Topic: How Do You Softail Riders Like Long Trips on the Springer (Read 16761 times)

TheTortoise · « **on:** May 13, 2008, 12:53:09 PM »

The SERK is my main choice to get. But I also love the looks of the Softail. Lets hear from the Springer folks about their long rides of 300 or more miles a day. How is the small windshield as an option and the leather bags.

doug

ice6900 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2008, 03:02:50 PM »

i can highly recommend the springer on full day rides, i just have a small fender rack and strap my luggage bag onto it plus I wear a small back pack which rests on the pillion seat, no saddle bags no windshield, just back home from a camping weekend at the super rally up in denmark 1000km round trip, only problem i find is my left foot sometimes falls off the foot peg, right leg can sometimes feel the warmth of the exhaust/ oil temp 110°celcius, my ass has no problems with the seat, my body is generally agreeable with the riding position but sometimes i do move my feet onto the rear pegs,at high speeds the neck can take a buffeting but its a pain i^m prepared to live with, if i wanted to hide behind a screen i would drive a cage. So far i have clocked up over 10000km mostly on long rides

Deuce Bigelow · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2008, 05:18:53 PM »

if you're looking at the SERK then get that.
The SE Springer is nice, but for long rides you'll really appreciate the SERK...

I have the FXSTSSE and I find myself looking more and more at the SERK.

yoderjl · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2008, 07:31:19 PM »

i love this bike but...............my back, and bottom do get a little tired after a 300 mile trip, but not enough to keep me off it. OR i am just getting too old. But i am getting ready to take a 2200 mile round trip next weekfor vacation on it!

TheTortoise · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2008, 09:49:05 PM »

That answers that. SERK it is.

Deuce Bigelow · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2008, 10:06:03 PM »

I think you made the right choice...

Hoist! · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2008, 10:58:47 PM »

Quote from: TheTortoise on May 13, 2008, 09:49:05 PM

That answers that. SERK it is.

I KNOW you made the right choice! Good luck!

Hoist!

the barber · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2008, 02:37:10 PM »

Just got back from a 700mile run to myrtle beach it wasn't bad, but its no couch!

Happnin · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2008, 04:20:28 PM »

Just did 300 last weekend with few comfort problems. I just compare it to the hardtail chopper I used to ride and the damn thing's a Cadillac. I wouldn't press it much further than 300 though--that's for the R1200GS.

For reference, I used to own a Goldwing I would routinely put 600 mile days on with very few problems. Finest touring bike by far, by the way.

Happ

drogers · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2008, 06:14:02 PM »

I plan on leaving central Florida and going to N Carolina for 9 days on my Springer in a couple of weeks.I've never rode more than 300 miles one way on a motorcycle before,so I'm a little concerned that I'll hold up.

cvo_rider · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2008, 08:06:11 AM »

Just did 2800 miles on my springer. Do not think I could have done it with the stock bars. The mini apes are great, I just leaned back on my tbag the whole trip.

SMOKIN' JACKET · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2008, 02:22:03 AM »

What windshield are you using? How is it working?

Deuce Bigelow · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2008, 09:12:10 AM »

Marie,

why are you so hung up on putting a windshield on your bike??

ice6900 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2008, 01:54:21 PM »

i love this bike but...............my back, and bottom do get a little tired after a 300 mile trip, but not enough to keep me off it.

I totally agree with that one, just back from a 280miler

05h11 which 03h12 on motorways. Total Distance 446km of which 323km on motorways

no screen no worries!

SMOKIN' JACKET · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2008, 10:33:14 PM »

Quote from: Deuce Bigelow on May 24, 2008, 09:12:10 AM

Marie,

why are you so hung up on putting a windshield on your bike??

I guess because I am chicken-chit to ride for any length of time on the freeway without one. But, I took the brand new windvest off today because it is absolutely worthless and caused more harm than good.

