Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
i hqve owned many cruiser's, from the 1996 royal star, to the road star, then to the 2003 honda a 1800 vtx. last yr i jumped the fence and purchased a 1998 anniversary edition heritage springer . folks, i honestly have never been happier w/anything i my life. this bike is truley a classic crusier, with all the nostalgic harley davividson look.....sweet ride, w/a great sound. truley one of the best looking/riding machines ever assembled
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
I sold my 89 FLHTC and bought a 2000 Harley Davidson Heritage Springer. My first "Brand New" bike after 20 years of riding. I love the way the bike looks and runs so far (though the "B" motor always sounds "Busy"). It lacks much ground clearance when cornering, but it handles very well for a bike of its type. I have 2,500 miles on the clock so far and love it to death, but have some comments for the folks in Milwaukee.
First of all, the bike came with a seat that was really a torture device. No one at HD central could have sat on that seat for any amount of time and figured that it was comfortable - no one! I upgraded to the touring seat found in the HD catalog and it is a big improvement. I also changed the carb to a sreaming eagle mikuni and installed the screaming eagle racing muffs. What a difference they made for the better. (And yes, the carb was very easy to install - in fact I didn't even remove the tank - and perfectly jetted as it came out of the box.) The addition of a HD detachable windshield made the bike almost perfect, almost because regardless of what others say, this ain't no touring bike folks. It is smooth with the new engine, and reasonably comfy with the better seat, but if you like to ride all day when the sun is out - the long, low softail look that I fell in love with just isn't designed with long distance touring in mind. Stick with an FL if you plan to gobble up miles of highway in a given day. But if cruisin up and down the beach is your cup of tea, you will be very happy indeed. Now, if I can just get up the money for a big bore kit and a set of cams.....and the new Edelbrock heads look really choice don't they.....
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
After waiting 13 long months - my 2000 springer arrived in July of 2000. My dealer immediately contacted me so I could witness the uncrating. To say the day was better than any Christmas was an understatement. The aniticpation was bliss. Anyway - after pulling her out of her travel package...a relationship that will last for years had just been born. The dealer set to work - installing the aftermarket products on my wish list and the already star quality giant began to take on the gleaming custom that she was born to show. With the paperwork settled - I fired up the bike (Sampson Slip-on's) and with a patented pop - she game to life. That 10 mile drive home was one filled with smiles, giggles and absolute blood pumping nervana. The new 88b was smooth, sure, and possessed the right amount of rumble. I noticed right away the springer front end shinning and working the small road bumps. I know it now Touring Bike but impressive never the less. So would I recommned this bike? Well you have to ask yourself this - Do you like to be stared at? Asked questions everytime you park in public, enjoy polishing? Well if the answer is yes...then brother - go no further!!!
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
Very little vibration at slow speeds. Very smooth acceleration with a smooth ride cruising around 60mph.
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
This is an increadable bike. After not riding a HD for about 15 years, what a great bike to get on and cruise. Extremely comfortable and smooth. A little heavier than most, but that makes it all the better. This bike is not just for rich old guys.
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
Without a doubt...One of the best riding bike around...I feel like a small boy on my first new bicycle. Every curve that I take takes me to a unpredictable place. I feel 100% safe on this "Heavy weight" of Milwakee steel. Nothing can compare. The only bad thing is eventually I have to put it away for another day.
Harley_Davidson_FLSTS_Heritage_Springer_Softail
Want a thoroughly modern Milwaukee V-Twin, but long for the look of simple lines from a simpler era? Something with that classic biker look? Something truly unique? Well, gaze no farther than the '96 FXSTS Springer Softail, a modern re-creation of 1940's H-D customs. Clean, classic styling, with several new enhancements for the 1996 model year.
All Softail models feature electronic speedometers this year, along with new, self-cancelling turn signal modules that contain an integral sealed connector. This, coupled with new surface mount technology, results in smaller sizes and increased durability. Softails also feature new one-piece instrument consoles, and round-key ignition is now standard.
But it's the laid-back ergonomics that really draw you to this Softail. Retro-look chrome springer front end, high bars, bullet-shaped headlight, and long, low ride. A reminder of decades past.
On the road, the Springer Softail emits the classic Harley feel. Its solidly mounted 1340cc Evo engine is one of the smoothest running Harley V-Twins to be found this side of the iso-mounted FLH models. Although the motor rumbles in typical Harley fashion, vibration only becomes intrusive above 65 - 70 mph, where handlebar grips and footpegs give off an annoying buzz. Below this speed though, the Springer is an enjoyable ride. Once warmed up, jetting on the Keihin CV carb is spot-on. Roll on the throttle at 35 mph in top gear, and the FXSTS will accelerate smoothly and evenly without protest, pulling strongly with real-world torque. No horsepower monster, the Springer is perfect for cruising around town or down a scenic two-lane.
Handling is surprisingly light, the Softail disguising its 625 pound heft well. Until you get used to the foot controls, which are mounted well forward, it can be a little awkward at low speeds, but once you're rollin', it's great. Narrow feeling, the Springer can be flicked into turns with ease, contradicting its non-sporting intentions. Limited suspension travel coupled with firm springing and damping help keep hard parts off the road on the low slung chassis, but this imparts a harsh ride on rough surfaces, especially on annoying freeway expansion joints. Overall ride is good as long as the road is smooth, and the distance to travel short.
Even though the Springer's look and styling are retro, some of the Milwaukee brand's shortcomings that have hampered its image in the past are slowly being modernized. Clutch action, for instance, is much improved over earlier leviathan Harley clutches, the effort required being reasonable rather than excessive, with smooth engagement. New high-contact-ratio transmission gears impart smoother, quieter gearbox operation, allowing it to click into first gear, rather than the clunk you used to get. And the substandard brakes of yesteryear have been consciously eliminated.
With ninety-one years of Harley heritage built-in, the '96 Springer Softail is a beautiful, thoroughly competent and enjoyable motorcycle. With the look that has long inspired the custom-bike culture. Made for cruising at 50 mph on a smooth, open road, its torque-rich power rewards. You could have a totally lousy day, but feel fine by the time you arrive home - because you got to ride this bike.
