to add.... i may not have switched out so quick if i had , gotten a Deluxe or a Heritage...
the softails, with long fins, mini apes and road king bags are my favs!!!

 

Had an 06 Road King and traded it for an 09 Nightrain. Love it don't regret it all.

 

Take one out for a test ride - just to get your feet wet. You may like it, you may not. But only you can decide. For me, the softail frame fits MY frame without any modification. Sorta like shopping for shoes . . . LoL.

 

I have a FB and a SG. It's good to have both, but I certainly ride the SG more often. I think it is the best of both worlds, being a sporty stripped down bagger that is comfortable around town and out on the highway. I still like ripping around on the hot rodded Fat Boy, but if I could keep only one, it would be the bagger.

Shakey

 

a friend of mine just traded his touring bike for a Softail Deluxe...he couldn't be happier.

I had two Sportsters ( 883 and 1200 ) and decided to get a 'big twin'. I tried different bikes on the Demo Rides. I also tried test rides on some bikes owned by friends. ( including touring bikes )

My choice? Heritage Classic.
It just feels right for me. ...and I like the looks. For once or twice a year that I take a trip (2-3 days ) The saddle bags combined with the Kuryakin Gran Tour bag is all the storage I need.

Could I have a touring bike? Yes. Do I want a touring bike? No.
Not that there is anything wrong with them...they're great bikes. ( all Harley's are great bikes ) Just not for me.

Someone once said, you should buy your bike for what you are going to use it for 90% of the time and adapt for the other 10%. Prolly good advice.

Wow. this has turned into a rant. ( probably the coffee )

Conclusion. Buy the bike that's right for you.
Your bike is like your OL ..you're the only one gonna' be ridin' her...so who cares what anyone else thinks.

ride safe,

 

Ditto! Been on Giant baggers; I prefer my '09 Fatboy...

 

Had a new 08 Ultra after the Roadking.. bikeless for bout a year then bought a new Heritage cause I remember the first Heritage I bought back in 99.. Just couldn't get the same satisfaction or fun-factor that I got from my 1st Heritage so I went back to the Heritage.. For me the Heritage has a smoother ride, not as stiff and glided in the twisties... Don't care too much for the 2-up riding in the "Looks Department" however as I think looks kinda "silly" towering over the driver

 

i went from gold wing to sportster and to fatboy. i have 62000 in 3 years so you can take trips on it but it is nimble like the sportster. i am also thinking of getting a used goldwing and keeping both. used old wing are about $2500

 

I had (and still have) a 1098 Ducati before I get my Softail. Even if they charge $1400 per year to register a sport bike here in Quebec, I just can't make my mind about sailing it. So I drive both for now, maybe I will only do track with my Duc next year.

Talking transition....I found the Softail to be fun to drive in the twisty but the hart beat is not the same when playing with trottle

 

I spent a day on a RK before buying the deluxe and yes the RK felt like a more cushy ride but I really felt like part of the bike with the deluxe like others have said you feel like your sitting in the bike not on it. I rode my buddys fat boy same nice feeling.