Do you just ride everywhere without one? I think that is where I am heading. Just hope I can keep up with the other riders when I am with a group. It is the FREEWAY that just mentally wears me down. I am a rider with less than 3,000 miles under my belt.

Deuce Bigelow · « **Reply #15 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:07:54 AM »

I don't have a windshield, so YES!
I ride everywhere without a windshield.

but everybody else that I ride with doesn't have a windshield either, except one person, and he takes his off in the summer.
we don't go on the highway much, not only is it safer but it's a nicer ride taking the back roads.

how about a full face helmet? or a helmet with a windscreen?
I bought my daughter a new 3/4 HD helmet that has a flip up windscreen, it's a little smaller than their "regular" helmets.

drogers · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2008, 02:06:28 PM »

I try an avoid the highway too,I don't and wont have a windshield.If you I wear a full face helmet and a snug leather or mesh jacket,you will be very comfortable up to 75 mph.Loose clothing will flap in the wind and drive you crazy.With out the full face helmet or shield,your eyes and face will burn from the wind.If I wanted to cruise the Highway I would have bought a bagger.

Happnin · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2008, 05:38:49 PM »

Quote from: drogers on May 27, 2008, 02:06:28 PM

With out the full face helmet or shield,your eyes and face will burn from the wind.

Not to mention all the GD bugs.

SMOKIN' JACKET · « **Reply #18 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:14:10 PM »

I guess I am just a pu$$y! I'm gonna ride like the big dogs. No windshield!

I do have a 3/4 helmet with a face shield and I wear sunglasses underneath. I will make sure I ain't flappin' in the wind and endure.

I don't spend that much time on the freeway anyway.

Thanks, guys!

gilbert · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2009, 04:39:22 PM »

No problems.

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2009, 06:56:41 PM »

Marie,

I had a windvest shield on my last bike, an FXD, and I thought it worked quite well. I'm thinking that if you didn't like the windvest shield, you are probably not going to be happy with any of them. BTW, the reason I got the windvest was to make riding in cold weather a little easier. I'm bare all the way tho' with the springer.

Dave

marshall10 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:05:22 PM »

If you are still looking for advice, the rumor is that in 2010 we will have a SE Street Glide. Being the owner of a street glide, who originally was looking at soft-tails, then roadkings, and finally bought a street glide I can say that they are great for long trips as well as around town.

JeffsHogPen · « **Reply #22 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:13:00 PM »

I have a Roadking that I just Love.....It is comfortable for the wife and I....the Springer is for me. The stock seat could be more comfortable. I have not and don't intend to install a windshield. It just my preference when I ride the Springer. Long rides....there isn't anything like a Roadking or Street Glide. As far a the Best Looking most exciting Ride......the Springer is the Best!!!!!!

rbaker · « **Reply #23 on:** July 09, 2009, 12:19:39 AM »

Quote from: SMOKIN' JACKET on May 27, 2008, 10:14:10 PM

I guess I am just a pu$$y! I'm gonna ride like the big dogs. No windshield!

I do have a 3/4 helmet with a face shield and I wear sunglasses underneath. I will make sure I ain't flappin' in the wind and endure.

I don't spend that much time on the freeway anyway.

Thanks, guys!

Hi, I ride everywhere without windshield. But I have a full face helmet and it seems to let me ride faster and longer, then after 500 or 600 miles when you get off at your destination your eyes are not red and watery. Maybe see you two up at the Hood River GTG, 1,295 miles from here in Arizona. I do want to see that jacket I have read about for last few months.

