Motorcycle Reviews

Click here to access the "Motorcycle Reviews" archives.

---

Why Women Love The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe One of the more popular bikes for female riders By Genevieve Schmitt, Editor 9/19/2009

Printer friendly version

If you asked me which motorcycle among Harley-Davidson's Big Twin models is the most popular with women riders, I'd answer the Softail Deluxe FLSTN, judging by my own observations attending events and getting out there among the female motorcycling community. Ever since the motorcycle's introduction in 2005, I've seen more women riding that motorcycle than any of the other Softails, Dynas, and Touring model platforms, those considered the "Big Twins."

I caught this woman riding a Softail Deluxe in Laughlin. She added a rear tour pak and saddlebags.

The reason, I believe, for its popularity among the fairer sex is because up until this year it boasted the lowest seat height of any Harley at 24.5 inches. That alone is enough to pique womens' interest. For the record, in 2007 the Rocker was introduced with the same seat height measurement as the Softail Deluxe. And now for 2010, the Fat Boy Lo, a new model, has bragging rights as the Harley with the lowest seat height at 24.25 inches, a quarter inch lower.

My 2009 test model was outfitted with a Harley-Davidson Genuine accessories sissy bar and windshield. The luggage rack comes standard on the bike.

The Softail Deluxe gives shorter women an opportunity to ride a powerful motorcycle, a Harley no less, with a seat height that enables most of them to touch the ground flat footed. Throw in that the bike has attractive nostalgia styling with its wide white wall tires, spoke wheels, among other things, and wha-la!, you have a motorcycle that has many of the features women say are important to them.

I put more than 800 miles on a 2009 Deluxe, which except for two minor upgrades (explained later), is the same as the 2010 model. Indeed the low seat is the first thing I notice when I swing my leg over the saddle. I'm 5 feet 6.5 inches with a 30-inch inseam (5-feet-7 with boots on).

At 5-feet-6.5, I easily flatfoot the bike with a few inches to spare as seen by my bent knee. I tested this bike on a ride to the Laughlin River Run, the reason for my luggage on the back. I'm wearing my Arai SZ/Ram III helmet, and my elk skin jacket from Walter's Leathers.

What I also notice is the wide-ness of the bucket style saddle. Many shorter women have told me that while the bike is certainly low, the wide saddle forces them to lose leg-reaching inches so instead of being flatfoot, just their toes touch.

Danielle Martinico from Chandler, Arizona, tands 5 feet and rides a Softail Deluxe after making a few modifications. She took the seat to a boat re-upholstery shop and some foam out to narrow the nose of it bringing her legs closer so she had more length to touch the ground. The she added foam to the back of the seat to push her forward a bit more to better reach the brake and shifter.

Danielle Martinico on her lowered Softail Deluxe. She stands just 5 feet.

Danielle lowered the suspension 1 inch in front and back with a front lowering kit and lower rear shock. She also changed the handlebars because the stock bars were too wide. The new ones from Harley-Davidson are not as wide and come back towards her more making it comfortable for her neck, shoulders and arms.

Updated Info on 12/16/09: What Danielle used to Lower her Bike
Harley-Davidson Buell of Rocklin, in Rocklin, Calif., installed a Low Profile Front Suspension kit from Harley-Davidson Genuine Accessories that lowered the front of Danielle's 2005 Softail Deluxe by 1 inch. Part number is: 54596-94, $109.95. The rear shock was lowered using a Harley-Davidson Genuine Accessories Rear Lowering Kit (with shock stud), part number 54001-04, $89.99. The shock was not replaced, rather a stud was installed to lower the existing shock. She replaced the stock handlebars with Harley aftermarket bars, part number 56557-95.

Harley-Davidson must have heard people were cutting up their seats because a couple of years ago it came out with its own of this re-upholstered seat as aftermarket item calling it the Reach Seat. It pushes the rider forward 1/2 inch and narrows the nose by 1 1/2 inch over the stock seat. The Harley part number for that Reach Seat for the Softail Deluxe is 51762-06.

