Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe - 2008 Motorcycle Review

Overall 4.71 of 5 view all 7 reviews

GeorgeChabot
Conyers, GA

Deluxe style and comfort in a big, brawny cruiser

value conscious, safety conscious, daily driver

Pros

Beautiful, Chrome, Powerful

Cons

Expensive

JUN

2008

Harley-Davidson has developed some exciting bikes since they became employee owned, teetering on the verge of bankruptcy in the mid-eighties. What a turn around for the company, from just about out of business to a lean and mean organization that has case studies written about the excellence of its management for use in prestigious business schools.

Harley's strength has always been in their heavyweight motorcycles and they have an impressive array of models to choose from. Each model has plenty of unique details to delight your eye and the thumpa-thump idle is guaranteed to ignite your desire for the open road.

The 2008 Harley Softail Deluxe is a member of the Softail family, one of the three divisions of the heavyweight motorcycle line. There are seven other members of the Softail family to choose from, ranging from mild to wild, but all with that unmistakable 96 cubic inch monster V-Twin with the rumbling exhaust.

The Softail series has a low riding frame that looks like the classic rigid frames of the past but underneath the clean appearance are shock absorbers to make it ride like a modern cruiser should. This design allows a low seat height that allows people of all heights to ride a big Harley and be able to put their feet on the ground at stops.

The Big Twin engine is now 96 cubic inches (1600 cc) and is fuel injected with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection for smoother starting and better gas mileage. I guess I should mention it is a 45 degree pushrod V-Twin Twin Cam B engine, also. The power is managed through a new six-speed Cruise-Drive transmission which makes for better performance and gas mileage. Power gets to the rear wheel via a belt as it does on all Harleys today.

Hydraulic disk brakes front and rear help bring all that power back under your control and footboards add to rider comfort.

Unique features to the Softail Deluxe inclued a chrome and black powder coated engine, an integrated luggage rack, full-length footboards, and wide whitewall tires on Chrome Laced Steel wheels. A tombstone tail light adds a nice touch to the large rear fender.

A large comfortable leather seat with chrome grab handle and low 24.5" seat height is for the rider and the passenger has a decent pillion.

The controls are similar to all modern motorcycles with clutch and shift on the left and brakes and throttle on the right. The engine starts easily with the fuel injection and soon the idle slows down and you can ride off. The gears are smooth and positive. One thing you have to say it the Harley transmission is one of the best. The bike is very easy to handle, belying its large size and 700 pounds. The large tires and Softail suspension make for a comfortable ride and the large expanses of chrome are a delight to your eye.

Great for around town cruising, you can add a windshield and saddlebags and go touring as well.

The Softail Deluxe starts at $17,445 in black.

Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe - 2008 Motorcycle is recommended by GeorgeChabot

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Comments about GeorgeChabot’s Review

#1 The deluxe frame is the same as all softails-it sets low due to lower shock absorbers,only. In fact , too low ,it drags the beautiful chrome in corners.
#2 The engine is a 1584 cc (on the softails) and is less powerful than the regular rubber mounted H.D.'s due to the balancing apparatus in the softail engine. Not to mention the HEAT that this engine produces. Riders normally find need to address this problem ( read-spend lots of money).
#3 The tombstone tailight is aesthetically pleasing,however, it provides minimum legal light to the rear--most riders replace either the bulb,the whole taillight or both--in an effort to keep cars from running over them.
#4 The "comfortable" seat is the topic of many H.D. forums with regards to it being replaced in favor of a truly comfortable seat.
#5 The Softail Deluxe is a wonderful cycle , providing the owner is willing to replace :the seat,the shock absorbers,the taillight,and spend untold dollars attempting to cool the engine produced HEAT !
Good Deal ?.........You Decide !...............................

In response to ladym33's comment from Aug 5, 2008 at 7:29AM:

Thank you much for your care, lady. :>

I am so glad you are recovering. That is aweful. I hear of so many motorcycle accidents lately, since my husband is a rider himself. It is very scary, as it usually isn't the rider's fault. I wish you all the best, and a speedy recovery.

In response to ladym33's comment from Aug 5, 2008 at 7:11AM:

I was cruising with a pack of four other Harleys on I20 6/19/08. A out of control Expedition took me out from behind and I was unconscious and thought dead but woke up when a buddy gave me artificial resuscitation. I spent 5 1/2 weeks in hosp and am recovering at home with another 60 days of healing. Thanks for your concern. :>