[coach-emeritus]

I am thinking about getting a newer bike in the next year. I have an 06 Electra Glide that has a little over 10K on it. I like the looks of the Heritage Softail Classic, but my wife rides and I don't know if they ride as smooth as the "Glides". The other alternative is a fancier "Glide" with the tour pack. Question: do you think the Heritage Softail will be as smooth a ride as our Electra Glide.
Coach

 

[rocketvette95]

Well, I had a 1998 Heritage Springer and it was the best bike I have ever had. I now have a 2006 Ultra Classic that I thourghly enjoy. The Ultra has a better ride,gets better mileage,and is a totally differant bike when riding two up.I would rather go two up on the Ultra than the Springer. The Ultra just has that refined ride along with alot better stability in the twisties of the NC moutains. Now don't get me wrong,the Softails are great looking and great riding bikes.I would fiqure if you bought a new Softail,and added the bags,and tour-pak,and possible change the rear shocks,you might as well buy a newer Ultra,or take and add the items to your bike and do a cam change and have something that the two of you would be more comfortable on

 

[Geoff]

Ive tried both bikes. The Electra Glide has a smoother ride. What air pressure are you running in your rear shocks?

 

[gunrunner68]

I went from an 06 fatboy to a 12 street glide. There is a huge difference in the ride quality of the street glide. It does not beat you up and you can ride longer both two up and solo.

 

[coach-emeritus]

Ive tried both bikes. The Electra Glide has a smoother ride. What air pressure are you running in your rear shocks?

I have experimented with air pressure quite a bit and it seems around 18lbs is best for my wife. I just ordered an airhawk large pillion pad and was hoping it would be in for this weekend so we could try it out. Our bike also has shorter than stock shocks so I might put the stock ones back on to see if that affects the ride. Wife wife though is really convinced that the backrest and wrap around arms on the Ultra Classic would be more comfortable and we could always use the extra carrying capacity of the tourpack. Realistically I will probably end up with a newer Ultra Classic.
Coach

 

[98roadking]

I just bought a 2012 Ultra Limited and LOVE it.

 

[lumpy38]

I have a police glide that I put a backrest on for the wife when I first bought it. She said that she was comfy and the ride was just fine. I then collected the parts for the the tourpak piece by piece, had it painted to match and installed it over the winter a few years ago. Once the ol' lady got on it, she told me to sell that backrest thing cause she won't be needing it anymore. Since I installed it, there haven't been any complaints from the back seat. .... and the added storage is great.

 

[Geoff]

The grass isn't always greener. For instance, I once sold an Ultra Classic, bought a Softail Custom and then went back to an Ultra, all within the same year. I missed the Ultra's ride quality, two-up comfort and luggage (especially the tour pak).

I suggest you rent a Heritage for a day and then decide.

 

[mike2011sg]

I went from an 06 fatboy to a 12 street glide. There is a huge difference in the ride quality of the street glide. It does not beat you up and you can ride longer both two up and solo.

09 fatboy to 11 sg. much better

 

[sonoffatboy]

I have experimented with air pressure quite a bit and it seems around 18lbs is best for my wife. I just ordered an airhawk large pillion pad and was hoping it would be in for this weekend so we could try it out. Our bike also has shorter than stock shocks so I might put the stock ones back on to see if that affects the ride. Wife wife though is really convinced that the backrest and wrap around arms on the Ultra Classic would be more comfortable and we could always use the extra carrying capacity of the tourpack. Realistically I will probably end up with a newer Ultra Classic.
Coach

06 eglide..the last year for 88 twinkie...no cat/converter..and only 10 k on it...i say keep it...add some things for more comfort...but if you have pile of money burning a hole in your pocket who's say you shouldn't spend it...but i am assume you came here opinions...i have FLHTC...an 06...50,000 kms..and it's flawless..sure the newer ones have some features...but the 06 is a simpler thing to deal with..no fly by wire throttle...not running really hot ect ect... what the heck spend money on some trips...and enjoy yourself you have a good scoot...forget going to the softail family for comfort...for style yes...for better ride/handling for two up...no way....

 

[Jackass]

I'd stick with the 06' and make it what you want. @gree:

 

[bigbadal]

Yup, put some more comfort in the '06 electra glide.

 

[rocketvette95]

Like I had stated before, I like the way the Softails look,mainly the olds Springers. I would not down-grade to the Softail just for the looks. The best bet is stay with what you have ,spend and upgrade your bike and then you know what you have

 

[Nazzdak]

I have both.

The difference is like comparing night to day. I probably put 300 miles on my Softail last year. I put over 11,000 miles on my dresser. If you like the looks of the Heritage, but the ride of a Glide, I would suggest a Road King.

I love mine

 

[Kool-Aid]

Ditto! Absolutly loved my '05 FB, never thought I would own a bagger, but knocking at 50 this year and my backside was telling otherwise. Felt like I was cheating on a girlfriend while I was riding my black beauty into the dealer to trade her off, but about half way home, I couldn't keep the chit faced smile off my face! Keep what you have, buying new HD, and then spending several thousands to "open" up her intake, clean the cat out of the exhaust and having to map it...and whatever else? Take a few softails out for test rides, and let your butt decide. Nothing rides like a Glide. Keep us posted-peace out!

 

[coach-emeritus]

I purchased a large pilllion airhawk cushion. That seemed to help my wife's back and neck a lot-no complaints after a two hour ride Saturday. I think I am going to put the stock shocks back on. The shorter ones make the bike ride rougher as well as change the rake of the bike which probably affects the front fork travel as well. I can add a tourpack for a little over a thousand, which is a lot cheaper than trading my EG and buying another bike. Thanks for the advice I think I will keep it for a while.

Coach

 

[Nazzdak]

Coach-

Life is short. Death is long. With interest rates this low, buy yourself a brand new bike. You know you deserve it.

Hell, I ordered mine. It took two months but my baby never even saw the showroom floor.

Every 2012 touring model sits on a brand new frame, comes with an ABS Brembo brake system, security, a miles to empty indicator, six speed transmission, and a 103inch motor, standard. All backed by a two year unlimited mileage warranty.

You can learn more here -> www.ridetrue.com

Good luck

 

[baggerman11]

Wife has the softtail, ride it once in a while myself when it's been sitting for a while just to clean it out. Can't wait to get back on my Glide. No comparison on the ride. She's even got the mustang seat on hers, still no comparison. With the mustand seat and 20 pounds of air, the Glide is like riding on a Lazyboy recliner on wheels. Softtail is fun to ride around town and just putzing around, don't have to deal with the extra 300 pounds of weight and the wind as much. Keep the glide.

 

[coach-emeritus]

I have a job with the school system here and I travel from school to school but with the gas prices such as they are I need something besides my pick-up that gets better gas mileage. I could get another smaller truck,a car, or another motorcyle (I hate to put work miles on the EG). I rode my wife's Boulevard but she sold it, maybe I can find an older, reasonably priced heritage classic. Driving a motorcycle to work is much more fun than any other vehicle.
Coach

 

[streetg]

I have a softail and a Bagger. The Bagger is more comfy cruising, obviously, but if you like to ride aggressive my softail takes it hands down. I don't know bout the newer ones but my 88 just solidly sticks to the road beautifully, especially since I put a 16 inch cat squasher up front over 20 years ago. Now suspension, that's a different story, it's definitely rougher on the longer rides but it tracks amazing in the twistiest.