The stock saddle has a chrome grab rail in the back that a passenger can hold on to, but also works as a style element. The pillion pad can be removed as it is a separate piece.

The aftermarket Reach Seat replaces both the pillion and rider seat with one seat.

Having ridden many of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the ergonomic triangle of the Softail Deluxe is very favorable to a wide size range of riders. While the seating position relative to the handlebars, and relative to the footboards was perfect for me, riders shorter and slightly taller should be able to fit on the bike comfortably, too. And for the women who are shorter than me, that Reach Seat is available. As for the stock seat's "cush" factor, as Goldilocks observed about the three bears' beds, "Not too hard and not too soft. Just right."

Check out the ergonomic triangle of me riding the Deluxe. This is one big motorcycle where my butt actually fits in the entire saddle enabling me to take advantage of the lumbar support provided by the scooped rear part of the seat.

I talk so much about seat height and ergonomics as that is the number one attribute cited by women when shopping for a motorcycle, according to a survey of 1000 female riders by Women Riders Now. And because the ergos are dialed in just right along with an industry leading low seat height measurement, the Softail Deluxe is a popular motorcycles among women.

The Softail Deluxe is powered by Harley's air-cooled Twin Cam 96B motor found in all the Softails. The 96 cubic inches translates to 1584 cubic centimeters (cc). The B means the rigid-mounted engine is counter balanced to the frame to reduce the vibration. The B is not found on the engine designation for the Dyna models, for example – it's called Twin Cam 96, without the B -- because the engine is rubber mounted to the frame, a feature inherent in the design of the Dyna frame.

If you haven't ridden a Harley Big Twin the 1584cc is, in my opinion, is more than enough power for most riders. The motorcycle has a lot of get-up-and-go making the 724-pound machine -- yes it's that heavy -- seem much lighter. And actually, seeing that the bike weighs that much shocks me. My Street Glide, a touring model, is just 60 pounds heavier and includes a fairing and hard sided saddlebags. The Deluxe, though, has many big bike features including FL front forks and fender. FL is the touring platform's frame designation.

The only time I really feel the weight of the Deluxe is lifting it off the side stand. Thanks goodness for the bike being so low as I’m able to use my legs and my arms to right the bike. I say this because beginners thinking because the seat is so low that they can handle this motorcycle, think again. It's a large bike with a wide profile relative to say, the Dyna models. Fortunately, that low seat makes for a very low center of gravity making it relatively easy to move the weight around.

Turning the bike around on a slight grade for my photo shoot requires slow careful movements. This isn't a bike most women riders can whip around.

I like that the Deluxe has floorboards that let me relax and move my feet up and back on the board. And the heel-toe shifter is a welcomed feature, something I've gotten to used to using on my Street Glide. I find it's easier to use my heel to kick the shifter into neutral than my toe.

The 6-speed engine is fuel injected so just the right amount of fuel is delivered to the engine no matter what temperature or altitude you find yourself in. Fuel injection has been standard equipment on all Harleys for a few years now and while I'll always love the quirkiness and character of a carbureted engine, just reading the word "carbureted" makes such engines seem ancient now. The 6th speed on Harley-Davidson transmissions is called a Cruise Drive, which means it's more of an overdrive lowering RPMS when you're cruising at 70-75 mph.

A new feature on the 2010 model is a helical cut 5th gear, which means the edges or "teeth" of the gear are cut at an angle improving the sound and smoothness of the shifting.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the Deluxe in the twisties. Last time I spent any amount of time on a Softail was the Fat Boy and it sort of lumbered through the turns. The Deluxe glides effortlessly through the turns going right where I point it. The bike feels very solid and planted giving a rider not so used to its bigger size a lot of confidence. A rider skilled at canyon carving will soon find herself scraping the floorboards exclaiming "Wheeeee!" as she marvels at how this big bike can feel so zippy.

The Softail Deluxe is so confidence inspiring that one will soon find herself leaning farther into the turns.

