Opinion on Which Model

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The biggest difference, in my opinion; between the two is the front wheel. The Custom has a tall, skinny wheel. That means it'll lay into corners easier, and give just a general overall 'sportier' ride feel. It'll also absorb less bumps and imperfections in the road; and skinny tires tend to follow grooves and uneven pavement more. The Classic has a nice fat short wheel that is more supple and comfortable, but won't lay into corners quite as easily. It's a lazier ride. It'll float over grooves and gravel. I prefer the latter; some prefer the former. You're just going to have to sit down and figure out what you are wanting out of the motorcycle before you can really figure out which of the two accomplishes what you're wanting.

Beyond that, the Custom has forward foot pegs; putting your feet slightly forward compared to the Classic. But the Classic has floorboards, so even though your feet aren't quite as far out (though still forward mounted), you can move them around giving you several positions; making longer rides more comfortable. Both bikes allow highway bars to be mounted; which is a must for long-distance riding.

There's also a "Classic LT" model which includes a windshield, saddlebags, a passenger backrest and two-tone paint. In my opinion, the LT is the best deal going. It's the more expensive of the three but you get components that are direct-fit, matching the bike for less than you would end up paying for those components. Lots of new riders say they never want a windshield. A small handful of them continue to have that opinion after they've been riding for a few months. You might be one of those! But, chances are, you're going to find you want a windshield too. If you end up going with the Custom, there are lots of aftermarket options. If you decide you want the Classic, the LT (Even if you find a used one!) is a great option; because in addition to a nice windshield; you also get the saddlebags. And if you have a passenger, they'll appreciate the backrest.

BigBen30 said:

Can the Custom go on long distance rides just as good as the other two? I like it but I just worried about that skinny front wheel. Will that small wheel last a long time?

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Yep. The wheel is going to last plenty; and I don't think there's a meaningful difference in tire wear. It just comes down to handling. You'll get more road feel from the skinny tire (tires ARE part of the suspension of a vehicle!); but it's not going to prohibit you from riding long distances. My wifes bike has a skinny front wheel and she does just fine. Conversely, if you're like me and prefer to find a twisty road over the interstate; the Customs better handling could pay off there. (But it'll handle interstate just fine, too.)

And HRH pointed out the handlebars; I had a 'brain fart' there. The Classic/LT has wide 'beach bars'. I personally really like them but some people hate the wide bars. The Custom has 'drag bars' which bring your hands in a little closer together. You should absolutely sit on both at a dealer and pay attention to your hands, arms, and shoulders; and figure out which position you can handle all day long. For me, with long arms; that's the wide bars hands down. But it would probably leave my wife pretty sore; she's better off with the shorter reach and smaller width of the bars on her shadow.

crazyriderguy, quick correction: that's a 21" wheel up front on the Custom. I've got 30k+ miles on my '07 Custom and as far as skinny tire issues, I can safely say there aren't any. Some may prefer the look and feel of the short, fat tire, but I ride 400 - 600 mile days quite often. Country, around town and highway (though I tend to avoid super slabs). My Kia Soul had more trouble with steel grate bridges and grooved roads than my Custom does. I can't comment on the difference between the two bikes though. I added hwy bars and pegs for the long rides but never had any problems before I added them. On either bike a good windshield will add to your comfort. I added a Batwing Fairing last month, can't wait to try it out! The Custom stock seat is a serious problem for most. It's got a nice wide base, but only about 1/2" of too-soft foam that offers no real comfort. If you plan on riding two-up (at all), you need to replace it. The cushion on the back was not designed to seat anyone for more than about 5 minutes. The drag bars are perfect for me, but note: they are not adjustable at all. You can add risers or repace them, but you can't just loosen a bolt and make adustments.

I did have to laugh a bit at the question "Romans5.8 - Do you like your classic LT?" Ben, if you read his posts you shouldn't have to ask

Welcome aboard and what ever you choose; enjoy the ride!

BigBen30 said:

@SteveJB Do you have any issues with riding the custom with no windshield on the interstate? I figured with a full cover helmet, it wouldn't be a big deal.

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I don't ride without a windshield. I don't think I've ever been on the road without one on this bike. I bought the bike in March '07 and my windshield was delivered a few days later. Back in '81 on my first bike I got hit in the chest by a large bumble bee and believe or not, it nearly knocked me off the bike (yeah, I was a nubie). A few days later, in my car, a truck coming the other way kicked up a stone that I estimate was traveling at about 100 mph when it struck the windshield in front of my face. It was embedded in the glass and had even broken through the mylar film. I had a mental picture of the event had I been riding at the time and bought a windshield the next day. Nowadays I don't even like the looks of a bike without a windshield and it's always been the first mod I make when I get a new bike. But aside from safety, I can ride literaly all day without any arm or back fatigue. The group I ride with often meets at 8am and I don't get back 'til 9 or 10 pm. The few riders we have without shields always want to stop to rest and usually bail on us early. You would be amazed at the difference in comfort even with a small shield.