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Softail Deluxe

by Jodi Peterson
(Liminton, Maine)

Riding in South Dakota

I learned how to ride on a Yamaha 750, I could barely touch the ground, I'm 5'3", and dumped it a few times while mastering the art of stopping! My husband is 6'4" and rode on the back. He would say "if you can ride with me on the back you can ride anywhere." After a month of that I went onto a Custom Sportster 1200...it was a dream come true being able to touch flat footed on BOTH sides of my bike! I took the MSF class with 2 of my friends and we all passed. So that was in 04 and I rode everywhere. If no one wanted to ride, I rode alone. I work in an office and I'd take my bike with a sling pack slung over my shoulder with my blow dryer, brush, and heels in it. When I'd get to work I'd fix my helmet head. I put over 15,000 miles on her before I traded for the Deluxe. We were heading to Sturgis for bike week in 06 and I wanted a big girl bike. So I gave up my first love for my lifelong love. It handles incredibly well. I can touch flat on both sides again. It's lighter than my Sportster. When I sat on this bike I knew I'd found my bike. Very easy to control and I feel so comfortable riding short or long distances. I've put 25,000 miles on her since April of 06. I live in Maine and we plan a long trip each summer with family. We went from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia 2 years ago, last year was Niagra Falls, and this year we're talking about Canada again. Riding is certainly a way of life. I get asked all the time why I ride so much...it's true...if you have to ask you wouldn't understand.

Comments for Softail Deluxe

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Oct 17, 2009

Sportster Vvs Deluxe
by: Pippa

I am also a new rider. I took the motorcycle class in the summer of 08...bought my 883 Sportster in April of 09. I have put 2,000 mile on my Sporty. Last week, I bought my dream bike. It is a 2006 Softail Deluxe. OMG what a ride. It does feel much lighter than my Sporty but that is just because if the low center of gravity. It handles much better and I feel much safer on it. The only drawback I can find so far is that it is a bit harder to get it out of small spaces like parking spaces. Small price to pay for such comfort.

Aug 17, 2009

I Love My Sporty!
by: Anonymous

I have a gorgeous 2002 XL1380 Sportster - I purchased it in 2005 and I will never sell it - It was a 1200 now bored out to a 1380. It is Pearl White - I can set it up for touring complete with windshield, touring seat, Willie n Max White with Black trim quick release saddle bags and sissy bar or I can strip her down to just a Corbin solo seat and rip when I want - I did happen to come across a Softail Deluxe - what a beauty, 2006 with 358 miles on it, Wine color, complete with Fishtale pipes - guy wants 13,500 for it. It's a fantastic deal for a bike that was never ridden, the wife bought it before they were married - as her very first bike - rode a couple of times, then decided she would rather be a passenger - financially really is not the time for me to buy and if I do, I soo don't want to sell my Sporty - I do like the look and feel of a larger bike - not sure what to do.

Jul 07, 2009

My Deluxe
by: Jodi

Thank you for your comments. I guess I shouldn't have said it's lighter than my Sportster...It just seems lighter. When I sat on the Deluxe and pulled it upright it seemed sooo much lighter than my Sportster...I told my husband and he sat on it and was amazed. He has a Heritage Springer..an awesome riding bike but heavy to bring upright.

I don't have any problems maneuvering my bike in any situation. When I ride with my husband he goes into all sorts of weird spots..nothing is every drive in drive out. So I've had plenty of practice taking my bike into precarious situations.

You should test drive a Deluxe at a local dealer. I think once you've ridden one you're mind will be made up.

Jun 25, 2009

Softail Deluxe
by: Sue from Illinois

You said that your Softail Deluxe weighs less than your Sportster?? The Deluxe weighs 695 dry weight and and 724 running order. The sportster (custom) weighs 562 dry weight and 589 running order. Do you think that it feels that way because it has such a great center of balance. I have a Sportster low and it is a pretty well balanced bike, but I think some of the bigger ones, especially the Softail, have even a better center of balance. Maybe that makes it seem lighter. Don't you find that it is just a bit heavier to move around on your own - like maneuvering it for parking, etc? I have a friend who had a bigger bike, a fat boy and she loved it, except for maneuvering it around, so she eventually went down to a custom Sportser because it is easier to handle and maneuver.

I personally want to be able to get a Softail or Heritage for the awesome center of balance. I think the bigger bikes would be better on the highway, too - in the wind and at higher speeds...
I am a new rider and have only had my Sportster for just over two months. I love riding - but it is taking me some time getting used to riding at faster speeds. I just can't get used to going 55 mph and faster. Kind of scary for me right now. I am going out every day and trying to increase the speed a little at a time. I guess eventually I will get more used to it. Well, enjoy riding and ride safely!!

Jun 25, 2009

Softtail Deluxe
by: kenberlyc

Nice bike! I ride as often as I can, unfortunately not as much as you get to. I am jealous. But when I do get to ride nothing compares. It gets in your soul, doesn't it?

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