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old softail vs new softail

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  • micathia
    micathia
    3 years ago
    Hi
    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 
  • RossW
    RossW
    3 years ago
    Quoting micathia on 11 Aug 2020 09:20 AM

    Hi

    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 

    I'm sure there are. 
    Looking objectively, the new Softails give you the best of the Softail and the Dyna combined, while improving on both in terms of frame stiffness.
    All that with a smoother and more powerful engine as well.
    I've heard three criticisms:
    "They're not proper Harleys because they don't look like mine"
    "They don't vibrate enough to be a proper Harley".
    "They don't sound like a proper Harley".
    The last is easily fixed and in fact you won't find too many Twincam softails with a stock exhaust either.


  • Kato
    Kato
    3 years ago
    Quoting micathia on 11 Aug 2020 09:20 AM

    Hi

    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 

    Its a   bit of a joke

    - Increase power

    - Lighten the bike

    THEN STILL have a single disc up front …………...how does that work in the real world .

    Its no wonder HD is losing sales im afraid

  • RossW
    RossW
    3 years ago
    Quoting micathia on 11 Aug 2020 09:20 AM

    Hi

    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 

    Quoting Kato on 11 Aug 2020 10:06 PM

    Its a   bit of a joke

    - Increase power

    - Lighten the bike

    THEN STILL have a single disc up front …………...how does that work in the real world .

    Its no wonder HD is losing sales im afraid

    The single disc actually works ok. Not brilliant, but sufficient. You could always try the Lowrider S if you want two.
    Harleys (VRod excepted), have always had brakes that will pull you up in time, but only once.
  • Kato
    Kato
    3 years ago
    Quote source removed.
    Are you serious .... it’s a320 kg bike 
    Paying HD the amount they want for a bike poor given it’s a single disc on most HD Models  
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    3 years ago
    Quoting Kato on 11 Aug 2020 11:31 PM

    Are you serious .... it’s a320 kg bike 

    Paying HD the amount they want for a bike poor given it’s a single disc on most HD Models  

    If you started out on a Drum Brake Harley, then moved to a single disc front Harley, you would not worry, new one stops.
    If you have been riding Ducati & so on that have the best brakes money can buy, you would notice more . I've got Older ( lighter ) Sporty that's got bit more go, but only single front disc & I can lock up the front wheel.
    also another point is if you live in the city & ride in heavy traffic & traffic lights you use brakes a lot, if in the bush or rural parts of coast you don't use brakes much.

    Back to Old V New Softail's, I think Question should be Evo Softail , TC Softail or Update Single rear Shock 4 valve head's Softail's.
    well the EVO Softail vibrated as much as my Old Shovel head, so expect things to come loose, crack or fall off if you ride hard.
    the TC softail has counter balancers & much smoother also the crank ( Flywheels ) on TC much improved over the EVO & stronger crank pin, the flywheels also help the TC softail to run very smooth ( smooth running motor should last longer due to less harmonic's & less metal Fatigue .
    2018 & up 4 valve heads Softail , up to date & run's near perfect out the box ( off showroom floor ) probably the best running ( feel of engine response ) Softail & best Handling as they come off showroom floor.
    but I think the TC softail motor can be made to perform hard, easier than the newer 4 valve motor. but I could be wrong!!
    but the EVO as it come's 80 inch has no low down Torque , the TC low end Torque & pulling power kills an 80 EVO!!plus much smoother.
    but if your just into a stock nice looking ride not into riding hard & like to do all your own work ( servicing so on ) the EVO wins hands down.
    but even though I found the new ok as it came off showroom floor. the one's I have listened too that had non stock pipes sounded strange to me.
    but they ride ok.
    take your pick
  • leachy
    leachy
    3 years ago
    I guess it depends on what you want out of a cruiser. In stock form the M8 would be better, but I guess it depends on what is fitted to to which bike. I guess the M8 raises the bar for the base bike to start building. You cant improve on frame or engine design though.
    I compared my 2016 Dyna Low Rider to the current Low Rider and mine was a lot better but its had an extra $4.5K spent on it.   
  • Smokey61
    Smokey61
    3 years ago

    Can't beat the original eighties models in my book. Later ones got too fat.
  • Birtyyy
    Birtyyy
    3 years ago
    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.
  • Kato
    Kato
    3 years ago
    Quoting Smokey61 on 12 Aug 2020 03:26 AM


    Can't beat the original eighties models in my book. Later ones got too fat.

    Agreed . Great looking from the rear but simply cannot handle 
    Can’t have both I’m afraid - unfortunately ??
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    3 years ago
    Quoting micathia on 11 Aug 2020 09:20 AM

    Hi

    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 

    Yes Twin Cam Softails are worth buying, just depends what you want, ie looking for a well priced Heritage, etc, I’d take the TC any day.

    Yeah, I like my Dyna too but I reckon it’s the unbalanced engine that atttacts rather than the frame dynamics. Any engine that’s not required to spin up one or more balance shafts will be more responsive. Some say the M8 is no slouch, I agree, but reckon it would run even better without having to drive a balance shaft.