LoneCustom · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2009, 03:20:37 PM »

Quote from: TheTortoise on May 13, 2008, 12:53:09 PM

The SERK is my main choice to get. But I also love the looks of the Softail. Lets hear from the Springer folks about their long rides of 300 or more miles a day. How is the small windshield as an option and the leather bags.

doug

Haven't done a really long ride yet (~100 miles or so) - I do have a windscreen (the low profile one) and I just installed leather saddlebags (not the detachable ones). I guess my biggest issue is that the combination of my body proportions and the riding position of the Springer puts most of my weight on my tailbone. After a while, I need to lean forward to put more weight on my "buns" for a while. My other bike is a Road King and, as you would expect, is mighty comfortable on longer rides. (It has a backrest on the seat).

rheiner · « **Reply #25 on:** July 10, 2009, 02:12:18 AM »

Having a SEUC4 and a FXSTSSE3 (with a windshield) I have had many opportunities to do longer runs (200 miles) in a day. Without a windshield on the springer it's brutal, especially in a headwind. With a windshield on the springer it's still brutal compared to the SEUC. But my SEUC has Traxxion front end and Bitubo shock suspension, and cruise control so it's easy to see that riding the SEUC is like riding in a BMW luxury sedan compared to any motorcycle.

ice6900 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 10, 2009, 01:10:11 PM »

1000km a day for 3days with the stock seat, i just love it!! bring on the next trip

Deuce Bigelow · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2009, 08:25:37 AM »

YOU sir must have an iron butt!

fxstsse · « **Reply #28 on:** July 13, 2009, 02:50:13 PM »

I rode to sturgis last year, 1100 miles in 2 days. The bike was very comfortable, I added the 14" wind vest and heel rests. I leaned back on large sissy bar bag. The girl friend flew out because the passenger seat is pretty bad. Once I got there I added quick release saddlebags by Edge. I am 57 years old and riding out again this year.

gilbert · « **Reply #29 on:** July 13, 2009, 11:51:49 PM »

Start the machine and ride it.

drogers · « **Reply #30 on:** August 04, 2009, 10:04:46 PM »

For touring,I set my Springer up with Wild 1 bars,Tallboy seat,rear rack/short sissy bar,t bag,3" extended forward controls,big beefy pegs with fold out heel rest. Lean back and go! 300 mile days are fairly easy. No fairing. Never had one,but a buddy talked me into trying one. I bought the Harley Springer detachable windshield,however,a 2 mile test ride is all it took to get rid of it. The buffeting was so bad I couldn't even see. I do wear a full face helmet at all times though.

Grizzly · « **Reply #31 on:** August 04, 2009, 10:35:46 PM »

Quote from: yoderjl on May 13, 2008, 07:31:19 PM

i love this bike but...............my back, and bottom do get a little tired after a 300 mile trip, but not enough to keep me off it. OR i am just getting too old. But i am getting ready to take a 2200 mile round trip next weekfor vacation on it!

Do yourself a favour and have a gel pad cut into the foam and re-staple your seat back together.

You have an awesome looking bike and you might as well be comfortable. With the softails today, if you've got a comfortable seat, you should be able to ride all day long and enjoy it.

Have a great holiday on a great bike.

Ride safe and enjoy!

SMOKIN' JACKET · « **Reply #32 on:** August 07, 2009, 11:16:57 PM »

Quote from: rbaker on July 09, 2009, 12:19:39 AM

Hi, I ride everywhere without windshield. But I have a full face helmet and it seems to let me ride faster and longer, then after 500 or 600 miles when you get off at your destination your eyes are not red and watery. Maybe see you two up at the Hood River GTG, 1,295 miles from here in Arizona. I do want to see that jacket I have read about for last few months.

Hey, sorry I missed this post. I ride everywhere without a windshield, too. I wear a 3/4 helmet most of the time, but a full-faced helmet in the winter. I absolutely love my bike and am never uncomfortable. My longest ride was to Street Vibrations- maybe 200 miles. I just get out there and RIDE. The freeway doesn't bother me anymore. I have the reach seat. Standard handlebars. I just put one of those velcro throttle controls on and it works really well.

