While my '06 Classic is in the shop for an unknown period of time for probably a complete engine replacement (see thread on catastrophic transmission failure), I broke down and rented a 2006 HD Heritage Softail for 2 days. Gotta have my 2-wheel fix, no matter what I ride.
For anyone considering a Softail over a Triumph Rocket, here's the good, bad, and ugly after driving the HD all day:
Positives for the HD:
1. The Softail turns MUCH easier than the Rocket - - both in stop and go and at speed. I found myself oversteering in long sweepers and in slow traffic. I guess the wide tire on the Rocket doesn't allow tight turns. I felt I could probably do the full figure 8 exercise in the MSF course with the HD. Still can't do it on my bike after two years and 12000 miles.
2. It's fun to make some noise. The thrill wore off after the first 3 or 4 launches, though.
3. Lower seat height gave me more room to work with at stop lights.
4. Center of gravity seems much lower than the Rocket. It was very easy to handle at slow speed, with no tendency to tip over. When slowing to a stop with the Rocket, you have to be perfectly balanced or be ready for a quick foot plant to keep it from tipping.
5. I like the quick release windshield.
6. Transmission shifted very well. Neutral is easy to find and each gear had a positive click. No tractor clunks on the HD. Clutch felt the same as the Rocket, but engine braking on the HD is considerably less. This made for more forgiving smoother shifts. If you miss it on the Rocket and let out the clutch before applying throttle, you will get a lurch from the engine braking effect.
7. Brakes had a solid feel. No sponginess at all.
Negatives against the HD:
1. Vibration. My arms and hands went numb after 60 miles. Above 50 mph, you can't see anything but a blur in the mirrors.
2. NO POWER or TORQUE! Halfway through 3rd gear in my Rocket, I'm hanging on for dear life and pulling hard through 90 mph. Attempting the same exercise on the HD through 4th gear was a complete disappointment on the 88 c.i. v-twin. As I shifted into 5th, the HD was maybe reaching 70 mph and ragged out. I love my Rocket and miss it!
3. Hate the speedometer on the tank. Don't even have to move my head to see the gauges on my Rocket. With the HD, you have to look down and it diverts your attention from the road ahead.
4. No tachometer.
5. Lack of craftsmanship. Granted, this was a bone stock basic rental model. But it's understandable why you have to buy so much chrome extras to cover up the ugly. Even stripped down, the Rocket is more refined than the HD.
6. Wind noise was unbearable. Windshield is not adjustable. Over 50 mph, there is a steady roar of wind that made my Shoei RF-1000 sound like an open-face bicycle helmet. No riding position would improve the noise. It was so bad that it completely masked the noise of the pipes. On my Rocket, you can cruise shield up with no problem at highway speed. Shield down on the Rocket is very quiet.
7. Handlebar reach and footboard placement did not fit me at all. The footboards were too high and too far back. This cramped my legs. Maybe that's why the crash bars and highway pegs are so popular. The handlebars contributed to my numb hands as well.
8. Nobody noticed me on the HD. I was just another ordinary potato bike with no character.
Conclusions:
1. My Rocket fits my personality and my body. It was the RIGHT choice 2 years ago and still is. I tried the green eggs and ham and they were a disappointment.
2. Anyone who has bought an HD since 2004 and has not given the Rocket a try doesn't know what they are missing. That's fine with me. Makes our Rockets all the more special.
3. I can't wait until my ride is fixed. I love my Rocket for its power, torque, uniqueness, great looks, and curb appeal. My little affair with the HD just reminded me all the reasons the Rocket is for me.
For anyone considering a Softail over a Triumph Rocket, here's the good, bad, and ugly after driving the HD all day:
Positives for the HD:
1. The Softail turns MUCH easier than the Rocket - - both in stop and go and at speed. I found myself oversteering in long sweepers and in slow traffic. I guess the wide tire on the Rocket doesn't allow tight turns. I felt I could probably do the full figure 8 exercise in the MSF course with the HD. Still can't do it on my bike after two years and 12000 miles.
2. It's fun to make some noise. The thrill wore off after the first 3 or 4 launches, though.
3. Lower seat height gave me more room to work with at stop lights.
4. Center of gravity seems much lower than the Rocket. It was very easy to handle at slow speed, with no tendency to tip over. When slowing to a stop with the Rocket, you have to be perfectly balanced or be ready for a quick foot plant to keep it from tipping.
5. I like the quick release windshield.
6. Transmission shifted very well. Neutral is easy to find and each gear had a positive click. No tractor clunks on the HD. Clutch felt the same as the Rocket, but engine braking on the HD is considerably less. This made for more forgiving smoother shifts. If you miss it on the Rocket and let out the clutch before applying throttle, you will get a lurch from the engine braking effect.
7. Brakes had a solid feel. No sponginess at all.
Negatives against the HD:
1. Vibration. My arms and hands went numb after 60 miles. Above 50 mph, you can't see anything but a blur in the mirrors.
2. NO POWER or TORQUE! Halfway through 3rd gear in my Rocket, I'm hanging on for dear life and pulling hard through 90 mph. Attempting the same exercise on the HD through 4th gear was a complete disappointment on the 88 c.i. v-twin. As I shifted into 5th, the HD was maybe reaching 70 mph and ragged out. I love my Rocket and miss it!
3. Hate the speedometer on the tank. Don't even have to move my head to see the gauges on my Rocket. With the HD, you have to look down and it diverts your attention from the road ahead.
4. No tachometer.
5. Lack of craftsmanship. Granted, this was a bone stock basic rental model. But it's understandable why you have to buy so much chrome extras to cover up the ugly. Even stripped down, the Rocket is more refined than the HD.
6. Wind noise was unbearable. Windshield is not adjustable. Over 50 mph, there is a steady roar of wind that made my Shoei RF-1000 sound like an open-face bicycle helmet. No riding position would improve the noise. It was so bad that it completely masked the noise of the pipes. On my Rocket, you can cruise shield up with no problem at highway speed. Shield down on the Rocket is very quiet.
7. Handlebar reach and footboard placement did not fit me at all. The footboards were too high and too far back. This cramped my legs. Maybe that's why the crash bars and highway pegs are so popular. The handlebars contributed to my numb hands as well.
8. Nobody noticed me on the HD. I was just another ordinary potato bike with no character.
Conclusions:
1. My Rocket fits my personality and my body. It was the RIGHT choice 2 years ago and still is. I tried the green eggs and ham and they were a disappointment.
2. Anyone who has bought an HD since 2004 and has not given the Rocket a try doesn't know what they are missing. That's fine with me. Makes our Rockets all the more special.
3. I can't wait until my ride is fixed. I love my Rocket for its power, torque, uniqueness, great looks, and curb appeal. My little affair with the HD just reminded me all the reasons the Rocket is for me.
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, for the sake of engine durability, emissions, noise regulations, all of the above, whatever. Verdict: WTF? I had to downshift to 4th or even 3rd to pass slow-moving trucks 