    I’ve never found vibration a problem on my old TC even on long day 700k runs. Want vibration, try an FXE Shovel.
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    3 years ago
    Quoting Birtyyy on 12 Aug 2020 05:15 AM

    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.

    Yes mate, Carbs rule, if only unleaded fuel wasn’t so crap and Harley put in decent oil pumps.
  • WideglidingNZ
    WideglidingNZ
    3 years ago
    Quoting Birtyyy on 12 Aug 2020 05:15 AM

    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.

    Quoting Ratbob on 12 Aug 2020 07:21 AM

    Yes mate, Carbs rule, if only unleaded fuel wasn’t so crap and Harley put in decent oil pumps.

    apparently the later 2019 -2020 model oil pumps are pretty good now after quite a few upgrades, my M-8 lowrider S is the best bike i have ever owned as it handles and perform really well i think after 3-4 years HD might have the M-8's sorted now
  • micathia
    micathia
    3 years ago
    Quoting Birtyyy on 12 Aug 2020 05:15 AM

    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.

    Quoting Ratbob on 12 Aug 2020 07:21 AM

    Yes mate, Carbs rule, if only unleaded fuel wasn’t so crap and Harley put in decent oil pumps.

    Quoting WideglidingNZ on 12 Aug 2020 07:48 PM

    apparently the later 2019 -2020 model oil pumps are pretty good now after quite a few upgrades, my M-8 lowrider S is the best bike i have ever owned as it handles and perform really well i think after 3-4 years HD might have the M-8's sorted now

    Did you compare low rider s with other softails before you buy? say street bob? fat bob? pro/cons?
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    3 years ago
    Quoting Birtyyy on 12 Aug 2020 05:15 AM

    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.

    Quoting Ratbob on 12 Aug 2020 07:21 AM

    Yes mate, Carbs rule, if only unleaded fuel wasn’t so crap and Harley put in decent oil pumps.

    What's the problem with oil pump? ( like scavenging, oil pressure or what? )
  • Bangkokbob
    Bangkokbob
    3 years ago
    Hi all.
    Evo softails can run smooth.
    If it don't there is a problem with poor flywheel balancing.
    Mine has always run sweet and likes to be at 80 - 85 MPH.
    A good Evo is reliable and will last a long time.
    I have PM brakes front and rear so stops well.
    Parts are cheap and globes can be replaced rather than paying exorbitant prices to replace the whole assembly ,modules or sensors.
    Maintenance can be done in YOUR garage rather paying huge hourly rates to a shop.
    The list can go on.
    My Evo has some soul and gives feedback to me on a ride.
    Just my views on the subject.
    Regards,
    B.B.

  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    3 years ago
    Quoting Birtyyy on 12 Aug 2020 05:15 AM

    I have an M8 Softail but nothing sounds like an old carbureted Harley, vibrations and all! I'm currently looking for an old evo Softail to add to my collection.

    Forum member Fatbat has a very nice low klm old evo for sale afaik.
    Go back through the for sale adds.
  • Kris78
    Kris78
    3 years ago
    Quoting micathia on 11 Aug 2020 09:20 AM

    Hi

    Just asking, after m8 released since 2018, is a late-year old Softail (platform) bike still worth buying? 

    From what I have read so far, no one ever appraises old Softail anymore unlike Dyna still many people love them. 

    Are there still people who prefer old Softail? and why? 

    In my experience , my reason being for the purchase I wanted that old school look and the new M8's don't do it for me 
    So I purchased a 2012 fxst , i got that old school look 200 rear skinny 21" front but with the newer drive train ...103 cube , 6 speed box and ABS brakes ...

  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    3 years ago
    Quoting Smokey61 on 12 Aug 2020 03:26 AM


    Can't beat the original eighties models in my book. Later ones got too fat.

    Quoting Kato on 12 Aug 2020 05:49 AM

    Agreed . Great looking from the rear but simply cannot handle 

    Can’t have both I’m afraid - unfortunately ??

    I beg to differ.
    My 84 FXWG handles like a gem.
    Narrower rear tyres go round corners better than the stupidly fat ones.
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    3 years ago
    Quoting Smokey61 on 12 Aug 2020 03:26 AM


    Can't beat the original eighties models in my book. Later ones got too fat.

    Quoting Kato on 12 Aug 2020 05:49 AM

    Agreed . Great looking from the rear but simply cannot handle 

    Can’t have both I’m afraid - unfortunately ??

    Quoting Far Canal on 13 Aug 2020 09:46 AM

    I beg to differ.
    My 84 FXWG handles like a gem.
    Narrower rear tyres go round corners better than the stupidly fat ones.

    agree, plus the lighter the wheels & Tyres the better.
    I thought the new 4 valve softail or super glide ( same thing to me  ) felt good riding on a 6 lane freeway, but as soon as I came to the first tight corner, it felt cumbersome , I'm used to trowing my bike into corners & having quick power Torque throw me out the corner. but my friend who owned the four valve, told me it handles great , & I only done 100k on it, so think I'd need a lot more time one one to really find out. But my old Shovel wide glide handled good, was just a bit low.
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