I have a 1999 softail that I have customized with a 21 inch wheel, apes, etc. When I customized this bike, I had plans of buying another touring bike for my wife and I both and keeping this one for short rides. However, based on the economy and a daughter in college, this isn't going to happen. This was my first bike and knowing what I know now, I could have gotten the same look by customizing a road king and had a truly convertible bike for all-purpose. I have looked at air shocks, newer shocks (I believe the shocks that are on it are original) and possibly turning it into a bagger. This would cost around 3,000 dollars. Or.. I can put my bike back to stock (still have old parts) sell it, and buy a used road king and utilize many of the custom parts that I have put on the softail. This would cost around 5,000. Converting the softail would be easier, but I am just not sure how good you can get a softail to ride. Can you ever get it to ride like a touring bike? Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

Air ride and some Ricor intiminators and it will ride better. Keep what you have and save yourself the hassle. Throwing a little money at the bike will make an immeasurable amount of difference.

Drew

 

I've seen some sick luxes dressed up in this forum.

 

Keep in mind ..
a 1999 Evo rigid mounted into your bike would make long cruising speeds a tad uncomfortable no matter what.

An Evo rubber mounted FL (road king for example) could be stripped for short rides and decked for longer rides, just my short take.

 

I ended up picking up and adjusting a used RK after considering my options. In my case, my wife preferred that on the RK she was sitting more level with me compared to the seating on the Softtail, which helped in my decision. And I didn't own a Softtail at the time. Good luck.