The suspension is the standard Harley Softail suspension setup with a single horizontal mounted coil shock hidden in the rear and 41.3mm telescopic shocks in the front. My 116-pound weight is too light for the stock setting that's dialed in for a 180-pound rider; I fly off the seat on big bumps but with the added weight of my 30 to 40-pound backrest bag, the bike glides over the bumps instead of jarring me out of the saddle. The pre-load on the rear shock can be adjusted but you need a special wrench; it's not something I’d do myself. I'd have my dealer adjust it.

The 5-gallon fuel tank holds more than enough gas as I stop about every 100 miles or so to stretch my legs and rehydrate regardless of how much fuel I have left. Harley press notes state the bike gets 54 mpg on the highway.

Harley-Davidson has the styling down just right with the Deluxe leaning toward a nostalgia theme that resonates with female riders. Along with the whitewall tires and chrome spoke wheels mentioned earlier, the valanced fenders with chrome edges, the vintage styled tank badge, and tombstone taillight add to the old school cruiser look.

Many bikes in the early days featured the tombstone taillight named because the shape resembles a tombstone.

Three headlights, one main and two accessory lamps accessed by a separate switch, are also an "old school" feature. It's nice to have that extra light at night.

The tank-mounted electronic speedometer has a digital odometer that with the flick of a rubber button on the left side rotates through to show a time-of-day clock, dual tripmeters, and a fuel countdown that shows you how many miles you have left before the tank is empty.

The motorcycle comes in a large selection of solid and two-tone colors. This white gold pearl/black pearl combination is popular among women because of its nostalgia appeal.

A light on the dash indicates you're running low on fuel and an improved fuel tank sender feature for 2010 gives a more accurate reading of your fuel level. Also, a little numeral 6 lights up indicating when you've shifted into 6th gear.

After spending a lot of time on this bike, I can see why women like it.

Kudos to Harley for giving women an easy to ride, easy-to-reach-the-ground motorcycle in a big bike package. That, with the custom styling leaves little for a rider to tinker with that is, unless she doesn't want her Deluxe to look like everyone else's.

Specs At A Glance: 2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 24.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 724 pounds;
Price: Starts at 17,499; 2010 starts at 16,799 (price dropped in 2010)
Colors for 2009: Vivid Black; Flame Blue Pearl (New); Black Denim; Red Hot Sunglo (New); Two-Tone White Gold Pearl/Pewter Pearl; Two-Tone White Gold Pearl/Black Pearl; Two-Tone Deep Turquoise/Antique White; Two-Tone Red Hot Sunglo/Smokey Gold; Two-Tone Black Ice/Blue Ice
Colors for 2010: Vivid Black; Flame Blue Pearl; Red Hot Sunglo; Two-Tone Scarlet Red/Vivid Black; Two-Tone White Ice Pearl/Black Ice Pearl

WRN Recommendation
Any woman wanting to enter the big leagues of motorcycling should consider this motorcycle unless she's unusually tall, then she may feel cramped on the bike. The Softail platform is right below Harley's big touring platform so if you don't need all the storage of the touring bikes and don't think you can handle the size, the Softails are a great place to start. The Deluxe with its low seat and great styling is a bike that can grow with you adding touring accessories as you wish.

Related Articles:
The Lowest Of The Low

The very first pic on here with the Deluxe with the tour pack and saddlebags I love those for that bike. Can anyone tell what make they are and where to get them cannot find them anywhere. I like the nice big side bags and everything that I found are a lot smaller those in that picture. If you can please let me know. Thanks

Stephanie
Cincinnati, OH
1/15/2010
The saddlebags and tour pak are aftermarket from Harley-Davidson Genunie Accessories. Ask your dealer.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Whoa, imagine my delight in finding this Web site! Here I am googling “how to remove the gas tank from a H-D Softail” and this Web site is listed. Guess it’s not too late to post something!

I purchased my 2009, red-hot sunglow, Softail on September 24th, and put 2,650 miles on her before putting her up for a long mid-western winter’s nap!

