How did you decide on your model of M8 Softail?
#21
I have a Slim, having previously had a fatbob 114. The Slim handles as well as the fatbob, but doesn't have as much lean angle. I've increased the preload to max and generally avoid scraping the boards, unless I really press on.
I don't miss the 114. Both 114 and 107 are strong enough for the chassis and brakes, road riding. I use more rear brake on the Slim, probably because of the single front disc, compared to dual on the fatbob.
For the Slim, I had to add a comfortable seat and 4.5" pullback risers. Can now very comfortably cover long distance in a day, 250 miles plus, in comfort. I like the 200 + mile tank on the Slim. I'm 6' and enjoy varying my leg position on the foot boards. Highway pegs on engine bars have also been a revelation (1st time I've had them), very comfortable on boring roads.
My history is European and Japanese sport and naked bikes. By comparison, overall, the brakes and suspension on the Softails is adequate (nowhere near the best), the engine is magnificent. Materials, fit and finish very good. Comfort excellent. Handling, good enough. Looks and stage 1 sound 🙂👍. Somehow, never loved a bike as much as I love the Slim.
I don't miss the 114. Both 114 and 107 are strong enough for the chassis and brakes, road riding. I use more rear brake on the Slim, probably because of the single front disc, compared to dual on the fatbob.
For the Slim, I had to add a comfortable seat and 4.5" pullback risers. Can now very comfortably cover long distance in a day, 250 miles plus, in comfort. I like the 200 + mile tank on the Slim. I'm 6' and enjoy varying my leg position on the foot boards. Highway pegs on engine bars have also been a revelation (1st time I've had them), very comfortable on boring roads.
My history is European and Japanese sport and naked bikes. By comparison, overall, the brakes and suspension on the Softails is adequate (nowhere near the best), the engine is magnificent. Materials, fit and finish very good. Comfort excellent. Handling, good enough. Looks and stage 1 sound 🙂👍. Somehow, never loved a bike as much as I love the Slim.
#22
After that, I still needed to change the seat and bars to bring the bike closer to my old bike in terms of riding position and comfort.
The following users liked this post:
Tampa Fatboy (01-22-2021)
#24
It's a work in progress, nothing gets done over night around here.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; 01-22-2021 at 02:30 PM.
#25
I had a 2012 Switchback that got totaled and I wanted something with cruise, windshield and saddle bags that could be removed easily just like the Switchback. The previous owner added cruise to the Dyna and I used it on the long hauls, the Sportglide checked all the boxes except the forward controls (wasn't too thrilled about that). The Dyna handled excellent and may have been a little quicker turning than the Sportglide but both are fun to ride.
The following 4 users liked this post by Pragmatic:
#27
It was pretty simple. I wanted a sportier touring bike that I wouldn't hate when I had to commute (Dallas) to work. It needed to have cruise control so that my arthritic hand wouldn't be screaming at the end of day 1 of a road trip. That pretty much meant I was getting a Sport Glide. Best decision I made.
#28
I ended up with Heritage. This bike can do it all and is looks great. You can transform this motorcycle to anything you want in 15 min long ride cruiser - check, bar hopper - check. I thought it is best equipped model straight from factory, handles like a dream. I had pre m8 Slim and after 3 years I kinda transformed it into Heritage which made me realize what I was really missing. Slim was good but bit too naked for my needs. I also really considered SportGlide there is something about this bike for sure but the classic lines of Heritage are just timeless and it holds value better. I went with 114” and man I am happy I did this bikes pull nice and is definitely not underpowered even in 2up trips, suspension is nice and plush never bottomed it out so far. If I will have to choose again I am pretty sure I will end up with same bike. I am shy so I dont even take test rides 🤣 I set on looks and make it mine after I pay.
#29
I looked at several different bikes before finding my '18 Low Rider. For me, being on the shorter side at 5'7", had to be able to sit low enough to handle the bike properly, and put feet on the ground when stopping. One of my had to have features was mid-mount foot pegs, as I really have a hard time stretching my legs to reach forward controls.
My previous bikes were all Yamaha's, several Virago's, and two Seca 750's. The first time I saw my bike, I had a feeling it was the right one for me. Once I got on, it fit me perfectly, and was very comfortable for me. I also like the 70's look of the bike, as I have always preferred a chromed out bike to a blacked out bike. And lastly, really liked the color of my bike, Electric Blue, as it really stands out from the crowd when riding.
I've kept the bike mostly stock, only adding a Harley-Davidson Hold Fast sissy bar, and luggage rack to it, along with a Harley-Davidson Onyx day bag. I like it just the way it came from the factory, and that's what matters to me.
My previous bikes were all Yamaha's, several Virago's, and two Seca 750's. The first time I saw my bike, I had a feeling it was the right one for me. Once I got on, it fit me perfectly, and was very comfortable for me. I also like the 70's look of the bike, as I have always preferred a chromed out bike to a blacked out bike. And lastly, really liked the color of my bike, Electric Blue, as it really stands out from the crowd when riding.
I've kept the bike mostly stock, only adding a Harley-Davidson Hold Fast sissy bar, and luggage rack to it, along with a Harley-Davidson Onyx day bag. I like it just the way it came from the factory, and that's what matters to me.
The following 5 users liked this post by BCinCC:
Cage-Free (01-23-2021),
HuntWhenever (01-23-2021),
Ivabign (02-03-2021),
rauchman (02-01-2021),
rc51owner (01-23-2021)
#30
As some have said already, seriously considering how and where you will ride is key to making the best choice. When I first thought about buying a Harley Davidson, I was attracted by the look of the bike. First it was the Breakout and then I gravitated toward the Fat Boy. It was then that I started to think about how I would use the bike. My wife is afraid of bikes, which meant that I'd pretty much be limited to day trips. I wanted some type of utility, so having bags was important. Lastly, since I was likely to spend more time on back roads than on the highways, I was interested in something with good handling characteristics. All these considerations led to the Heritage Classic. However, being late in the 2019 model year, I wasn't really crazy about the blacked out look. I mentioned this to the sales guy and he said that a chrome version was being introduced in 2020. One look at chromed billiard red and black Heritage and I have no regrets.