My co-riders think I'm crazy. Street glides, road kings and heritage softail. They love their fairings, radios, warm legs. My boyfriend wants me to get a Street Glide, but I don't want to get rid of my Springer. I get tons of compliments on my bike because every other bike looks the same as the next. I wonder if I would change my mind, as most do, if I were to get a Street Glide? It's a nice bike, but is it exciting? I want to RIDE, not SIT.

RPR50 · « **Reply #33 on:** August 08, 2009, 06:45:28 AM »

Last month did 500 miles on one trip in two days and 700 miles on another in 3 days. Stock seat. T-bag helps the back. I love my bike.

bogman · « **Reply #34 on:** August 12, 2009, 04:31:38 AM »

Just back from a 7500 mile European trip on my 09 Springer, took just over 6 weeks, no issues just one beautiful ride

ice6900 · « **Reply #35 on:** August 13, 2009, 02:26:36 PM »

Quote from: bogman on August 12, 2009, 04:31:38 AM

Just back from a 7500 mile European trip on my 09 Springer, took just over 6 weeks, no issues just one beautiful ride

nice one bogman, post some pics if another thread if you have some,

i am just back from a lil trip 2 the UK, arrived in Boulogne France at 3pm from Dover, rode via Namur, Luxembourg, Metz, Strassbourg, Basel arriving Zurich at 1am having suffered long tailbacks near Metz and from Basel to zurich, caught all the traffic leaving the Italy/Swiss football game. grrr midlined the traffic to stop from over heating, me and the motor

djkak · « **Reply #36 on:** August 14, 2009, 01:18:50 AM »

I recently finished a 6 day, 2,600 mile loop with another couple riding a ’09 FXSTSSE3 and a 2004 FLHTSE. The person riding the Springer gave the SE Electra Glide to his Wife and he moved to the Springer, which he really enjoys. I have a photo of the machines that I can post tomorrow.

ice6900 · « **Reply #37 on:** August 14, 2009, 03:50:12 PM »

Quote from: SMOKIN' JACKET on August 07, 2009, 11:16:57 PM

Hey, sorry I missed this post. I ride everywhere without a windshield, too. I wear a 3/4 helmet most of the time, but a full-faced helmet in the winter. I absolutely love my bike and am never uncomfortable. My longest ride was to Street Vibrations- maybe 200 miles. I just get out there and RIDE. The freeway doesn't bother me anymore. I have the reach seat. Standard handlebars. I just put one of those velcro throttle controls on and it works really well.

My co-riders think I'm crazy. Street glides, road kings and heritage softail. They love their fairings, radios, warm legs. My boyfriend wants me to get a Street Glide, but I don't want to get rid of my Springer. I get tons of compliments on my bike because every other bike looks the same as the next. I wonder if I would change my mind, as most do, if I were to get a Street Glide? It's a nice bike, but is it exciting? I want to RIDE, not SIT.

My wife just leaves her night train in the back of the garage now that she bought a 09kiosk with beauty cases oooppps i mean a street glide. She is in love with her new fairing and radio/cd player, she just fitted a bare bones seat but has not ridden distance yet.

djkak · « **Reply #38 on:** August 14, 2009, 09:21:49 PM »

This photo was taken near the St. Lawrence Seaway in Massena, NY. at one of the several greasy spoons that we visited during our travels. The green FXSTSSE3 is on the left and his previous ride, an ’04 FLHTSE is on the right. He doesn’t miss the Electra Glide at all.

He has run 5,000 miles on the Springer so far this season and this was his first ride behind the windshield. I have managed 6,957 miles on the Street Glide since June 25.

jester · « **Reply #39 on:** August 15, 2009, 08:55:25 AM »

Since there seems to big a problem with getting the correct seat to fit the springer,I purchased a gel from SoftBottom. I'm about to pull all the staples from the stock seat, insert the gel pad and staple everything back together. I'll report back after completion and confirmation

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #40 on:** August 15, 2009, 02:52:07 PM »

I read some touring forums, and it seems to be the consensus that the Airhawk seat pad is the best in making a seat more comfortable. I don't want to buy a new seat or modify the old one if there is an option. I ordered one, and we'll see if it's as good as everyone says.

