Touring >> Softail
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 669
From: The Rust Belt!
I can tell ya....
I just traded a Dyna Switchback to a Road Gide 107 last weekend. I can understand the weight being an issue. Prior to the RG purchase, I had test ridden the new LRS ST and had previously ridden a Heritage 114. No question, they are lighter than the Touring line, but I do believe, at least for the RG, it handles better. Also, there is the "feel" thing. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the hard mount counterbalanced engine of the Softails in feel. I prefer the feel of the rubber mount engine.
I just traded a Dyna Switchback to a Road Gide 107 last weekend. I can understand the weight being an issue. Prior to the RG purchase, I had test ridden the new LRS ST and had previously ridden a Heritage 114. No question, they are lighter than the Touring line, but I do believe, at least for the RG, it handles better. Also, there is the "feel" thing. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the hard mount counterbalanced engine of the Softails in feel. I prefer the feel of the rubber mount engine.
If you live live in a mostly flat area especially with long stretches of road a Touring model is perfect. I would argue better even.
I have a feeling Harley knows this and in future models they will be addressing the top heavy issues. Look at the new Nightster for example. They put the gas tank under the seat to give it a lower center of gravity. Keeping the weight down low to make the bike feel effortless and light. Touring models are next IMO. They need that revamp the most. Hopefully they don't F them up as far as looks and the engine goes though while doing it.
When I sold my 2018 RoadKing Special I still didn't know if I would for sure switch to a Softail to have a lighter more nimble bike. But I knew that if I stayed in the Touring lineup I wanted the upgrades like RDRS that my 18 didn't have. I think that hill stop assist would be nice in my area.
Last edited by Zakk13; Apr 23, 2022 at 11:36 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 1,228
From: Depends on where I am
There is no rule that says you cant ride a touring bike around town or short day trips. I know several people that have touring bikes that dont tour on them. They ride them because they are more comfortable and have saddlebags +/- tour packs.
I have a Road King and I do take several road trips each year, but lots of my ridding is around town, errands, or short loops under 150-200 miles. I had a second, smaller bike for almost a year when I first bought my Road King, thinking I would ride it on those short trips. Sure, it was lighter but other than lifting it off the stand or moving it around in the garage that made no difference, so I sold it.
I have ridden several of the softails at demo days, and didnt care for the ride. They are smooth at idle but get very buzzy with vibrations in the handlebars. At certain rpms the mirrors were completely blurred.
If I were in your place I would just keep the SGS, unless the weight is an issue. But definitely ride whatever you are thinking about getting.
I have a Road King and I do take several road trips each year, but lots of my ridding is around town, errands, or short loops under 150-200 miles. I had a second, smaller bike for almost a year when I first bought my Road King, thinking I would ride it on those short trips. Sure, it was lighter but other than lifting it off the stand or moving it around in the garage that made no difference, so I sold it.
I have ridden several of the softails at demo days, and didnt care for the ride. They are smooth at idle but get very buzzy with vibrations in the handlebars. At certain rpms the mirrors were completely blurred.
If I were in your place I would just keep the SGS, unless the weight is an issue. But definitely ride whatever you are thinking about getting.
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