I had spent almost two years trying to find a new bike that would fit me, I had been all over the place. When I went into the Harley dealership, I had every intent to buy a Dyna Low Rider. Todd, the sales manager, said I could demo the Low Rider, but “hey, why don’t you just try sitting on this Softail?" Just to humor Todd, I sat on it and thought, "Hey this aint too bad”!" Why don’t you demo ride the Softail too then, Todd offered.

I took them both out for a demo ride, and couldn’t get over the difference between the two bikes! I really thought that the Softail was going to be way too big for me as I am only 5 feet 4 inches and about 120 pounds. Was I glad Todd had suggested I take that Softail out, as that was the bike I ended up buying!

My only “issues” with the bike are the handlebars, they’re a bit too wide for me, and the floorboards! My old bike was a Suzuki Intruder that I could race through most any curve, and only occasionally scrape the pegs. Seems like I’m scraping the Softail’s floorboards almost all the time, which drives me crazy, since I’m not used to that sound!

I absolutely love this bike and can’t wait for spring to get here! I am also glad I happened upon this Web site!

Sharon
Tinley Park, IL
1/9/2010

My '08 Softail Deluxe (Lucy) survived a 60mph crash with me in August 2008. Since then, we have travelled more than 16,000 miles together, including round trip from SW Florida to Sturgis in 2009.

I am 5 feet 1 inch tall and not much over 100 pounds and the only size-related modifications I have made to this bike are the Reach seat and slightly pulled back handlebars. I did add the recommended saddle bags and use an additional seat-mounted piece of luggage when travelling.

I do, indeed scrape the floorboards frequently, as this bike handles the curves with ease. I can't imagine myself on any other bike, and I have owned several in the 33 years I have been riding.

Marian Horgan
Bonita Springs, FL
1/8/2010

I test rode this bike at the AMA in Colorado this year and immediatley fell in love with it. It was easy to handle, a joy and comfort to ride as well! The Fat Boy low was an easy second choice and it looks just as great and is just as easy to handle. I'm 5-feet-1 and was wondering if iIcould handle a big bike like this and now I know I can! Thanks to Harley's road crew for doing such a great job with all the women riders and for listening to women. Big love to H-D!

Halle H
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2009

I have ridden many different types and styles of Harleys. I started with Panheads, Shovels, Softails, Ultras, Road Kings... but the bike I currently ride is a 2006 Deluxe. What a bike.
It is cobalt blue and snowbank white. When stripped down it looks like an old police bike.
I have almost 30,000 miles on the bike.
I ordered it with the Stage II kit which is quick on the start. The girls I ride with...we do not drive 75.

Everyone comments that I do not move on this bike. Once I get into position I can ride 600 to 700 miles a day or however far we go before we end the day. It is so comfortable. My feet never move on the floorboards. It is a well balanced bike. Its center of gravity is perfect.
I have many beginners sit on this bike when they really didn't think that they could ride it, but once they sit on the bike you should see the confidence build within them. I may get another bike, but I will never get rid of this one.

Ann
Bismarck, ND
12/29/2009

I have a 2007 Softail Deluxe which I love. I have more than 9,000 miles on it, added the Reach seat and saddlebags, but also changed the front fender to a much smaller Fat Boy fender custom painted by HD.Makes the bike look lighter in the front and more graceful I think.

Carolyn Spector
Baltimore, MD
12/29/2009

I have an '07 Deluxe and couldn't be happier. Mine is the white pearl gold and cobalt blue and the nostalgic look is what drew me to her. I took my MSR class in May '07 and got the bike in July, the only bike I've ridden outside of class. I'm 5 feet 4 inches and only added a windshield and engine guard. My husband gave me saddlebags the first Christmas with it. We do a lot of riding and I needed the storage. We went to Milwaukee and Florida in '08 and did the Tail of the Dragon this year with no problems. Thanks to the comments here. I'm going to look into the "cool thighs" guards for summer riding as my jeans get a little toasty. I've put about 20k miles and am looking forward to many more.

Debbie Cooper
Indianapolis, IN
12/29/2009

I bought a new 2009 white/turquoise Deluxe this summer, having traded my 2007 883L. The Sportster was my first Harley; I've been riding on and off since 1970, always "ricers" of various sorts. I bought the Sportster because the bigger Harleys were intimidating to me, expensive and, at 5 feet 2.5 inches, too tall in saddle height.