JeffsHogPen · « **Reply #41 on:** August 16, 2009, 01:13:21 PM »

Jester et me know how it goes. That is something that I might consider doing if Thanks Jeff

Buy early · « **Reply #42 on:** August 16, 2009, 05:34:23 PM »

Two thumbs up for the Airhawk pad. Have been to Sturgis and back on it twice now on my Wide Glide (640 miles one way) and did 3 of those stretches straight through. No issues at all. It is really a joy to use!

Gamecock · « **Reply #43 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:50:32 PM »

This past Myrtle Beach rally, my first on the FXSTSSE2 with the stock seat. MAN! My ass was on fire 1/3 the way there, only 60 miles down the road! There and back, I knew I was going to have to get a new seat asap. One of the guys here on the site sold me his Sundowner. I also had the dealership tighten up the shock all the way in. These two actions have turned my bike into a VERY COMFORTABLE SE SPRINGER now! I'm sure I could get a bit more comfort with a gel seat, but I'm totally ok with the Sundowner on bike now. My wife loves it too. It looks great, the side flaps and studs add a lot of character to it, glad I got it for sure.

jester · « **Reply #44 on:** August 23, 2009, 02:17:44 PM »

the softbottom pad underneath the original seat cover is much nicer to ride. the pad isn't quite the right size so i'm trying to procure a large piece of the material to put under the whole seat. i'll let you know how that goes

solo2racing · « **Reply #45 on:** September 12, 2009, 08:19:41 PM »

Quote from: TheTortoise on May 13, 2008, 12:53:09 PM

The SERK is my main choice to get. But I also love the looks of the Softail. Lets hear from the Springer folks about their long rides of 300 or more miles a day. How is the small windshield as an option and the leather bags.

doug

I just picked up a 07 FXSTSSE in Franklin TN and did 730 miles in 9:43 from Franklin, TN to Fort Worth, TX and let me tell you my back, butt, neck and right hand were hurting big time by the time I got home....

To me a Springer just doesn't look right with a windscreen or saddle bags... but to each their own...

Kevin.....

ice6900 · « **Reply #46 on:** September 14, 2009, 03:46:11 AM »

Quote from: solo2racing on September 12, 2009, 08:19:41 PM

To me a Springer just doesn't look right with a windscreen or saddle bags... but to each their own...

Kevin.....

I am in total agreement with you there, i have now clocked up up over 31,000km on my 07, mostly on long trips to rallies and sitting on the stock seat with no screen for up to 8 or 9 hours a day covering up to 1000km, while in germany i take the opportunity to crank it out to 180kph and cruise @ 150/160kph were allowed, its just something you either get used too or you buy a bagger!

rbaker · « **Reply #47 on:** September 30, 2009, 07:33:46 AM »

Quote from: SMOKIN' JACKET on August 07, 2009, 11:16:57 PM

Hey, sorry I missed this post. I ride everywhere without a windshield, too. I wear a 3/4 helmet most of the time, but a full-faced helmet in the winter. I absolutely love my bike and am never uncomfortable. My longest ride was to Street Vibrations- maybe 200 miles. I just get out there and RIDE. The freeway doesn't bother me anymore. I have the reach seat. Standard handlebars. I just put one of those velcro throttle controls on and it works really well.

My co-riders think I'm crazy. Street glides, road kings and heritage softail. They love their fairings, radios, warm legs. My boyfriend wants me to get a Street Glide, but I don't want to get rid of my Springer. I get tons of compliments on my bike because every other bike looks the same as the next. I wonder if I would change my mind, as most do, if I were to get a Street Glide? It's a nice bike, but is it exciting? I want to RIDE, not SIT.

I would keep the Springer LOL , Richard

Author Topic: How Do You Softail Riders Like Long Trips on the Springer (Read 16761 times)