Pre 99 Softails vs Post 2000

[mammoth357]

Hi All;

How much difference is there is "ride quality" between the pre-2000 softails and those made after 2000?

Are the newer ones a better ride as to "less vibration" and if so, how much "smoother"?

Does the engine idle smoother and easier from "take off"?

I love my 98 softail (looks etc) but hate the rough vibration and teeth rattling and eyeball shaking...so I am looking for opinions as hoping getting a newer softail will take care of my problem. I want a softail that will not vibrate the heck out of me when I ride it.

Yes,I am a new rider...

Any help appreciated!
Thanks!
Jake

[road_king]

They are night and day difference. A softail with a counterbalanced Twin Cam engine is an extremely smooth bike. I suspect it will solve your problem. They can get a little buzzy beyond 75 mph though.

[Shaw_2112]

I've ridden a few pre '99s but my '00 is the first I owned, I was very surprised how much smoother the ride is. They say the counterbalancing robs some power but I don't know or really care. I love my B motor..... try it you'll like it.....

[machinist]

mine doesn't buzz

[oldjime]

I have a 2001 and get no vibes and no put you hands or feet to sleep buzz at any speed. If I was really pressed I would say the speed I can identify as least smooth I would say about 75 MPH but even at 75 you can ride for as long as the gas holds out and never put anything to sleep.

[Putt 4 Dough]

I guess it's cuz I rode a rigid up until a few years ago...but my '99 'tail rides like a dream.
Yeah it vibrates but not like that ol wishbone frame does.

I've heard the balanced ones are smoother...I dunno.
I split my time now between the EG or the 'tail...both Evo's...

my .02c

Putt

[Softail45]

I just bought a 2008 softail custom and I love the way it rides. Smooth all around IMO.

[ChopperDude]

Jake...

Same advice I gave in your previous post (which asked pretty much the same thing)... rent one and find out for yourself.

ASKING people is never going to give you YOUR true "feeling". Somewhere you mentioned "wanting a Harley that rode like a Cadillac"... In my opionion, that ain't happening with a Harley. Mind you, I LOOOOVE my Harley, but the last thing I'd compare it to would be the smooth ride of a Cadillac.

You can rent pretty much any of the big twins for $150 for a day. At least, that's what Carolina Harley (near where I live charges).
http://www.carolinaharley.com/pricing.htm

Bikes you might consider:
FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic (one of my favorite "cruising" softails")
FLHR Road King (good touring model)
FLHX Street Glide (all the "Glides" ride the same, difference is in the accessories). I have a 2005 Electra Glide Classic. Love it, but got it before the Street Glides came out, wish I had one of these.

Everybody has different opinions about bikes.... but YOU are the one that counts, so instead of asking... find out and decide for yourself.

$150 is pretty cheap dude, to get your answer.

[mammoth357]

Thanks for all the replies...appreciate it.

ChopperDude; They do not rent bikes here in upstate NY. Harley will not even let you test drive a new bike...they simply expect you to shell out the moolah and be on your way. I do not know anyone with a 2000 or newer softail or I would simply use theirs for 5 minutes and know if my eyes could handle it.(which for some reason my eyes are ultra-sensitive to vibration...could be the eye pressure prob's I do have).

Thus, I ask all of you..who have Harley experience and are kind enough to help us new riders out with our questions...

I asked my question again here on the forum...in a different way...because I did not get the opinions I wanted the first time. Its like the same reason people comparison shop and read reviews about an item before buying. We all hope the purchase we make will make us happy and fullfill our expectations. Had I been experienced and licensed to begin with, I would not now be stuck having the work of selling my 98 Softail. A mistake that cost me time and money.

So, in conclusion; I cannot rent nor lease a bike to try it. I have no one I am good friends with that owns one. Local Harley will not allow test drives as all their models are new and stay in the showroom (what the salesmen said). I even stopped at Yahama and was told same thing by them......first you buy it, THEN you can drive it all you want. Honda was the only one who said "Sure...you can drive it around the parking lot. But I do not want a Honda or other J-bike... I want a Harley.

Just plain sucks. Anyway...thanks again everyone...

Maybe I can drive one at Americade in Lake George,NY in June...as I live like 4 miles away from where they hold it!

Very best regards;
Jake

[kustom_flames]

Have you tried a Victory? Now hold on my fellow HD riders...I have a 96 FLSTC myself and love it! But, I have heard alot of die-hard HD guys going to Vics b/c they give you more upfront, and I think they allow testdrives don't they?

Just trying to give you options....

HOWEVER, most likely a newer balanced softail might be much better for your eyes if vibes are a problem - I can't say for sure as I have only been on my 96. My cousin has an 00 fatboy and he said it was much smoother than the older 1340s, but that he preferred the older anyway...

Good luck!
Pat

[otterbob]

Go to a dealer and test ride a balanced used one. I've never had a problem test riding used bikes at dealerships.

[tomv]

my 99 ever stops shakin i'm takin it in for a checkup...never has bothered me a bit...or anywhere near as much as the buzz i remember in any other bike i owned. the shake keeps all my parts in the right places and reminds me i'm still alive. have done over 700 miles in a day and enjoyed almost every minute.

i could see where some would be bothered by it and the b motor is quite a bit smoother. i just cant bring mself to part with her...

[rkt88403]

My bike doesn't get buzzy until it's pushing 90mph. She's an all day ride at 80 mph.

[ChromeWelder]

Can't say much about the older model Softails, never had one. My experiance with an '05 "B" motor was not so good after 75 MPH. Sure, it was smooth at lower speeds, but after about 75, the floor boards buzzed so bad I had a hard time keeping them planted. That may not be true for all of the newer softails, but it sure was for me...

[rkt88403]

Difference floorboards vs pegs maybe?