But after a couple years with the 883 I began to think about "something with foot boards" (as the salesman put it). I loved the looks of the Deluxe, but the size still freaked me out -- much more weight, etc. Then I took one on a test ride and was astonished at how well it handled, how manageable is the engine power and how comfortable the ride is compared with my 883.

The Deluxe is like riding a Dairy Queen -- sweet, real smooth and pretty to look at. I get compliments on the bike's looks (thanks, H-D, for the beautiful turquoise/white, which really looks beautiful and is quite eye-catching) everywhere I go. And yes, it's a pricey piece of machinery for sure but the aesthetic pleasures of riding and just plain looking at it make it pretty well worth the cost.

Maureen Reagan
Colchester, CT
11/12/2009

I have an 05 Deluxe - Black Cherry and love it. I have no plans on trading it in and will ride it until it will go no more. I bought the bike, slightly used, with some added features, Vance & Hines pipes, windshield and bags. I've chromed it out, changed my rims and have started putting it in shows. I average between 6-8K miles per riding season.

To beat the heat from the pipes - I purchased "Cool Thighs," made right here in Wisconsin. I saw several posts - it's a must have. Just google "cool thighs" and I believe they are made around Lake Geneva. Worth the investment!

I am only 5 feet tall and the bike already had a lowering kit. I went aftermarket for a different suspension kit and was able to lower another 1+ inches. Flat footed and knees are bent. I also changed my handlebars so my elbows have a bend, as I was having difficulty extending my arms during u-bangers. I also changed my seat - it only took 3 seats to find the perfect fit.

Since I began riding I've made many friends on the road and through HOG chapters.

Dawn M
Muskego, WI
11/5/2009

I have just purchased a 2010 softail Deluxe. It attracted my attention when I first saw it. Mine is red and black and I love polishing and waxing it because it brings the colors to a beautiful deep shine. I like the balance of the bike and the old style looks that almost looks like the old Indian cycles. I think Harley as a company pays attention to what its riders like and the produce the product. Not like most other cycles -- Harley makes a product for every choice a rider may like.

Tony Grazziano
Omaha, NE
10/24/2009

Two years ago I dropped a friend off at my local HD dealership and I was instantly drawn to the 2007 Pearl White and Cobalt Blue Deluxe. I was riding a 1998 BMW Cruiser at the time; I had had the BMW for 8 years.

I always felt a little uneasy just before my ride with the BMW. With the Deluxe I am too comfortable; I ride that bike like it's a part of me. This Deluxe is my fifth motorcycle. I always wondered what the allure of the Harleys was; now I know. I just love it.

Jan Tricarico
Red Bank, NJ
10/5/2009

I also love my 2009 Deluxe! My first bike was a 650 Yamaha, I traded up to an 06 Sportster Low. I loved the bike but my legs always felt cramped - I am 5 feet 7 inches with a 32/33 inseam. My husband encouraged me to try the Deluxe on for size at the NYC motorcycle show last January and I fell in love with the turquoise/antique white! I have only gotten in 3500 miles so far this season since we have had so much rain but bring on the fall. I will have more time to ride now with my husband on his 2010 Street Glide!

Jan Sylvester
Plymouth, MA
9/30/2009

I got my '09 Root Beer Deluxe the end of April and I have 8300 miles on. I love it. I am 5 feet 6 inches and added bags and windshield. I had a 883 Sportster and did not like that bike. It is a great bike and I definitely feel as one with my bike.

Jane Hooper
BD, Wisconsin
9/28/2009

I have had my '05 Softail Deluxe for just about a year. I absolutley love this bike! I am just 5 feet 1 inch so foot placement has always been a concern. I have been thinking about swapping the seat out for the Reach seat. It will get me just that much more of a flat foot. Though I am not quite flat footed I find that this bike over others I have ridden (a Kawasaki 800 and Yamaha 1100), this is the most comfortable ride yet.

