Not sure my input will help, but here it is anyway! I started out as a lad on a lawn mower powered mini-bike. Every bike since has been a step up. Went to a 100cc Hodaka, then a Honda 305, etc. finally made it to a 1200C Sportster and then a 2007 Fatboy. The Fatty rides like a dream compared to the others, but I miss the quickness of the Sporty. At this point, I am happy, but I expect there will be a touring bike in my future at some point. Perhaps retirement when I actually have time to go some place far away! I am not wealthy enough to own multiple bikes, or I would....can't imagine stepping back down to a less comfy bike, but that might just be age talking!

 

Most will try to point you to the bike THEY ride, so here's my 2 cents. You answered your own question with this post. You rarely ride 2 up and want something more sporty and chopper like. Go with the softail, customize it to your liking, and enjoy the he11 out of it!

 

You all make alot of sense.Thankyou all.

 

i went from a 1200 sporty to the softail custom(09). i love the softail, the forward footpegs and mini apes fits me perfect. i can do 150 miles and i am fine. this is with the stock seat which i think helps a lot. my father has a 09 rk which is great and all but i just dont like the floor boards. not to mention the looks of the softail are just sexy. the skinny front tire may throw you off since i find that it can follow grooves in the road more compared to a fat tire. one question i have is, do you use the saddle bags a lot? if so the rk may be better since bags take away from the look of the softail some. hope any of this helps.

 

I like to be on the bike I really want to ride when I get to where i'm going..................