I am nearing a decision as to which bike to buy--new--and it's coming down to the Fat Boy, the Softail Deluxe and the Heritage Softail Classic.
I am 6'2" tall and weigh 190lbs. I want to mostly ride day-trips in the country on the weekends and, now and then, perhaps an overnighter. I've ridden (demo'd at the HD dealer) a Street Bob, a Rocker and an HSC. I do not have a bike now; I ride a friend's Honda Shadow 750 or Yamaha 1300T occasionally and enjoy both of those.
My preference is a bike that retains the look of a motorcycle. While a windshield is good for trips and nights, I sort of like being in the breeze and don't really care for fairings and attached luggage. Thus, I'd want saddlebags that go on and come off easily.
My question is: What's the difference (besides the obvious accessories) between the three? After all, they're all the same frame and engine, right?
If there is little or no difference, why am I told that the Deluxe will feel too short for me and that the Fat Boy is probably best for a younger guy (I'm 55) and the HSC will be oh-so much more comfortable?
To me, and this may reveal my inexperience, if I put a windshield and some saddlebags on a Fat Boy, I have most of an HSC. On the other hand, a local guy rides his HSC without bags or a windshield around town and it look very good--very Fat Boy-ish! Where am I wrong? Can anyone help me sort all of this out?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts and insights!
I am 6'2" tall and weigh 190lbs. I want to mostly ride day-trips in the country on the weekends and, now and then, perhaps an overnighter. I've ridden (demo'd at the HD dealer) a Street Bob, a Rocker and an HSC. I do not have a bike now; I ride a friend's Honda Shadow 750 or Yamaha 1300T occasionally and enjoy both of those.
My preference is a bike that retains the look of a motorcycle. While a windshield is good for trips and nights, I sort of like being in the breeze and don't really care for fairings and attached luggage. Thus, I'd want saddlebags that go on and come off easily.
My question is: What's the difference (besides the obvious accessories) between the three? After all, they're all the same frame and engine, right?
If there is little or no difference, why am I told that the Deluxe will feel too short for me and that the Fat Boy is probably best for a younger guy (I'm 55) and the HSC will be oh-so much more comfortable?
To me, and this may reveal my inexperience, if I put a windshield and some saddlebags on a Fat Boy, I have most of an HSC. On the other hand, a local guy rides his HSC without bags or a windshield around town and it look very good--very Fat Boy-ish! Where am I wrong? Can anyone help me sort all of this out?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts and insights!