The only downfall I have about this bike is that the right side pipes seem to be quite high and the heat that is omitted heats up my right thigh. In the summer in Orlando it gets quite warm. I have installed heat shields just under the seat and believe it or not it does seem to help.

L. Welch
Orlando, FL
9/25/2009

HD Softails rock! I own 07 Softail Classic with 32K miles and love the way it handles. I've been riding for 35+ years and this is the best bike for women who want to travel without owning a big bike. I have been everywhere on mine including the Tail of the Dragon (twice), and Milwalkee last year. I just recently came back from doing the Trail of Tears Ride with nine other women. Can't wait for my next long trip.

Helen
West Palm Beach, FL
9/24/2009

When I bought my first bike, it was a 2004 Sportster 1200 Custom, which I still love. Within nine months I knew I wanted a bigger bike, since I'm tall, 5-feet-10, the seat height was not really a concern, what I thought I wanted was a Softail Custom, since I knew that I would want to make a few changes to make it may own. I was pretty stuck on that model, until one day I went to look at a few bikes at a local dealer, keep in mind, that the Deluxe never came into the picture. I really never thought I would like the retro style. I sat on the bike and it was love at first sight! Whitewalls and all! Soooo comfortable is the ride! Corners great.

I get compliments all the time from men and women; some think it is my husband's bike, and are a little suprised to find that I am the owner. The bike is no light weight, a little over 700 pounds, but so far I have had no real problems. I highly advise anyone looking to get a Softail to try this bike. It is a great choice!

B. Trader
Crown Point, IN
9/24/2009

This is a great article. I'm a new rider, this is my first bike, and I have the '09 Deep Turquoise and Antique white. It's so beautiful.
Growing up I always admired the Heritage, but it was too large. I'm 5 feet 5 inches, but my inseam is 33 inches, so my feet are extremely well-placed on the foot boards as well as the ground, while I can still feel at ease with the handle bars.

I still have some trepidation about leaning into turns, because my perception was that the bike was too low (and also being new to the ride) . But after reading this by someone so experienced as Genevieve, I am now going to trust the bike and myself more, and see what it can do. As always, thank you for your informative articles geared towards women riders.



Deborah
New York, NY
9/23/2009

To Cecil Moore,
If you love your bike but just cannot get comfortable, please change your seat! I was miserable on my bike after 15 minutes of riding my new bike. My back, neck arms and legs hurt to the point I could not ride. I knew my seat needed to be changed. I searched out other riders that had Deluxe motorcycles and asked all of them what they thought about their ride. Every one I talked to said they had to change their seat and they love their bikes now. Once I finally bought a new seat I was in heaven. I ride as one with my bike and I love it. I will not be looking to by another bike for many years to come. Possibly never.

Susan Weber
Longwood, FL
9/23/2009

I too own a Deluxe. I love the bike. It is everything you said it is. With a few adjustments such as the seat I can ride comfortablly for hours. The bike handles like a dream. I don't know what it is but when I started riding the bike it felt like we were made for each other.

My other bikes which were a Yamaha 650 and 1100 were great bikes. They were stylish and you never had to change anything to be comfortable, but I did not feel as one on those bikes. There was all ways something missing. I was all ways looking for the next bike. Not with my Deluxe Harley. I will always look but I am done with buying for years to come. I love this bike and your readers will too. Thanks for the article on the Deluxe Motorcycle.



Susan Weber
Via the Internet
9/22/2009

Wow! I have been wanting this bike. The cost is holding me back. I ride a Honda Shadow Aero, and I love my bike. It also has the spoke wheels, and wide fenders.

I can't believe this article was just posted. I went to Delmarva Bike Week in OC, Maryland, just this past weekend, and I had so many Deluxe cycles that ended up parked beside me all weekend.

I was thinking that this is a sign, and now your article too! Maybe some day I'll get my Deluxe.
I will print your article and hang onto it. Thank you for all the great info about my future cycle.

Alicia Helfrich
York, PA
9/22/2009

Your thoughts on this article.