Opinions on the new harley softails?

[tazio]

Me too!!

Me 3

[bad Chad]

I agree, something is amiss with this thread. 

I’m going to attempt some fixing.  HD are about as exciting as a 2008 Toyota Camery.   Thank god I don’t have to ride one.

[kballowe]

Maybe...
We just need more Harley pictures

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[twowheeladdict]

I agree, something is amiss with this thread. 

I’m going to attempt some fixing.  HD are about as exciting as a 2008 Toyota Camery.   Thank god I don’t have to ride one.

Which Harley models and years have you ridden?

[twowheeladdict]

Anyone ride one, own one? 

I went to a local HD dealership and sat on a few - too rainy for test drives - they feel balanced and light(er) compared to the previous models.  Once the weather allows, I may have to test ride a couple of the softail lineup.  The heritage classic is gorgeous (to me), and the street bob feels good too from the saddle... of course that may all change once I have them on the road.

I have test ridden just about every Harley bike made in the last 6 years.  The new softails are an amazing platform.  My dilemma is that I like the looks of some models better than the riding position, or cornering ability.  (don't like mid controls, fat rear tires) The models that handle great have looks that don't excite me. (Fat Bob, FXDR)

I will say though that if Harley comes out with a new softail slim with this paint job I will be a buyer.



 

[rschrum]

 Wow, a dead of winter Harley thread with no hate? Is this the new kinder Wild Guzzi ?
Here ya go.
Before I would buy or ride a hardly, Id drink my weight in buzzard puke and die of the drizzling shitz.

[bad Chad]

Plus one!        Relax twa,  the op asked for opinions, he didn’t say he wanted reasonable opinions!

[Rough Edge racing]

 My opinion? The bike looks minimalist nice like a mild bob job Pan....But why is this modern era do some bikes weigh 200 pounds more than need to?

[Kev m]

My opinion? The bike looks minimalist nice like a mild bob job Pan....But why is this modern era do some bikes weigh 200 pounds more than need to?

1.75L motor
Antilock brakes
EFI
Huge wheels and tires
Wheelbase
Iron instead of aluminum (cost but also see below)

And an design/engineering principle of overbuilding both for actual strength (300# gorilla that uses the brake pedal as a still to reach a shelf in their garage) and feel (designed to feel substantial, like a freight train on the highway).

[twowheeladdict]

1.75L motor
Antilock brakes
EFI
Huge wheels and tires
Wheelbase
Iron instead of aluminum (cost but also see below)

And an design/engineering principle of overbuilding both for actual strength (300# gorilla that uses the brake pedal as a still to reach a shelf in their garage) and feel (designed to feel substantial, like a freight train on the highway).

And let's not forget chromed metal instead of plasti-chrome.  I've never had buzzy parts on my Haries, but have on my Japanese bikes.

[Rough Edge racing]

1.75L motor
Antilock brakes
EFI
Huge wheels and tires
Wheelbase
Iron instead of aluminum (cost but also see below)

And an design/engineering principle of overbuilding both for actual strength (300# gorilla that uses the brake pedal as a still to reach a shelf in their garage) and feel (designed to feel substantial, like a freight train on the highway).

 Perhaps, but overbuilding does not have to mean without any concerns for vehicle weight...But I do believe you correct about the "substancial feel"...That was the old theory of US cars "Road hugging weight"...

[Chuck in Indiana]

Perhaps, but overbuilding does not have to mean without any concerns for vehicle weight...But I do believe you correct about the "substancial feel"...That was the old theory of US cars "Road hugging weight"...

Yeah, that was the saying at the time. Four thousand pounds of road hugging weight. Harley=55 Buick.   
How's that, Chad?

[Kev m]

Perhaps, but overbuilding does not have to mean without any concerns for vehicle weight...But I do believe you correct about the "substancial feel"...That was the old theory of US cars "Road hugging weight"...

Like I said to some extent it's a purposely sought after feel. Part of the ergonomics really.

I realize it doesn't HAVE to weigh a ton to be stable, but I do think the low center of gravity and high weights help with crosswinds on interstates. Certainly they are among the most stable bikes that I've been on when it comes to high winds, even down to tropical storms.

But as I say, I think it is a combination of design principles, materials, and cost.

BTW, I was told about the 300# gorilla and brake pedal example by a Harley brake engineer.

[kballowe]

The Harley Road King weighs 836 lbs and that Indian Chieftain only weighs 817 lbs
Big old fat Harleys !

