Touring on a Softail

JonnyD · #1 09-30-2009, 05:10 AM

Hey Softy owners, haven't been in here in a while. I made the jump a couple years back to a RKC and sold my beloved 06 Deluxe.

How many of you guys/gals 2-up tour on your Deluxe, Heritage or Fatboys? What mods have you done to make them tour-able? Do they make a cruise for the softails yet? Am I crazy for even considering 2-up touring on a Softail?

Just wanted to see some ideas. I like my RKC, but I just haven't fell in love with it like I did my Deluxe. Oh well, flame on I'm ready

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rthomp159 · #2 09-30-2009, 05:48 AM

I just got back from touring 900km on a Road King in Ireland. You're insane if you'd rather tour on a Softail. I love my Night Train and won't get rid of it, but the RK is by far the better tourer.

JonnyD · #3 09-30-2009, 06:22 AM

Cmon, don't hold back, tell me what you really think...... I know my RKC is a great touring bike, but I miss some of the characteristics of my Deluxe that a touring bike just can't compare to. I know it's wishfull thinking, but what the heck; I'll never know if I don't ask.

rthomp159 · #4 09-30-2009, 07:59 AM

I'll say this, I prefer the riding position of my Night Train, but as far as ride, handling, and braking, the King stomps it. We rode 9 hours Friday & 8 hours Saturday, and we both could have gone longer. This was on beat-up Irish back roads that would have shaken our teeth out on the Train.

oct1949 · #5 09-30-2009, 08:05 PM

Just rode a 10 RKC at demo, only 20 or so miles, all different terrain.
Overall we'll keep our Heritage.

Dislikes; seat, seat height, handlebars, handling, road stability lacking at 65-70, Floorboards just felt wrong, rear brakes were shot (I know, its a demo). Whitewalls and two tone paint.

Like's; motor seemed quieter, 5th gear was silent,

I Know 20 mins is short, but I didn't have all the dislikes when I first rode the heritage..

fireman9513 · #6 09-30-2009, 08:46 PM

I just traded a 2005 electraglide classic for a 2010 heritage softail classic and its ride is better then my electraglide ever was.
I dont get what all this "touring bikes ride better" is all about.
This bike just rides so much smoother, and I like the seating position better also.
I can ride this thing like I stole it from day one, the electraglide after a year and 7000 miles I still wasnt confident or comfortable on.

Smokey Burnouts · #7 09-30-2009, 08:49 PM

I always figured u could take some long trips on the softails(heritage, deluxe)? Is it really that bad of an idea?

SAG · #8 09-30-2009, 09:01 PM

Absolutely love long rides on my 2007 Heritage. After 2 years it has 19000 miles. I find it very comfortable. Best seating position, height, handle bars of any bike I've owned. Yeh sometimes I miss having more trunk space but they to me are like closets in the house, you'll fill up what ever you have.

SAG · #9 09-30-2009, 09:02 PM

I've since added a drivers backrest (need to update pic) and find it even more comfortable on long rides.

golfblues · #10 09-30-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireman9513

I just traded a 2005 electraglide classic for a 2010 heritage softail classic and its ride is better then my electraglide ever was.
I dont get what all this "touring bikes ride better" is all about.
This bike just rides so much smoother, and I like the seating position better also.
I can ride this thing like I stole it from day one, the electraglide after a year and 7000 miles I still wasnt confident or comfortable on.

+1...The Heritage is HD's best kept secret as far as the overall ride of one. I took out a RK, SG & an Ultra & thought the Heritage was the best fit for me. I haven't had any regrets. And if you think it's just a dressed up softail, no way. The ride & comfort is completely different from my 06 Std.