Touring vs Softail
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Only at idle/low rpm. At higher freeway speeds the touring bikes are noticeably smoother.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 434
Likes: 1
I'm new on here, but I introduced myself in newbie forum already.
Another question: How big is the comfort difference between a Softail Deluxe and a Streetglide?
A lot of my riding is on backroads, bumpy, potholes, railroad tracks, bad pavement, etc.
A year ago I had a 3rd abdominal surgery which meant I cannot tolerate forward leaning on a bike, so I had to sell my Ducati that I loved. I got a Honda Interceptor VFR800 thinking it would be ok, but it is too forward. So, I'm now moving up to a real bike, a HD because I know the position is ok for my stomach. Now, considering how important the comfort of the ride is for me... Can y'all chime in on how big a difference there is between a Softail Deluxe and a Streetglide? My emotional choice is the Streetglide and I'm pretty sure it is a LOT better due to air suspension, but I want to hear it from the experts. Give me your thoughts please.
Another question: How big is the comfort difference between a Softail Deluxe and a Streetglide?
A lot of my riding is on backroads, bumpy, potholes, railroad tracks, bad pavement, etc.
A year ago I had a 3rd abdominal surgery which meant I cannot tolerate forward leaning on a bike, so I had to sell my Ducati that I loved. I got a Honda Interceptor VFR800 thinking it would be ok, but it is too forward. So, I'm now moving up to a real bike, a HD because I know the position is ok for my stomach. Now, considering how important the comfort of the ride is for me... Can y'all chime in on how big a difference there is between a Softail Deluxe and a Streetglide? My emotional choice is the Streetglide and I'm pretty sure it is a LOT better due to air suspension, but I want to hear it from the experts. Give me your thoughts please.
If you like the deluxe, and want touring comfort, Get a Road king. They are the best looking bike on the road. The even look better than the deluxe. You have 3 bikes in one with a King (when you get a detatch fairing). The Street Glide doesnt have nearly the ride or handling of the King. Plus you cant take that fairing off...ever.
The new King is the King...ABS, 103, air ride, all of it. The 103 is so much better than the 96. I was shocked.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 805
Likes: 4
From: The Live Free or Die State
A few thoughts for you...
First of all you're asking a pretty biased group of people that question. The Touring bike will better in the long run comfort wise.
Secondly, I would suggest, if you don't already have one, getting a kidney belt. It will offer you back and abdominal support that will translate into long term comfort, not only while riding but the next day
First of all you're asking a pretty biased group of people that question. The Touring bike will better in the long run comfort wise.
Secondly, I would suggest, if you don't already have one, getting a kidney belt. It will offer you back and abdominal support that will translate into long term comfort, not only while riding but the next day
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' alene, Idaho
I have owned both styles I had a 2000 and a 2009 heritage soft ail. Then I gotbto ride a road king. There is no comparison between the two with regard to comfort, ride and handling. The King wins hands down. This comes from a guy who thought the soft tail was the perfect bike. Get the street glide.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...totally agree...anyone who thinks Softies are a smoother ride on a 250 mile jaunt than an Electra Glide....well...I won't say it. Like they say..."there ain't nuthin Soft about a Softail!...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Forest, Va
A few thoughts for you...
First of all you're asking a pretty biased group of people that question. The Touring bike will better in the long run comfort wise.
Secondly, I would suggest, if you don't already have one, getting a kidney belt. It will offer you back and abdominal support that will translate into long term comfort, not only while riding but the next day
First of all you're asking a pretty biased group of people that question. The Touring bike will better in the long run comfort wise.
Secondly, I would suggest, if you don't already have one, getting a kidney belt. It will offer you back and abdominal support that will translate into long term comfort, not only while riding but the next day
So, the kidney belt helps with stress of bumps, etc but actually worsens the cutting into me effect of the patch. Ugh... I LOVE motorcycles and I'm determined to find a bike I can ride comfortably!
Thanks for all the advice. I'm now more confused than ever though. I know I need a touring bike, but now I'm thinking Ultra? Street Glide? Road King? I guess it's time to test ride!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: Athens, AL
I've got both, a 2009 Softail Deluxe AND a 2010 Street Glide and have owned Dynas and Sporters as well... I like them both, a LOT. They both ride plenty good. A Softail Deluxe would be PERFECT for the type of riding you are talking about because that's exactly what I do with mine...and there is no better LOOKING bike on the road. Remember to slow down and bumps become more tollerable. As the trips get longer the SG gets more COMFORTABLE, but I really don't know that the RIDE is any BETTER. A SG is probably the worst choice for a touring bike if a soft ride is what you are after... If you are looking for a soft RIDE...a Dyna Super Glide Custom-FXDC is really a soft ride.
You probably do need to give each a test run...
You probably do need to give each a test run...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' alene, Idaho
I went through the analysis. First I wanted the old school look and while I do the monthly 500 mile ride, most of my stuff is easy day cruises. Second, the glides just felt too big to me. Third, I am short (5'8"). It was down to the street glide vs the RKC. Imliked the old school and the fact the windshield and bags are detachable so I can turn it into a bar hopper in 5minutes. Your mileage may vary.
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For my 0.02 you really should look at the road king, I came off a softail onto my King and have never looked back. You get a windshield for comfort on long rides and the touring air suspension in the rear is night and day difference to a softail. With the problems you've mentioned I'd go that route, plus if you decide you gotta have tunes, you can always throw on a batwing with hog tunes. And have a a bike without the batwing for barhopping