 

[Kev m]

The Harley Road King weighs 836 lbs and that Indian Chieftain only weighs 817 lbs
Big old fat Harleys !

 

My Police RK was only 786# dry and 821# wet, though that was with some standard police gear I don't have. So I might be CLOSE to that 817....

...Then I sit on it and it breaks the 'ton'  (ok, actually 1/2 a real ton but .... )! 

[kballowe]

Yamaha put this together in an aluminum frame.  Air-cooled, pushrod motor. Belt drive.

It's approx 750 lbs and then add a large windshield, lower wind deflectors, crash bar, fatso seat/backrest, sissy bar/rack, saddlebag mounts/saddlebags, etc. etc. 
Maybe 800 lbs now.

[vstevens]

To me, the weight of the new softails was very manageable and balanced, low center of gravity.  The previous generation are heavier and not so balanced.  But until you actually sit on a road king and then a new softail you can't really feel it.  I do like the V9 bobber as well, it is lighter and half as expensive.  But the heritage classic is gorgeous, fells substantial but easy to move around (some kind of voodoo... or engineering) and has dealers everywhere (if that matters to you).  I've been perusing HD forums for info on heat output and any common issues.  One thing I don't want is a bike that cooks my thighs (or my wife's)

[kballowe]

I haven't quite warmed up to the painted laced wheels and the new saddlebag design and the half-painted windshields and stuff on the new Heritage Softails when we were last in the market for a motorcycle.  Instead, we bought the "last year's model".   The ergonomics are good, as is the wind management AFTER adding a set of lower wind deflectors.

Pay no attention to that old Hippy in the tye-dye.
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[wittangamo]

On the subject of weight, I will say that my 2012 Griso at 550 pounds felt heavier and took more muscle to move around the garage or parking lot than my 700-pound FLSB because the Harley has a lower seat and center of gravity. Both were weightless when moving.

[Chuck in Indiana]

My half sister, now 90, and complaining because she had to get her first pair of glasses.. has been in every state (except Tom's) Canadian provinces, etc. on the back of a Gold Wing. The couple they used to ride with had a hawg of some kind. She said when they switched passengers she preferred the back on the Harley.
I get it. There are few bikes that are better for going places, especially on the interstate. I like the character of the engine.
Just the same, there have been a few instances in my riding career where an instant evasive maneuver kept me from being in the middle of a car sandwich. 
Give me a sporty bike with enough power, suspension, and brakes to dodge the BDCs.. <shrug>  That's why they make all kinds.

[kirby1923]

The difference between a fighter plane and a bomber!
You can have lunch in a bomber...but give me a fighter every time!

:-)

[Chuck in Indiana]

The difference between a fighter plane and a bomber!
You can have lunch in a bomber...but give me a fighter every time!

:-)

Yeah, baby! 

[Ncdan]

The difference between a fighter plane and a bomber!
You can have lunch in a bomber...but give me a fighter every time!

:-)

Neither one is  significant if one is not a pilot and can't get it off the ground:)

[Kev m]

Neither one is  significant if one is not a pilot and can't get it off the ground:)

But if you can, in either case, you're flying... 

[Guzzistajohn]

I’m sure they are nice machines, but if I could afford one I’d hate to think I might be accepted into the throngs of local leather clad tattoo flashing “bikers” would I have to start going to bars and frown?

[Dharma Bum]

And cross your arms over your chest whenever the camera pans to you?

[Kev m]

I’m sure they are nice machines, but if I could afford one I’d hate to think I might be accepted into the throngs of local leather clad tattoo flashing “bikers” would I have to start going to bars and frown?

Or you could just be YOU... just sayin'

[Rough Edge racing]

 Despite my critical opinion of the weight...I would take a close look if I was in the market for such a bike.. Bike weight is an interesting topic..Those who like heavy bikes will say it's like a overweight person who can dance "they are light on their feet".....

[bad Chad]

I’m sure they are nice machines, but if I could afford one I’d hate to think I might be accepted into the throngs of local leather clad tattoo flashing “bikers” would I have to start going to bars and frown?

 But what would summertime be with out the endless strands of gay pirates on parade?   It’s all good fun!

[LowRyter]

I am sure Harleys are great bikes but I think the Cal T 1400 is still the best of the lot.  Great handling, brakes, control and engine that revs.  Now, only if the Cal had mid-mounts and service in every town........