So I currently ride a Deluxe but have been doing a lot more long distance riding than I expected when I bought it. My 24 y/o kid rides a sportster and also is ready for a move up. Been seriously considering giving him the Deluxe and moving my 50 y/o **** onto a touring model...Street Glide to be exact. I plan on testing the ride out soon but wanted to know first hand from any ex softail riders who made the switch what there specific ride impressions are...softail vs touring. Be as detailed as you can or like to.... and thanks ahead of time

 

I came directly from a Heritage Softail Classic to the "Dark Side". I bought my Heritage new and fixed it up just the way I wanted it because I was going to keep it forever. I spent alot of money making it fit me and blinging it out. It looked cool and I felt cool on it. Everybody loved looking at it. Then I started trading off with my brother-in-law, on long rides, just for fun. He had an Ultra. I saw him riding my Heritage down the road and it looked cool and he looked cool on it. Then I would start getting comfortable on the Ultra, real comfortable. It rode smooth, damn smooth, and the stereo was great too, and with the fairing, I wasn't get beat up or tired out. I also noticed how my brother-in-law always had everything he needed right there in his tour pak too. The more we traded machines, the more I became hooked on the "luxury" of the Ultra. Well, after 2 years of that, my butt started talking to my brain and here I am. I still like the looks of the Heritage, Deluxe and Road King, but I'm keeping my Ultra a long time. Really!

The Street Glide is a sweet machine too and can be dressed up or down for your occassion. Don't worry, you won't regret it and your son will love his upgrage too.

 

I still have my Softail, but it's been tricked out so the ride is not to great. I can tell you that when it was new and still stock, It was nowhere near the comfort or rock solid feeling of my RG. If you are gonna do long trips or just cruise around the city or country side, you really can"t beat a bagger. I know i will always own one until i can't ride anymore!

 

after I sold my '95 FLSTC, been on an '00 FLHT, '02 FLHR and now an '02 FLHRCI. Honestly, never paid much attention to the difference from the Heritage to the Electra Glide....was just tinkled pink to be on a Harley. I do remember that the Electra Glide Standard had less vibe/shake, felt more stable/planted.....loved the hard bags vs. the saggy, leather ones on the Heritage.

P.S. I got tired of the batwing later on which is why I've stayed with Road Kings.

 

I went from a 2003 Fatboy to a 2008 Streetglide. My girlfriend has a 2008 Deluxe that I occassionally ride.

Biggest differences to me are the:

Balanced motor vs. Rubber Mounted - It took a little while to get back to the rubber mounted engine. This isn't a big deal to me but may be to some people that are sensitive to the vibrations.

Windshield vs. Fairing - The fairing is great for when it is cold out. It definitely keeps the wind off of your hands. I love having the radio/cd player and the controls at your fingertips.

Cruise Control - I have cruise control on my streetglide and love it... I don't know if it is even available on non-touring bikes.

Saddle bags - I don't think you will find bigger saddle bags than what is on the touring models.

Brakes - The first time I rode my girlfriends bike, I thought something was wrong with the brakes. I was use to the dual brakes on the touring models which seemed to me to stop the bike quicker.

Good luck in your decision.

 

I came directly from the Softail family to the Touring crew! Love it, love it, love it! Wished I done it sooner. Smartest thing I've done. If you enjoy riding, long days in the saddle, and long distances, they just can't be beat. You WON"T regret the change. Go for it. Your son will love the softie, and you'll both be happy.