I have been so motivated to trade in or sell my 12 Softail Deluxe for a new 14 Streetglide. So a bunch of us went for a 60 mile ride today and I was afforded to ride a 13 Streetglide. What a difference; the boards were higher than my Deluxe, the seat locked you in (I have a tallboy seat where you can move around and have increased comfort) the sidestand was very hard to engage and stow, as I am a rider of 5'8". The tunes and cruise was nice but I was unable to get used to the blind spots on the fairing. The ride was actually harsher than my Deluxe; which surprised me. All in all I was very comfortable getting back on my softail deluxe and I will not trade up for a touring class bike. Although the new Indian Chieftan I rode fit me better than the glide. But I think I will stick with the Deluxe as there are no comfort/control issues. Newer is not always better.

 

Ok, thanks!

 

Thanks for the info. I too have a 12 deluxe and got the itch when the 14's came out. looking at a street glide and a ultra. Gonna really consider it now...

 

more info on your indian test ride??

 

See info below on the Indian test ride experience

 

What most people do not know is the SG only has 2 inches of rear suspension travel.

 

Two of my friends and just got back from an Indian sponsored test ride. They took a group of ten bikes on a 20 minute trip that included twisties, in town and freeway driving. Two of us drove the Chieftan and the other the Vintage. I love the power as it will it will set you back in the seat when you roll it on. I believe it is geared a little lower that the HDs. Shifting was nice with hardly a noticeable clunk when first engaging 1st. It took a little longer for the throttle to catch as it is fly by wire. I liked everything about it but the paint is kind of disappointing. If you are a metalflake, shiny paint person you will not like the Indian's paint as it is kind of lackluster with no real shine to it. My two friends made up their minds; One is going to keep his 13 Streetglide and the other is going to trade his 09 Deluxe in on a Amber Whiskey 14 Streetglide. I am still undecided; wish I had the funds to have both an Indian and an HD. The owner of the Fargo dealership says all 14 bikes will be covered with a zero deductible 1 year warranty and another extended warranty for 5 years at no cost to the buyer but there will be a $50.00 deductible for each warranty claim. Just my 2 cents.

 

Stay with the Softail

 

The title says "softail vs street glide" but most of this is about the polaris indian chieftain. Classic troll thread. I was going to post about my experience wih tourers and softails since I have had 2 of each but I see this is just another polaris indian thread.

 

I am considering adding an Indian to my stable, will test drive a vintage once the rolling demo fleet comes to PA and will look at the 2014 Road Glide Special. Thanks for your input.