2009 Harley-Davidson Softail® Deluxe

I am a new rider...only 5'2". My first harley was a sportster 1200L. I always felt the bike was top heavy and I couldn't lean into tight slow turns. Even though the deluxe is 200lbs heavier it handles like a dream. the turn radius is great and I feel in complete control. It is a cadillac of ... bikes. LOVE IT and would recommend to shorter new riders. Don't be intimidated by the weight.

This is my seventh bike over the past 35 years...and my second Harley in 6 months. I'd purchased a used '08 XL883 last June...quick, agile, loads of fun to ride. But after doing close to 2400 miles on a ride last November, I knew I needed something else.

I love the retro look of the ... Softail Deluxe, and moreso the difference in the ride. Bumps seem nearly non-existent; the extra weight helps on those windy days; and the sound, well...you can't beat that Big Twin roar as you power up on the twisties in the Texas Hill Country.

The only real complaint I've had so far (after only one week and 520+ miles) is instead of just my throttle hand going numb, *both* hands go numb (about half-way through a 165-mile ride). The heel shifter did take some getting used to, also, but I'm getting the hang of it. I was a bit concerned about the size (me, being almost 5'6"), but find it's quite agile when it needs to be. The saddle's a bit wide when I have both feet down, too, but more comfortable than the Sporty after a couple of hours' riding.

I'm leaving it completely stock as I got it from the dealer (with the large windscreen), though. The rear rack is perfect for my Nashbar bicycle trunk bag with the passenger seat removed (I carry a change of clothes when I ride to work). The exhaust tone is much quieter than what I had on the Sporty, but has a great tone when some throttle is applied (not too much, since I'm still breaking it in). It just has the "look". Gotta love those heavy laced rims and white sidewalls. I can't feel any vibration, and the floorboards can't compare to even the cushioned pegs I had on the Sporty. I'll know more when I hit the road again this coming fall for a 5000-miler I've been planning...

I have owned several bikes and Harleys. The Deluxe offers great performance, good handling for twisting roads, good comfort, and great resale. Most of all it has the vintage/retro looks that many desire. I have added hard bags and a removable "glide" fairing to mine. It performed flawlessly on a ... recent 1,000 mile trip. I highly recommend this bike to beginners and experienced riders. good luck.

I have owned many Harley's(13 to be exact).The Deluxe Softail is the culmination of most of the best attributes of all that I have owned and ridden. The performance of the 96" is more than most riders will be able to use on the U.S.A highway system,it is smooth powerful and most of all -RELIABLE.Value ... for the money is unparalled. Most other bikes on the market resemble a stamped piece of sheet metal.The Deluxe has a most pleasing,retro appearance--unlike the stamped metal or plastic look of competitors. You could do a whole lot worse when you ride a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe !