wife to get on the bike easier. For short or even long hauls the Heritage will fit the bill.

 

FWIW, I just went through this, and the advice I got that may be relevant to your situation is this: Some of the accoutrements on the Heritage may not suit your tastes, but it has all you need to start off. If in the future you choose to change out some of the parts, you can. Meanwhile you are not paying extra for a 'complete' bike...if that makes any sense.

GL in which ever way you go....

 

From the bikes that you mentioned, I would lean towards the Heritage or the Deluxe. Each of us has our own idea of what looks good and what we also want to add to it to make it ours. From sitting on the bikes and looking at the bikes, I would personally lean towards the Deluxe, because I like their classic looks, but to each their own.

 

Road Kings provides a better ride. Get the detachable sissy bar and tour pack and your set for years to come! Thanks for your service to our country..

 

If you want versatility, the Heritage is tough to beat.

It also handles well on the highway and is comfortable on long rides.

 

Well we both have at least a couple of things in common, I'm USAF Retired and I too am of short stature (5'7").

When I was shopping for a bike my middle Son thought that the Road King was the bike, but at 6' 1" he has a few more inches to be sure footed.

I sat down or rather sat in the Heritage and that's all it took.

As for the "bling", I rather like it, however as you evolve it may just grow on you or if not you can start replacing things as your wallet allows.

Anyway, if you're anything like me, this will be your bike for life so how much money you end up putting into it is moot.

Get the Heritage.

 

I cant argue with the Heritage or Deluxe but I can tell you that my Fatboy is exactly what you describe. Great without the bags or windshield. When I take a longer ride I put on the bags and windshield in just a couple of minutes and I'm ready to go. I'm very comfortable on the Fatboy on longer riders as well.

 

Every Harley sold undergoes adjustments and modifications to meet the owners needs and likes. You never see two identical bikes on the road. The Heritage is the perfect platform. Very versatile with many aftermarket accessories available on the market. The Deluxe is a comfortable bike but IMO it has to many uniquely designed parts specific only to the Deluxe. The brake calipers are one example. Furthermore, aftermarket accessories for the Deluxe and not as plentiful as compared to the Heritage.