HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL (1988 - 1990) Review

The one and only negative is seat comfort. But it is PERSONAL. I broke my coccyx a long time ago. Also have lower back issues. [Sporting as a youngster! Always comes back and bites where it hurts]. The seat comfort is a universe better than my old Sportster, BUT after 2 or 3 hours I do feel it. I've recently ridden a 2018 Road Kind and the seat in that is to die for. I aim to get a replacement along those lines.

It's an 1800 and as Harleys go is fast and loud with a decent high end. I truly believe way in of in excess of the published 130mph. The previous owner tells me he did 140mph on a huge stretch of Autobahn's without a murmur and I have no reason to doubt him. I've managed **ahem** easily and the handling was exceptional. After the chill down it carries on without batting an eyelid. It's a 2010 so may not be as finely tuned and perked as recent models since newer technology has come in since. However it goes like the clappers [in Harley parlance] and most importantly the THUMP THUMP beat box bass blasters hear me coming a country mile off. I will get a heat deflector fitted at some stage because the usual bunged up British roads mean that you are sitting on a barbecue when gridlocked.

Pure Chrome. Exceptional build. Parts are immaculately made to give the machine an impressive and solid feel. Mine is a 2010 and there is no corrosion except the usual minor chips etc from where flying debris coming from other road users. I bought the bike from a HD Dealer at 17,500 miles. Neutral was awkward to select. They immediately replaced them and the clutch system, no quibble. Runs like the wind and sounds awesome. When stripped is a magnet for onlookers and admirers, because of its quality and features. Last week I was involved in an accident. A Muntjac Deer sprang out of a hedge smashing into my left side. The bike held firm. Because of its build and control I never came off which on a Jap or inferior bike, I would have and been badly injured if not worse. The gear linkage and lever were bent out of shape but not busted. There were other small bits cosmetically damaged, but that was all. That proves the quality build of the parts. This bike was awesome. In the end and because of its quality, it was a few bent bits that required replacing and not a whole bike and ME!

It's a CVO. It's more expensive than the bog standard. That's the whole point - you've bought the best looking ride. It's a Harley!! Remind me, are they Jap purrers or Iconic Legends?? Buying the best doesn't always mean great value... in this case IT CERTAINLY DOES. I get about 180 miles + out of a tank...easy, but I've never run down to empty. That includes long rides, short rides and opening her up, doing some fast riding.

All standard equipment is excellent. Keyless ignition. The usual alignment of buttons and knobs. It has a computerised speedo I thought I'd hate, but love. The rev counter is a great feature. The computerised fuel gauge is another great add, but there is also a fuel gauge in the 2nd tank cap which adds to a feeling of pure decadence. Chrome foot plates [so gorgeous and comfy] Stinger Chrome wheels which are stunning and so easy to keep clean. It's every chrome buffs dream. Less than a couple of minutes to unfrock this beauty from a tourer to a cruiser. Both look the bomb. I love her saucy Cruiser stare I have to admit. Plenty of bag room for singletons with the double panniers. Two up, you're gonna need another bag, which fits easily and conveniently onto the rear rack, but as long as you aren't Liz Taylor, you aren't gonna need much more and your space to move will not be restricted at all. Pillions get wonderful old fashioned bicycle pedal style foot pegs and a comfy back rest too. The horn is loud and WOW so are those V&H pipes. However there is a minor exception worth mentioning...the windshield. It needs to be 6-8 inches taller. At present height it causes a vortex thus meaning a bit of bonce buffeting, which is a shame. Let's face it, there's no reason why it is so low [yeh the 'cool looks'] but it's a tourer and that should have been factored in. This model missed out on ABS [THANK the Gods of braking] but also Cruise mode. The following years model benefited. I would have liked that [mainly to keep speeds down in camera and speed enforcement areas.] I'm on Dunlop factory fitted and I've no problems so far.

It needs a little fine tuning - a different seat, perhaps pullback bar risers to make it fit me perfectly. Once I get around to it I'm sure it'll be 5 out of 5. Rides, and stops great, but the footboards will catch you out on tighter/faster corners. Not a big worry as they're hinged, but they won't stay 'showroom condition' for long!

It's a Harley. They're bulletproof... and sound it too.

Mines almost brand new, so no issues at all so far...

Services are gonna be expensive, being a Harley

It's a bike pretty much built for customising and as such the world is your oyster

This bike has the power to deliver when required... 1700cc

Harley-Davidson is very well built ... the only flaw is the chrome ... it is very high maintance here in the UK.. because the chrome is designed for USA they leave out the copper which in the UK it comes off if not maintained