Touring vs Softail
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
I have to disagree here. Yeah the rubber mounted bikes vibrate and shake a lot at idle but when you are riding the bike it is smooth as silk. The Softails are smooth enough at idle, but have a little tingle at speed and I spend more time riding than idling. I own both syle bikes so I know the characteristics of both. The softies vibration isn't a big deal, but it's still there, counterbalancers and all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
Lots of great advice here and some long threads (which I haven't read)...if it wasn't said before, please consider an adjustable back rest on your bike. I had lower back problems and wasn't entirely comfortable on my bike until I bought one.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Traded my 2010 Streetglide for a 2010 Heritage Softail due to the harshness of the ride in the rear. My wife an I felt that the Streetglide was very harsh riding (rear Suspension). We test rode a Heritage Softail and went over train tracks at 65 mph. On the way home we went the same way on my Streetglide. 65 mph over the train tracks and the Softail was hands down better. No fiction just fact. The '09 RoadKing that I traded on the 2010 Streetglide was MUCH better riding that the Streetglide. It is tempting with the slammed look but the post is correct about he Electraglide classic being the better ride choice over the Streetglide. Just the facts from someone who owned them both. Got sick of feeling harsh bounces on the Streetglide. Test ride both over the bumps. Needless to say we traded our 2010 StreetGlide that was two months old on a 2010 Heritage Softail Classic and my wife and I are MUCH happier with the ride comfort of the suspension. Maybe I should have gone back to a RoadKing but the Heritage softail has a much more plush rear suspension than the Streetglide. Test Ride them go over bounces , form you own opinion.
Last edited by Raiderse; Feb 20, 2011 at 03:37 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 928
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
If you want the Street Glide and want a smoother ride in the rear just change your rear shocks go the Classic or Ultra rear shocks (13"). Or you can get a set of Progressive 940 shocks which keep the rear lower at 12" and gives you the travel and dampening of the Ultra Shocks (13") . They are pricey but worth every penny it makes your ride so much better.
Do you even want a fairing?
If not then just go for the Standard Road King, it gives you a BUNCH of options and the bike changes to fit your mood? Long trips or around the block whatever you want the RK will change for you as needed?
Do you even want a fairing?
If not then just go for the Standard Road King, it gives you a BUNCH of options and the bike changes to fit your mood? Long trips or around the block whatever you want the RK will change for you as needed?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Forest, Va
If you want the Street Glide and want a smoother ride in the rear just change your rear shocks go the Classic or Ultra rear shocks (13"). Or you can get a set of Progressive 940 shocks which keep the rear lower at 12" and gives you the travel and dampening of the Ultra Shocks (13") . They are pricey but worth every penny it makes your ride so much better.
Do you even want a fairing?
If not then just go for the Standard Road King, it gives you a BUNCH of options and the bike changes to fit your mood? Long trips or around the block whatever you want the RK will change for you as needed?
Do you even want a fairing?
If not then just go for the Standard Road King, it gives you a BUNCH of options and the bike changes to fit your mood? Long trips or around the block whatever you want the RK will change for you as needed?
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Forest, Va
To make me more confused... A local dealer ordered a police Ultra for a customer 4 months ago and the customer backed out. They're offering it to the non-police public for sale now. It's the dark blue version and that color looks so great on the Ultra. Only concern is price. I know the police, fire, and shrine bikes are considered fleet sales and should be discounted pretty well. The dealer is asking the full price of a normal ultra with options added. Only concession they're offering is no freight / prep and including a $500 HD parts card.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Duluth, GA
To make me more confused... A local dealer ordered a police Ultra for a customer 4 months ago and the customer backed out. They're offering it to the non-police public for sale now. It's the dark blue version and that color looks so great on the Ultra. Only concern is price. I know the police, fire, and shrine bikes are considered fleet sales and should be discounted pretty well. The dealer is asking the full price of a normal ultra with options added. Only concession they're offering is no freight / prep and including a $500 HD parts card.
Most (note I said most) dealers are pretty stuck on selling at MSRP, especially this early in the year. No freight and a 500 dollar parts card isn't bad...you might see if they go a bit further.
The street glide is the most popular model HD sells right now. I know the dealer I use can barely keep any on the floor, and it is a large dealer. Don't look for a great bargin on that model, although I am sure it varies around the country.
I went from an Ultra to a Street Glide and both have their advantages. I found the SG to be a bit more agile...probably because it weighs about 100 pounds less, but it is the same frame, etc. The ultra is definitely the ultimate in touring and very a comfortable ride (get a back rest!!!).
As far as the Softtail, opinions vary. It's a fun bike around town and I don't mind riding it...but I personally wouldn't want to ride one 400 miles a day for a week. Hmm...maybe I am a wuss. As someone else said...sitting at idle it is smooth...but at speed I have noticed a pretty pronounced vibration I don't like...which I am told is normal for that bike. At speed my SG is smooth as glass, as was the Ultra.
Either way, good luck and have fun.