Tourer vrs softail?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
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Tourer vrs softail?
I've got an 05 RKC and love it. Always wondered about the ride of a Heritage softail classic. I'm told by someone that the ride is as smooth as a Road King on smooth roads and the only noticable difference is when you hit any bumps in the road, then it's much worse. Also that the 88b is as smooth as the rubber mounted 88 until around 70mph then you start to notice engine vibration.
Anyone here lucky enough to have the chance to ride both bikes? Or better yet, own both?
Thanks for all answers!
Anyone here lucky enough to have the chance to ride both bikes? Or better yet, own both?
Thanks for all answers!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: jacksonville, nc
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
just my 02 but i didnt care for a soft tail especially if you alter the ride height the ride quality suffers. guess im just a pipe on each side bagger person!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: DFW
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
I love softtails of all types, owned a Fatboy, love the Heritage but my opinion is that the ride isn't quite as good, although I wouldn't characterize it as "not good". It's an outstanding ride like most all Harleys, it just doesn't have the feel of a touring bike in my opinion. Where the real differences lie is in the motor mount design. As mentioned, sitting at a stoplight, warming up your bike in your driveway, jetting around town softtails are wonderful. For me the act of running my Fatboy at 80 and faster just wasn't very appealing. It wasn't so much the vibration, although that increased but not obtrusive, it was the feeling of the bike screaming for a 6th care, The fixed motor not being isolated just seems to transmit every inch of it's pull through the frame at high rpm. The rubber mounted motors just get smoother and smoother and any idea I had before of REALLY wanting to look at a Jims or HD 6 speed is gone for now. I love Softtails, but unless I own multiple bikes someday, I would never choose one over a touring bike if you like to ride for distance at all or even regularly cruise at 70-85.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Virginia Beach
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
I recently sold my 02 FXST with an 88B motor and it was smooth as silk. I currently have a U/C tourer and I can tell the vibration is present, especially when idling. Its so cool to watch the engine just shake like its ready to take off.......Anyway I enjoyed the 88B but I now believe having a tourer is the way to go....enjoy the ride.
Joe D
VA Beach
Joe D
VA Beach
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Iwakuni, Japan
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
Currently own a Fat Boy and saving for a Road King. Touring bikes are where its at, I like the feel of softail but cant stand up to the feel of a touring bike IMHO
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
well.i just traded in my heritage for a sg.the only thing i noticed you seat down in the frame instead of on it,and the sg seems like the final drive gear ratio is higher.i sorta maybe miss my heritage cause it was my first
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Tourer vrs softail?
My first HD was an 87 Heritage and I went to a Roadking. My wife currently owns a 2001 Heritage that I have ridden quite a bit, including a 400 mile 2 up day trip.
My opinion is that the Roadking is a better all around bike than the Softail. It rides better, it handles better, it will lean further in the twisties without scraping, and at interstate speeds it is smoother.
Regards,
Bill
My opinion is that the Roadking is a better all around bike than the Softail. It rides better, it handles better, it will lean further in the twisties without scraping, and at interstate speeds it is smoother.
Regards,
Bill