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[Jocamel64]

I've always loved the look of softail springers and now that they're not making any more I thought this would be the time to finally purchase one.  Unfortunately none of the dealers near me have any to test ride. 

I would really appreciate feedback from all springer owners (current and past) as to the ride of these beautiful bikes.  I've heard their suspension is really lacking?

Thanks,
Joe

[Jocamel64]

Afternoon All,

My name is Joe and I currently ride a 93 Sportster 883 I bought new.  Great bike for riding to work and around town but I've always wanted a springer.  Now that HD isn't making them any longer I figured now was my time to get one but unfortunately no dealers around me (Charlottesville, VA) have a used one to test ride so I have no reference for the bike.

Also I have been reading negative things about the ride for the CVO springer.  Is it bad?  Uncomfortable?  Too stiff?  I'd really appreciated some feedback on all current (and past) Springer owner/riders.

Thanks!
Joe

[dlaws01]

I don't know where any negative comments would be coming from unless its from someone riding down severely unimproved roads.  My 08 is a great ride. Handling is superb with very little nose dive during braking.  It handles better in the twisties than any telescopic forks I've had before on a cruiser.  It doesn't like pot holes or sharp bumps as much as telescopic forks do so you have to watch out for that.  If you stay on decent roads you should not have any problems.  This is my first springer and I had never ridden one before and had the same apprehension you feel until I had several hundred miles behind me.  Personally, I love how it handles and rides. 

[Fired00d]

Afternoon All,

My name is Joe and I currently ride a 93 Sportster 883 I bought new.  Great bike for riding to work and around town but I've always wanted a springer.  Now that HD isn't making them any longer I figured now was my time to get one but unfortunately no dealers around me (Charlottesville, VA) have a used one to test ride so I have no reference for the bike.

Also I have been reading negative things about the ride for the CVO springer.  Is it bad?  Uncomfortable?  Too stiff?  I'd really appreciated some feedback on all current (and past) Springer owner/riders.

Thanks!
Joe

Joe, first off welcome to the site from another C-ville member. I moved/merged your thread w/the existing one you started in the Springer board this morning. Regarding looking for a CVO Springer have you tried Chopperexchange.com? I just did a search there for 2007 - 2008 Springer's and found several CVO's for sale.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Jocamel64]

Thanks for the input.  Being new to the site I couldn't find my original post!

I did use ChopperExchange and that's the way I've found some bikes but none of them are really close.  I found one at American Classic Motors in PA but the VP there, John, stated that they don't allow for test rides.  I'm certainly not buying a bike that I don't know anything about the ride.  They also charged me $500 deposit even after I told them I wasn't interested in coming all the way up to PA to buy a bike I couldn't test ride.

I guess I'll have to go to the HD dealer in NC to ride the 2007 they have.  I'm still wary since I have heard some negative comments about springers.

[110tHunDer]

 
Say again about the $500?!

[Jocamel64]

I'm serious.  When I emailed them about their 2007 CVO springer and that I wanted to come up and test ride they replied that I would need to provide a $500 deposit for them to hold the bike until my arrival. 

I provided my information and he said they would email me a copy for signature.  Once I got the email (next day) I emailed them back immediately and told them that I had changed my mind about the bike because I wasn't comfortable with buying a bike I couldn't test drive.

They charged my credit card for the $500 anyway and then sent me emails berating me for wanting a test ride.  My credit card company American Express will void the charge but this place (American Classic Motors in PA) has a lot of nerve and appears to have very little integrity.  They claim to sell over 500 bikes a year (that's 41 a month).  Find that hard to believe with their attitude and lack of customer service and respect.

[mrmagloo]

Wow, what a way to run a business!  Glad to hear you'll be getting the funds back.

[110tHunDer]

 
Wow.  I see their stuff on eBay from time-to-time.  Thought about calling a time or two.  Glad I didn't and won't even consider it from now on.  Thanks for relaying the story!

[lilcoot]

Seems like I always see '07-'09 Springers on EBay.  Good luck on your search.

And welcome to the site! 

[redbeard719]

I just bought what is my second Springer - a 2009 FXSTSSE3.  I know you're looking at 07s, but I believe my experience will apply none the less.

My first was a 2003 FLSTSi - Heritage Springer.  Recently departed, I loved that bike.  It handled great, was very responsive, and was so much fun to ride.  I had several days where we rode over 500 miles.  The springer front end was such a beauty, and not at all ill-handling.

Note, the FL springers are typically a little different - usually noted by a wider size and fatter tire.  Also, the front brake is on the left side of the wheel for the FL springers.

My second springer, is the 09.  I bought it from a forum member in Ohio, and flew out to ride home.  The ride was 1,272.8 miles, door to door, done in a day and a half.

The FX springers usually have a narrower fork size and skinnier wheels.  Typically, the brake is on the right side of the wheel.  In the case of the 09 FXSTSSE3, the brake is on the left side and it does have a wider front tire.  I can't comment of the 07, I can't comment beyond the 21" front wheel, which is skinnier.

The FX springer with the 110" motor pulls undoubtedly much harder.  I had built my 03 to a 98" with an updated cam chest as well.  The 09 is very smooth, handles the highway with great ease, as well as the twisty two lane roads.  Springers have a bad rap, mostly because those that haven't ridden them simply propagate unknowingly.  Of course, there will be exceptions, like extreme raked front ends, but in that case, springer or telescopic forks will both handle sub-par.

I think you'll be quite pleased with the ride of a springer, and that a ride will quickly dis-spell the rumors that you have heard.

[Jocamel64]

Thank you very much for your thorough reply.  I feel much better about the bike I'm looking at after your comments.  Enjoy your new Springer!

[mrmagloo]

Not particularly springer related, but the thought of riding 1,300 miles on any softail makes me cringe.  When I take out my Deuce, it's only for 50 to 100 miles max, and then it takes me a little while to recover. On the other hand, on my SEUC, I've driven straight through from Chicago to Sturgis (920 Miles), and many similar long hauls, and I'm always ready to party upon arrival.  You softail guys are another breed for sure!   

[Jocamel64]

Mrmagloo;  can you expand on your comments.  I've ridden my roommates softail a few times for a few hours straight w/o any recovery needed.  Do you just not find the bike comfortable?  Thanks, Joe

[Fired00d]

Not particularly springer related, but the thought of riding 1,300 miles on any softail makes me cringe.  When I take out my Deuce, it's only for 50 to 100 miles max, and then it takes me a little while to recover. On the other hand, on my SEUC, I've driven straight through from Chicago to Sturgis (920 Miles), and many similar long hauls, and I'm always ready to party upon arrival.  You softail guys are another breed for sure!   

I have had similar experience... As a previous softail owner (Fatboy) I found that after a several hundred mile ride I would be tired after. On the other hand after the same distance or more on my EG I would be ready to party once at destination. What I found/believe was the cause of this are a couple of things....

1. The design of the suspension on the softails gave a harsher ride (when comparing stock suspension of both bikes... and that's not saying much since OEM suspension leaves a lot to be desired in the first place).

2. No windshield (which was a personal choice at the time) and what I would call fighting the wind for extended periods would tire me out quicker.

Now that I ride behind a windshield and fairing, have a better suspension (even better now that I've gone Progressive front/back) after a long ride I don't feel like I'm wore out.

Now, with all that said if I could swing it and have another bike in the stable I'd love to have a softail (Fatboy) as a second bike. I love the look, and for short around town/local rides not much can beat them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d