I need some advise. I currently ride a 2012 sportster 1200 and have been real happy with the bike. Love the power. Today I ran in to a 2010 Softail deluxe at my dealership. Beautiful bike and the darn thing only has 450 miles showing. I couldn't help getting very interested. I'm just wondering if laced wheels are a pain and overall your opion of these bikes are. I'm 66 years old and thought I might enjoy something like this. Any comments will be appreciated.

 

You'll probably be more comfortable on the Deluxe, it's a relatively relaxed riding position. Lower center of gravity makes them easier to handle. Laced wheels aren't too much of a pain, just need to give them a tap every now and then to make sure you don't have a loose spoke.

 

Thanks for the reply. Are the laced wheels any harder to keep balanced?

 

My Bob had laced wheels and my only complaint was cleaning them. The Delue is a great bike and a much smoother ride than a Sporty.

 

No not at all.

And you'll find that the lower center of gravity will leave the Deluxe feeling very easy to ride for longer periods of time.

Good Luck!

 

Balancing them is the last thing I ever hear about. Full disclosure though: A couple years back there was an issue with H-D laced wheel quality, you could do a search in here and find it. Definitely something to inquire about in regards to your potential ride.
Adding a link to a good thread on the subject:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...t=loose+spokes

 

I say purchase the Deluxe if that is what your truly desiring. I bought mine in December and I can say it is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I wish I bought one 10 years ago. I turn 50 this year and have had some nice sports cars and bikes in the past and have never had such a smile on my face and thrill of being on the road as I have with my Deluxe. I say take it for a test ride and you will be hooked.

 

I have a 2010 XL883N and a 2003 Night Train Softail. The difference in comfort is night and day between the two. I'm sure that your 2012 Sportster rides the same as mine, and it's ROUGH. You feel every bump and the hard ones want to bust your kidneys if you don't raise up off of the seat. The Softail, I just grin as I ride over everything.

That's all with stock suspension. I'm sure the Sporty can ride much better with upgrades, of course.

 

Only problem w spokes is that when you get a flat, you're f#%ked. Call someone with a trailer. There is no way of limping home with a quick fix.

 

The softail is the way to go, IMHO. Much better on the highway and for taking the little lady on the back end. My advice would be to get the deluxe and you'll never look back. I wouldn't be concerned about the laced wheels either. I've had 5 different bikes btw, one of which was a sporty.